Invisible Light Communication Using Visible Light Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invisible light communication systems using visible light cameras are costly due to the need for specialized invisible light cameras, and visible light communication systems discomfort users with visible light emitters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a visible light camera to capture invisible light signals by synchronizing the signal pulse rate with the camera frame rate, allowing for the decoding of data sequences using a visible light camera module in the receiving device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an invisible light signal emitter is used for communication, then user comfort is improved (no visible light discomfort), but the receiving device cost increases (requires specialized invisible light camera)
Solution Approach 1:
A visible light converter is introduced as an intermediary component attached to the invisible light signal emitter. This converter transforms the invisible light signals into visible light signals that can be captured by standard visible light cameras, thereby eliminating the need for expensive specialized cameras while maintaining user comfort and enabling invisible light communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive specialized invisible light cameras with inexpensive standard visible light cameras. By using the visible light converter as a temporary intermediary, the system achieves the same communication functionality using widely available, low-cost camera components
2Ease of manufacture
If a visible light signal emitter is used for communication, then the receiving device cost is reduced (standard camera can be used), but user comfort deteriorates (visible light causes eye discomfort)
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light converter serves as a mediator placed at the transmission end rather than the reception end. It converts invisible light to visible light before transmission, allowing standard cameras to receive the signals while the original invisible light source maintains user comfort benefits
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the camera to detect invisible light (modifying the receiver), the patent inverts the approach by modifying the emitter to produce visible light through conversion. This reversal allows using standard cameras while achieving the communication goal
3Productivity
If signal pulse rate is synchronized with camera frame rate, then communication efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases (requires frame rate scanning and synchronization)
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device broadcasts its camera frame rate to the sending device, creating a feedback loop. The sending device uses this feedback information to synchronize its signal pulse rate with the camera frame rate, ensuring optimal capture efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated rate adaptation
4Measurement precision
If invisible light signals are emitted at high intensity, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the emitted light from invisible to visible range through the converter. This parameter change allows standard cameras with higher sensitivity in the visible spectrum to detect signals effectively at lower intensities, improving detection accuracy while reducing energy consumption compared to high-intensity invisible light emission
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 efficient and user-friendly invisible light communication using standard visible light cameras, reducing costs and user discomfort by effectively capturing and decoding invisible light signals.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light camera module that is capable of capturing invisible light emitted by a first invisible light signal emitter
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a communication method includes: performing a receiving method by a receiving device including a visible light camera module that is capable of capturing invisible light emitted by an invisible light signal emitter of a sending device. The receiving method includes: broadcasting a camera frame rate; capturing, by the visible light camera module, a plurality of frames at the camera frame rate, wherein each frame includes a corresponding area caused by a corresponding signal pulse of a portion of signal pulses, and the signal pulses are emitted by the invisible light signal emitter at a signal pulse rate substantially same as the camera frame rate; detecting the corresponding area in each frame; and labeling the corresponding area in each frame, to obtain a coding pattern corresponding to a signal pulse pattern, and decoding the coding pattern, to identify a data sequence.