Multi-element Light Emitter for Versatile Visible Light Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for communication between devices are limited to those with three color light sources, making it difficult to establish communication with devices having low computational performance or without a communication function, such as some home electric appliances.
Innovation Solution
An information communication method that enables communication between various devices, including those with low computational performance, using a system where a light emitter with multiple light emitting elements arranged in one direction changes luminance to create a sequence of bright and dark lines, allowing signal reception by an image sensor, and alternating patterns or complementary colors are used to avoid visual recognition and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional visible light communication methods using RGB light sources are used, then communication can be established between devices with three color light sources, but communication cannot be established with devices having low computational performance or without communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single light emitter to perform multiple functions: it can communicate with both traditional RGB-based devices and simple devices with low computational performance. The light emitter uses multiple light emitting elements (red, green, blue, and yellow-green) that can be independently controlled to generate different communication protocols, making the system universally compatible across different device types without requiring each device to have complex communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light emission function into multiple independent light emitting elements (red, green, blue, and yellow-green LEDs). Each element can be independently modulated to carry information, allowing the system to segment the communication task across multiple wavelengths and time slots. This segmentation enables compatibility with both RGB-based devices and simpler devices that can detect light intensity changes without requiring full color processing capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting elements are used to expand device compatibility, then communication with various devices is enabled, but directional dependence and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating each light emitting element in distinct time slots or with different modulation frequencies. The light emitter sequentially activates different light emitting elements (red, green, blue, yellow-green) in periodic cycles, allowing the receiving device to distinguish between different light sources through time-based separation. This periodic modulation reduces interference between multiple light emitting elements while maintaining their individual identifiability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes by utilizing different wavelengths (colors) of light from different light emitting elements to encode information. The system modulates the intensity or presence of specific colors (red, green, blue, yellow-green) to represent data, allowing the receiving device to identify different light emitting elements through their unique spectral signatures. This color-based differentiation reduces interference by enabling the receiver to filter and process signals from specific wavelengths independently
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 method allows for effective signal transmission and reception, reducing directional dependence and interference, and enabling communication with a wide range of devices, including those with limited computational capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter with multiple light emitting elements arranged in one direction changes luminance to create a sequence of bright and dark lines, allowing signal reception by an image sensor
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
An information communication method that enables communication between various devices includes: determining (SK81) a pattern of a change in luminance, by modulating a first signal to be transmitted; transmitting (SK82) the first signal, by all of a plurality of light emitting elements included in a light emitter changing in luminance in a same manner according to the determined pattern of the change in luminance; and transmitting (SK83) a second signal to be transmitted, by each of the plurality of light emitting elements emitting light with one of two different luminance values so that a light and dark sequence of luminance appears in a space where the light emitter is placed.