A method for triggering a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication end device

Abstract

An optical wireless communication, OWC, end device (100) comprising: a light source (105) configured to transmit optical signals; a light sensor (107) configured to receive optical signals; a baseband module configured to modulate data signals for transmission via the light source (105) and to demodulate signals received by the light sensor (107); a connector interface (101) comprising a data bus; a switch (108) connected to the data bus; and a controller (110) configured to: determine an operation mode of the OWC end device (100); control the switch (108) to connect the data bus to the controller (110) when the operation mode is determined to be a configuration mode; and control the switch (108) to connect the data bus to the baseband module when the operation mode is determined to be a communication mode.

Description

[0001] A method for triggering a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication end device

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to the field of optical wireless communication. More particularly, various methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed herein related to the control and communication of an optical wireless communication end device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] To enable more and more electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones to connect wirelessly to the Internet, wireless communication confronts unprecedented requirements on data rates and link qualities, and such requirements keep on growing year over year, considering the emerging digital revolution related to Intemet-of- Things (loT). Radio frequency technology like Wi-Fi has limited spectrum capacity to embrace this revolution. In the meanwhile, light fidelity (Li-Fi) is drawing more and more attention with its intrinsic security enhancement and capability to support higher data rates over the available bandwidth in visible light, Ultraviolet (UV), and Infrared (IR) spectra. Furthermore, Li-Fi is directional and shielded by light blocking materials, which provides it with the potential to deploy a larger number of access points, as compared to Wi-Fi, in a dense area of users by spatially reusing the same bandwidth. These key advantages over wireless radio frequency communication make Li-Fi a promising secure solution to mitigate the pressure on the crowded radio spectrum for loT applications and indoor wireless access. Other possible benefits of Li-Fi may include guaranteed bandwidth for a certain user, and the ability to function safely in areas otherwise susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, Li-Fi is a very promising technology to enable the next generation of immersive connectivity.

[0006] In an optical wireless communication (OWC) system, an access point is typically deployed on the ceiling, while the end point with an OWC interface is typically connected or communicatively coupled to an electronic device as a separate entity, such as a USB dongle. The electronic device can be a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, a remote controller, a smart TV, a display device, a storage device, a home appliance, or another smart electronic device. In order to boost a wide adoption of Li-Fi communication, it is thus highly desirable that the end point or the optical front end (OFE) for Li-Fi communication can be easily accessed and controlled by the electronic device.

[0007] WO2022122550A2 is related to an optical wireless communication device comprising a USB 2.0 capable controller having a USB bus, a USB connector on the OWC device exterior, a combiner connectable to the USB bus and connected to an optical output path and an optical input path.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is necessary to allow an OWC end device to be locally managed by a user or an administrator, such as to configure user, password, role, etc. Since the OWC end device is typically used as media converter device (usually USB / Ethemet to optical wireless communication) for an electronic device, it makes it difficult to use the main interface between the OWC end device and the electronic device as an entry point for the configuration or management purpose.

[0010] It is recognized by the inventor that to keep the OWC device small and low cost, it is beneficial to reuse the same connector interface between the OWC end device and an electronic device for both data communication and configuration, such that an extra port or interface dedicated for configuration is avoided. Reusing a single main wired interface or connector interface for both data communication and device configuration is also preferred for security reasons. More particularly, the goal of this invention is achieved by an optical wireless communication (OWC) end device as claimed in claim 1, by a method for triggering a configuration mode of an OWC end device as claimed in claims 8 and 9, and by an OWC system as claimed in claim 10.

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention an optical wireless communication (OWC) end device is provided. An OWC end device comprising: a light source configured to transmit optical signals; a light sensor configured to receive optical signals; a baseband module configured to modulate data signals for transmission via the light source and to demodulate signals received by the light sensor; a connector interface comprising a data bus; a switch connected to the data bus; and a controller configured to:

[0012] - determine an operation mode of the OWC end device; - control the switch to connect the data bus to the controller when the operation mode is determined to be a configuration mode; and

[0013] - control the switch to connect the data bus to the baseband module when the operation mode is determined to be a communication mode.

[0014] A light source is configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical signal. The light source may comprise one or more of a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), or a hybrid front-end with both LED and VCSEL.

