Visible Light Communication in Building Installation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems in building installation systems face issues with high spatial density leading to interference and increased costs due to the need for additional transmission units, particularly in environments where radio-based transmission is problematic.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless data transmission system using visible light communication, where installation devices equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) transmit data to optical receiver units, eliminating the need for additional components and minimizing interference by leveraging existing lighting elements for both data transmission and device identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio-based transmission technologies (infrared, Bluetooth, NFC) are used for wireless data transmission in building installation systems, then data communication between installation devices and central communication unit is enabled, but high spatial density of transmit and receive modules leads to mutual interference and security problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-based electromagnetic transmission with optical transmission using visible light. Installation devices equipped with light sources (LEDs) transmit data via light rays to optical receiver units, eliminating RF interference while maintaining wireless communication capability. This substitution of transmission medium (from radio waves to light waves) resolves the interference problem inherent in dense spatial arrangements of radio modules.
2Reliability
If additional transmitters are equipped to remotely controlled installation devices, then data transmission capability is improved, but considerable costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing light sources in installation devices serve dual functions: providing illumination and transmitting data. By modulating the visible light emitted by these existing LEDs, the system enables data communication without requiring separate dedicated transmitters, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining transmission capability.
3Device complexity
If visible light communication is implemented using existing light sources in installation devices, then data transmission is enabled without additional components, but the light sources must be modified to enable data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies existing light sources by changing their operational parameters to enable data transmission. Specifically, the light sources are controlled to emit visible light at specific wavelengths (e.g., green light around 530nm) and modulate their intensity or frequency to encode data signals. This parameter modification allows dual functionality without adding physical components.
4Length of stationary object
If optical receiver units are positioned at a distance from transmitters by means of light rays, then wireless communication range is improved, but signal transmission quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the light source to encode data transmission. By rapidly switching the light on and off or varying its intensity in periodic patterns corresponding to binary data, the system enables reliable wireless communication over distance. The periodic nature of the modulation allows for synchronization and error correction, maintaining signal quality despite transmission distance.
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 approach enables fast, secure, and interference-free data communication, utilizing the vast bandwidth of the visible light spectrum, which is harmless and license-free, thereby reducing costs and enhancing data security in environments prone to radio frequency interference.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source (11) acting as an optical transmitting unit, which is modified such that data transmission is possible via the visible light rays (VL) emitted by the light source
Implementation Method 2
wireless data transmission using visible light communication, where installation devices equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) transmit data to optical receiver units
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for data transmission in a house or building installation system with at least one installation device (10) designed as a flush-mounted or surface-mounted device, wherein the at least one installation device (10) is equipped with at least one light source (11) acting as an optical transmitting unit, which communicates wirelessly with at least one optical receiver unit (21) arranged at a distance from the transmitting unit (11) of the installation device (10) by means of the light rays (VL) emitted by the transmitting unit (11), wherein the light source (11) is modified in such a way that data transmission via the visible light rays (VL) emitted by the light source (11) of the installation device (10) is possible.