Light Transmission Device Configuration via Optical Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large technical facilities like data centers and research laboratories, determining configuration information for numerous computing devices is burdensome and time-consuming, especially when communication with specific devices is critical to prevent costly issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting configuration information, including an IP address, using visible light or infrared transmissions, allowing devices without displays to provide information to receivers like smartphones, which can interpret and display this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional display screens are used on computing devices, then configuration information can be displayed, but the devices become more visible and operators struggle to identify specific devices among thousands in large facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional visual display screens with optical communication using light emissions (visible or infrared LEDs) to transmit configuration information wirelessly to a receiver. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to visually search through displays on numerous devices, as the target device actively transmits its information when queried, making device identification significantly easier in large-scale facilities.
2Ease of operation
If computing devices without displays are used, then device identification becomes easier, but configuration information cannot be directly displayed on the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless receiver device (such as a smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary between the computing device and the operator. The receiver captures light transmissions from the computing device and displays the configuration information on its screen. This intermediary solution allows devices without displays to still provide full configuration information access, maintaining both ease of device identification and complete information availability.
3Productivity
If visible light transmissions are used, then configuration information can be transmitted, but the transmissions are detectable to the human eye creating obtrusive communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parameter changes in the light transmission by allowing selection between visible light and infrared light wavelengths. Infrared transmissions are used when unobtrusive communication is prioritized, as they are undetectable to the human eye while still enabling efficient data transmission. Visible light can be used when faster transmission or better visibility of the communication process is needed, providing flexibility to optimize for different operational requirements.
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 enables efficient and unobtrusive communication of configuration data, reducing the burden on operators and allowing multiple devices to be queried quickly without degrading the user experience, as infrared transmissions are undetectable to the human eye.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission includes either a visible light transmission or an infrared (IR) transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing computing device configuration information via a light transmission are disclosed. According to one method, the method occurs at a computing device. The method includes receiving configuration information including an internet protocol (IP) address assigned by a network node. The method also includes sending a transmission including the configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes the IP address, wherein the transmission includes either a visible light transmission or an infrared (IR) transmission.