Light-Based Vehicle-Device Identification via Optical Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for vehicle and user identification in transportation services, especially in crowded areas, face challenges due to unreliable visual and sensor identification, communication latency, and inaccuracies in GPS technology, making it difficult for users and vehicles to recognize and locate each other effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system where vehicles and mobile devices use light patterns to identify each other, with cameras detecting and processing light emissions to confirm identities and determine locations, allowing for precise communication and navigation between the two.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual or sensor identification methods are used in crowded areas, then identification capability is provided, but reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light patterns as an intermediary medium between the vehicle and user device for identification. Instead of relying directly on visual or sensor detection which fails in crowded areas, the system uses emitted and detected light patterns as a reliable intermediary signal that can be clearly distinguished even in complex environments with many vehicles and users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical sensor-based identification systems with a light-based communication system. By substituting the mechanical sensor detection approach with optical light pattern emission and detection, the system achieves more reliable identification that is not susceptible to the same limitations in crowded areas.
2Reliability
If network communications are used between user devices and vehicle computing devices, then communication capability is provided, but latency and reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light patterns as an intermediary communication channel between the vehicle and user device. This light-based direct communication bypasses the network infrastructure, eliminating network-induced latency and reliability issues while still enabling effective information exchange for identification and location purposes.
3Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for location determination, then location information is provided, but accuracy is insufficient for finer resolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to location determination by using light pattern detection alongside GPS. Instead of relying solely on satellite-based GPS coordinates, the system incorporates optical signal-based relative position detection, which provides finer resolution and more reliable location information by measuring the spatial relationship through light propagation characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables reliable and accurate identification and location determination between vehicles and users, improving the efficiency of transportation services by overcoming existing communication and recognition challenges.
Implementation Method 1
A computer in a vehicle and a mobile computing device in a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone or the like) each programmed to detect (a) light pattern(s) emitted by the other
Implementation Method 2
A computer in the vehicle and a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone or the like) each programmed to detect (a) light pattern(s) emitted by the other
Data Source
AI summary
A system for light-based vehicle-device communication includes a computer programmed to generate a first light pattern based on a received identifier, actuate a vehicle light according to the first light pattern, and then identify, from received image data, a second light pattern emitted from outside of the vehicle. The system may further include a mobile computing device programmed to generate the second light pattern based on a received vehicle identifier, and actuate a mobile device light according to the second light pattern. The mobile computing device may be programmed to identify, from received image data, the first light pattern.