Terminal Light Receiver for Secure Indoor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for terminals to obtain location information, such as using GPS or wireless local area network (WLAN) access points, face challenges in accuracy and security, especially when GPS signals are weak or when terminals connect to unsafe WLAN access points.

Innovation Solution

A terminal equipped with a light receiver to decode light signals emitted by transmitters, which include identifiers of base stations, allowing the terminal to select a safe base station and establish a wireless connection using visible light communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal uses GPS to obtain location information, then positioning capability is provided, but the terminal cannot obtain location information when GPS signals are weak or unavailable (e.g., indoors)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning availabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light signals as an intermediary medium to transmit base station identifiers and location information. The light receiver captures these optical signals, enabling the terminal to obtain positioning data in environments where GPS is unavailable, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning reliability and environmental adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal is equipped with multiple receiving capabilities: GPS receiver for satellite-based positioning and light receiver for optical signal-based positioning. This multi-functional approach allows the terminal to adapt to different environments (outdoor/indoor) and maintain positioning availability across various conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the terminal connects to WLAN access points to estimate location, then positioning capability is provided, but the terminal may connect to unsafe access points leading to information leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning availabilityVSAvoidinformation security risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses light signals as a secure intermediary to transmit base station identifiers. Unlike wireless communications that can be intercepted, optical signals provide a secure channel that prevents eavesdropping and unauthorized access, thereby eliminating information security risks while maintaining positioning availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic communication (prone to security attacks) with optical communication for transmitting identification information. This substitution uses light as the transmission medium, providing inherent security against interception and unauthorized access while maintaining the ability to obtain location information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the terminal uses wireless communication to obtain base station identifiers, then connection is established, but security threats arise from unsafe access points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidsecurity threat

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic communication with optical communication for transmitting base station identifiers. The light receiver captures optical signals containing identification information, providing a secure alternative to wireless communication that eliminates security threats while maintaining ease of connection establishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the limitation of optical communication (line-of-sight requirement) into a security benefit. The physical nature of light transmission creates a naturally secure channel that prevents unauthorized wireless access and eavesdropping, transforming a potential operational constraint into a security advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 the terminal to safely and accurately obtain location information even in environments where GPS signals are weak, while ensuring connection to secure base stations, thereby enhancing both positional accuracy and information security.

Implementation Method 1

a light receiver that receives a light signal emitted by a transmitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12206453B2Terminal and communication method

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A terminal (1050) includes a light receiver (151) that receives a light signal emitted by an apparatus (1000), the light signal including an identifier (SSID) of at least one base station (470); a receiver (153) that performs a reception process on the received light signal to output reception data; a data analyzer (155) that selects one base station based on the identifier of the at least one base station that is included in the reception data; and a radio device (453) that establishes a wireless connection with the selected base station (470) by using the identifier of the base station (470) and wirelessly communicates with the base station (470).