Camera-Linked Visible Light Communication for Secure Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices struggle to accurately estimate location information indoors due to difficulty in receiving GPS satellite signals, and connecting to insecure wireless access points poses security risks.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing cameras, a server, and transmission devices that transmit visible light signals with location and access information, enabling secure and accurate location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices use GPS satellite signals for location estimation, then location accuracy is improved, but reception becomes difficult indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visible light communication as an intermediary mechanism to transmit location information indoors. Instead of relying on GPS satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings, the system uses light emitted from illumination devices (lamps, LEDs) as a mediator to carry location data from the outdoor environment where GPS works into the indoor environment where it doesn't work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes illumination devices serve multiple functions: their primary function of providing light is combined with a secondary function of transmitting location information through visible light communication. This multi-functionality allows the same device to operate effectively both outdoors (providing light and the patent makes illumination devices serve multiple functions: their primary function of providing light is combined with a secondary function of transmitting location information through visible light communication. This multi-functionality allows the same device to operate effectively both outdoors (where GPS works) and indoors (where light-based communication is used).
2Reliability
If devices connect to wireless access points for location information, then location estimation is enabled indoors, but security risks increase due to insecure SSID access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visible light as an intermediary communication channel that replaces insecure wireless access point connections. Light-based communication provides a more secure alternative because it is directional, requires line-of-sight, and cannot be easily intercepted or exploited by unauthorized devices compared to radio frequency wireless networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic radio frequency system (wireless LAN) with an optical system (visible light communication). This substitution fundamentally changes the communication medium from radio waves to light waves, leveraging the inherent security properties of optical communication such as directionality and line-of-sight requirements.
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 secure and accurate location information acquisition indoors by using visible light communication, even in areas with poor GPS signal reception, and ensures connection to secure wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of transmission devices transmits light including, as a visible light communication signal, information related to communication
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes: a plurality of cameras that generate image data by capturing images; a server that stores the image data generated by each of the plurality of cameras; and a plurality of transmission devices in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of cameras. Each of the plurality of transmission devices transmits light including, as a visible light communication signal, information related to communication for accessing a storage location at which the image data generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of cameras is stored in the server.