Sectorized VLC Sensor Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual Light Communication (VLC) systems face limitations in high-speed modulation due to the thermal nature of incandescent lamps and the need to handle multiple light transmitters and mesh network conditions, which reduces communication system capacity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sectorized VLC/DLC sensors with oriented surface facets and distributed pixels to determine the direction and distance of light sources, along with a system that includes automatic luminaire location identification and group assignment, using a gateway to control illumination and process data from sensors and servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If VLC systems use incandescent lamps for light transmission, then illumination is provided, but high-speed modulation is limited due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver into multiple facets with distributed pixels, allowing the system to process light from multiple transmitters simultaneously. This segmentation enables the receiver to handle complex mesh network conditions without requiring the transmitter to achieve higher modulation speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between modulation speed limitations and system capacity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging pixels in a distributed pattern across multiple facets. Instead of relying solely on temporal modulation speed, the system uses spatial distribution of pixels to identify and separate signals from multiple light sources, effectively adding a spatial dimension to signal processing that bypasses the thermal inertia limitation of incandescent lamps
2Area of stationary object
If VLC systems transmit light in all directions, then coverage is maximized, but receiver capacity decreases due to inability to distinguish multiple light transmitters
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is segmented into multiple facets, each capable of detecting light from specific directions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain omnidirectional coverage while simultaneously identifying the direction and origin of individual light sources, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and source identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the intensity distribution across different facets and pixels as a spatial signature for each light source. By analyzing which facets receive light and the relative intensities, the system can distinguish between multiple transmitters even when all are broadcasting in all directions, effectively using spatial 'color' or intensity patterns for identification
3Adaptability or versatility
If VLC systems require receivers to handle mesh network conditions, then network flexibility is improved, but communication system capacity drops
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed pixel arrangement across multiple facets enables the receiver to independently process signals from multiple transmitters simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to handle mesh network topology with multiple active transmitters without signal confusion, maintaining both network flexibility and communication capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates spatial copies of the detection function across multiple facets and pixels. Each facet acts as an independent detection unit that can identify light sources in its specific direction. This copying of the detection function across space enables the system to handle multiple simultaneous transmissions in mesh networks, maintaining capacity while providing network flexibility
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
Enhances information bandwidth and facilitates efficient dimming control and system integration by accurately identifying luminaire locations and managing light intensity, thereby improving the capacity and efficiency of VLC/DLC communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sectorized VLC/DLC sensor is configured to determine a direction and a distance of a transmitting light source from the sectorized VLC/DLC sensor, based at least in part on the pixels at which light transmitted from the transmitting light source is received and the intensity of the light that is received by the pixels
Data Source
AI summary
Sectorized Visual Light Communication (VLC)/Dark Light Communication (DLC) systems and sensors are generally disclosed. The exemplary VLC/DLC systems may include a transmitter for transmitting a light signal including information about the transmitting light source, and a receiver with a number of surface facets facing in different directions at different angles, and configured to determine a distance and a direction of a transmitting light source from the VLC/DLC receiver. Associated exemplary methods for automatic identification and grouping of light sources are disclosed.