Visible Light Communication Network for Hazardous Locations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication in hazardous locations is impaired by noise, humidity, extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and vibrations, making it difficult to timely address equipment conditions, which can lead to losses and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A visible light communication (VLC) network system that uses light sources with modulation circuits to emit and receive VLC signals, allowing for reliable communication of equipment conditions within hazardous locations, with enclosures and receivers positioned to ensure line of sight and translation of signals into a communication format for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional communication methods are used in hazardous locations, then communication can be established, but communication quality is impaired by noise, humidity, extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical/wireless communication systems with a visible light communication system. Light sources (LEDs) modulated at high frequencies transmit data through light signals that are immune to electromagnetic interference, noise, and environmental factors like humidity and temperature, thereby resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and harmful environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for communication. Instead of transmitting electrical signals directly through wires or wireless electromagnetic waves that are susceptible to interference, the system uses modulated light signals as an intermediary carrier that can penetrate hazardous environments without being affected by noise, humidity, temperature, chemicals, or vibrations.
2Reliability
If light sources are used for VLC communication, then communication reliability improves, but light output stability must be maintained to reduce flicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-frequency modulation of light sources (typically LEDs) to encode communication signals. By modulating the light at frequencies above human perception thresholds (e.g., several kHz to MHz), the system achieves reliable communication while the rapid switching appears as stable continuous light to human observers, effectively reducing perceived flicker while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of light sources by modulating their intensity at high frequencies rather than using them for steady illumination. This parameter change allows the same light source to serve dual purposes: providing stable perceived illumination while simultaneously encoding data through rapid intensity variations that are imperceptible as flicker but detectable by photodetectors.
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 VLC network provides reliable and efficient communication of equipment conditions in hazardous locations, improving safety and maintenance by minimizing the impact of adverse conditions such as noise and temperature fluctuations, while maintaining a consistent light output and reducing flicker.
Implementation Method 1
a light source can receive power and generate a light output. The power received by the light source can include a visible light signal generated by a modulation circuit. When the light source illuminates using the power it receives (including the visible light signal), the light source sends light output (sometimes called a light communication).
Implementation Method 2
The light output of the light source can include a visible light communication (VLC) signal and can be received by a receiver. In such a case, the receiver can separate the VLC signal from the light output.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communicating a condition in a hazardous location. The method can include determining, using a controller of a first controller communicably coupled to a measuring device, the condition in the hazardous location, and emitting, based on the condition, a first light output from a first light source in the hazardous location. The method can also include receiving, using a second enclosure located in the hazardous location, a visible light communication (VLC) signal from the first light output, and emitting, from a second light source of the second enclosure, a second light output, where the second light output comprises the VLC signal. The method can further include receiving, using a base device, the VLC signal from the second light output, translating the VLC signal into a communication format, and sending the VLC signal in the communication format.