Luminaire Visible Light Communication for Queue Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting waiting time information at checkout queues require additional infrastructure and processor resources, leading to inefficiencies and delays, especially when relying on internet connections for optimal queue assignment.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that uses visible light to modulate waiting time information, allowing existing lighting infrastructure to transmit this data directly to remote output devices without the need for separate communication channels, incorporating control units, light sources, and optional radio or ultrasonic units for data transmission and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If radio-based technologies like Bluetooth BLE are used to transmit waiting time information, then information can be transmitted wirelessly, but additional infrastructure and processor resources are required leading to inefficiencies and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs dual functions: illumination and information transmission. The existing light sources are used both for lighting the checkout area and for transmitting waiting time information via visible light communication, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces radio-based communication systems with optical communication using visible light. This substitution uses the existing lighting infrastructure instead of requiring separate wireless communication hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining information transmission capability
2Loss of information
If internet connections are used for optimal queue assignment, then comprehensive data can be accessed, but additional delays occur and processor and data transmission resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential waiting time information needed for queue assignment and transmits it directly via light modulation. This eliminates the need for comprehensive internet data access and complex processing, providing the necessary information quickly and efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The waiting time information is prepared and made available for transmission in advance through the lighting system. When customers approach, the information is already ready to be transmitted immediately via visible light, eliminating delays associated with real-time internet queries
3Reliability
If separate communication channels are used for transmitting waiting time information, then data can be transmitted reliably, but infrastructure costs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system serves multiple purposes: illumination, queue monitoring, and information transmission. By using the existing light sources for both lighting and communication, the system eliminates the need for separate communication channels while maintaining reliable data transmission through visible light modulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the illumination function and communication function into a single system. The light sources that provide illumination also transmit waiting time information through modulation, merging infrastructure requirements and reducing overall system complexity and cost
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
Efficiently transmits waiting time information using existing lighting infrastructure, reducing additional infrastructure and operational costs while providing real-time data to customers and staff, optimizing queue management without the need for separate communication channels.
Implementation Method 1
Semiconductor light-emitting diodes (SLEDs) are increasingly used as light sources and are particularly suitable for use as both a light source for illumination and a transmitter for visible light communication (VLC)
Implementation Method 2
Electronic devices, such as those with a photodetector as the light-sensitive element, can be used as receivers in VLC transmission systems
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lighting system according to the invention comprises at least one luminaire (1) and is characterized in that the luminaire (1) is designed to transmit information, and in particular information about a waiting time at at least one cash register (36, 37, 38), by means of visible light to at least one remote output device (22), for example a mobile, personally assigned device such as a smartphone.