LED Intensity Modulation for Wireless Network Capacity Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, often become overloaded due to the increasing demand for information exchange between pervasive wireless communicating devices, necessitating alternative communication methods to support the ubiquitous nature of these devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems, where light emitting diodes (LEDs) on display devices alter intensity to transmit data imperceptibly to the human eye, allowing for data exchange between devices within proximity, including authentication, network offloading, and location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Wi-Fi networks are used to support increasing numbers of wireless devices, then information exchange capability is improved, but network overload and capacity limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light (visible spectrum) as an intermediary medium for data transmission. LED lights serve as mediators that convert electrical signals to optical signals, enabling data communication through a different physical channel (optical vs. radio frequency), thereby relieving congestion on Wi-Fi networks while maintaining or enhancing information exchange capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions communication from the radio frequency dimension to the optical dimension. By utilizing the visible light spectrum (wavelengths approximately 380-750 nanometers) instead of radio waves, the system opens up a completely new dimensional space for data transmission, effectively expanding network capacity without adding to RF spectrum congestion
2Productivity
If additional equipment is deployed to support more wireless devices, then network capacity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing LED light sources multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously serve their primary purpose (illumination) and a secondary purpose (data transmission). This eliminates the need for dedicated communication equipment in many cases, as ordinary LED bulbs, display screens, and lighting fixtures can all become communication nodes, thereby expanding network capacity without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing infrastructure (LED lights already present in environments) to provide communication services. Rather than requiring new specialized equipment, the patent enables ordinary lighting devices to self-serve as communication transmitters, reducing both equipment complexity and deployment costs while scaling network capacity
3Speed
If LED intensity alternates rapidly to transmit data, then data transfer speed is improved, but human eye perceivability of light fluctuations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the frequency parameter of LED intensity modulation, operating within the range of 200 Hz to 20 kHz. By selecting specific frequency values within this range (particularly above 200 Hz), the system achieves sufficiently fast data transfer speeds while remaining below or at the threshold of human visual perception, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and perceivability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic modulation of LED intensity at controlled frequencies to encode data. By using regular, periodic on-off cycles at frequencies optimized for both data transmission speed and human imperceptibility, the patent achieves reliable communication while maintaining comfortable visual experience, balancing the competing requirements of speed and perceivability
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
VLC systems effectively expand wireless network capacity, reduce Wi-Fi burdens, and enhance data transfer efficiency by utilizing light to convey binary data, enabling seamless communication and device registration without additional costly equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting component(s) of the display device may alternate an intensity of light output to indicate binary data
Implementation Method 2
The LED(s) may alternate the intensity of light at a frequency that is imperceptible to the human eye
Implementation Method 3
The user device may receive/detect the alternations in light intensity to determine the VLC data
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for light-based communication are described. VLC may be used to communicate video content, an electronic program guide (EPG), location information, an advertisement, and/or any other data, content, and/or content item to a user device. VLC may be used to communicate data/information associated with a wireless network, provision a service, navigate an area, track content and/or content item consumption, and more. Light (e.g., VLC, etc.) may be used to communicate any information/data.