Visible Light Sensor Image Processing for Multi-Mode Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems are inefficient due to inaccuracies in data collection from multiple input devices, particularly glare sensors, daylight sensors, and occupancy/vacancy sensors, leading to unreliable control of electrical loads and inefficient processing and communication of information.
Innovation Solution
A load control system incorporating a visible light sensor that records images of a space to detect occupancy and vacancy conditions, measure light levels, and adjust lighting fixtures to achieve predefined light profiles across surfaces, using different modes and masks to focus on specific regions of interest and apply algorithms for accurate data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (glare sensors, daylight sensors, occupancy sensors) are used to control lighting loads, then the system can gather comprehensive environmental data, but the accuracy and reliability of control decisions deteriorate due to inaccuracies in data collection from these sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unreliable sensor data collection function and replaces it with image processing technology. Instead of using multiple sensors that introduce inaccuracies, the system uses a single visible light sensor (camera) to capture images and extracts environmental information (occupancy, light levels, glare conditions) through image analysis algorithms, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with traditional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/optical sensor system with an electronic image processing system. Traditional optical sensors (glare sensors, daylight sensors, occupancy sensors) are replaced by a visible light sensor that captures images and uses computational algorithms to determine environmental conditions, transitioning from direct optical measurement to electronic image analysis
2Ease of operation
If traditional sensors (occupancy/vacancy sensors using passive infra-red technology) are used to detect user presence, then the system can identify occupancy conditions, but the accuracy deteriorates when users are stationary or when heat sources are misidentified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive infra-red thermal detection system with a visible light image capture and analysis system. Instead of detecting heat signatures that can be misleading, the system captures visible light images and analyzes them to detect occupancy, thereby eliminating false positives from non-human heat sources and improving accuracy for stationary users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the visible light sensor and occupancy detection. The algorithms analyze image data to identify users, their positions, and their states (stationary or moving), providing a more reliable intermediary detection method that overcomes the limitations of direct thermal sensing
3Quantity of substance
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors are used to measure light intensity and color, then the system can gather lighting data, but the accuracy deteriorates due to dependence on sensor location for detecting light intensity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based sensor measurements to area-based image analysis. Instead of using sensors that measure light at a single location, the system uses a visible light sensor to capture images across a two-dimensional area, allowing measurement of light intensity and color temperature at multiple locations simultaneously, thereby eliminating location-dependence limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the visible light sensor multi-functional by using it to simultaneously detect occupancy conditions, measure light levels, and determine color temperature. The single sensor and image processing system replace multiple specialized sensors (occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, color temperature sensors), providing universal environmental monitoring with improved accuracy
4Object-generated harmful factors
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare based on sensor input, then the system can attempt to eliminate glare, but the effectiveness deteriorates due to unreliable prediction results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based glare control system using image processing. The visible light sensor continuously captures images of the environment, and the system analyzes these images to detect actual glare conditions and user exposure to glare. This real-time feedback allows the system to adjust lighting and window treatments based on actual observed conditions rather than unreliable predictions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image analysis algorithms as an intermediary between environmental conditions and glare control decisions. Instead of using prediction algorithms that directly translate sensor input to control actions, the system uses image processing as an intermediary to accurately assess actual glare conditions, providing a more reliable basis for control decisions
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 system provides accurate control of lighting levels and occupancy/vacancy detection, ensuring optimal lighting conditions while reducing inaccuracies and improving the efficiency of load control operations.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor configured to record an image of a space
Implementation Method 2
measure a light level in the space in response to the visible light sensing circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A visible light sensor may be configured to sense environmental characteristics of a space using an image of the space. The visible light sensor may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to decrease or eliminate glare within a space. In the daylighting sensor mode and the color sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.