Smartphone Optical Communication via Strobe Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, particularly smartphones, face challenges in effectively communicating location information and authentication between individuals without relying on active network connectivity, especially in areas with limited or no cellular service.
Innovation Solution
The use of smartphones and digital cameras equipped with optical sensor arrays and light sources to establish a non-network-based communication method through strobe patterns, allowing for the transmission of identifying information, location, and authentication via visible or non-visible light pulses, enabling communication and location determination without cellular connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional smartphone communication methods are used, then network connectivity is required for communication and location sharing, but communication becomes impossible or severely limited in areas with no cellular service or network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for communication between smartphones. Instead of relying on network infrastructure, the system uses light pulses (visible or non-visible) to transmit data directly between devices. The optical sensor array detects these light pulses and converts them into communicable data, enabling communication without network dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic wave-based communication system (radio waves for cellular networks) with an optical system using light pulses. This substitution allows communication to occur through light detection rather than through network infrastructure, enabling operation in areas without cellular service.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical communication methods are implemented, then network-independent communication is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the smartphone camera serve multiple functions: its primary function for photography and its secondary function as an optical sensor array for detecting light pulses. By reusing existing components for multiple purposes, the system avoids adding significant complexity while enabling optical communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the smartphone's own existing hardware components (camera, light source) to enable optical communication, rather than requiring entirely new dedicated components. The camera and light source that are already present in modern smartphones are repurposed for communication functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light-based communication is used, then communication without network connectivity is enabled, but communication speed and data transmission rate are reduced compared to traditional network methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic light pulses (strobe patterns) to encode and transmit data. By modulating the light source at specific frequencies and patterns, the system can transmit information through sequential light pulses. This periodic action enables data communication through timing and pattern recognition rather than continuous high-speed transmission.
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
This method allows for effective communication and location identification between devices in the absence of network connectivity, providing a reliable means for individuals to connect and share information, even in situations where traditional communication networks are unavailable, such as in crowded areas, emergencies, or remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, at the processor, image data from the optical sensor array and detecting, via the processor, a first dot in the image data having a first strobe pattern. The method also includes demodulating, via the processor, the first strobe pattern to extract at least first identifying information
Data Source
AI summary
An extensible system for intercommunication between smartphones and intelligent digital cameras that permits acquisition, identification, authentication and communication outside the cellular and networked interfaces. This concept provides a means for smartphones to intercommunicate securely and directly without network, or radio based wireless connection and to provide private visual and motion-image data communication at reasonable rates between parties outside of the cellular network. It also permits intercommunication and functional extension through intermediary devices to create interactive conversations within groups.