A hybrid communication system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid communication system (1) comprising at least one first optical receiver (2) and at least one first optical transmitter (3), which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles (T) in convoy, and a method thereof. The present invention relates to a hybrid communication system (1) comprising at least one first optical receiver (2) and at least one first optical transmitter (3), which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles (T) in convoy, and a method thereof.

Description

[0001] A HYBRID COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a hybrid communication system and method for enabling the data exchange between vehicles in a vehicle convoy, which comprises multiple vehicles that travel one behind another in a row.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Convoy formation is a method for driving a certain number of vehicles together in a group. Convoy formation is widely used both in civilian life and in the movement of military units. Today, radio frequency (RF) based systems are the most common communication systems used in convoy formation or vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Such vehicle-to-vehicle communication is used between two vehicles or sometimes in groups of vehicles, called “platoons” or “convoys.” In platoon communication, there is usually a platoon leader, and the other vehicles follow the platoon leader. A major problem faced by RF techniques used in such communication is that intentional or unintentional RF signals coming from outside the platoon can interfere with and / or disrupt intra-platoon communication. This creates problems in terms of both security and reliability.

[0006] Line-of-sight (LOS) communication systems that provide a directional beam pattern are suitable for solving this security problem. In particular, visible light communication (VLC) has emerged as an alternative and / or complement to RF- based communication solutions. Unlike RF, which uses frequency bands up to 300 GHz, VLC uses 380-790 THz bands. There are some significant advantages of using optical communication systems such as VLC instead of RF in platoons. By using such optical communication systems in a platoon, the security and reliability problems of RF signals can be overcome because the VLC signal cannot be easily exposed to electronic attack from outside due to its short transmission range and line-of-sight structure. Moreover, in such systems, a receiver and transmitter that “see” each other directly or angularly can communicate without being exposed to external influence and without being detected by a third party’s receiver. Non-consecutive vehicles can communicate through multi-hop communication. In these terms, an optical communication-based platoon is more advantageous than an RF-based platoon.

[0007] On the other hand, optical communication systems, which provide alternative communication to military units or civilian users (inter-company local area network), are used in cases of natural disasters or warfare conditions where the currently available Radio frequency (RF) technologies cannot be used and in strategically confidential situations. However, even if optical communication systems are more secure against electronic attacks, jamming and interception, the signal-to-noise ratio decreases in adverse weather conditions such as heavy fog, rain and dust, and the communication capacity decreases considerably. Briefly, it leads to the loss of operational superiority in military vehicles, which is one of the most widely used areas. Particularly in cases such as military shipments, when difficult terrain conditions and variable weather conditions are taken into account, the techniques used in the known state of the art in convoy formation are insufficient. Therefore, there is a need for a more effective and complementary communication system between commercial, civilian and / or military vehicles in a platoon, both against adverse terrain and weather conditions and against electronic attacks from outside. Camera and high-tech tracking systems included in much more effective systems both increase the cost considerably and do not meet the needs of the sector in terms of lifetime. European Patent No. EP3257171, known in the state of the art, discloses an opticalbased inter- vehicle convoy formation system with transmitters and receivers having a token-based data communication phase when vehicles cannot communicate consecutively.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to realize a communication system suitable for use in targets or vehicles traveling consecutively, which is least affected by adverse weather conditions and electronic attacks.

[0010] The hybrid communication system, which is realized for achieving the objective of the present invention, comprises at least one first optical receiver and at least one first optical transmitter, which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles in convoy. Additionally, it comprises at least one first acoustic receiver, at least one first acoustic transmitter, which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles, and a signal processing unit which is configured to modulate an input signal received by selecting at least one of a first optical transmitter or a first acoustic transmitter to be modulated and to emit it from the selected transmitter, and to demodulate modulated carrier signal received from at least one of a first optical receiver or a first acoustic receiver.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system comprises a first optical transmitter configured to emit signals in the invisible spectrum (wavelength less than 400 nm or greater than 700 nm).

