Visible Light Sensor Masking for Accurate Lighting and Occupancy Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems are inefficient due to inaccurate data collection from multiple input devices, particularly glare sensors, daylight sensors, and occupancy/vacancy sensors, leading to unreliable control of electrical loads in user environments.
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 environmental characteristics by applying masks to focus on specific regions of interest, using algorithms to process image data and transmit control instructions to load control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (glare sensors, daylight sensors, occupancy sensors) are used to gather environmental data, then the system can detect various environmental characteristics, but the data collection becomes inefficient and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (glare detection, daylight sensing, occupancy detection, and lighting level measurement) into a single visible light sensor that uses one imaging device to capture images and process multiple types of environmental data simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light sensor is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: detecting glare, measuring daylight levels, identifying occupancy through image analysis, and measuring lighting levels, all through a single imaging sensor and processing system
2Ease of operation
If prediction algorithms are used to estimate glare portions in the user environment, then the system can attempt to reduce glare, but the control becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces prediction algorithms with direct optical measurement using a visible light sensor that actually measures the intensity and position of glare sources through image capture and analysis, substituting computational estimation with physical measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device serves as an intermediary that directly captures glare information from the environment, providing accurate visual data that mediates between the glare source and the control system, replacing the need for indirect prediction methods
3Measurement precision
If daylight sensors and color temperature sensors rely on sensor location accuracy for detection, then the system can measure light intensity, but the accuracy depends on precise sensor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based sensor measurements to area-based image capture, allowing the sensor to measure light properties across multiple locations and regions simultaneously, making the system less sensitive to the exact position of the sensor
4Quantity of substance
If passive infra-red occupancy sensors are used to detect user presence, then the system can sense occupancy, but it fails to detect stationary users or distinguish heat sources accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive infra-red thermal sensing with visible light imaging, allowing the system to detect occupancy through visual recognition of objects and patterns in the captured images, which can identify stationary users and distinguish between different heat sources based on visual characteristics rather than thermal signatures alone
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 more accurate control of lighting and occupancy/vacancy detection, improving the efficiency and reliability of load control in user environments by using image processing to filter out irrelevant data and focus on relevant areas, thus enhancing user comfort and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light sensor comprising 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.