Li-Fi Data Transmission Using Color Mapping for Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of data between devices using radio frequency wireless protocols is susceptible to interception due to the radiated signals being receivable by third parties, posing a security concern as these signals extend beyond the immediate physical location of the transmitting and recipient devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and device that utilizes a light emitting unit and a controller to encode data using device identifiers, generating color identifiers through color mapping, and transmitting data as light signals, which can only be decoded by intended recipient devices possessing the corresponding identifiers, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized interception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If radio frequency wireless protocols are used for data transfer, then communication speed and range are improved, but security deteriorates due to signal interception by third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio frequency electromagnetic waves with visible light waves for data transmission. This replacement transitions from RF wireless communication to optical wireless communication (Li-Fi), where data is encoded in light signals emitted by LEDs or other light sources, fundamentally changing the transmission medium to achieve better security characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an 'inert' optical environment where data transmission occurs through directed light signals that do not radiate omnidirectionally like RF signals. The light-based transmission environment inherently limits interception capability to devices within the specific light path, effectively creating a secure transmission channel against eavesdropping.
2Reliability
If light signals are used for data transmission, then security is improved by limiting signal reception, but device complexity increases due to encoding and color mapping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color mapping as a parameter transformation mechanism where data is encoded by mapping binary values to specific color identifiers (e.g., RGB color spaces). This parameter change approach transforms abstract data into visual light signal parameters that can be transmitted optically and decoded by analyzing color variations, providing a systematic method to manage the encoding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces color identifiers as an intermediary layer between the data source and the light transmission medium. This intermediary mapping system (data → color identifiers → light signals) simplifies the overall encoding process by breaking it into manageable transformation steps, where standard color models serve as the intermediate representation that bridges digital data and optical transmission.
3Reliability
If color mapping is applied to encode data, then unauthorized interception is reduced, but transmission time increases due to the encoding and decoding process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of light signals where color identifiers are transmitted in sequential time slots or frames. This periodic action allows the receiver to sample and decode color information at regular intervals, efficiently transforming the continuous light signal into discrete data units while maintaining security through the color mapping scheme.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary color mapping to data before light signal generation, pre-processing the information into color identifier sequences that are optimized for optical transmission. This preliminary encoding action prepares the data in advance, allowing the actual light transmission to proceed efficiently without real-time encoding delays during the critical transmission phase.
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 enhances data security by limiting the interception of data during transfer, as only devices with the correct identifiers can decode the light signals, reducing the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized parties.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a data sequence to another computing device via a light emitting unit of the transmitting computing device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In one aspect, described herein is a computing device comprising a light emitting unit; and a controller communicatively coupled to the light emitting unit, the controller being configured to: apply an encoding to data, using at least one device identifier; generate a plurality of color identifiers by applying a color mapping to the data, wherein each color identifier is associated with one of a plurality of color values; and transmit, via the light emitting unit of the computing device, at least one light signal based on the plurality of color identifiers. In one embodiment, the at least one device identifier comprises at least one of the following: at least one identifier of the computing device that is unique to the computing device, or at least one identifier of a recipient device that is unique to the recipient device.