[0015] A light sensor is a semiconductor device that coverts light into electric current or voltage based on the operation mode of the end device. Sometimes a light sensor is also called as a photodiode, a photo detector, or a photo sensor. A photodiode may contain optical filters, built-in lenses, and may have large or small surface areas. A photodiode usually has a slower response time as its surface area increases. Depending on the construction of the device, photodiodes can be classified into different types, such as PN photodiode, Schottky photodiode, PIN photodiode, and Avalanche photodiode.

[0016] A baseband module is used to handle the digital processing of signals before they are transmitted or received. The typical functions carried out by a baseband module are one or more out of modulation, demodulation, coding, decoding, and error correction. The baseband module may be implemented via a digital signal processor (DSP), a field- programmable gate array (FPGA), or a microcontroller.

[0017] A connector interface is used for connecting the end device to an electronic device. The connector may be one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a micro USB, Ethernet, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), an Ethernet, a Video Graphics Array (VGA), and a DisplayPort. Different connectors can support different data rates. For example, USB 2.0 can support up to 480 Mbps, while the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 may support up to 10 Gbps. The connector is typically selected according to the data rate supported by the connector and the highest data rate to be achieved by the end device via optical wireless communication.

[0018] The data bus refers to the wires or pathways within the connector that allow data to be transferred between two devices. The data bus may comprise a plurality of wires or pathways within the connector interface that allows data to be exchanged between two devices, such as the electronic device and the end device. For example, in a USB connector, the data bus typically comprise four wires that carry data between a USB host (e.g., the electronic device) and a USB device (e.g., the end device). Two out of the four wires are typically used for data transfer in both directions, one is used for power supply (Vbus), and the other one is used for ground (GND). The two data transfer wires may be identified as D+ and D-. D+ carries a differential signal that is used to transmit data from the USB host to the USB device, while D- carries a differential signal that is used to transmit data from the USB device to the USB host. The Vbus wire carries the power that is used to charge or power the USB device, while the ground wire (GND) provides a common reference point for the data and power signals.

[0019] A switch is a component that is used to connect or disconnect an electrical circuit, such as to enable or disable certain features. The most basic type of switch is a singlepole single-throw (SPST) switch, which has two terminals that are either connected or disconnected by the switch.

[0020] The OWC end device is configured to operate in more than one operation mode. The more than one operation mode comprises at least a configuration mode and a communication mode. In the configuration mode, the OWC end device may receive one or more configuration parameters from the electronic device via the connector interface. It may also be the case that the electronic device queries the OWC end device about its one or more configuration settings. In the communication mode, the OWC end device is configured to provide an OWC interface to the electronic device for establishing an optical communication link with an external device, such as an optical access point or another remote device with an OWC interface.

[0021] In a preferred example, the connector interface is a USB interface.

[0022] In addition to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, other options of the connector interface can be High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Ethernet, Video Graphics Array (VGA), or Display Port.

[0023] Advantageously, the controller is further configured to: receive a configuration parameter on the data bus; and apply the configuration parameter to the OWC end device.

[0024] One or more of the configuration parameters or settings of the OWC end device can be reset or reconfigured in the configuration mode.

[0025] In one example, the OWC end device further comprises a memory configured to store the configuration parameter.

[0026] Preferably, the switch comprises N Single-Pole Double-Throw, SPDT, controllable switches, and N is equal to the number of data lines comprised in the data bus.

[0027] A Single-Pole Double-Throw (SPDT) switch is a type of switch that connects one input to either of two outputs. It is often used in electronic circuits to select between two different signal paths. A controllable SPDT switch can be controlled electronically, usually through a digital signal or voltage input, rather than being manually operated. With the N SPDT controllable switches, each data lines in the data bus can be controlled individually.

[0028] In one setup, the OWC end device further comprises a power detector configured to detect signal strength of the received optical signals; wherein the controller is configured to determine the operation mode to be the configuration mode when the detected signal strength is equal to or above a predefined threshold, and to be the communication mode when the detected signal strength is below the predefined threshold.

[0029] A power detector, or energy detector, is a device that detects the power or energy level of a signal in a wireless communication system. Here the power detector is used to detect signal strength of the received optical signals. The detected signal strength is compared against a predefined threshold, and based on the comparison the controller determines the operation mode of the OWC end device accordingly.

[0030] Advantageously, the predefined threshold is configurable.

