Visible Light Communication for Inventory Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small and medium-sized apparel companies face high costs and operational complexity in managing inventory using IC tags and wireless communication systems, making it difficult for them to implement and operate effectively, especially for those without expertise in information processing technology.

Innovation Solution

A device management system utilizing visible light communication between devices and terminals simplifies data management and communication, allowing for easy operation and low-cost implementation by using a device with an acquisition unit, memory, wireless communication, and optical control units to transmit data via visible light, enabling simple inventory management without extensive technical knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If IC tags and wireless communication systems are used for inventory management, then inventory tracking capability is improved, but system cost and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory tracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of inventory tracking from complex wireless communication systems and implements it using simple visible light communication between terminals and devices. This removes unnecessary complexity while preserving the core inventory management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive IC tags with simpler, lower-cost devices that use visible light communication. These devices are more economical and suitable for small and medium-sized companies that cannot afford costly wireless communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Loss of information

If IC tags and wireless equipment are installed for inventory management, then data acquisition capability is improved, but implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition capabilityVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wireless communication hardware with optical communication using visible light. This substitution uses the terminal's display screen as a light source and the device's light receiving element to transmit data, eliminating the need for expensive wireless communication equipment while maintaining data acquisition capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the terminal's display screen to visually transmit data to the device's light receiving element. This optical copying method replaces physical wireless communication hardware with a software-based visual transmission system that leverages existing terminal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If complex information processing systems are deployed, then inventory management accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for non-technical users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory management accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the terminal to automatically transmit inventory data to the device through visible light communication without requiring manual configuration or technical expertise. The system performs self-configuration and data transmission, making it accessible to non-technical users while maintaining accurate inventory management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication parameter from wireless electromagnetic signals to visible light optical signals. This parameter change simplifies the user interface and operation while maintaining data transmission accuracy, as visible light communication can be implemented through simple visual contact between terminal and device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system simplifies the management and operation of devices that acquire data, facilitating easy data communication and inventory management, making it accessible and cost-effective for small and medium-sized companies to implement and operate, even for those without technical expertise.

Implementation Method 1

said terminal transmits the predetermined information to the device by visible light communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light communication: Light

Implementation Method 2

said device transmits the data acquired by an acquisition unit to the first apparatus via the first interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11546891B2Device management system and its management method, device and communication method

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 N SKETCH INC

AI summary

A device transmits data to management server via the first interface. A terminal transmits management information for the device to use the first interface to the device via the second interface by visible light communication. The device transmits the data acquired by the device to the management server via the first interface based on the received management information.