Visible Light Vehicle Relay Communication for Obstacle-Limited Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for vehicle control and communication in plant operations face challenges in safety and range limitations due to the reliance on stationary light sources and obstacles affecting light transmission, with a need for improved position determination and collision avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing vehicles with bidirectional transceiver modules and controllable light sources for data transmission, combined with position-determination devices, allowing vehicles to relay driving orders and status information, and enabling vehicles to determine their positions independently, thereby reducing collision risk and expanding the system's range without increasing stationary transceiver modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary light sources are used for data transmission, then the system can maintain stable communication within transmission areas, but the transmission range is limited and obstacles block the light path
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles equipped with transceiver modules act as mobile intermediaries to relay data between the central control unit and other vehicles. When a vehicle enters the transmission area, it receives data from the stationary transceiver module and forwards it to vehicles outside the transmission area, effectively extending the communication range while maintaining reliable communication within the stationary transmission zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static light source transmission to dynamic mobile transmission by equipping vehicles with transceiver modules. These mobile units can move to different locations, adapt their transmission areas dynamically, and overcome obstacles by positioning themselves strategically, thereby extending the effective transmission range beyond the limitations of fixed light sources.
2Area of stationary object
If more stationary transceiver modules are deployed to extend range, then coverage area increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles serve multiple functions: they perform delivery tasks, act as mobile transceiver modules for data transmission, and function as position-determination devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional stationary transceiver modules, as the vehicles themselves provide the communication infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity while extending coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicles equip themselves with transceiver modules and position-determination devices, making them self-sufficient communication nodes. They autonomously establish communication links with the central control unit and other vehicles, eliminating the need for extensive stationary infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If vehicles relay data outside transmission areas, then system range is extended, but position determination accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces optical-based position determination (which relies on light from stationary transceiver modules) with satellite-based GPS positioning for vehicles operating outside transmission areas. This substitution ensures that position determination accuracy is maintained regardless of the vehicle's location, as GPS provides global coverage independent of the stationary light source transmission areas.
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 enhances safety by reducing collision risk, improving position accuracy, and extending the operational range by using vehicles to relay data and position information, while minimizing the number of stationary light sources and overcoming obstacles, allowing vehicles to automatically return to their starting points and maintain operations outside transmission areas.
Implementation Method 1
each having a spatial transmission area for the bidirectional communication with the stationary transceiver module and/or a vehicle, the respective transceiver module has at least one controllable light source and a light sensor, in particular a light source of visible light
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor for visible light, in particular a photodiode or a phototransistor
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes vehicles, a central control unit, and a stationary transceiver module connected to the central control unit via a bidirectional communications channel. Each vehicle has a transceiver module for bidirectional communication with the stationary transceiver module and/or a vehicle. The transceiver module has a controllable light source and a light sensor. The central control unit transmits driving orders to the vehicles via the stationary transceiver module. A first vehicle that is located within a spatial transmission area of the stationary transceiver module forwards a driving order to a second vehicle that is located outside the spatial transmission area of the stationary transceiver module, and the second vehicle transmits data via the first vehicle and the stationary transceiver module to the central control unit.