Optical Data Link for Wireless Network Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication systems require complex operations to transmit and receive network connection information between devices, often necessitating the use of communication cables or memory cards, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A data communication apparatus and system that utilize a storage unit for network connection information, a light emission element to convert this information into an optical signal, and a reception unit to receive data, allowing for simple optical communication of connection details between devices without cables or cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network connection information is transmitted via communication cable, then data communication between devices is established, but the operation becomes complex and troublesome due to cable insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication establishmentVSAvoidcable insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an optical communication system using visible light. The light emission element (LED) converts network connection information into optical signals that can be received by the light reception element, eliminating the need for physical cable insertion and removal while maintaining reliable data communication establishment between devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces visible light as an intermediary medium for transmitting network connection information between devices. Instead of direct cable connection or memory card transfer, the information is converted into optical signals that propagate through air, serving as a non-contact intermediary that simplifies the connection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If network connection information is transmitted via memory card, then data communication between devices is established, but the operation becomes complex and troublesome due to memory card insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication establishmentVSAvoidmemory card insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical memory card insertion/removal system with an optical communication system. Network connection information is converted into visible light signals by the light emission element and received by the light reception element, eliminating the need for physical memory card handling while ensuring reliable data communication establishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visible light as an intermediary to transfer network connection information without requiring physical media like memory cards. The optical signals carry the information through air, serving as a contactless intermediary that simplifies the data transfer operation between devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If optical communication is used for transmitting network connection information, then operational convenience is enhanced, but additional hardware components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoidhardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the light emission element and light reception element multi-functional components. The light emission element serves both as an indicator light for device status and as a communication transmitter for network connection information. Similarly, the light reception element functions both as an indicator and as a communication receiver, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 straightforward transmission and reception of data between devices, enhancing operational convenience and security by using visible light for communication, reducing the need for additional hardware and encryption complexity, and supporting multiple connection methods.

Implementation Method 1

a light emission element that emits visible light, a light emission control unit that converts the network connection information into an optical signal and emits the optical signal from the light emission element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8582973B2Data communication apparatus, electronic camera, and data communication system

Publication Date: 2013.11.12 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A data communication apparatus comprises a storage unit that stores network connection information required for establishing a connection via a network with an external device, a light emission element that emits light, a light emission control unit that converts the network connection information into an optical signal and emits the optical signal from the light emission element by controlling an operation of the light emission element based upon the network connection information stored in the storage unit, and a reception unit that receives data transmitted from the external device via the network.