Visible Light Occupancy Sensing for Load Control Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face inefficiencies due to the use of multiple input devices, leading to network congestion and inaccurate data collection, particularly with glare sensors, daylight sensors, color temperature sensors, and occupancy/vacancy sensors, which struggle to accurately detect environmental conditions and user presence.
Innovation Solution
A visible light sensor system that records images of a space and uses a control circuit to detect occupancy or vacancy conditions, measure light levels, and operate in different modes, including sunlight glare, daylighting, and color temperature modes, with the ability to dynamically change modes and apply masks to focus on specific regions of interest for accurate data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (glare sensors, daylight sensors, color temperature sensors, occupancy sensors) are used to control different loads, then the load control system can monitor various environmental conditions, but network congestion occurs due to the number of devices communicating simultaneously over the same wireless network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sensor functions (glare detection, daylight sensing, color temperature measurement, and occupancy detection) into a single visible light sensor that can perform all these functions by analyzing different characteristics of visible light. This multi-functional approach maintains environmental monitoring versatility while reducing the number of separate devices needed on the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate sensors (glare sensor, daylight sensor, color temperature sensor, occupancy sensor) into a single integrated visible light sensor device. This consolidation reduces network device count and communication overhead while maintaining all necessary environmental monitoring capabilities through sophisticated image analysis algorithms.
2Reliability
If multiple separate sensors are used for different functions, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the system becomes complex and requires managing many different device types
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light sensor is designed to perform multiple sensor functions (glare detection, daylight sensing, color temperature measurement, occupancy detection) within a single device, eliminating the need to manage multiple different device types while maintaining specialized functionality for each measurement type through dedicated image processing algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If traditional occupancy sensors are used that rely on heat movement detection, then they can detect user presence, but they fail to detect stationary users or provide accurate occupancy information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heat-based occupancy sensors with a visible light sensor that uses image processing to detect occupancy. This substitution enables detection of stationary users and provides more accurate occupancy information by analyzing visual characteristics rather than relying solely on heat movement patterns.
4Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to estimate glare portions in the environment, then load control can be adjusted based on predicted glare, but the control becomes unreliable due to inaccurate predictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces prediction-based glare estimation algorithms with direct glare detection using a visible light sensor that captures images and analyzes actual glare conditions. This substitution provides reliable, real-time glare measurement rather than relying on inaccurate predictive models.
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 system improves the accuracy and efficiency of load control by providing reliable detection of environmental conditions and user presence, reducing network congestion and enhancing the precision of load control decisions.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensing circuit configured to record 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.