Keyboard LED Encoding for Optical Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for encoding and decoding information using color spaces in images do not effectively utilize the capabilities of backlit keyboards to represent unique identifiers or encode data for customer engagement, such as coupons or awards, in a user-friendly and efficient manner.

Innovation Solution

The method involves encoding information by assigning colors to backlit keys on a keyboard, where corner keys indicate the frame position and non-corner keys represent subset information, allowing for the decoding of data using a camera app to read the light levels and determine the encoded information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If color space encoded images are used to broadcast information to multiple devices, then information broadcasting capability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation broadcasting capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the keyboard into corner keys and non-corner keys, with corner keys serving as reference points for frame positioning and non-corner keys carrying actual data. This segmentation allows the system to encode information across multiple frames while maintaining simple decoding logic based on relative positions and color changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static image encoding to temporal encoding by utilizing sequences of frames. Information is encoded across multiple frames rather than attempting to encode everything in a single image, adding the time dimension to the encoding scheme and enabling more data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple frames are used to encode information, then the quantity of encoded information increases, but the time required for decoding increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of encoded informationVSAvoiddecoding time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing corner keys as reference points before encoding actual data. The corner keys are positioned and colored first to define the frame structure, allowing subsequent frames to encode data relative to these pre-established references, thereby simplifying the decoding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses corner keys as feedback mechanisms to indicate frame position and structure. By having corner keys display specific color patterns that indicate the current frame number and position, the decoding system receives feedback about the frame state, enabling efficient sequential decoding without requiring complex temporal analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If corner keys are used to indicate frame position, then the precision of frame identification is improved, but the encoding capacity of individual keys is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe identification precisionVSAvoidencoding capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different functions to different regions of the keyboard. Corner keys have a specialized function for frame identification and positioning, while non-corner keys maintain their primary function for data encoding. This functional differentiation allows each key type to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables the embedding of unique identifiers in keyboard LEDs, allowing customers to register products and receive rewards by decoding the information optically, increasing customer engagement and providing a burden of product usage for registration.

Implementation Method 1

assigning colors to backlit keys on a keyboard... determining a color of each backlit key, each color representing a respective value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

using a camera app to read the light levels and determine the encoded information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3357037B1Information encoding methods, information decoding methods, computer-readable media, information encoders, and information decoders

Publication Date: 2021.05.12 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an information encoding method may be provided. The information encoding method may include: receiving information to be encoded; splitting the information into a plurality of subsets; assigning each subset to a frame, so as to determine a plurality of frames; for each subset assigning the subset to a plurality of colors; and sequentially, for each frame of the plurality of frames, displaying the colors assigned for the respective frame and an indicator for the frame on an array of picture elements.