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Spatially and/or distance defined light-based communications in a vehicle/roadway environment

  • US 9,935,710 B2
  • Filed: 07/22/2013
  • Issued: 04/03/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2013
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of light-based communication within a vehicle or roadway environment, the method comprising:

  • receiving, at a receiver of a first vehicle, a first spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal;

    receiving, at the receiver of the first vehicle, a second spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal;

    processing the first spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal at the first vehicle, wherein the first spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal includes data pertaining to at least one of a position of the first vehicle relative to a second vehicle, a time-of-flight (TOF) of the first spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal, or a heading of the first vehicle relative to a second vehicle;

    processing the second spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal at the first vehicle, wherein the second spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal includes data pertaining to at least one of a position of the first vehicle relative to a third vehicle, a time-of-flight (TOF) of the second spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal, or a heading of the first vehicle relative to a third vehicle;

    transmitting, by a transmitter of the first vehicle, a first message to the second vehicle, the first message based at least in part on the first spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal;

    transmitting, by the transmitter of the first vehicle, a second message to the third vehicle, the second message based at least in part on the second spatially and/or distance defined light-based communication signal, the second message being different than the first message;

    receiving, at the receiver of the first vehicle, light emitted from a light source within an environment around the vehicle, wherein the light source is not part of a light-based communication system; and

    determining a status of the light source from one or more characteristics of the light emitted from the light source, wherein the one or more characteristics comprise at least one of wavelength, color, amplitude, intensity, and emission pattern;

    wherein the transmitter of the first vehicle includes an array of individual light sources disposed on a complex surface, and the first and second messages are directionally transmitted by illuminating different individual light sources of the array.

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