Light-based communication (LCom) visual hotspots

• US 10,033,461 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2015
• Issued: 07/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc. (Ams-Osram AG)
• Original Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc. (Ams-Osram AG)
• Inventors: Stout, Barry, Breuer, Christian, Aggarwal, Anant, Siessegger, Bernhard
• Primary Examiner(s): Jacob, Oommen
• Application Number:
  US15/128,052
• Publication Number:
  US 20170104532A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,217 Days
• Field of Search: 398118, 398115, 398116
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1149 Arrangements for indoor wireless networking of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/116 Visible light communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 64/006 with additional information processing, e.g. for direction or speed determination

Abstract

Techniques are disclosed for projecting visible cues to assist with light-based communication (LCom), the visible cues referred to herein as visual hotspots. The visual hotspots can be projected, for example, using a luminaire that may be LCom-enabled. The visual hotspots may be projected onto the floor of an area including an LCom system. The visual hotspots can be used for numerous benefits, including alerting a potential user that LCom is available, educating the user about LCom technology, and assisting the user in using the LCom signals available in the area. The visual hotspots may include images, symbols, cues, characters (e.g., letters, words, numbers, etc.), indicators, logos, or any other suitable content. In some cases, the visual hotspots may be interactive, such that a user can scan the hotspot to cause an action to occur (e.g., launch an application or website).

Claims

1. A luminaire comprising:

at least one solid-state light source configured to output light; and

at least one modulator configured to modulate the light output to allow for emission of light-based communication (LCom) signals, the LCom signals detectable within a first field of view (FOV) of a first image capture device of a computing device;

wherein the luminaire is configured to project a visible cue that indicates LCom capability of the luminaire, the visible cue detectable within a second FOV of a second image capture device of the computing device, the second FOV approximately opposite the first FOV.

2. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the total light output of the luminaire is configured to be maintained at a relatively constant level, such that the light output variance is not perceptible by human vision.

3. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the visible cue indicates that LCom is available in an area illuminated by the luminaire.

4. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the visible cue can be used to assist with orienting a device configured to receive the LCom signals.

5. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the visible cue is machine-readable, such that scanning the visible cue causes an action to be performed.

6. The luminaire of claim 5, wherein the action is at least one of execute an application, and navigate to a uniform resource locator (URL).

7. The luminaire of claim 6, wherein the action causes information about LCom to be presented.

8. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the visible cue changes over time.

9. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the visible cue is a Quick Response (QR) code.

10. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the LCom signals can be detected by scanning the visible cue.

11. A system comprising the luminaire of claim 1 and the computing device.

12. A system comprising:

a luminaire comprising;

at least one solid-state light source configured to output light; and

at least one modulator configured to modulate the light output to allow for emission of light-based communication (LCom) signals; and

a computing device configured to detect the LCom signals, the computing device comprising;

a first image capture device having a first field of view (FOV); and

a second image capture device having a second FOV approximately opposite the first FOV;

wherein the system is configured to project a visible cue that indicates LCom capability of the luminaire and the computing device can be oriented such that the LCom signals are within the first FOV and the visible cue is within the second FOV.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the visible cue is projected by the luminaire.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the visible cue is readable by the computing device and an action can be performed based on scanning the visible cue while simultaneously decoding the LCom signals.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first image capture device scans the visible cue and the second image capture device decodes the LCom signals.

16. A non-transitory computer program product encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, causes a process to be carried out, the process comprising:

utilizing a computing device including a first image capture device having a first field of view (FOV), scan for a visible cue within the first FOV, the visible cue readable by the computing device; and

in response to reading a visible cue, initiate an action;

wherein the computing device further comprises a second image capture device having a second FOV approximately opposite the first FOV, the second image capture device configured to detect and decode light-based communication (LCom) signals within the second FOV and the visible cue indicates LCom capability is available in a given area.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the LCom signals are provided via light output modulated such that the light output variance is not perceptible by human vision.

18. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the action includes at least one of executing an application, navigating to a uniform resource locator (URL), providing information related to LCom, provide marketing information, unlock exclusive content, and providing a notification.

19. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the LCom signals can be detected and decoded while reading the visible cue.