Optical Device Configuration via Visible Light Sequences

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems require significant effort and time for technicians to provision and re-provision wired communication equipment that is out of reach or inaccessible, necessitating a more efficient configuration method.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method using a mobile device with an optical input device, such as a camera, to transmit activation codes and network configuration data via visible sequences, allowing electronic devices to transition into configuration mode and establish network connections without physical access, utilizing image or video analysis to decode symbol coding schemes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If technicians physically access wired communication equipment for configuration, then configuration can be performed, but time and effort are significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration accessibilityVSAvoidProvisioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical access method with an optical communication system. A camera captures visible light sequences (flashes or display patterns) that encode configuration data, eliminating the need for physical access to device interfaces. This substitution of mechanical interaction with optical signal transmission directly resolves the contradiction by enabling remote configuration without increasing time or effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical communication channel between the mobile device and the wired communication equipment. The camera acts as a mediator that captures and transmits configuration data through visible light sequences, allowing configuration to occur remotely without direct physical access to the equipment interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wired communication equipment interfaces are made accessible, then configuration is simplified, but device placement flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInterface accessibilityVSAvoidDevice placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the requirement for physical interface accessibility with optical communication capability. The wired communication equipment can be placed in locations previously inaccessible (high ceilings, remote areas) because configuration is achieved through optical signals captured by a camera rather than direct interface interaction. This maintains placement flexibility while simplifying the configuration process through remote optical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If optical communication is used for configuration, then physical access is not needed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRemote configuration capabilityVSAvoidOptical input device integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal presence of cameras in mobile devices to perform configuration tasks. Rather than adding specialized optical transmission equipment to the wired communication device, the solution uses the ubiquitous camera in smartphones and tablets to capture configuration data, thereby minimizing added complexity while achieving remote configuration capability.

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

This approach reduces the time and effort needed for provisioning, enabling non-technical personnel to configure network connections for devices out of reach, simplifying the process and reducing the reliance on wireless communication technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The optical input device may comprise a camera. In this case, the method further comprises: capturing by the camera first images or video of the first visible sequence and second images or video of the second visible sequences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11418387B2Systems and methods for optical device configuration

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 SHOPPERTRAK RCT LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for optical device configuration. The methods comprise: receiving, by a mobile device, network configuration data for an electronic device that is at least partially out of reach to individuals without use of a climbable object, has an optical input device, and needs to have a network connection established; outputting from the mobile device a first visible sequence representing an activation code; receiving the activation code at the electronic device via the optical input device; performing operations by the electronic device to transition an operational mode to a configuration mode in response to the activation code; outputting from the mobile device a second visible sequence representing network configuration data for the electronic device; receiving the network configuration data at the electronic device via the optical input device; and modifying, by the electronic device, network settings in accordance with the network configuration data.