Luminance Modulation for Low-Performance Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for home-electric-appliance communication are limited to devices with three color light sources, making it difficult to establish communication with devices having low computational performance or without communication functions due to cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
An information communication method using a change in luminance, where multiple light emitters modulate signals by changing luminance patterns at different frequencies, enabling communication between devices with varying computational performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional communication methods using three color light sources are used, then communication can be established between devices with sufficient computational performance, but communication cannot be established with devices having low computational performance or without communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational communication systems with a simple optical modulation system. Instead of requiring devices to process digital signals through complex protocols, the invention uses light emitters to modulate luminance directly according to communication signals, and light receivers to detect these luminance changes. This substitution of mechanical/optical processes for computational processes enables communication with devices regardless of their computational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from digital signal processing to optical luminance modulation. By modulating the luminance of light emitters according to communication signals and detecting these luminance changes at the receiver end, the system transforms the communication mechanism into one that depends on optical parameter changes rather than computational performance, thereby achieving universal compatibility.
2Productivity
If multiple light emitters transmit signals simultaneously, then communication efficiency is improved, but signal interference occurs between different light emitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by assigning different transmission time slots to different light emitters. Each light emitter transmits its signal in a predetermined periodic manner during its assigned time slot, and remains silent during other time slots. This periodic, time-division approach allows multiple light emitters to communicate simultaneously without interference, as each transmitter operates in its own designated time window.
3Ease of manufacture
If light emitters change luminance at the same frequency, then the system is simpler to implement, but signal differentiation between multiple light emitters becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different luminance change frequencies to different light emitters. Each light emitter has a unique frequency characteristic for its luminance modulation, allowing the receiver to differentiate between signals from different emitters. This localized frequency assignment maintains relative system simplicity while enabling precise signal differentiation through frequency-based identification.
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 effective communication between various devices, including those with low computational performance, by utilizing a system where light emitters change luminance at distinct frequencies, allowing for separate signal reception and improved transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by each of a plurality of light emitters changing in luminance according to any one of the determined plurality of patterns of the change in luminance, a signal corresponding to the pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An information communication method obtains information from a subject using a terminal device that includes an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines. The method includes setting an exposure time of the image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing the subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time, and obtaining identification information of the subject. An exposure time of each of the plurality of exposure lines partially overlaps with an exposure time of an adjacent one of the plurality of exposure lines, and the subject includes a first area and a second area.