[0031] The OWC device may have an initial setting for the predefined threshold when the device is factory new. The initial setting may keep the threshold at a relatively low value. And hence, the configuration mode can be triggered easily. The predefined threshold can be reconfigured latter on according to the actual application scenario. The reconfiguration of the predefined threshold may be carried out via the same configuration mode of the OWC end device. A further option is that the predefined threshold may be updated according to a data signal received on the OWC link between the OWC end device and a remote OWC device.

[0032] In one example, the controller is further configured to determine the operation mode to be the communication mode when the OWC end device is power cycled or rebooted.

[0033] It is beneficial to have the initial state of OWC end device to be the communication mode. For example, the OWC end device starts with the communication mode when it is power cycled or rebooted.

[0034] In another setup, the OWC end device comprises an accelerometer or a tilt sensor configured to detect a position of the OWC end device; wherein the controller is configured to determine the operation mode to be the configuration mode when the position of the OWC end device is detected to be upside-down, and to be the communication mode when the position of the OWC end device is not upside-down.

[0035] The light source and light sensor of the OWC end device are placed on the front side of the OWC end device, such that it can establish an OWC link with an optical access point placed on the ceiling or a remote OWC device. The user may trigger the OWC end device to change from a communication mode to a configuration mode by putting the OWC end device upside-down. An accelerometer or a tilt sensor can be employed to detect the position of the OWC end device.

[0036] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a method for triggering an OWC device is provided. A method for triggering a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication, OWC, end device according to the present invention comprises the step of: placing the OWC end device upside-down.

[0037] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention a method for triggering an OWC device is provided. A method for triggering a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication, OWC, end device according to the present invention comprises the step of: shielding the light source of the OWC end device with an opaque or reflective surface.

[0038] Optical signals attenuate along distance due to several factors, such as scattering, absorption, or dispersion. The further the light travels, the more it is affected by these factors, leading to the attenuation of optical signals. When the light source of the OWC end device is shielded with an opaque or reflective surface, the reflected optical signals from the light source are detected by the light sensor of the OWC end device, which is much stronger than the optical signals received from a remote device. By comparing the signal strength of the detected optical signal against a predefined threshold, the OWC end device can distinguish if the received optical signal is from a remote device or it is reflected optical signal sent by its own light sensor. And then, the operation mode of the OWC end device can be determined accordingly.

[0039] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention an optical wireless communication system is provided. An optical wireless communication, OWC, system comprising: an OWC end device according to the present invention; an OWC access point, AP, configured to carry out optical wireless communication; and an electronic device configured to connect to the connector interface of the OWC end device for establishing an optical wireless communication link with the OWC AP via the OWC end device. Beneficially, the electronic device is at least one of: a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a remote controller, a smart TV, a display device, a storage device, a speaker, a home appliance, a toy, or another smart electronic device.

[0040] In one setup, the electronic device is configured to send the configuration parameter to the OWC end device via the connector interface.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different figures. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0043] Fig. 1 exemplarily shows a block diagram of an optical wireless communication end device;

[0044] Fig. 2 illustrates system architecture of an optical wireless communication end device according to prior art;

[0045] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of system architecture of an optical wireless communication end device according to the present invention;

[0046] Fig. 4 illustrates one option to trigger a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication end device;

[0047] Fig. 5 illustrates a further option to trigger a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication end device; and

[0048] Fig. 6 illustrates an optical wireless communication system according to the present invention.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0050] The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0051] Optical wireless communication (OWC), or LiFi communication, is especially suited for environments where security is a concern, e.g., government and military organizations. In these use-cases, both the OWC end point (EP) or end device and access point (AP) devices need to allow to be locally managed by an administrator, to be able to configure user, password, role, etc. Since the OWC EP or end device acts as media converter device (usually USB / Ethemet to optical wireless communication), it makes it difficult to use the main interface to the host electronic device, such as a laptop, as an entry point for the EP configuration. To keep the EP small and low-cost, the main connector interface can be used by switching the data lines from the media converter bridge to another small controller that stores the configuration in a memory. This avoids adding an extra port for management. However, a method is necessary to trigger the switching to management mode when necessary. Mechanical methods such as a push button can be used, although it is less preferred when creating an OWC end device for harsh and tactical environments, as these buttons would need to be ruggedized and with a high IP-rating, increasing the size and cost of the OWC end device. In this application, a method is described that reuses the optical frontend present in the device, with minimum hardware added, to trigger management mode.

