Mobile Terminal Camera Switching for Visible Light Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication methods are limited to devices with sufficient computational performance and do not support communication with devices that have low computational performance or lack communication functionality, such as certain home electric appliances.
Innovation Solution
A communication method utilizing a mobile terminal with a front camera and a back camera, where the cameras are switched based on the terminal's orientation to perform visible light communication with various devices, enabling communication with devices that have low computational performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional communication methods are used, then communication between devices with sufficient computational performance is achieved, but communication with devices having low computational performance or without communication function is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to enable communication between mobile terminals and home electric appliances. Instead of requiring direct communication capability between all devices, the camera captures images containing communication information (such as QR codes or visual codes) from the appliance and transmits this information to the mobile terminal, which then processes the communication protocol. This intermediary approach allows devices without computational or communication capabilities to participate in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic communication mechanisms with optical communication. Instead of using wireless transmission protocols that require computational processing and communication stacks in both devices, the system uses visual codes captured by the camera to transmit information. This substitution simplifies the requirements for the home electric appliance, allowing it to have minimal computational performance while still enabling communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If home electric appliances are equipped with communication functions, then communication capability is achieved, but computational performance requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication processing functionality from the home electric appliance and relocates it to the mobile terminal. The appliance only needs to display visual codes (such as QR codes or product information images), while all communication protocol handling, data processing, and network transmission are performed by the mobile terminal's camera and processor. This extraction significantly reduces the computational requirements and complexity of the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, low-cost visual codes (such as QR codes or static images) as the communication medium instead of complex wireless communication hardware. These visual codes can be displayed using simple display components already present in many home electric appliances, eliminating the need for expensive communication modules, antennas, and associated processing hardware.
3Ease of manufacture
If devices with low computational performance are used, then cost is reduced, but communication function is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile terminal's camera serve multiple functions: it captures images for communication purposes, processes visual codes, and enables the device to communicate with various types of home electric appliances. This multi-functionality allows the mobile terminal to compensate for the limited computational capabilities of the appliances by performing complex communication tasks itself, thereby enabling versatile communication without requiring expensive appliances.
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
Enables effective communication between devices with low computational performance, allowing for the exchange of information such as product and position data, improving the functionality of home electric appliances within a home network.
Implementation Method 1
performing visible light communication by using the front camera or the back camera which is selected in the switching
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method used in a terminal is provided that includes a front camera and a back camera. The communication method includes switching between the front camera and the back camera according to an orientation of the terminal, and performing visible light communication by using the front camera or the back camera, which is selected in the switching. The performing of visible light communication includes capturing a first subject that is changing in luminance by using the front camera and obtaining a first image when the front camera is used, capturing a second subject by using the back camera and obtaining a second image when the back camera is used, and obtaining specified information that is related to the first subject or the second subject.