Elevator Light Modulation Device for Secure LiFi Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevators and mobile robots face challenges in maintaining reliable and secure data communication due to signal attenuation by metal coatings and wire meshes in elevator shafts, limiting their connectivity and functionality, especially in multi-story buildings.
Innovation Solution
A light modulation device using LiFi technology, which converts electrical signals into optical signals using LEDs in the elevator car's lighting system, enabling fast, interference-free, and secure data transmission between the elevator and mobile robots, allowing bidirectional communication for navigation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal coating or wire mesh is used in elevator shaft walls for safety and durability, then structural strength and safety are improved, but wireless signal penetration is severely attenuated or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary carrier for data transmission between the elevator car and external networks. The lighting device in the elevator car modulates light signals to communicate data, while a photodetector receives these signals. This optical intermediary bypasses the metal shielding that blocks electromagnetic waves, resolving the contradiction between structural safety (metal coating) and communication reliability.
2Reliability
If expensive antennas or multiple WLAN access points are installed in the elevator car or shaft to improve mobile phone reception, then wireless signal reception is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lighting device serve multiple functions: it provides both illumination and data transmission capabilities. By modulating the existing lighting system, the elevator car can communicate with external networks without requiring separate communication hardware. This eliminates the need for multiple antennas and access points, reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wireless communication methods (3G, 4G, 5G, WLAN) are used to connect mobile robots to the Internet, then connectivity is achieved, but data protection criteria are not met and robots cannot effectively navigate multi-story buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses modulated light from the lighting device as an intermediary for secure data transmission between mobile robots and the elevator control system. The photodetector in the robot receives these optical signals, enabling the robot to receive navigation instructions and transmit status information. This optical communication channel provides both data protection (confined to elevator interior) and navigation capability (floor-by-floor communication).
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 solution provides reliable, high-speed data transmission that protects customer data and enables mobile robots to navigate and operate elevators effectively within buildings, overcoming the limitations of traditional wireless communication methods.
Implementation Method 1
The light modulation device has a modulator which can receive a first electrical signal from a control unit of the elevator installation. In order to modulate the first electrical signal, the modulator can control the lighting device in such a way that the lighting device generates a first light signal in order to encode the first electrical signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A light modulation device is provided in an elevator installation having an elevator car for performing a method of modulating light in the elevator car. The light modulation device has a modulator that receives a first electrical signal from a control unit of the elevator installation, wherein the modulator, in order to modulate the first electrical signal, controls a lighting device in the elevator car having two or more light-emitting diodes. The lighting device generates a first light signal to encode the first electrical signal, and the modulator switches the light-emitting diodes on and off synchronously or asynchronously and/or adjusts their brightness.