Luminance Modulation for Low-Complexity Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for communication between devices, especially those with low computational performance, are limited to three-color light sources, making it difficult to establish effective communication with devices that do not have sufficient computational resources or cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
An information communication method utilizing a system that transmits information through the change in luminance of a light source, allowing for communication between various devices, including those with low computational performance, without the need for special communication devices, by capturing bright line images using an image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional three-color light source communication methods are used, then communication can be established between devices with sufficient computational resources, but devices with low computational performance or cost constraints cannot effectively communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from color-based (RGB) to luminance-based (brightness intensity). By modulating the brightness of a single light source according to encoded data patterns, the system enables devices with minimal computational resources to participate in communication, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive complex multi-color light sources and computational processing systems with simple single-color light sources and basic luminance detection. This allows even low-cost devices to implement communication functionality without requiring sophisticated hardware or software resources
2Speed
If light-based communication is implemented, then communication speed can be increased beyond traditional wireless methods, but the system requires specialized communication devices which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing components serve dual purposes: standard light sources (LEDs, displays) used for illumination or display now also function as communication transmitters through luminance modulation. Similarly, existing image sensors used for photography now also detect communication signals. This eliminates the need for specialized communication hardware while maintaining high-speed optical communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own existing light-emitting components (screen, indicator LEDs) to transmit communication signals, and its own image sensor to receive signals from other devices. This self-service approach allows any device with these basic components to engage in optical communication without additional specialized equipment
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 fast and efficient communication between devices, including those with limited computational resources, by recognizing luminance changes at speeds higher than the imaging frame rate, facilitating service provision and product information presentation to users based on their location and usage patterns.
Implementation Method 1
transmits information through the change in luminance of a light source
Implementation Method 2
capturing bright line images using an image sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An information communication method that enables communication between various devices includes: transmitting position information indicating a position of a terminal device (SK61); obtaining one or more sets of identification information of respective one or more devices and one or more sets of service information respectively associated with the one or more sets of identification information, and holding the one or more sets of identification information and the one or more sets of service information (SK62); setting an exposure time of an image sensor (SK63); obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines (SK64); obtaining identification information of a subject, by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines included in the obtained bright line image (SK65); and selecting service information associated with the identification information of the subject from the one or more sets of service information held in the obtaining and holding (SK62), and presenting the service information to a user (SK66).