Flash-to-Camera Optical Communication Channel

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device-to-device communication methods, such as Wi-Fi direct and Bluetooth, have limited range and can be blocked or jammed, making them unreliable for long-range or obstructed connections, particularly in situations like disaster relief where internet connectivity is unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a smartphone's camera flash to transmit and receive messages through light patterns, where the flash is encoded with information and detected by a camera sensor, allowing for line-of-sight communication that can be extended beyond short ranges and is difficult to block, using machine learning algorithms for decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radio communication protocols (Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth) are used for device-to-device communication, then communication capability is provided, but the communication range is limited and connections can be blocked or jammed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic waves with visible light for communication. The transmitting device uses a light source (flash) to encode messages in visible light patterns, and the receiving device uses a camera sensor to detect these patterns. This substitution of the communication medium from radio waves to visible light enables longer range communication (up to 500 yards) and makes the connection difficult to block or jam, as visible light can travel farther and is not subject to the same interference issues as radio frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If radio communication protocols are used, then device interaction is enabled, but the connections are short-range and can be blocked or jammed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic waves with visible light for communication. The transmitting device uses a light source (flash) to encode messages in visible light patterns, and the receiving device uses a camera sensor to detect these patterns. This substitution of the communication medium from radio waves to visible light enables longer range communication (up to 500 yards) and makes the connection difficult to block or jam, as visible light can travel farther and is not subject to the same interference issues as radio frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If traditional radio communication is used, then communication is possible, but it fails in situations where internet connectivity is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication availabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic waves with visible light for communication. The transmitting device uses a light source (flash) to encode messages in visible light patterns, and the receiving device uses a camera sensor to detect these patterns. This substitution of the communication medium from radio waves to visible light enables longer range communication (up to 500 yards) and makes the connection difficult to block or jam, as visible light can travel farther and is not subject to the same interference issues as radio frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable, long-range, and secure communication over line of sight, potentially up to 500 yards, with the ability to transmit and receive messages using a visible light pattern that can be seen and decoded, providing a valuable alternative in situations where traditional radio connections fail.

Implementation Method 1

A method utilizing a smartphone's camera flash to transmit and receive messages through light patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The device activates a camera sensor on a device. The device further detects a light pattern emanating from another device. In addition, the device transforms the light pattern to a message

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240195502A1Flash-to-camera non-radio communication channel

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 CLOSTRA INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus of a device that transmits a message using a light pattern is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device receives an indication to transmit a message using the light pattern. In addition, the device activates a flash on the device. The device further encodes the message into instructions for transmitting the light pattern. The device additionally transmits the message using the flash according to the instructions for the light pattern.