Self-Powered Optical Communication Device Using LED
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication devices, such as RFID tags and solar-powered sensors, are costly, unreliable in harsh environments, and inefficient due to the need for separate power supply and communication circuits, as well as limitations from metal, water, and electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A single optical device using a light emitting diode (LED) for both data transmission and power supply, integrated with a controller IC, enabling bi-directional communication and self-powering through ambient light, reducing component count and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power supply and communication circuits are used, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply circuit and communication circuit into a single integrated device. The optical receiver simultaneously performs photovoltaic power generation and optical signal reception, eliminating the need for separate power supply and communication modules. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining functional reliability through unified circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a power generation source through photovoltaic effect and an optical communication receiver through signal detection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated power supply circuits, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring both power supply and communication functions operate reliably.
2Reliability
If separate power supply and communication circuits are used, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate power supply and communication circuits into a single integrated optical receiver device. This consolidation reduces the total component count and simplifies the manufacturing process, directly lowering production costs while maintaining full functional performance through the multi-functional optical receiver design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver is designed as a universal component that simultaneously provides power generation and optical reception functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate power supply modules and communication modules, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring both functions operate at required performance levels.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar powered sensors are used, then power independence is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photovoltaic power generation function and optical reception function into a single optical receiver component. This integration eliminates the need for separate solar panel modules and power management circuits, achieving power independence in a compact form factor that does not increase device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver serves dual purposes: generating power through photovoltaic effect and receiving optical signals for communication. This multi-functional design achieves power independence without requiring additional dedicated solar power modules, thereby avoiding increases in device volume while maintaining energy autonomy.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient optical communication system that overcomes environmental limitations and reduces device size, enhancing communication distance and data rate while eliminating the need for separate power and communication circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The LED converts incident light to electricity, which powers the controller
Implementation Method 2
The LED...communicates the stored data back to the reader optically
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary optical communication devices are described which, in certain embodiments, derive power optically from and communicate optically to a reading device. The communication devices may also receive data from modulated light from the reading device to achieve a bi-directional optical communication link between the self-powered optical communication device and the reading device. In some embodiments, the communication device is powered by ambient light, such as sunlight, captures data from a sensor, and communicates the stored data some time later to a reading device. In some embodiments, the communication device is powered locally and communicates through air, optical fiber, or other medium with another communication device.