Multilevel Optical Data Transmission for Smartwatches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transmitting data from electronic devices to electronic watches are complex, costly, and prone to errors due to the need for manual adjustment and the use of bulky communication antennas, with limitations in transmission rate and stability.

Innovation Solution

A method using multilevel optical modulation with at least four light intensity levels for data transmission, eliminating the need for communication antennas and allowing for automatic, synchronous data transfer using a light-emitting diode and phototransistor, enabling the use of smartphone applications for configuration and reducing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If Bluetooth Low Energy or near-field communication technology is used for automatic watch adjustment, then automation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required antennas and certification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic watch adjustmentVSAvoidcommunication antennas and certification

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic communication systems (Bluetooth, NFC) with an optical communication system using a light-emitting diode and photodetector. This substitution eliminates the need for complex antennas, radio frequency circuits, and certification processes while maintaining automatic data transfer capability between the electronic device and watch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the antenna component from the communication system entirely, using only a light-emitting diode and photodetector for data transfer. This extraction simplifies the hardware architecture and reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the core functionality of automatic watch adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If bipolar optical modulation is used for data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission rate becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical communication systemVSAvoidtransmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulation parameter from bipolar (2 states) to multilevel (at least 4 states) optical modulation. By varying the light intensity across multiple discrete levels rather than just on/off states, the system increases the amount of data transmitted per symbol period, thereby improving transmission rate while keeping the optical hardware simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If asynchronous transmission is used, then implementation is simplified, but transmission stability deteriorates due to operating system frequency variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission implementationVSAvoidtransmission stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a clock signal that generates periodic transmission periods with fixed durations. This periodic structure ensures that data transmission occurs at regular, predictable intervals, maintaining stability despite operating system frequency variations. The synchronous periodic action allows the receiving watch to accurately synchronize and decode the transmitted data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Facilitates easy, automatic, and error-free data transfer, including time and alarm settings, without the need for complex hardware, using a simple optical communication system that enhances user experience and reduces costs.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3616337B1Method for sinchronously transmitting data from an electronic apparatus to an electronic timepiece

Publication Date: 2022.08.17 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method (Pcd) for transmitting data from an electronic device to an electronic watch, including the following steps: - emitting (Pcd_Em1) a sequence of light signals via a light source of the electronic device, each signal having a light-intensity level belonging to a set of at least four light-intensity levels, said sequence corresponding to a code of said data to be transmitted; - detecting (Pcd_Det1) successive light-intensity levels with a phototransistor of the watch, so as to reconstruct the sequence; - decoding (Pcd_Dec) the sequence in order to reconstruct the data, the set of at least four intensity levels being divided into a first portion and a second portion, one light signal in two of the sequence having a light-intensity level belonging to the first portion, the other signals having a light-intensity level belonging to the second portion.