Visible Light Occupancy Sensor for Glare and Daylight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face inefficiencies due to the use of multiple input devices that communicate over the same wireless network, leading to congestion and inaccurate control of electrical loads, particularly in detecting glare, daylight, and occupancy/vacancy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit that operates in different modes to accurately detect occupancy, vacancy, glare, and daylight conditions by recording images and applying masks to specific regions of interest, using algorithms to process these characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices communicate over the same wireless network, then the system can gather diverse environmental data, but network congestion occurs reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network communication by introducing a bridge device that creates separate communication paths. The visible light sensor communicates occupancy data through the bridge device using one wireless network, while other input devices use a different wireless network, thereby segmenting the traffic and reducing congestion on each network while maintaining diverse data gathering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge device acts as an intermediary between the visible light sensor and the load control system. It receives occupancy data from the sensor via one wireless network and forwards it to the load control system through another wireless network, mediating the communication to avoid direct congestion on the main network while preserving data gathering versatility
2Productivity
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare, then the system can respond to glare sensor input, but the control becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements direct feedback from the visible light sensor to the load control system for occupancy detection. The sensor continuously monitors occupancy conditions and provides real-time feedback data through the bridge device, enabling reliable and immediate control responses based on actual environmental conditions rather than unreliable predictions
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light sensor performs self-service by directly detecting and reporting occupancy conditions without requiring complex prediction algorithms. The sensor autonomously monitors its environment and communicates findings through the bridge device, simplifying the control process and improving reliability by eliminating the need for unreliable predictive computations
3Adaptability or versatility
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors are used, then the system can detect light intensity and color, but accuracy depends on sensor location which reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical daylight sensors and color temperature sensors with a visible light sensor that uses image recording technology. Instead of relying on physical sensor placement and mechanical detection, the system uses optical imaging to capture and analyze light characteristics, substituting mechanical sensing with optical measurement to improve precision while maintaining detection versatility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of load control by providing precise detection of environmental conditions, reducing network congestion, and improving the reliability of load control operations.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor operable to sense environmental characteristics of a space
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for sensing environmental characteristics of a space may include a visible light sensing circuit for recording an image of the space and a control circuit responsive to the visible light sensing circuit. The control circuit may detect an occupancy or vacancy condition in the space in response to the visible light sensing circuit, and measure a light level in the space in response to the visible light sensing circuit. The control circuit may also include a low-energy occupancy sensing circuit for detecting an occupancy condition in the space. The control circuit may disable the visible light sensing circuit when the space is vacant. The control circuit may detect an occupancy condition in the space in response to the low-energy occupancy sensing circuit and subsequently enable the visible light sensing circuit. The visible light sensor may be configured in a way that protects the privacy of the occupants of the space.