Li-Fi/UWB Electronic Device for Through-Obstacle Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Li-Fi communication is limited by the need for a direct or indirect line of sight between the transmitter and receiver, making it ineffective for devices behind obstacles like walls or in pockets, and unsuitable for geolocation applications.
Innovation Solution
Combining Li-Fi with ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse signals, where UWB forms a backup for Li-Fi when line of sight is interrupted, allowing communication through obstacles and enabling geolocation by using a network of lighting devices with integrated UWB and Li-Fi capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Li-Fi communication is used, then high-speed data transmission is achieved, but line-of-sight limitations prevent communication through obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Li-Fi and UWB communication technologies into a single electronic device. The Li-Fi module provides high-speed data transmission when line-of-sight is available, while the UWB module ensures reliable communication when obstacles block the light path. The controller switches between or combines both modes to maintain continuous communication, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters by switching between Li-Fi and UWB modes based on environmental conditions. When line-of-sight is clear, Li-Fi operates at high data rates; when obstacles appear, the system transitions to UWB which penetrates walls and obstacles, maintaining reliability despite lower speed.
2Productivity
If Li-Fi signal is transmitted, then high data rate is achieved, but the signal cannot penetrate through walls and closed doors
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is designed with dual functionality: Li-Fi for high-speed communication in line-of-sight conditions and UWB for penetration through obstacles. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to various environmental conditions, whether open spaces or areas with walls and doors, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If UWB signal is used, then communication through obstacles is enabled, but data transmission speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the communication mode based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors line-of-sight availability and automatically switches between Li-Fi (high speed) and UWB (high reliability) modes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the speed-reliability trade-off according to environmental factors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting systems are replaced with UWB-enabled electronic devices, then geolocation capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges conventional lighting functionality with UWB communication and geolocation capabilities into a single integrated device. The lighting device includes embedded UWB transceiver, controller, and positioning algorithms, enabling it to provide both illumination and precise location tracking (centimeter-level accuracy) without requiring separate systems.
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 wireless communication and geolocation without line-of-sight limitations, providing secure, high-speed data transmission and accurate positioning with centimeter precision, replacing conventional lighting systems with UWB-enabled lamps for tracking and tracing.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device, capable of illuminating a room or the like... the lighting device is adapted to transmit the signal as a Li-Fi signal
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector... for decoding a signal received by the photodetector or the pulse receiver
Implementation Method 3
an ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse transmitter... the pulse transmitter is adapted to transmit the signal as a UWB signal
Implementation Method 4
an UWB pulse receiver... for decoding a signal received by the photodetector or the pulse receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
Electronic device comprising: - a lighting device, capable of illuminating a room or the like; - a photodetector; - an ultra-wideband pulse transmitter; - an ultra-wideband pulse receiver; - a controller, connectable to the internet; wherein the controller is adapted for coding a signal and transmitting it to the lighting device and/or to the pulse transmitter, and for decoding a signal received by the photodetector or the pulse receiver; wherein the lighting device is adapted to transmit the signal as a LiFi signal and the pulse transmitter is adapted to transmit the signal as a UWB signal.