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system comprises a first acoustic transmitter configured to emit signals at inaudible frequencies (less than 20 Hz or greater than 20.000 kHz). In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system comprises a sensor, which is suitable for use in each vehicle and enables the level of light transmittance of the environment between vehicles to be detected, and a signal processing unit which is configured to select a first acoustic transmitter for the emission of the demodulated carrier signal in case the level of light transmission of the environment transmitted by the sensor is below a predetermined level.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system comprises an interface which is suitable for use on each vehicle and enables to input and output data by the user or manufacturer and give commands to the signal processing unit.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system comprises a signal processing unit which enables outputting the carrier signal demodulated based on its selection over the interface, or remodulating and sending it to another receiver by means of a first acoustic transmitter or a first optical transmitter selected by the signal processing unit.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system comprises at least one first acoustic receiver and at least one first optical receiver which are positioned to receive a signal, and at least one first acoustic transmitter and at least one first optical transmitter which are positioned to emit signal, wherein they are suitable for use in any part of the front area corresponding to *4 of the length of each vehicle; and it also comprises at least one second acoustic receiver and at least one second optical receiver which are positioned to receive signal, and at least one second acoustic transmitter and at least one second optical transmitter which are positioned to emit signal, wherein they are suitable for use in any part of the rear area corresponding to *4 of the length of each vehicle.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, a communication method, which is suitable for use with a hybrid communication system and executed by a signal processing unit, comprises the steps of selecting at least one of the first optical transmitter or the first acoustic transmitter, modulating and emitting the input signal through the selected transmitter, demodulating the carrier signal received from at least one of the first optical receiver or the first acoustic receiver.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the communication method comprises the steps of measuring the light transmittance between vehicles by the sensor, determining whether the light transmittance value of the environment transmitted by the sensor is below a predetermined level, and selecting the first acoustic transmitter to emit the demodulated carrier signal if the said level is below the predetermined level.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the communication method comprises the step of inputting and outputting data by the user or manufacturer through the interface.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the communication method comprises the steps of outputting the demodulated carrier signal based on the selection made over the interface, or remodulating the demodulated carrier signal by selecting it over the interface and sending it to another receiver by means of the selected first acoustic transmitter or first optical transmitter.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] A communication system, which is developed to fulfill the objective of the present invention, is illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is the representative schematic view of the communication system.

[0023] Figure 2 is the representative schematic view of the vehicles. Figure 3 is the schematic view of the vehicles and the communication systems.

[0024] The components shown in the figures are each given reference numbers as follows:

[0025] 1. Hybrid communication system

[0026] 2. First optical receiver

[0027] 3. Second optical transmitter

[0028] 4. First acoustic receiver

[0029] 5. Second acoustic transmitter

[0030] 6. Signal processing unit

[0031] 7. Sensor

[0032] 8. Interface

[0033] 9. Second acoustic receiver

[0034] 10. Second optical receiver

[0035] 11. Second acoustic transmitter

[0036] 12. Second optical transmitter

[0037] T: Vehicle

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The hybrid communication system (1) comprises at least one first optical receiver (2) and at least one first optical transmitter (3), which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles (T) in convoy. It enables optical data exchange between vehicles. Additionally, it comprises at least one first acoustic receiver (4), at least one first acoustic transmitter (5), which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles (T), and a signal processing unit (6), which is configured to enable an input signal received by selecting at least one of a first optical transmitter (3) or a first acoustic transmitter (5) to be modulated and emitted from the selected transmitter and to enable demodulation of a modulated carrier signal received from at least one of a first optical receiver (2) or a first acoustic receiver (4). In the said data exchange, a hybrid communication system (1) is provided in which one or both of the optical or acoustic transmitters are selected according to a predefined condition (look-up table) within the signal processing unit (6). In particular, a more effective and complementary communication system is obtained between commercial, civilian and / or military vehicles in a convoy, both against adverse terrain and weather conditions (heavy fog or dust) and against electronic attacks from outside.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system (1) comprises a first optical transmitter (3) configured to emit signals in the invisible spectrum (wavelength less than 400 nm or greater than 700 nm). Communication can be achieved with an optical signal located in any region of the invisible spectrum such as Gamma, X-rays, UV, Infrared, Microwave. Preferably, infrared signals are used. In this way, no visual pollution is created and in cases where communication requires confidentiality, the need is met.

