Vehicle Identification via Visual Light Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle identification systems are inadequate for accurately identifying ride-sharing vehicles and passengers in crowded environments, leading to confusion and safety concerns due to deficiencies in localization resolution, object recognition, and the inability to utilize standard vehicle equipment like headlights for secure communication.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light communication system using Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, where a mobile device and vehicle exchange encrypted information through high-speed LED signaling, enabling accurate vehicle identification and secure communication channels, even in obstructed conditions, by employing photodiodes, CMOS cameras, and other light-sensitive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional identification methods (stickers, lights, mobile devices) are used, then vehicle identification is provided, but accuracy and reliability are insufficient in crowded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical identification systems (stickers, LED lights, mobile device displays) with a Visual Light Communication system using vehicle headlights. The headlights modulate light at high frequencies (above human perception threshold) to encode identification data, transforming a mechanical/optical system into an optical communication system that provides both identification and secure communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of vehicle headlights from static illumination to dynamic light modulation. By modulating the light intensity at high frequencies (e.g., 100 Hz or more) that are imperceptible to humans, the system encodes identification data and cryptographic keys within the headlight signals, enabling accurate vehicle identification and secure channel establishment.
2Device complexity
If standard vehicle equipment like headlights are used for identification, then system complexity is reduced, but secure communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes vehicle headlights multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their traditional illumination function and a new Visual Light Communication function. The same headlight hardware that provides lighting now also transmits identification data and cryptographic keys through light modulation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing headlight system serves dual purposes: providing illumination and enabling secure communication. By utilizing the vehicle's own standard equipment for both functions, the system avoids adding external communication devices, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining secure information exchange capabilities through cryptographic key transmission via modulated light.
3Reliability
If high-speed LED signaling is used for VLC, then communication security is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of LED light intensity at high frequencies to encode communication data. By switching the LED on and off in predetermined patterns (e.g., representing binary 0s and 1s), the system transmits cryptographic keys and identification information securely. The periodic nature of this modulation allows for efficient data transmission while the high frequency ensures the modulation is imperceptible to humans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional wireless communication systems (which require complex radio frequency transmitters and receivers) with a Visual Light Communication system using LEDs. This substitution leverages the existing LED infrastructure in vehicles, reducing hardware complexity while providing secure communication through light modulation that is inherently more secure as it does not penetrate walls or obstacles like radio waves.
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
The system provides accurate and secure vehicle identification, enhancing passenger safety and convenience by establishing reliable communication channels between ride-hailing users and vehicles, even in crowded or obstructed scenarios, without relying on GPS or biometric data.
Implementation Method 1
VLC works by switching current to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or other light emitters off and on at a very high speed
Implementation Method 2
Receivers may include photodiodes, CMOS cameras, and other light sensitive sensors capable of distinguishing temporal and/or spatial properties of light emission
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to augmented reality vehicle identification with visual light communication. For example, a mobile device may be configured for “scanning” an area having multiple parked vehicles within visual range of the mobile device, to identify a target vehicle. The mobile device may include an application for identifying the target vehicle using visual light communication (VLC) equipment and techniques that present an augmented reality outline or other identification of the target vehicle on the smartphone screen once the vehicle is identified by the system. The encrypted communication channels with the vehicle may be established to utilize vehicle headlamps, interior lights, or another light emitting device to establish the VLC between the user's phone and the vehicle VLC system. The mobile device may emit VLC signals using an onboard light emitter while being in visual communication with the target vehicle, establish an encrypted communication channel with the vehicle, and identify the vehicle using automatic and/or user-selectable identification features.