Optical Communication Interface for Personal Care Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal care devices face challenges with limited bandwidth, unreliable connectivity, and complex setup of communication channels, particularly with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi, which affect user experience and data transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical communication interface using light-emitting elements and modulators in personal care devices and accessory devices, enabling high-bandwidth, secure, and easy-to-set-up data transfer between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used for connectivity, then power consumption is reduced, but data transfer bandwidth is limited and connection reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct channels: BLE for low-power control and setup communication, and optical communication for high-bandwidth data transfer. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and high reliability/bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical communication interface acts as an intermediary for high-speed data transfer between the personal care device and accessory device. The system uses BLE as a mediator to initially establish connection and then transitions to optical communication for reliable high-bandwidth transfer, combining the advantages of both communication methods.
2Productivity
If Wi-Fi is integrated for high data rates, then bandwidth is improved, but power consumption increases and setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-bandwidth communication function from the personal care device by implementing optical communication in the accessory device instead. This allows the personal care device to maintain simplicity while still achieving high data transfer rates through the optical interface with the accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes wireless electromagnetic communication (Wi-Fi) with optical communication. This replacement provides comparable or superior bandwidth while significantly reducing power consumption and eliminating complex router setup requirements, as optical communication uses line-of-sight light transmission between devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If BLE communication is used, then power consumption is low, but data transfer capability is insufficient for video streams and high data rate services
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between BLE and optical communication modes based on data transfer requirements. BLE is used for low-power control signaling and device pairing, while optical communication is activated for high-bandwidth data transfer such as video streams, allowing the system to adapt its communication capability to the current operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the communication architecture by introducing optical communication as a parallel channel to BLE. This creates a multi-dimensional communication system where different types of data traffic can be routed through appropriate channels, enabling both low-power operation and high-data-rate transfer simultaneously.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient means of data transfer, overcoming the limitations of traditional wireless communication methods, and enhancing user experience by simplifying setup and improving data handling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-emitting element configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
a modulator configured to modulate the light for wirelessly transmitting first data
Implementation Method 3
at least one photodetector configured to detect light that is modulated for wirelessly transmitting second data
Implementation Method 4
a demodulator configured to extract the second data from the modulated light
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to personal care devices and accessory devices. In order to provide a reliable, secure, high bandwidth, and/or easy to setup communication channel between personal care device and the accessory device, a personal care device (100) is provided with at least one light-emitting element (112) configured to emit light, and a modulator (120) configured to modulate the light for wirelessly transmitting first data.