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system (1) comprises a first acoustic transmitter (5) configured to emit signals at inaudible frequencies (less than 20 Hz or greater than 20.000 Hz). For situations requiring confidentiality, communication is established with subsonic acoustic signals lower than 20 Hz and supersonic acoustic signals higher than 20.000 Hz without creating noise pollution, thus enabling more effective communication for military purposes.

[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system (1) comprises a sensor (7), which is suitable for use in each vehicle (T) and enables the level of light transmittance of the environment between vehicles (T) to be detected, and a signal processing unit (6), which is configured to select a first acoustic transmitter (5) for the emission of the demodulated carrier signal in case the level of light transmission of the environment transmitted by the sensor (7) is below a predetermined level. The said sensor (7) can be considered as an optical sensor having the capacity of detecting fog or smoke. Herein, it is aimed to effectively select the receiver / transmitter adaptively if there are adverse weather conditions or an electronic attack. For example, in a communication using infrared waves, it is easily understood that light transmittance decreases due to increased scattering. By setting threshold values specific to parameters such as day or night, an acoustic transmitter (5) can be activated quickly with the help of a relay in environments where an acoustic signal is needed. Therefore, a communication is achieved regardless of atmospheric conditions.

[0043] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system (1) comprises an interface (8) which is suitable for use on each vehicle (T) and enables to input and output data by the user or manufacturer and give commands to the signal processing unit (6). The interface (8), which preferably has a keypad or touchscreen feature, allows the user to have control or be informed directly through the system.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system (1) comprises a signal processing unit (6), which enables outputting the carrier signal demodulated based on its selection over the interface (8), or remodulating and sending it to another receiver by means of a first acoustic transmitter (5) or a first optical transmitter (3) selected by the signal processing unit (6). It provides convenience to the user in terms of customization of the signal modulation. Therefore, a manual control is provided when a precise measurement cannot be made automatically.

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid communication system (1) comprises at least one first acoustic receiver (4) and at least one first optical receiver (2) which are positioned to receive a signal, and at least one first acoustic transmitter (5) and at least one first optical transmitter (3) which are positioned to emit signal, wherein they are suitable for use in any part of the front area corresponding to *4 of the length of each vehicle (T); and it also comprises at least one second acoustic receiver (9) and at least one second optical receiver (10) which are positioned to receive signal, and at least one second acoustic transmitter (11) and at least one second optical transmitter (12) which are positioned to emit signal, wherein they are suitable for use in any part of the rear area corresponding to *4 of the length of each vehicle (T). Here, as a result of empirical studies conducted between the transmitters and receivers which are positioned at the front and rear of the said vehicle (T) so as to correspond to *4 length, it is revealed that the communication is provided in an optimum way. The best results were obtained in environments where the communication distance between consecutive vehicles (T) was designed to be at most 100 meters.

[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, a communication method, which is suitable for use with a hybrid communication system (1) and executed by a signal processing unit (6), comprises the steps of selecting at least one of the first optical transmitter (3) or the first acoustic transmitter (5), modulating and emitting the input signal through the selected transmitter, demodulating the carrier signal received from at least one of the first optical receiver (2) or the first acoustic receiver (4). Thanks to this method, the signals demodulated by the first optical receiver (2) or the first acoustic receiver (4) can be transmitted or repeated between vehicles without any electronic interference.

[0047] In another embodiment of the invention, the communication method comprises the steps of measuring the light transmittance between vehicles (T) by the sensor (7), determining whether the light transmittance value of the environment transmitted by the sensor (7) is below a predetermined level, and selecting the first acoustic transmitter (5) to emit the demodulated carrier signal if the said level is below the predetermined level. For example, with this method, it is possible to effectively select the receiver / transmitter adaptively if there are adverse weather conditions or an electronic attack.

