Light Shield for VLC and Non-VLC LED Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In light fixtures with both VLC and non-VLC LEDs, the light emitted from non-VLC LEDs can mix with the modulated light from VLC LEDs, reducing the fidelity of the VLC signal and making it difficult for devices to read the unique identifier.
Innovation Solution
A light shield is positioned between the VLC and non-VLC LED segments to physically separate them, preventing the mixing of light emissions by reflecting the modulated light away from the non-VLC LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VLC and non-VLC LEDs are placed adjacent to each other in the same light fixture, then the light fixture can provide both communication functionality and illumination, but the light from non-VLC LEDs mixes with modulated VLC light, reducing signal fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is segmented into distinct zones: a first LED array for VLC communication and a second LED array for non-VLC illumination. A light shield physically divides these segments, preventing light mixing while allowing both functions to operate simultaneously in the same fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
A light shield acts as an intermediary element positioned between the VLC and non-VLC LED arrays. This shield blocks and redirects light from the non-VLC LEDs away from the VLC LED emission path, preventing contamination while maintaining both functionalities.
2Productivity
If all LED segments are modulated for VLC, then communication coverage is maximized, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modulating all LED segments for VLC communication, only the first LED array is modulated for VLC while the second LED array remains un-modulated for steady illumination. This partial action approach provides sufficient communication coverage without requiring complex control of all LEDs.
3Measurement precision
If a light shield is added to separate VLC and non-VLC LEDs, then light contamination is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield extracts and removes the harmful effect of light contamination by physically blocking the path between non-VLC and VLC LEDs. This simple structural addition effectively separates the light paths without requiring complex active control systems or multiple components.
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
The light shield effectively reduces light contamination, ensuring the integrity of the VLC signal by preventing the mixing of light emissions from VLC and non-VLC LEDs, allowing for clearer detection of the unique identifier by mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
the light shield is positioned within the housing to separate the first and second LED segments so as to reduce the occurrence of the modulated light emitted by the first LED segment from mixing with the un-modulated light emitted by the second LED segment
Data Source
AI summary
A light shield that may be used to help prevent light contamination between VLC and non-VLC light sources (such as LEDs) in a light fixture. The light fixture houses a first LED segment that emits modulated light invisible to the human eye (i.e., VLC LEDs) and a second LED segment adjacent to the first LED segment and that emits un-modulated light (i.e., non-VLC LEDs). The light shield is positioned within the housing to separate the first and second LED segments so as to reduce the occurrence of the modulated light emitted by the first LED segment from mixing with the un-modulated light emitted by the second LED segment.