LED Illumination Device Optical Authentication via Modulated Light

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED illumination devices lack the ability to communicate effectively with mobile electronics devices and external systems, limiting their functionality in data-intensive applications and smart lighting solutions.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a Light Control and Data Interface Module (LCDIM) in LED-based illumination devices, which includes a radio frequency transceiver for wireless communication, enabling authentication and data exchange through modulated illumination light, allowing for secure communication links and control over lighting networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LED illumination devices are used as standalone units, then lighting function is provided, but communication capability with mobile electronics and external devices is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED illumination device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides illumination through the LED and simultaneously enables communication through optical signaling using the same light source. The controller modulates the LED light to encode and transmit data, allowing the device to serve both lighting and communication purposes without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the LED illumination device and mobile electronic devices. It manages the modulation of LED light to encode authentication data and communicates with mobile devices through the detected light signals, facilitating the authentication process without requiring direct connection between the illumination device and external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication through modulated light is implemented, then secure communication link is established, but detection precision of optical code is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidoptical code detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process uses periodic modulation of the LED light at specific frequencies to encode authentication data. The controller modulates the LED to emit light patterns that represent authentication codes, and the mobile device detects these periodic variations to verify authenticity. This periodic signaling enhances reliability by providing distinct, recognizable patterns for authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If LED-based illumination device provides communication function, then data exchange with mobile electronics is enabled, but additional communication components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication functionVSAvoidcommunication components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED illumination device uses its own light output for communication purposes. Instead of requiring separate transmitters or additional communication hardware, the device leverages its inherent illumination capability to encode and transmit data through optical modulation. This self-service approach reduces component complexity while enabling communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 secure and efficient communication between LED devices and mobile electronics, facilitating advanced lighting control, authentication, and data-intensive functionalities, enhancing the capabilities of LED-based illumination systems in smart environments.

Implementation Method 1

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination device authenticates a mobile electronics device on a lighting communications network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The mobile electronic device may request a communications link on the lighting communications network and detect modulated illumination light emitted from the LED based illumination device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3262810B1Lighting based authentication of a mobile electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.09.21 XICATO INC

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AI summary

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination device authenticates a mobile electronics device on a lighting communications network. The mobile electronic device may request a communications link on the lighting communications network and detect modulated illumination light emitted from the LED based illumination device. The modulated light may include an optical code. The mobile electronic device may determine the optical code from the modulated illumination light and communicate an indication of the optical code to the LED based illumination device. The LED based illumination device may determine if the indication of the optical code is correct and provide, in response, a communication link to the mobile electronics device on the lighting communications network.