LED Optical Communication for Low-Complexity Device Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for simple components are either too complex and expensive (IO-Link standard) or provide limited data access (HMIs), and QR codes are unreliable for device identification due to positioning and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication system using light sources and sensors with imperceptible frequencies for data transmission, allowing bidirectional communication between devices, utilizing common components like LEDs with junction capacitance for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IO-Link standard is used for communication, then data connectivity and device integration are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic communication interfaces (IO-Link, fieldbus systems) with a simple optical communication system using light-emitting diodes and light sensors. This substitution achieves reliable data connectivity through optical signals while maintaining extremely simple device architecture, thereby resolving the contradiction between connectivity reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive light-emitting diodes and light sensors as communication components, replacing costly industrial communication interfaces. These simple optical components provide adequate data transmission capability at a fraction of the cost of IO-Link or fieldbus systems, addressing the contradiction between connectivity and cost/complexity.
2Ease of operation
If HMI displays are used for device operation, then user interface capability is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical HMI displays and keypads with optical communication for data access. Instead of requiring users to interact with device displays using arrow keys or buttons, all device data can be accessed remotely through optical communication, eliminating the need for complex onboard interfaces while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary device (such as a smartphone or computer with camera) that captures optical signals from the target device and displays the data on its own screen. This intermediary approach allows users to access device information without requiring the target device to have complex display and input interfaces.
3Loss of information
If QR codes are used for device identification, then device identification capability is improved, but reliability and ease of manufacture worsen due to positioning and visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces QR code visual identification with optical signal-based identification. Instead of requiring cameras to read printed codes from various distances and angles, the system uses light-emitting diodes to transmit identification data directly through optical signals, which can be detected by light sensors regardless of positioning challenges, thereby significantly improving identification reliability.
4Productivity
If light frequency is increased for faster data transmission, then communication speed is improved, but user disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the visible light spectrum, specifically using light frequencies between 380-750 nm that are imperceptible to the human eye as flickering. By operating at these specific frequency parameters, the system achieves high-speed optical communication while the light appears steady to users, thus eliminating user disturbance while maintaining high data transmission rates.
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 reliable, inexpensive, and efficient data access without disturbing users, with synchronized communication modes to conserve resources and enhance security.
Implementation Method 1
a second light sensor, which is designed to receive the first optical signal from the first light source, convert it into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the second data processing unit
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical communication system comprising a first communication device (12) with a first light source (14) configured to emit light in a visible spectral range, and a first data processing unit (16) configured to control the first light source (14) such that it emits a first optical signal (18) having a signal frequency that is not perceptible to the human eye; and a second communication device (22) with a second data processing unit (26) and a second light sensor (30) configured to receive the first optical signal (18) from the first light source (14), convert it into an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal to the second data processing unit (26).