[0052] Fig. 1 exemplarily shows a block diagram of an optical wireless communication (OWC) end device 100. As a basic example, an OWC end device 100 comprises a light source 105, a light sensor 107, a baseband module 103, a connector interface 101, a switch 108, and a controller 110. Optionally, the OWC end device 100 may also comprise a memory 111.

[0053] The light source 105 may comprise one or more of a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), or a hybrid front-end with both LED and VCSEL. The light source 105 is configured to transmit optical signals for optical wireless communication by converting electrical signals to optical signals.

[0054] The light sensor 107 is configured to receive optical signals, and covert light into electric current or voltage based on the implementation of the OWC end device 100. A light sensor 107 may also be called as a photodiode, a photo detector, or a photo sensor. A light sensor or photodiode may further comprise optical filters, built-in lenses, and may have large or small surface areas. Depending on the construction of the device, photodiodes can be classified into different types, such as PN photodiode, Schottky photodiode, PIN photodiode, and Avalanche photodiode.

[0055] A baseband module 103 is used to handle the digital processing of signals before they are transmitted or received, such as to modulate data signals for transmission via the light source 105 and to demodulate signals received by the light sensor 107. The typical functions carried out by a baseband module may include modulation, demodulation, channel coding, decoding, and error correction. A baseband module may be implemented via a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a microcontroller. The connector interface 101 is used to connecting the OWC end device 100 to a host electronic device. The connector may be one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a micro USB, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), an Ethernet, a Video Graphics Array (VGA), and a DisplayPort. Different connectors may support different data rates. In practice, the connector is typically selected according to the data rate supported by the connector and the highest data rate to be achieved by the end device via optical wireless communication.

[0056] The connector interface 101 comprises a data bus. The data bus comprises wires or pathways within the connector that allow data to be transferred between two devices. The data bus comprises a plurality of wires or pathways within the connector interface that allows data to be exchanged between two devices, such as the electronic device and the OWC end device 100.

[0057] In a preferred example, the connector interface 101 is a USB interface. In a USB connector, the data bus typically comprise four wires that carry data between a USB host (e.g., the electronic device) and a USB device (e.g., the OWC end device 100). Two out of the four wires are typically used for data transfer in both directions, one is used for power supply (Vbus), and the other one is used for ground (GND).

[0058] A switch 108 is connected to the data bus to direct the data flow to different connection points inside the OWC end device 100. In one option, the switch 108 may comprise N Single-Pole Double-Throw, SPDT, controllable switches, and N is equal to the number of data lines comprised in the data bus. In that sense, the plurality of data lines may be controlled individually and serving different functions.

[0059] A controller 110 is used to manage the operation of the OWC end device. For example, it is configured to determine an operation mode of the OWC end device 100; control the switch 108 to connect the data bus to the controller 110 when the operation mode is determined to be a configuration mode; and control the switch 108 to connect the data bus to the baseband module when the operation mode is determined to be a communication mode.

[0060] The controller 110 is further configured to receive a configuration parameter on the data bus; and apply the configuration parameter to the OWC end device 100. The configuration parameter may be related to a hardware or software setting for one of the components comprised in the OWC end device 100, such as the light source 105, the light sensor 107, the baseband module 103, and the controller 110. Some other examples of configuration parameters may be related to the settings for networking, such as username, password, IP address, domain name, Domain Name System (DNS) server, or Virtual Private Network (VLAN) settings. The settings for networking may be used to enable a certain user to access the optical wireless communication network via the OWC end device.

[0061] Optionally, the configuration parameter received on the data bus may be stored in the memory 111.

[0062] Fig. 2 illustrates system architecture of an optical wireless communication end device according to prior art. The interface to the laptop / end user device may be a USB connector 101 (e.g., USB-A, USB-C), or another interface such as Ethernet-based R45 plus DC power input. The data lines may be connected to a media converter 102 that interfaces with a LiFi baseband module 103, which performs the modulation / demodulation. An optical frontend is connected to the baseband module 103, which is composed of transmitter and receiver: a light source (LED / Laser) 105 with an amplifier 104, and a photodiode 107 with a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) 106.

