Visible Light Occupancy Sensing for Low-Congestion Load 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 detect occupancy, vacancy, glare, and light levels, using image processing and masks to focus on specific regions of interest, and communicates via a proprietary RF protocol.
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 communication by introducing a proprietary RF protocol specifically for sensor-to-controller communication, separating it from other wireless devices. This creates dedicated communication channels that prevent network congestion while maintaining the ability to gather diverse environmental data from multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proprietary RF communication protocol as an intermediary layer between sensors and the controller. This intermediary enables reliable communication by establishing a dedicated protocol stack that handles data transmission efficiently, preventing congestion from other wireless devices while maintaining system versatility.
2Device complexity
If prediction algorithms are used to estimate glare conditions, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces prediction algorithms with actual optical sensing. A glare sensor directly measures glare conditions using optical detection, substituting computational estimation with physical measurement. This eliminates the trade-off by providing precise glare detection without requiring complex prediction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from indirect prediction to direct optical measurement. By using a glare sensor that directly measures luminance and glare conditions, the system achieves high measurement precision without the complexity of prediction algorithms, as the sensor directly detects the physical parameter of interest.
3Device complexity
If daylight sensors rely on location accuracy, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates in dynamic lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces location-based estimation with direct optical sensing. Daylight sensors using photodetectors directly measure light intensity and spectral characteristics, substituting computational location-based estimation with physical measurement. This provides accurate light detection in dynamic conditions without requiring complex location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from location-based inference to direct optical parameter measurement. By measuring actual light intensity, spectral composition, and luminance directly with optical sensors, the system achieves high precision in dynamic lighting conditions while maintaining relative device simplicity.
4Device complexity
If occupancy sensors use infrared detection, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates when occupants are stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection methods into a unified occupancy detection system. By combining infrared motion detection with visible light sensor analysis of occupancy patterns, the system maintains device simplicity while improving accuracy for stationary occupants through multi-modal sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent gives the visible light sensor multiple functions: it serves both as a daylight sensor and as an occupancy detection supplement to infrared sensors. This multi-functionality improves occupancy detection accuracy for stationary persons without requiring separate dedicated devices, maintaining system simplicity.
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 decisions.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor with a visible light sensing circuit and control circuit that operates in different modes to detect occupancy, vacancy, glare, and light levels
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.