Communicating Information Using an Existing Light Source of an Electronic Device

摘要

An electronic device 100 includes a data processor 106 for generating a data stream for communication with an external device. The electronic device also includes an illumination light source ( 145 ) for illuminating components ( 140 ) within the electronic device 100 and which provides modulated optical signals indicative of the data stream generated from the data processor 106 . A power management circuit 150 is operatively connected to the data processor 106 and to the illumination light source ( 145 ). The power management circuit 106 selectively drives the illumination light source ( 145 ) with power levels optimized for illuminating the components ( 140 ) or with power level modulation indicative of the data stream generated from the data processor 106 . The electronic device 100 also includes an optical receiver 170 by which the electronic device 100 receives modulated optical signals containing a data stream generated from another device.