Self identifying modulated light source
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A self-identifying light source comprising:
- an emitter that produces visible light; and
an autonomous modulator in electrical communication with the emitter that automatically and continually modulates the visible light produced by the emitter, wherein (i) the modulated visible light represents an identification code of the light source, (ii) the modulator comprises a memory storage area for storage of the identification code of the light source, (iii) the modulator is configured to, when the light source is initially powered on, generate a random identification code and statically assign the random identification code to the light source by storing the random identification code in the memory storage area, and (iv) no identification code of the light source is generated by or assigned to the light source before the light source is initially powered on.
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Abstract
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a self identifying light source including an emitter that produces visible light; and an autonomous modulator in electrical communication with the emitter that automatically and continually modulates the visible light produced by the emitter, wherein the modulated visible light represents an identification code of the light source. In some embodiments, the emitter is a light emitting diode (LED) and further comprising an LED driver that provides a specified voltage and current to each LED in the light source.
170 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A self-identifying light source comprising:
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an emitter that produces visible light; and an autonomous modulator in electrical communication with the emitter that automatically and continually modulates the visible light produced by the emitter, wherein (i) the modulated visible light represents an identification code of the light source, (ii) the modulator comprises a memory storage area for storage of the identification code of the light source, (iii) the modulator is configured to, when the light source is initially powered on, generate a random identification code and statically assign the random identification code to the light source by storing the random identification code in the memory storage area, and (iv) no identification code of the light source is generated by or assigned to the light source before the light source is initially powered on. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17)
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10. An autonomous modulator that controls modulation of visible light produced by a light source to send an identification code that identifies the light source, the modulator comprising:
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memory for storage of an identification code for the light source, the identification code being represented by a sequence of signals; and an electrical connection for connection to an emitter of a light source and automatically and continually sending the sequence of signals to the emitter to modulate the visible light produced by the emitter according to the sequence of signals, wherein the modulator is configured to (i) when the light source is initially powered on, generate a random identification code and statically assign the random identification code to the light source by storing the random identification code in the memory, and (ii) not generate or assign an identification code for the light source before the light source is initially powered on. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18)
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16. A method of calibrating a light source to operate within a location-determination system, the light source comprising an autonomous modulator (i) configured to modulate visible light produced by the light source to transmit an identification code that identifies the light source, and (ii) comprising a memory, the method comprising:
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providing power to the light source, wherein (i) the modulator generates a random identification code after power is provided to the light source, (ii) the modulator statically assigns the random identification code to the light source by storing the random identification code in the memory, no identification code of the light source having been generated by or assigned to the light source before power being provided to the light source, and (iii) thereafter, the light source transmits the identification code via modulated visible light; disposing an image sensor proximate a location of the light source such that light from the light source at least partially illuminates the image sensor; acquiring an image of the light from the light source, different portions of the image being acquired at different times over a time interval, whereby the acquired image comprises a pattern of distortions resulting from interaction between the modulated visible light emitted by the light source and the time interval of acquisition; decoding the pattern of distortions to recover the identification code of the light source; and communicating the identification code of the light source and the location of the light source to a remote server system, the remote server system (i) comprising a database storing records associating light source identification codes with light source locations, (ii) not configured for electrical communication with the light source. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification