Polarized Light Data Transmission for Orientation-Independent Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transmission methods using light lack the ability to accurately decode data at large distances and are susceptible to perspective distortion, especially in systems where the orientation of the receiver relative to the transmitter is unknown.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for data transmission using light encoding, where each data element emits a specific data polarization, detected by a polarization unit, and decoded using a reference polarization to maintain accuracy regardless of receiver orientation, allowing for higher resolution and minimal distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional light transmission methods are used, then data can be transmitted, but decoding accuracy deteriorates at large distances and with unknown receiver orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata decoding accuracyVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces polarization angle as an additional dimension for data encoding. Instead of relying solely on intensity or presence of light, each data element encodes information through its polarization angle relative to a reference element. This dimensional addition allows the receiver to decode data accurately regardless of distance or orientation, as polarization properties remain stable under these conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter used for data encoding from conventional intensity-based methods to polarization-based methods. By varying the polarization angle of light emitted by different data elements relative to a reference element, the system achieves orientation-independent and distance-robust data transmission. The evaluation unit decodes data by analyzing these polarization parameter differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional light transmission methods are used, then data can be transmitted, but perspective distortion increases with unknown receiver orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidreceiver orientation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an equipotential system where all receiver orientations are equally valid for accurate decoding. By encoding data in the relative polarization angles between data elements and a reference element rather than in absolute spatial positions, the system eliminates the disadvantage of unknown receiver orientation. The evaluation unit can reliably decode data regardless of the receiver's angular position relative to the transmitter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Measurement precision

If polarization encoding is implemented, then decoding accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to polarization detection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata decoding accuracyVSAvoidpolarization detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or computational image processing systems with a more straightforward polarization detection approach. Instead of using multiple cameras or complex algorithms to compensate for perspective distortion, the system uses polarization filters and detectors that directly measure the polarization state of light. This substitution simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving superior decoding accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 accurate data transmission over larger distances with minimal perspective distortion by utilizing a system of data elements with unique polarizations and a reference element, ensuring decoding independence from receiver orientation.

Implementation Method 1

The data field has a plurality of data elements, each of which emits light with a specific data polarization. The data to be transmitted is encoded in the data polarizations of the light emitted by the data elements.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarisation: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

The receiver has a polarization unit that detects the respective data polarization of the light emitted by the data elements.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarisation detection: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP4147381B1Method and system for data transmission by means of light
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4147381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4147381B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4147381B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for data transmission by means of light (20), wherein: an emitter (14) emits light (20) in which the data to be transmitted are encoded, and a receiver (12) receives light (20) emitted by the emitter (14); the emitter (14) comprises a data field (30) which has at least one data element (51); the at least one data element (51) emits light (20) having a specific data polarisation (Θ); the data to be transmitted are encoded in the data polarisation (Θ) of the light (20) emitted by the at least one data element (51); the receiver (12) comprises a polarisation unit (16) which recognizes the particular data polarisation (Θ) of the light (20) emitted by the at least one data element (51); and the receiver (12) comprises an evaluation unit (6) which decodes the data to be transmitted in the at least one data element (51) from the data polarisation (Θ) of the light (20) emitted by the at least one data element (51), which data polarisation was recognized by the polarisation unit (16). The invention also relates to a system (10) for data transmission by means of light (20), comprising an emitter (14) for emitting light (20) in which the data to be transmitted are encoded, and a receiver (12) for receiving light (20) emitted by the emitter (14), the system (10) being designed to carry out the method according to the invention.