Visible-Light Vehicle Infrastructure Communication for Traffic Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver assistance systems and traffic flow control methods face challenges in achieving reliable and efficient wireless data exchange between vehicles and traffic infrastructure, often relying on GPS and weather-sensitive technologies, which increase costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a LiFi-based system using roadside LED or streetlamp units for digital optical data transmission, where vehicles receive optical modulated signals and convert them into digital code words to control driving behavior, reducing hardware requirements and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS and weather-sensitive technologies are used for wireless data exchange, then communication between vehicles and traffic infrastructure can be achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces GPS-based wireless communication with optical communication using visible light. Instead of relying on satellite signals and complex radio frequency systems, the invention uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in traffic infrastructure to transmit data optically to vehicles, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses existing traffic infrastructure lighting elements (such as street lamps and traffic signal LEDs) to simultaneously serve as communication transmitters. By copying the dual function of these lighting elements for both illumination and data transmission, the system avoids adding separate communication hardware, thus reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If camera-based speed assistance systems are used to recognize traffic signs, then speed control can be implemented, but the system becomes dependent on weather conditions and GPS quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control functionalityVSAvoidweather and GPS dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces camera-based optical recognition with direct optical signal reception. Instead of using cameras to capture and process images of traffic signs, the system uses dedicated receiver modules to directly detect optically transmitted data signals from traffic infrastructure, eliminating weather and GPS dependencies while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical signal as an intermediary carrier for traffic information. Rather than relying on visual recognition of physical traffic signs or GPS data, the system uses modulated light signals as a reliable intermediary to transmit traffic control information directly to vehicles, ensuring operation independence from weather conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If multiple sensors and GPS receivers are installed on vehicles for traffic information detection, then comprehensive traffic data can be collected, but hardware costs and technical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic information completenessVSAvoidhardware quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the traffic infrastructure lighting elements universal by enabling them to perform both illumination and data transmission functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication transmitters, reducing the quantity of hardware required on both infrastructure and vehicle sides while maintaining complete traffic information delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by placing the communication transmitter in the fixed infrastructure rather than on the moving vehicle. This inversion allows the use of powerful, stable light sources at the infrastructure level while vehicles only need simple receiver modules, significantly reducing vehicle hardware quantity while maintaining information completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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, cost-effective, and dynamic control of traffic signs and vehicle speed, adapting to changing traffic conditions without the need for extensive vehicle hardware, improving traffic flow management and reducing the reliance on GPS and weather-sensitive technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a source of LiFi signals, in particular an LED 8, which is designed to transmit LiFi signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

a source of LiFi signals, in particular an LED 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

receiver modules 10, which are designed to detect the LiFi signals and to convert the LiFi signals into digital code words

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4414963A1Method, driver assistance system for wireless communication between a vehicle and a traffic infrastructure and system for controlling the traffic flow
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 ZF CV SYST GLOBAL GMBH
  • EP4414963A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414963A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4414963A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for wireless communication between a vehicle (4) and a traffic infrastructure, in which information is output by optical means (2). The wireless communication takes place via a digital optical data transmission path (3) in the visible range of light.