[0063] To reuse the same connector interface as a separate management interface, several elements need to be added to the conventional LiFi end device architecture.

[0064] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of system architecture of an optical wireless communication end device according to the present invention. In this example, a power detector 109 is added to the OWC end device and connected to the optical receiver path, which can be either an AC or DC signal detector. N single-pole double-throw controllable switches 108 (with N = number of data lines, where N = 2 for USB 2.0). The power detector

[0065] 109 is configured to detect signal strength of the received optical signals, and the controller

[0066] 110 is configured to determine the operation mode to be the configuration mode when the detected signal strength is equal to or above a predefined threshold, and to be the communication mode when the detected signal strength is below the predefined threshold.

[0067] During normal operation, when the OWC end device is in communication with an optical access point or another remote OWC device, the received optical power is typically in the order of microwatts or less. When the light source of the OWC end device is covered by the hand of a user or is placed upside down, due to Fresnel reflection, the measured signal strength will be in the order of milliwatts. This can be used by the controller for detecting a user-triggered switch to configuration mode.

[0068] Note that the predefined threshold is configurable. An initial setting of the predefined threshold may be provided when the OWC device is factory new. The initial setting may keep the threshold at a relatively low value. And hence, the configuration mode can be triggered easily. The predefined threshold can be reconfigured latter on according to the actual application scenario. The reconfiguration of the predefined threshold may be carried out via the same configuration mode of the OWC end device, such as according to a parameter received on the connector interface 101. A further option is that the predefined threshold may be updated according to a data signal received on the OWC link between the OWC end device and a remote OWC device.

[0069] For example, the controller 110 (e.g., a low-power microcontroller), may carry out the following steps: reading the received signal strength from the power detector 109 through an internal or external ADC. selecting the switch 108 from either default media converter path (for establishing a LiFi connection) or controller 110 path. handling the configuration of the node (i. e. , management mode) when data path is connected to the controller.

[0070] Optionally, an internal memory 111 is connected to the controller, for storing the device configuration.

[0071] Fig. 4 illustrates one option to trigger a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication end device 100. In a typical application scenario, an OWC end device 201 is connected through an optical communication link to an optical access point (AP) 202. When a user places his / her hand 203 close to the lid of the OWC end device 201 or covers the lid with an opaque or reflective surface (e.g., a piece of paper), the line of sight to the optical AP 202 is blocked, and the transmitted signal from the OWC end device 201 is reflected back. This Fresnel reflection causes the power detector 109 of the OWC end device 201 to measure a much higher value, such as in an order of milliwatts (mW) instead of microwatts (uW) in a communication mode. At that moment, the controller 110 triggers the switch from the communication mode to the configuration mode of the OWC end device 201 and switches the data lines 108 to route the connector to access the controller 110. And then one or more components of the OWC end device 201 can be configured. Optionally, the settings may be stored in the memory 111.

[0072] A power cycle of the device will restart the system in normal operation (LiFi access through media conversion).

[0073] Fig. 5 illustrates a further option to trigger a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication end device 100. In this example, the OWC end device 201 is placed upside-down on the table. Since the light source 105 and light sensor 107 are placed on the front side of the OWC end device 201, the transmitted signal from the OWC end device 201 is reflected back by the table or another supporting surface of the OWC end device 201. Similar to the example shown in FIG. 4, the Fresnel reflection causes the power detector 109 of the OWC end device 201 to measure a much higher value than in a communication mode, and then the controller will trigger the switch of operation mode.

[0074] With this upside-down action, it is also possible to trigger the mode switch with the usage of an accelerometer or tilt sensor to detect the upside-down position. Thus, by comprising either an accelerometer or a tilt sensor, the OWC end device is configured to detect a position of the OWC end device 100 and configure the operation mode of the OWC end device 100 accordingly. When the position of the OWC end device 100 is detected to be upside-down, the controller 110 of the OWC end device 100 is configured to determine the operation mode to be the configuration mode. When the position of the OWC end device 100 is not upside-down, the controller 110 of the OWC end device 100 is configured to determine the operation mode to be the communication mode. Thus, when the OWC end device is in any other position rather than upside-down, it will be configured to operate in the communication mode, such as to communicate with another remote device on a horizontal plane.

