Optical Wireless Data Transmission in Electronic Vapor Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, face challenges in securely and energy-efficiently communicating device status information, including battery charge level, nicotine source level, and error codes, due to limited space and power constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an optical wireless communication system using a light source and controller to transmit data via optical signals, such as visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light, allowing for secure and energy-efficient data transfer without the need for additional complex wireless communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional wireless communication devices (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) are used for data transmission, then data communication capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing light source to serve dual purposes: its original function (illumination or status indication) and a new function (data transmission via optical wireless communication). This eliminates the need for separate communication hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining data communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data transmission function with the existing light source component. By modulating the light source to encode data signals, the system combines illumination and communication into a single component, reducing overall device complexity and component count.
2Loss of information
If traditional wireless communication devices are used for data transmission, then data communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source performs dual functions (illumination and data transmission), eliminating the need for a separate powered wireless communication module. This reduces overall power consumption while maintaining data communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining communication functionality with the existing light source, the system avoids the additional power consumption that would result from operating separate radio frequency communication hardware.
3Loss of information
If additional wireless communication devices are added for data transmission, then data communication capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing light source is made multi-functional to include data transmission capability, eliminating the need for additional communication hardware and associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges communication functionality into the existing light source, thereby avoiding the volume increase that would result from adding separate wireless communication devices to the compact vapor provision system.
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 secure, energy-efficient, and compact data communication by utilizing pre-existing light sources for unidirectional optical signaling, reducing the risk of external interference and enhancing user safety while providing real-time device status and error reporting.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light; and a controller comprising a data processor configured to generate transmission data, wherein the controller is configured to control the light source to emit an optical signal for transmitting the transmission data
Implementation Method 2
a reading device comprising: an optical signal receiver configured to receive the optical signal emitted from the electronic vapor provision system
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic vapor provision system comprising a light source configured to emit light, and a controller comprising a data processor configured to generate transmission data, wherein the controller is configured to control the light source to emit an optical signal for transmitting the transmission data.