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 that records images and applies masks to focus on specific regions of interest to detect occupancy, vacancy, glare, and light levels, using different modes and algorithms to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
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 communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network communications by introducing a wired communication link for the visible light sensor, separating it from the wireless network used by other input devices. This segmentation eliminates network congestion for the sensor while maintaining system versatility through multiple communication paths.
2Force
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare, then control actions can be taken proactively, but accuracy deteriorates due to unreliable predictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible light sensor as an intermediary device that directly measures glare conditions and provides accurate real-time data to the controller. This replaces unreliable prediction algorithms with direct measurement, maintaining proactive control while significantly improving accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors are used, then light intensity and color can be detected, but accuracy deteriorates due to reliance on sensor location assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional daylight sensors and color temperature sensors with a visible light sensor that uses image recording and processing. This substitution eliminates the need for location-based assumptions by directly capturing and analyzing light characteristics in the field of view, significantly improving measurement accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If occupancy sensors are used to detect movement, then occupancy status can be determined, but reliability deteriorates when users are stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the visible light sensor multi-functional by enabling it to perform both occupancy detection and environmental characteristic sensing. The sensor detects occupancy by analyzing changes in the recorded images (such as presence of people) while simultaneously measuring light conditions, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability through multiple detection modes.
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
The visible light sensor improves the accuracy and efficiency of load control by providing precise detection of environmental conditions, reducing network congestion, and enhancing the reliability of load control operations.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor (180) mounted in the space. The visible light sensor (180) may include a visible light sensing circuit (320) for recording an image of the 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.