Optical Element Brightness Modulation for Machine Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements that convey human-discernible information lack the capability to efficiently transmit machine-discernible information without affecting human perception or requiring complex synchronization with detectors.
Innovation Solution
Modulating the brightness of optical elements at a frequency greater than the flickering threshold, allowing for the simultaneous transmission of machine-discernible information undetectable to humans, using a modulating circuit to encode data in the brightness of LEDs or display elements, and employing an optical detector to decode this information without the need for clock synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If optical elements modulate brightness to convey machine-discernible information, then data transmission capability is improved, but human perception of the optical element may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the brightness of optical elements at high frequencies (above human flicker fusion threshold) to encode machine-discernible information. The modulating circuit periodically varies brightness levels according to data bits, enabling continuous data transmission while maintaining average brightness within human-perceptible ranges, thus resolving the contradiction between data transmission and human perception.
2Productivity
If optical elements transmit machine-discernible information through brightness modulation, then communication efficiency is improved, but synchronization complexity with detectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through self-clocking mechanisms where the brightness modulation itself carries timing information. The optical element's brightness transitions (rising/falling edges) serve as both data carriers and clock signals, enabling the detector to automatically synchronize without external clock signals or complex synchronization protocols, thus improving communication efficiency while reducing synchronization complexity.
3Productivity
If brightness modulation frequency is increased to improve data transmission rate, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic brightness modulation at optimized frequencies that balance data transmission rate with energy efficiency. By modulating above the human flicker threshold but within practical limits, the system achieves high data rates while avoiding excessive energy consumption. The modulating circuit employs duty-cycled brightness changes rather than continuous high-power operation, reducing overall energy usage while maintaining productivity.
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
Enables the reliable and undetectable transmission of machine-discernible data to optical detectors while maintaining human-discernible information, allowing for efficient data communication in various applications without perceivable flicker or the need for clock synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
discrete light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on consumer electronic devices and other types of electronic devices can provide status information to users
Implementation Method 2
modulating circuit to modulate a brightness of the optical element to convey machine-discernible information
Implementation Method 3
optical detector to decode this information without the need for clock synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element conveying human-discernible information to a user has its brightness modulated to also convey machine-discernible information to an optical detector. A frame section in which a bit of data can be conveyed begins at a falling edge of a preceding frame section corresponding to the brightness of the optical element decreasing to a low level. At a first predetermined point within the frame section, if the bit of data is logic one, the brightness is increased to a high level, corresponding to a rising edge. At a later, second predetermined point within the frame section, if the bit of data is logic zero, the brightness is increased to the high level, corresponding to the rising edge. At the end of the frame section, the brightness is decreased to the low level, corresponding to a falling edge of the frame section.