Visible Light Sensor Occupancy Control for Glare and Daylight Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face inefficiencies due to multiple input devices causing network congestion, inaccurate data collection, and unreliable prediction algorithms, particularly in glare reduction, daylight sensing, and occupancy/vacancy detection, leading to inefficient load control.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor that records images of a space, applies masks to focus on specific regions, and operates in different modes to accurately detect occupancy/vacancy, measure light levels, and adjust environmental characteristics using a control circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are used for load control, then the system can gather more types of data, but network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (occupancy detection, light level measurement, glare detection, color temperature sensing) into a single integrated visible light sensor device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices communicating on the wireless network, thereby decreasing network congestion while maintaining comprehensive environmental monitoring capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used for glare reduction, then the system can proactively manage glare, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light sensor provides real-time feedback about actual glare conditions by directly measuring light intensity and direction. This feedback mechanism replaces unreliable prediction algorithms with accurate real-time data, allowing the system to respond precisely to actual glare conditions rather than relying on predictive models that may be inaccurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the visible light sensor to detect glare conditions before they significantly impact users, allowing proactive adjustment of window treatments or lighting. This preliminary detection capability maintains reliability by using direct measurement rather than prediction, while still achieving proactive management.
3Quantity of substance
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors are used, then the system can measure light characteristics, but measurement precision decreases due to location dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light sensor incorporates multiple sensing elements with different spectral responses within a single device, allowing it to measure various light characteristics (intensity, color temperature, glare) simultaneously at the same location. This local measurement capability eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors positioned at different locations, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining comprehensive light characteristic data collection.
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 occupancy/vacancy detection, glare management, and light level adjustment, reducing network congestion and improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor that records images of a space and a control circuit responsive to the visible light sensor. The control circuit may be configured to detect at least one of an occupancy condition and a vacancy condition in the space in response to the visible light sensor
Implementation Method 2
measure a light level in the space in response to the visible light sensor
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.