Modulated Light Positioning for IoT Sensor Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT communication systems face challenges in enhancing the reliability of sensor data due to the high cost of deploying multiple BLE beacons and the difficulty in accurate positioning caused by beacon movement or loss.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that uses IoT lighting devices to output modulated light beams, which are received by IoT devices equipped with illuminance sensors or cameras. The system estimates the position of the IoT device using the metadata from the modulated light beams and stores this information with the sensing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple BLE beacons are deployed in a space to enable position estimation, then position estimation capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing lighting devices that are already deployed in the space for their primary illumination function, and adds the secondary function of position estimation by modulating the light output. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated positioning beacons, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining position estimation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting devices serve themselves by performing both illumination and positioning functions. By modulating their existing light output to encode position information, the lighting devices eliminate the need for separate positioning infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If multiple BLE beacons are deployed to achieve position estimation, then position estimation capability is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing lighting devices that are already deployed in the space for their primary illumination function, and adds the secondary function of position estimation by modulating the light output. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated positioning beacons, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining position estimation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting devices serve themselves by performing both illumination and positioning functions. By modulating their existing light output to encode position information, the lighting devices eliminate the need for separate positioning infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If traditional BLE beacon systems are used for position estimation, then position information can be obtained, but sensor data reliability is compromised due to beacon movement or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes fixed lighting devices in advance at known positions within the space. These devices remain stationary and continuously emit modulated light signals that encode their predetermined position information. This preliminary setup ensures that the position reference points are stable and reliable, eliminating the reliability issues associated with mobile or loss-prone BLE beacons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive lighting devices that are already present in the environment rather than deploying specialized, expensive positioning beacons. These lighting devices can be easily replaced or repositioned if needed, providing a cost-effective and reliable positioning reference system.
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 allows for the acquisition of highly reliable sensor data at a lower cost compared to traditional beacon-based systems, while also providing accurate position estimation without the need for extensive beacon management.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting devices output modulated light beams that are modulated
Implementation Method 2
the IoT device receives each of the modulated light beams, uses information obtained from each of the modulated light beams as metadata
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a control device, a control method, and a program that can inexpensively acquire highly reliable sensor data. A communication system according to the present invention includes a control device, a plurality of lighting devices, and an IoT device. The lighting devices output modulated light beams that are modulated, the IoT device receives each of the modulated light beams, uses information obtained from each of the modulated light beams as metadata, and transmits, to the control device, the metadata and collected sensing data in association with each other, and the control device controls generation and output of the modulated light beams to the lighting devices, estimates a position of the IoT device from the metadata, and stores the position of the IoT device and the sensing data in association with each other.