Camera-Based Visible Light Signal Detection via Luminance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for receiving visible light signals using cameras are inefficient and require extensive image processing to identify light spots, which is not ideal in terms of speed or efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves capturing continuous images with a camera, processing them to compare luminance variations, and analyzing these changes to determine the presence and boundaries of light spots, allowing for the extraction of visible light signals without the need for additional hardware, using techniques such as analyzing average grey value changes and determining valid light spots based on size and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photodiode-based light signal receiver is used to receive visible light signals, then the signal reception accuracy is improved, but the hardware complexity and cost increase due to requiring additional dedicated receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera serve dual purposes: both capturing images for normal photography and receiving visible light communication signals. By utilizing the camera's existing image sensor and processing capabilities, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated light signal receivers, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining signal reception functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The camera's built-in image processing capabilities are leveraged to perform signal detection and extraction. The system uses the camera's own hardware resources (sensor, processor) to accomplish both imaging and communication signal reception, making the device self-sufficient and eliminating external dedicated receivers
2Device complexity
If general image processing technology is used to identify light spots in continuous images, then the system complexity is reduced, but the processing speed and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous image sequence into discrete frames and further segments each frame into pixel grids. By processing images in segmented regions rather than entire frames at once, the system achieves efficient parallel processing that maintains simplicity while improving speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies targeted image processing only to specific regions where light spots are detected, rather than processing the entire image. The processing focuses on comparing luminance variations in candidate regions, performing excessive analysis only where necessary to improve efficiency
3Measurement precision
If the camera processes the entire image to identify light spots, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into pixel grids and processes regions independently. By dividing the image processing task into smaller manageable segments that can be processed in parallel, the system maintains comprehensive detection coverage while reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary filtering by comparing luminance variations across frames to identify candidate regions before conducting detailed light spot detection. This preliminary action narrows down the search space, allowing accurate detection without processing the entire image in detail
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
This approach simplifies and enhances the efficiency of visible light signal processing, enabling effective signal reception and decoding without requiring dedicated light signal receivers, thus reducing hardware costs and enabling versatile implementation in various devices.
Implementation Method 1
After receiving a light signal, the light signal receiver performs photoelectric conversion
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for receiving a visible light signal. The method includes the following steps: controlling use of a camera as a light signal receiver to capture a group of continuous images covering an emitter, where the emitter emits visible light signals; and obtaining, from the group of continuous images, a visible light signal that comes from the emitter. In the present invention, because a camera is used to receive a visible light signal, a visible light communication function can be implemented in various devices or systems under a premise that no hardware is newly added or modified.