Portable Light Modulating Data via Optical Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable lights that incorporate data sensors face reliability and cost issues due to the need for additional seals and connectors, which can lead to contamination and safety hazards in hazardous environments, especially when transmitting data without openings.
Innovation Solution
A portable light system that uses a light source to modulate data by varying its intensity, allowing data transmission without the need for external openings, utilizing a processor to control the light source and memory for data storage, and a receiver to decode the modulated light for data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional data ports or connectors are added to the light housing for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but the number of seals and openings increases which worsens reliability and increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical data transmission systems (connectors, ports, wires) with an optical communication system. The light source itself is modulated to transmit data optically, eliminating the need for additional mechanical openings or connectors in the housing, thereby maintaining seal integrity and reliability while enabling data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light source serves dual functions: providing illumination and transmitting data through modulation. By making the light source multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate data transmission components that would require additional openings and seals, thus resolving the contradiction between data transmission capability and seal reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional seals are added to the light housing for data ports, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical data transmission systems requiring additional seals with an optical modulation system. The existing light source is controlled to vary its intensity in accordance with data, eliminating the need for additional sealed openings or connector terminals, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining data transmission capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If connector terminals are added for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but contamination risk and safety hazards increase in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical connector terminals with an optical communication system using the light source. This eliminates exposed electrical contacts that could accumulate contamination or create sparking hazards in combustible environments, while still enabling data transmission through light modulation that can be detected by external receivers
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 reliable and cost-effective data transmission in hazardous environments without compromising the light's integrity or safety, reducing the complexity and expense associated with additional seals and connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a processor for selectively energizing the light source to produce illumination when an electrical power source is in the cavity of the housing; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing data relating to the portable light, wherein the processor causes modulation of the light source responsive to the data stored in the memory
Implementation Method 2
a light sensitive receiver located in the receiver housing for receiving modulated data emitted by the illumination light source of the portable light and for providing an electrical representation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A system may comprise a portable light and a receiver therefor. The portable light for illuminating may comprise: a light source, a housing supporting the light source, a processor selectively energizing the light source from an electrical power source to produce illumination, a switch controlling the processor, and a memory storing data relating to the portable light, wherein the processor modulates the light source responsive to the stored data. The receiver receiving data transmitted by the portable light may comprise: a receiver housing including a light sensitive receiver receiving data emitted by the light source; and a receiver processor reproducing a representation of the data stored in the memory and providing the decoded received data for perception by a human and/or for use by a computing device.