Optical Communication via Bright Line Images for Low-Performance Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication methods are limited to devices with three color light sources, making it difficult to establish communication with devices having low computational performance or without communication functions, such as some home electric appliances.
Innovation Solution
An information communication method using a system or method that enables communication between various devices, including those with low computational performance, by employing a technique where an image sensor captures bright line images corresponding to luminance changes, demodulates data from the patterns of these bright lines, and transmits control signals for door opening or other operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional communication methods using three color light sources are used, then communication can be established between devices with sufficient computational performance, but communication cannot be established with devices having low computational performance or without communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light source configuration from requiring three color light sources to using a single color light source with variable intensity. This allows devices with low computational performance to participate in communication by modulating light intensity rather than requiring complex multi-color light source control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the illumination device serve multiple functions: it provides both illumination and communication capabilities using the same single color light source. The light source can operate in different modes (illumination only, communication only, or both simultaneously) making the system universally applicable to various devices regardless of their computational performance
2Loss of time
If special electronic locks are installed to enable timely door opening, then door opening response time is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic lock system with an optical communication system. Instead of using special electronic locks that require complex hardware modifications, the system uses light intensity modulation to transmit authentication signals, thereby unlocking doors through software-based optical communication rather than mechanical or electronic locking mechanisms
3Loss of time
If continuous monitoring is performed to detect approaching devices, then door opening timing is optimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic sampling of light signals rather than continuous monitoring. The image sensor captures images at specific intervals or triggered by motion detection, allowing the system to detect approaching devices and optimize door opening timing while consuming less power compared to continuous monitoring approaches
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 communication between devices with low computational performance, eliminating the need for special electronic locks and enabling timely door opening based on approaching devices, while optimizing signal reception time and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor captures bright line images corresponding to luminance changes
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An information communication method that enables communication between various devices is an information communication method of obtaining information from a subject, and includes: setting an exposure time of an image sensor (SK21); obtaining a bright line image which is an image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject changing in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time (SK22); obtaining transmission information by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines included in the obtained bright line image (SK23); and causing an opening and closing drive device of a door to open the door, by transmitting a control signal after the transmission information is obtained (SK24).