Visible Light Communication Control via Optical Passwords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visible light communication (VLC) apparatuses have limited functionality and lack smartness, requiring physical switches for control, which hinders concealment and smartness, and restricts their application fields.
Innovation Solution
An integrated apparatus for light detection, illumination, and communication that includes a detector, processor, and transmitter, where the light source is controlled by visible light signals carrying password information, allowing the light source to turn on or off based on password matching, and multimedia information is loaded onto visible light signals for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical switch is configured on the VLC apparatus to control on and off of various functions, then the control operation is simple and direct, but the concealment of the VLC is reduced and smartness is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical switch with an optical control system. The light source emits visible light signals that carry control commands (power-on, power-off, mode switching) which are detected by a photodiode. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contacts while adding intelligence through optical signal processing and password verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visible light signals as an intermediary between the user and the VLC apparatus control system. Instead of direct mechanical switching, the user interacts through optical signals that are modulated with control information. This intermediary enables remote, contactless, and intelligent control while maintaining ease of operation through natural human-computer interaction via light.
2Device complexity
If the VLC apparatus has limited functionality with physical switches, then the device structure is simple, but the application fields are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the single-function light source into a multi-functional device. The light source serves as illumination, communication transmitter, and control signal emitter. The photodiode functions as both communication receiver and control signal detector. Through software control and password verification, the system achieves multiple operations (power control, mode switching, communication) without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the existing VLC hardware components. The light source simultaneously provides illumination and transmits both communication data and control commands. The photodiode receives both communication signals and control signals. This merging approach expands functionality while minimizing additional hardware, thereby increasing adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If password verification is implemented for controlling the light source, then security and smartness are improved, but the control process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements password verification as a preliminary action before executing control operations. The system pre-stores password information and automatically verifies received optical control signals against these stored passwords. This preliminary verification step adds security and smartness while keeping the control process structure relatively simple, as the verification is automatically performed by the control unit without requiring additional manual steps.
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
Enhances the smartness and concealment of VLC systems by eliminating the need for physical switches, expanding their application in illumination, display, and optical communication fields without electromagnetic pollution or interference.
Implementation Method 1
an LED is used as a light source, atmosphere or water is used as a propagation medium, information is transmitted by emitting visible light signals
Implementation Method 2
the visible light signals are converted at a receiver end into photoelectric signals using a photodiode (PD)
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods are provided for light detection, illumination and communication. The apparatus may include: a detector, including a light source, and configured to receive a first visible light signal carrying first password information from the outside in response to the light source being in an off state, and receive a second visible light signal carrying second password information from the outside in response to the light source being in an on state; a processor, configured to determine whether the first password information matches an enable password, and control the light source to be turned on in response to determining that the first password information matches the enable password; and the processor is further configured to determine whether the second password information matches a disable password, and control the light source to be turned off in response to determining that the second password information matches the disable password.