[0048] In another embodiment of the invention, the communication method comprises the step of inputting and outputting data by the user or manufacturer through the interface (8). Data access and security are enhanced through the interface (8). In another embodiment of the invention, the communication method comprises the steps of outputting the demodulated carrier signal based on the selection made over the interface (8) or remodulating the demodulated carrier signal by selecting it over the interface and sending it to another receiver by means of a selected first acoustic transmitter (5) or first optical transmitter (3). More options and accessibility for signal modulation and demodulation are offered to users and manual control capability is increased.

[0049] INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] A hybrid communication system (1) is obtained by placing the optical and acoustic communication means of the present invention preferably on the outer surface of existing vehicles (T). Generally, this placement is made so as to pass through the center axis of the front and rear of the vehicle, and thus the system operates at a 90- degree angle without the need for any adjustment. It is likely to find areas of use in vehicles that can be used effectively in security and public order, such as military platoons, police convoys and fire brigades which need to communicate with each other.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hybrid communication system (1), comprising at least one first optical receiver (2) and at least one first optical transmitter (3), which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles (T) in convoy, characterized by at least one first acoustic receiver (4), at least one first acoustic transmitter (5), which are suitable for use in each of multiple vehicles, and a signal processing unit (6) which is configured to enable an input signal received by selecting at least one of a first optical transmitter (3) or a first acoustic transmitter (5) to be modulated and emitted from the selected transmitter and to enable demodulation of a modulated carrier signal received from at least one of a first optical receiver (2) or a first acoustic receiver (4).

2. A hybrid communication system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a first optical transmitter (3) configured to emit signals in the invisible spectrum (wavelength less than 400 nm or greater than 700 nm).

3. A hybrid communication system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a first acoustic transmitter (5) configured to emit signals at inaudible frequencies (less than 20 Hz or greater than 20.000 kHz).

4. A hybrid communication system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sensor (7) which is suitable for use in each vehicle (T) and enables the level of light transmittance of the environment between vehicles (T) to be detected, and a signal processing unit (6) which is configured to select a first acoustic transmitter (5) for the emission of the demodulated carrier signal in case the level of light transmission of the environment transmitted by the sensor (7) is below a predetermined level.

5. A hybrid communication system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an interface (8) which is suitable for use on eachvehicle (T) and enables to input and output data by the user or manufacturer and give commands to the signal processing unit (6).

6. A hybrid communication system (1) according to claim 5, characterized by a signal processing unit (6) which enables outputting the carrier signal demodulated based on its selection over the interface (8), or remodulating and sending it to another receiver by means of a first acoustic transmitter (5) or a first optical transmitter (3) selected by the signal processing unit (6).

7. A hybrid communication system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first acoustic receiver (4) and at least one first optical receiver (2) which are positioned to receive a signal, and at least one first acoustic transmitter (5) and at least one first optical transmitter (3) which are positioned to emit signal, wherein they are suitable for use in any part of the front area corresponding to *4 of the length of each vehicle (T); and further characterized by at least one second acoustic receiver (9) and at least one second optical receiver (10) which are positioned to receive signal, and at least one second acoustic transmitter (11) and at least one second optical transmitter (12) which are positioned to emit signal, wherein they are suitable for use in any part of the rear area corresponding to *4 of the length of each vehicle (T).

8. A communication method, which is suitable for use with the abovementioned hybrid communication system (1) and executed by a signal processing unit (6), characterized by the following steps:- selecting at least one of the first optical transmitter (3) or the first acoustic transmitter (5),- modulating and emitting the input signal through the selected transmitter,- demodulating the carrier signal received from at least one of the first optical receiver (2) or the first acoustic receiver (4).A communication method according to claim 8, characterized by the steps of measuring the light transmittance between vehicles (T) by the sensor (7), determining whether the light transmittance value of the environment transmitted by the sensor (7) is below a predetermined level, and selecting the first acoustic transmitter (5) to emit the demodulated carrier signal if the said level is below the predetermined level. A communication method according to claims 8 and 9, characterized by the step of inputting and outputting data by the user or manufacturer through the interface (8). A communication method according to claim 10, characterized by the steps of outputting the demodulated carrier signal based on the selection made over the interface (8), or remodulating the demodulated carrier signal by selecting it over the interface and sending it to another receiver by means of the selected first acoustic transmitter (5) or first optical transmitter (3).

Images