Image Sensor Bright Line Communication via Luminance Demodulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for communication between devices, especially those with low computational performance, are limited and require specific communication devices, restricting their ability to communicate effectively.
Innovation Solution
An information communication method that uses an image sensor to transmit position information, receive an ID list, set exposure time to capture a bright line image based on luminance changes, demodulate data from the image, and search for identification information within the list to enable communication without specialized devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional communication methods are used between devices with low computational performance, then communication can be established, but the communication function is limited and requires specialized communication devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling image sensors to perform dual functions: capturing images and receiving communication signals. The image sensor captures luminance changes from light sources to decode communication data, eliminating the need for separate communication devices in low-performance devices. This multi-functional approach allows devices without dedicated communication modules to participate in network communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized communication devices are added to enable communication, then communication function is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates dedicated communication devices by making existing image sensors perform communication functions. The image sensor captures luminance variations from light sources (such as LED indicators) to receive and decode communication signals. This approach removes the need for additional communication hardware, reducing device cost and manufacturing complexity while enabling communication capability in low-performance devices.
3Productivity
If optical spatial transmission is used for communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but the method is limited to devices with three color light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter basis from color-based communication (requiring three-color light sources) to luminance-based communication. By detecting luminance changes over time in the light source, the system can decode communication signals without requiring specific color configurations. This parameter change expands device compatibility to include devices with single-color or dual-color light sources while maintaining communication efficiency.
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 communication between various devices, including those with low computational performance, by utilizing luminance changes to transmit information, allowing for efficient data exchange without the need for dedicated communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
a bright line corresponding to an exposure line included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided that includes a display, an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines, a processor, and a memory storing a computer program, which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform operations. The operations include displaying a first assist image on the display, and executing a visible light communication mode. In the visible light communication mode, the operations include (i) setting a second exposure time of the image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a plurality of bright lines corresponding to the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appear according to a change in luminance of the subject, (ii) obtaining a bright line image including the plurality of bright lines, and (iii) obtaining information by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines.