Visible Light Sensor Configuration for Multi-Mode Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems are inefficient due to inaccurate data collection from multiple input devices, such as occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and color temperature sensors, leading to unreliable control of electrical loads in user environments.
Innovation Solution
A load control system equipped with a visible light sensor that records images of a space and uses a control circuit to detect occupancy and vacancy conditions, measure light levels, and operate in different modes to adjust environmental characteristics, such as sunlight glare, daylighting, and color temperature, providing more accurate data for load control decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, color temperature sensors) are used to gather environmental data, then the system can control multiple electrical loads, but the accuracy and reliability of the collected data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single visible light sensor to perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously. The sensor can detect occupancy conditions, measure light levels, and determine color temperature all through one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and thereby maintaining data accuracy while providing versatile environmental monitoring for load control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (occupancy detection, light level measurement, color temperature sensing) into a single visible light sensor unit. This merging of functions into one device reduces data accuracy issues associated with multiple separate sensors while maintaining the ability to control multiple electrical loads based on comprehensive environmental data
2Extent of automation
If prediction algorithms are used to reduce glare based on sensor input, then the system can control lighting loads, but the reliability of glare reduction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the visible light sensor to continuously monitor actual light conditions and color temperature in the environment, then using this real data to automatically adjust lighting loads. This direct feedback loop replaces unreliable prediction algorithms with actual measured data, improving the reliability of automated glare control while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of operation
If occupancy sensors based on heat movement are used to detect presence, then the system can identify occupancy conditions, but the accuracy of occupancy detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the visible light sensor to detect occupancy conditions through multiple methods beyond just heat movement. The sensor can analyze light patterns, detect presence through various optical means, and provide more accurate occupancy detection while maintaining ease of operation, replacing the limited heat-based sensing approach
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 of load control by providing precise environmental data, enabling more effective control of lighting and other electrical loads, enhancing user comfort and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensing circuit configured to record an image of the space
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.