Wearable Optical Signal Transmitter for Identity Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

In social interactions, individuals often face difficulties in managing and exchanging identity information, such as names and contact details, due to forgetfulness, loss of business cards, or shyness, especially in casual meetings where physical presence is key but information retrieval is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A portable social client system that includes a wearable device with a memory to store identity information, an encoder to associate this information with an optical signal pattern, and an optical signal transmitter to broadcast this pattern, allowing for semi- or fully-automatic, unobtrusive, and secure exchange of identity information using non-visible light spectra.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If optical signal transmission is used to exchange identity information, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of identity information exchangeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary medium to transmit identity information between devices. The optical signal transmitter converts electrical signals representing identity information into optical signals that can be wirelessly transmitted through air, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between digital data storage and wireless communication without requiring direct electromagnetic coupling between devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct electrical contact methods for information exchange with optical signal transmission. Instead of requiring physical connection or near-field electromagnetic coupling, the system uses light-based communication that allows devices to exchange identity information wirelessly through air, simplifying the interaction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-visible light spectrum is used for optical signal transmission, then the object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference from visible lightVSAvoidsignal reception accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs optical filters that selectively transmit specific wavelengths of light while blocking others, analogous to porous materials that selectively allow certain molecules to pass through. The receiver includes filters tuned to the specific wavelength or wavelength range used by the transmitter, allowing the desired optical signal to pass through while blocking visible light and other unwanted wavelengths, thus reducing interference without compromising signal detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the optical signal from visible light to non-visible light (infrared or ultraviolet). This parameter change shifts the signal into a spectrum region with less ambient interference from visible light sources, while the receiver is specifically designed with sensors and filters optimized for detecting signals at these altered wavelengths, maintaining measurement precision despite the parameter change.

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

Enables efficient, secure, and unobtrusive exchange of identity information between individuals in close proximity, facilitating social interactions without disrupting personal connections and ensuring that information is accessible only when intended.

Implementation Method 1

an optical signal transmitter configured to broadcast the outbound optical signal pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3096681B1System comprising a wearable electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 HAMILTON CHRISTOPHER CHAD
  • EP3096681B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3096681B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3096681B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for facilitating social communication are disclosed. A system includes a first portable social client including an encoder configured to associate identity information with an optical signal pattern, and an optical signal transmitter configured to broadcast the optical signal pattern in a series of pulses in a non-visible light spectrum, and a second portable social client including an optical signal receiver configured to receive the optical signal pattern in the non-visible light spectrum, and a decoder configured to access the identity information associated with the optical signal pattern.