Self-Identifying LED Modulation for Indoor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor positioning systems face challenges in achieving accurate location determination within indoor environments due to the limitations of GPS and other wireless signal-based methods, which are affected by construction materials and multi-path propagation effects, and optical signals are hindered by alignment issues.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing self-identifying light sources, such as LED light sources, that modulate visible light to transmit identification codes, including location information, using techniques like Digital Pulse Recognition (DPR) modulation, allowing mobile devices to determine their position through photogrammetric processing of multiple light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate light sources are used for different wavelengths, then spectral coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single light source is segmented into multiple independently controllable spectral regions (blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, red) that can be activated selectively to cover different spectral ranges, achieving multi-wavelength capability without requiring multiple physical light sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single light source structure is designed to perform multiple functions by emitting across the entire visible spectrum (380-780 nm) and allowing selective activation of different spectral regions, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized light sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If modulation depth is increased for self-identification, then detection accuracy is improved, but light intensity varies affecting measurement stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidlight intensity stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the modulated light signal is detected and processed to generate identification information, allowing the system to adjust and maintain optimal modulation depth while compensating for intensity variations through continuous monitoring and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs wavelength modulation as a parameter change strategy, where different spectral regions are modulated at different frequencies or depths, allowing the system to achieve high detection accuracy through spectral differentiation rather than relying solely on intensity modulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are combined, then spectral coverage is improved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral coverageVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple spectral regions are combined within a single light source structure rather than using separate physical light sources, eliminating alignment issues between multiple sources while maintaining full spectral coverage through integrated emission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides precise indoor positioning with high accuracy, enabling location-aware applications and content delivery with minimal user input, leveraging the directional nature of light signals and advanced image processing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

a light source, which emits light having a wavelength between 380 nm and 780 nm and has independently controllable spectral regions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and intensity modulation: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2737779B1Self identifying modulated light source
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 ABL IP HLDG LLC
  • EP2737779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2737779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2737779B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a self identifying light source including an emitter that produces visible light; and an autonomous modulator in electrical communication with the emitter that automatically and continually modulates the visible light produced by the emitter, wherein the modulated visible light represents an identification code of the light source. In some embodiments, the emitter is a light emitting diode (LED) and further comprising an LED driver that provides a specified voltage and current to each LED in the light source.