System for optical communication between vehicles using modulated LED lighting

Abstract

System for optical communication between vehicles using modulated LED lighting, comprising at least a first vehicle with at least one LED-based vehicle light and a control unit for controlling the vehicle light, characterized in that the control unit is designed to modulate the LED vehicle light in such a way that information about the vehicle's driving states, in particular position, speed, acceleration, deceleration or braking operations, is optically transmitted with the emitted light.

Description

Technical field The invention relates to a system for communication between vehicles, in particular a system for the optical transmission of information between motor vehicles by means of modulated LED vehicle lighting. State of the art Modern vehicles increasingly feature electronic systems for so-called car-to-car or vehicle-to-vehicle communication. These systems are predominantly based on wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, mobile networks, or special short-range communication systems. Such solutions require additional hardware, standardized communication protocols, and a corresponding infrastructure. Furthermore, they are susceptible to radio interference, security problems, or a lack of compatibility between different systems and manufacturers. Furthermore, vehicles are equipped with LED-based lighting systems, particularly in the form of headlights, taillights and brake lights, which have so far been used exclusively for illumination or signaling. Problem underlying the invention The invention is based on the objective of providing a system with which vehicles can exchange information with each other without relying on additional radio technology, and which is simultaneously robust, cost-efficient and effective directly within the field of vision of road users. Solution to the task This task is solved by a system for optical communication between vehicles using modulated LED lighting. The system includes at least one vehicle with at least one LED-based vehicle light and a control unit for modulating the emitted light. The modulation is carried out in such a way that information about the vehicle's driving conditions is imprinted on the emitted light, in particular information about position, speed, acceleration, deceleration, braking processes or hazardous situations. Furthermore, the system can include a receiving unit designed to detect optical signals from another vehicle and to evaluate the information contained therein. The modulation of the LED lighting preferably takes place in frequency ranges that are not perceptible to the human eye. Advantages of the invention The invention offers the following advantages: • Use of existing vehicle hardware • No additional radio infrastructure required • Direct line of sight between vehicles • Low susceptibility to interference • Fast transmission of safety-relevant information • Easy integration into existing vehicles • Contribution to improved road safety Example of implementation In a preferred embodiment, communication takes place via the rear lights of a vehicle. The LED lighting is controlled in such a way that, in addition to the normal lighting function, a modulated signal is emitted. A following vehicle detects the light signal using an optical sensor, in particular a camera or a photodetector, and evaluates the information it contains. Coding can be done, for example, using pulse width modulation, frequency modulation, or digital coding. Alternatively or additionally, headlights or turn signals can also be used for communication.

Claims

System for optical communication between vehicles using modulated LED lighting, comprising at least a first vehicle with at least one LED-based vehicle light and a control unit for controlling the vehicle light, characterized in that the control unit is designed to modulate the LED vehicle light in such a way that information about the vehicle's driving states, in particular position, speed, acceleration, deceleration or braking operations, is optically transmitted with the emitted light. Vehicle with a system for optical communication, comprising at least one LED-based vehicle light and a control unit, characterized in that the control unit is configured to control the LED vehicle light for the transmission of information about the vehicle's driving states by modulating the emitted light. System or vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving unit is provided which is configured to detect modulated light from another vehicle and to evaluate the information contained therein. System or vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modulation takes place in a frequency range that is not perceptible to the human eye. System or vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modulation is carried out by means of pulse width modulation, frequency modulation or digital coding. System or vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the LED vehicle light is designed as a rear light, brake light, headlight or indicator light. System or vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitted information includes warnings or hazardous situations.