Mobile Device Visible Light Communication Guidance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visible light communication systems for guiding users struggle when the mobile device is in areas where visible light cannot reach, such as pockets or bags, making it difficult for users to identify and connect with illumination devices that perform visible light communications, leading to improper guidance and location determination.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system comprising a mobile device with wireless communication capabilities, a light receiver, and a controller that outputs guidance information and notification of nearby transmitting devices emitting visible light, along with a transmitting device that transmits predetermined information via visible light and uses wireless signals to notify the presence of nearby devices, facilitating proper guidance and location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible light communication is used to guide users, then guidance accuracy is improved, but the system fails when the mobile device is in areas where visible light cannot reach (such as pockets or bags)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication (radio waves) as an intermediary mechanism to detect the presence of transmitting devices when visible light communication is unavailable. The mobile device uses radio wave reception to identify nearby transmitting devices, then directs the user to position the device for visible light communication, thus bridging the gap when light cannot reach the sensor.
2Ease of operation
If the system requires users to direct the light receiver to the transmitting device, then visible light communication can be established, but users cannot identify which illumination devices perform visible light communications
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to users by displaying information about transmitting devices detected through wireless communication. The mobile device receives radio signals from transmitting devices, processes this information, and presents it to the user (e.g., displaying device locations or identifiers), enabling users to identify which illumination devices are available for visible light communication without trial and error.
3Reliability
If only visible light communication is used, then communication security is improved, but the system cannot operate in environments with limited light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting devices are designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both visible light communication capabilities and wireless communication (radio wave transmission) capabilities. This allows the same device to serve dual purposes: maintaining security through visible light communication when conditions permit, and enabling device discovery and guidance through radio waves when light exposure is limited, thus adapting to various environmental conditions.
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 system effectively guides users by enabling them to identify and connect with visible light communication devices, even in areas with limited light exposure, ensuring accurate navigation and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a light source which emits light for visible light communications, the light including the predetermined information
Implementation Method 2
a communications circuit which performs wireless communication not including visible light communication
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device includes: a communications circuit which performs wireless communication; a receiver which receives input of a destination from a user; an output which outputs guidance information for guiding the user from a current location to the destination; and a controller which causes the output to output notification information for notifying presence of a transmitting device which emits light for visible light communications, if the communications circuit receives a wireless signal from a transmitting device by the wireless communication.