Solar access measurement device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A Solar Access Measurement Device (“
- SAMD) located at a predetermined position, the SAMD comprising;
a skyline detector enabled to detect a skyline of a horizon relative to the SAMD;
an orientation determination unit enabled to determine the orientation of the skyline detector; and
a processor in signal communication with the skyline detector and orientation determination unit, the processor enabled to determine the solar access of the predetermined location by calculating the position of the sun at different times of the day and year relative to the skyline.
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Abstract
A Solar Access Measurement Device (“SAMD”) located at a predetermined position is disclosed. The SAMID may include a skyline detector enabled to detect a skyline of a horizon relative to the SAMD, an orientation determination unit enabled to determine the orientation of the skyline detector, and a processor in signal communication with the skyline detector and orientation determination unit.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A Solar Access Measurement Device (“
- SAMD) located at a predetermined position, the SAMD comprising;
a skyline detector enabled to detect a skyline of a horizon relative to the SAMD;
an orientation determination unit enabled to determine the orientation of the skyline detector; and
a processor in signal communication with the skyline detector and orientation determination unit, the processor enabled to determine the solar access of the predetermined location by calculating the position of the sun at different times of the day and year relative to the skyline. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
- SAMD) located at a predetermined position, the SAMD comprising;
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23. A method for determining solar radiation access at a predetermined location with a Solar Access Measurement Device (“
- SAMD”
), the method comprising;
capturing a captured image that includes a skyline;
measuring the orientation of the captured image;
processing the captured image to locate the skyline in the image;
determining paths of the sun throughout the day and year for a particular latitude of the predetermined location, and determining the amount of annual solar radiation that will impinge the predetermined location.
- SAMD”
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24. A method for determining solar radiation exposure at a predetermined location utilizing a Solar Access Measurement Device (“
- SAMD”
), the method comprising;
course adjusting an orientation of the SAMD to within a designated window;
capturing an image with the SAMD;
establishing the latitude of the SAMD;
locating the exposed sky in the image;
calculating the sun paths over one or more designated time periods based on the latitude; and
mapping the sun paths onto the image. - View Dependent Claims (25)
- SAMD”
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26. A Solar Access Measurement Device (“
- SAMD) comprising;
a skyline detector;
a latitude input;
a three-dimensional orientation of the device within a designated window;
a processor operable for determining solar exposure of a location by analyzing the position of the sun at different times of day and year relative to the skyline; and
an output device for conveying the solar exposure.
- SAMD) comprising;
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27. An apparatus comprising:
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a skyline detector;
a position input;
a three-dimensional orientation of the device;
a database of satellite locations;
a processor in communication with the database and operable for analyzing the skyline to determine if a satellite is obstructed by the skyline; and
an output device for conveying the results of the determination.
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28. An apparatus comprising:
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a calibrated electronic camera in communication with a processor;
an orientation determination unit in communication with a processor and enabled to determine the orientation of the calibrated electronic camera;
a processor operable for capturing an image from the electronic camera and determining the elevation and azimuth of objects in the captured image; and
an output device for conveying the elevation and azimuth of one or more objects in the captured image.
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Specification