Multi-stage Amplitude Modulation for Visible Light Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional visible light communication methods using LEDs face low transmission rates due to flashing delay issues, which complicate synchronization and lead to bit reception errors.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-stage amplitude modulation-based method that divides information into multiple bits represented by at least three levels, where transitions between levels indicate information units, eliminating the need for synchronization and improving information density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional binary flashing method is used, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but transmission rate is low due to flashing delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rateVSAvoidcoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments information into multiple bits per signal unit (e.g., 2 bits per unit with four levels). This segmentation allows parallel transmission of multiple bits simultaneously, increasing transmission rate without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from binary (2-level) to multi-level amplitude modulation (at least three levels, preferably four levels). By adding an amplitude dimension to the signaling scheme, multiple bits can be encoded in each signal unit, dramatically improving transmission rate while maintaining LED hardware simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If multi-level amplitude modulation is implemented, then information density is improved, but synchronization complexity increases due to flashing delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation densityVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-synchronizing mechanisms where the receiver automatically adapts to the transmitter's timing by detecting signal patterns and adjusting its sampling clock. This eliminates the need for complex external synchronization signals, allowing multi-level modulation to achieve high information density without proportional increases in synchronization complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary synchronization training sequences before actual data transmission. These training sequences allow the receiver to pre-adjust its timing and amplitude reference levels, ensuring accurate detection of subsequent multi-level signal units without requiring complex real-time synchronization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If conventional binary coding is used, then ease of decoding is maintained, but transmission speed is limited by LED switching delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoiddecoding difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the amplitude parameter of the LED signal from binary (2 levels) to multi-level (at least three levels, preferably four levels). This parameter change allows encoding of multiple bits per signal unit, increasing transmission speed. The decoding difficulty is managed through threshold-based detection and error correction codes, maintaining practical implementability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances transmission rates by using level transitions to represent information, reducing errors and improving user experience through efficient data grouping and modulation.

Implementation Method 1

a technology for using an LED (light emitting diode) of an electronic device to transmit a visible light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED) light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Information may be obtained after a high-speed light signal that includes digital information undergoes photoelectric conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3029857B1Multi-stage amplitude modulation-based methods, apparatuses and systems for coding and decoding visible light signal
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 KUANG CHI INNOVATIVE TECH
  • EP3029857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3029857B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3029857B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present application relates to multi-stage amplitude modulation-based methods, apparatuses, and systems for coding and decoding a visible light signal. The coding method includes the following steps: dividing to-be-transmitted information into multiple information units, where each information unit includes multiple bits; converting the multiple information units into multiple electrical signal units indicated by at least three levels, where an interval indicated by a first level in the at least three levels exists between adjacent electrical signal units, and each electrical signal unit uses a combination of other levels in the at least three levels to represent the multiple bits of a corresponding information unit; combining the electrical signal units to obtain a coded electrical signal; and transmitting the coded electrical signal in a visible light signal form.