[0075] With this option, it is also not necessary to deploy a power detection module 109 in the OWC end device as shown in Fig. 3. Resetting the mode to normal operation then would not need a power cycle or a specific management command but can be tied directly to the position of the OWC end device 201.

[0076] Fig. 6 illustrates an optical wireless communication system 300 according to the present invention. An optical wireless communication, OWC, system 300 comprises an OWC end device 100 according to the present invention, an OWC access point (AP) 400 configured to carry out optical wireless communication; and an electronic device 500 configured to connect to the connector interface 101 of the OWC end device 100 for establishing an optical wireless communication link with the OWC AP 400 via the OWC end device 100. The OWC AP 400 may be deployed on the ceiling as a standalone device. It may also be integrated in a luminaire or another device that is remote from the electronic device 500 and the OWC end device 100. The electronic device 500 may be one of: a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a remote controller 110, a smart TV, a display device, a storage device, a speaker, a home appliance, a toy, or another smart electronic device. The electronic device may also send one or more configuration parameters to the OWC end device 100 via the connector interface 101. The method according to the present invention may be implemented on a computer as a computer implemented method, or in dedicated hardware, or in a combination of both.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An optical wireless communication, OWC, end device (100) comprising: a light source (105) configured to transmit optical signals; a light sensor (107) configured to receive optical signals; a baseband module (103) configured to modulate data signals for transmission via the light source (105) and to demodulate signals received by the light sensor (107); a connector interface (101) comprising a data bus; a switch (108) connected to the data bus; and a controller (110) configured to:- determine an operation mode of the OWC end device (100);- control the switch (108) to connect the data bus to the controller (110) when the operation mode is determined to be a configuration mode; and- control the switch (108) to connect the data bus to the baseband module (103) when the operation mode is determined to be a communication mode; wherein the OWC end device (100) further comprises a power detector or an accelerometer or a tilt sensor; wherein when the OWC end device (100) comprises the power detector, the power detector is configured to detect signal strength of the received optical signals, and the controller (110) is configured to determine the operation mode to be the configuration mode when the detected signal strength is equal to or above a predefined threshold, and to be the communication mode when the detected signal strength is below the predefined threshold; wherein when the OWC end device (100) comprises the accelerometer or the tilt sensor, the accelerometer or the tilt sensor is configured to detect a position of the OWC end device (100), and the controller (110) is configured to determine the operation mode to be the configuration mode when the position of the OWC end device (100) is detected to be upside-down, and to be the communication mode when the position of the OWC end device (100) is not upside-down.

2. The OWC end device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the connector interface (101) is a USB interface.

3. The OWC end device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller(110) is further configured to: receive a configuration parameter on the data bus; and apply the configuration parameter to the OWC end device (100).

4. The OWC end device (100) according to claim 3 further comprising a memory(111) configured to store the configuration parameter.

5. The OWC end device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the switch (108) comprises N Single-Pole Double-Throw, SPDT, controllable switches, and N is equal to the number of data lines comprised in the data bus.

6. The OWC end device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the predefined threshold is configurable.

7. The OWC end device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein when the OWC end device (100) comprises the power detector, the controller (110) is further configured to determine the operation mode to be the communication mode when the OWC end device (100) is power cycled or rebooted.

8. A method for triggering a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication, OWC, end device (100) according to claim 1, when the OWC end device (100) comprises the accelerometer or the tilt sensor, comprising: placing the OWC end device (100) upside-down.

9. A method for triggering a configuration mode of an optical wireless communication, OWC, end device (100) according to claim 1, when the OWC end device (100) comprises the power detector, comprising: shielding the light source (105) of the OWC end device (100) with an opaque or reflective surface.

10. An optical wireless communication, OWC, system (300) comprising: an OWC end device (100) according to any one of previous claims 1-7;an OWC access point, AP (400), configured to carry out optical wireless communication; and an electronic device (500) configured to connect to the connector interface(101) of the OWC end device (100) for establishing an optical wireless communication link with the OWC AP via the OWC end device (100).

11. The OWC system (300) of claim 10, wherein the electronic device (500) is at least one of: a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a remote controller (110), a smart TV, a display device, a storage device, a speaker, a home appliance, a toy, or another smart electronic device.

12. The OWC system (300) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the electronic device is configured to send the configuration parameter to the OWC end device (100) via the connector interface (101).

Images