Optical Networking Using Natural Light for Interference-Resistant Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networking methods require a power supply and are susceptible to electromagnetic signal interference, particularly in wired and wireless networks.

Innovation Solution

An optical networking method and system that utilizes a signal lamp and photovoltaic panel to convert natural optical signals into pulse currents, controlling the lamp to flicker at specific frequencies for data encoding and decoding between optical communication devices, thereby enabling power-free and interference-resistant communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired or wireless network communication is used, then communication connection between network nodes is achieved, but the system requires power supply and is susceptible to electromagnetic signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical/wireless communication systems with an optical communication system using visible light. The signal lamp converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, and the photovoltaic panel converts received optical signals back to electrical signals, eliminating susceptibility to electromagnetic interference while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium for communication. Instead of direct electrical or radio wave communication, information is transmitted through modulated light signals that are then converted back to electrical signals, creating isolation from electromagnetic interference through the optical intermediary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wired or wireless network communication is used, then communication connection between network nodes is achieved, but the system requires power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication easeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the communication device to generate its own power through the photovoltaic panel that converts ambient light into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power supply while maintaining communication functionality, allowing the device to operate autonomously using environmental light resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The signal lamp serves dual functions: it acts as both an illumination source and a communication transmitter. By modulating the lamp's light output to encode data, the system eliminates the need for separate communication hardware, reducing overall system complexity and power requirements while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If natural light is used for optical communication, then electromagnetic interference is prevented and power supply is eliminated, but data transmission and decoding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic modulation of the signal lamp at different frequencies to encode data. By assigning specific flicker frequencies to represent binary states (0 or 1), the system creates a simple yet reliable encoding scheme that is easy to decode through frequency detection, reducing processing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses variations in light intensity and flicker frequency as the encoding mechanism. By modulating the signal lamp's output characteristics (brightness, flicker rate), the system creates distinguishable optical signals that can be easily detected and decoded by the photovoltaic panel without requiring complex signal processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

The method allows for reliable optical networking using natural light, preventing electromagnetic interference and eliminating the need for a power supply, while maintaining effective communication between devices.

Implementation Method 1

converting a natural optical signal into a first pulse current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3902158B1Optical networking method, optical communication device, and optical networking system

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 WU WENJING

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AI summary

The present application is applied for the field of optical networking technologies, and provides an optical networking method, an optical communication device and an optical networking system, which can use natural light to realize optical networking communication between optical communication devices and can effectively prevent interference from electromagnetic signals.