Visible Light Communication for Secure Indoor Access Point Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Terminals face challenges in determining secure access points for wireless communication, particularly when indoors, leading to potential security risks and inaccurate location estimation.

Innovation Solution

A visible light communication method using CMOS image sensors for line scan sampling and 4PPM modulation to transmit and receive location and access point information securely, enabling accurate position estimation and secure connection to trusted access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal uses radio waves from access points to estimate location, then location estimation is possible indoors, but the terminal may connect to insecure access points leading to information compromise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation securityVSAvoidaccess point selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces visible light communication as an intermediary channel to transmit access point identification information (SSID) from the access point to the terminal. This intermediary mechanism allows the terminal to securely obtain SSID information through optical communication rather than relying solely on wireless radio wave communication, thereby preventing connection to insecure access points while maintaining ease of operation through automated SSID transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the terminal connects to access points without SSID information verification, then connection process is simplified, but security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection processVSAvoidaccess point security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the access point transmit its SSID information to the terminal before the terminal actually connects to the wireless network. The SSID is transmitted via visible light communication in advance, allowing the terminal to verify the access point's identity and security status prior to connection establishment, thus maintaining simplified connection process while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If GPS is used for location estimation, then positioning is accurate outdoors, but it becomes difficult when terminal is indoors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation estimation accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by combining multiple communication technologies: visible light communication for indoor location estimation and access point identification, and wireless radio wave communication for outdoor GPS-based positioning. This multi-functional approach allows the terminal to adapt to different environmental conditions (indoor vs. outdoor) and use the appropriate method for location estimation, ensuring both accuracy and environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 secure and accurate determination of access points and location information, even in environments where GPS signals are weak, by utilizing visible light communication to transmit and receive modulated signals effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a light receiver that receives the emitted light and performs sampling on the received light at a sampling rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a transmission device that transmits data by using a light source and modulating the light in a predetermined manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3731436B1Transmission method, reception method, transmitting device, and receiving device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP3731436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3731436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3731436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transmission method that allows for information to be securely obtained, includes: in a first period, causing a light source to emit light having a first luminance; and in a second period, causing the light source to transmit an optical signal by causing the light source to alternately emit light having a second luminance and light having a third luminance lower than the second luminance.