Optical Signal Encoding for Device Status Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for conveying dynamic information from electronic devices to users, such as error conditions or operational status, are limited by the use of simple indicator lights like LEDs, which cannot provide detailed information due to space constraints and cost restrictions, making it difficult for users to access essential device information, especially during troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilizes an electronic device to convert data into optical signals, modulating light emitting devices to produce temporal and spatial patterns, which can be captured by a mobile device's camera and decoded to display human-readable messages, allowing for detailed information retrieval without the need for additional display panels or dedicated sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If simple indicator lights (LEDs) are used to display device status, then device cost and space requirements are reduced, but the amount of information that can be conveyed to the user is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device camera as an intermediary to capture and decode the optical signals from indicator lights. This mediator enables detailed information retrieval without adding complexity to the original device's display mechanism, resolving the contradiction between information detail and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial display (physical display panels) to temporal display (time-varying optical patterns). By encoding information in time-varying light patterns that can be captured by video cameras, the system conveys detailed information without requiring additional physical display space, thus resolving the information detail versus complexity contradiction
2Loss of information
If dedicated light sensors or optical cables are used for visible light communication, then detailed message transmission is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device camera multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a standard video camera and as a light sensor for decoding optical signals. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated light sensors or optical cables, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining message detail capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables ordinary mobile device cameras to perform the function of dedicated light sensors through software processing. The mobile device uses its existing hardware resources (camera, processor) to decode the optical signals, eliminating the need for specialized expensive components and making the system self-sufficient
3Loss of information
If alphanumerical display panels are added to electronic devices, then detailed information display is improved, but manufacturing cost and front panel space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detailed information display function from the device's physical front panel and relocates it to a mobile device's display screen. By capturing optical signals with the camera and displaying decoded information on the mobile device, the system eliminates the need for additional display panels on the original device, preserving front panel space while improving information accessibility
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 users to easily read and understand complex device information, including error messages and troubleshooting steps, using a mobile device's camera, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing user intuition while maintaining compatibility with existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting devices being powered and modulated by the drive module according the encoded signals
Implementation Method 2
a camera receiving the emitted signals from the plurality of light emitting devices
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of transmitting messages from an electronic device and display it on a mobile device, and a method of doing the same are disclosed. An exemplifying electronic device has an encoder to encode the data and a drive to modulate the signals into temporal and spatial light patterns according to the transmitted message. The light signals are then emitted from a group of LEDs on the electronic device. A video camera on a mobile device captures the light signals in the form of temporal and spatial patterns. A software application decodes the message and displays the message on the mobile device screen.