Abstract: The disclosure describes a system that includes a self-driving system for operating a vehicle autonomously, one or more optical transmitters mounted on the vehicle, and one or more computing devices in communication with the self-driving system and the one or more optical transmitters. The one or more computing devices are configured to operate the self-driving system to cause the vehicle to approach a designated location in proximity of a structure on which one or more receivers are mounted and determine that the one or more optical transmitters have an alignment with the one or more receivers. Then, the one or more computing devices are configured to operate the one or more optical transmitters to establish an optical communication link with the one or more receivers and transmit data to the one or more receivers over the optical communication link.

Abstract: A mobile object configured for movement in an area equipped with VLC illumination sources comprises a light sensor arranged to detect illumination from at least one of the illumination sources within the view of the light sensor; a computer arranged to determine from the detected illumination (i) a position of the mobile object relative to the at least one illumination source and (ii) the identifier of the at least one illumination source; and a transceiver. The transceiver can receive from another mobile object a message comprising the position of the other mobile object relative to a source of illumination, and the identifier of that source of illumination. From this, the computer determines from its position and the message a distance from the other mobile object. A mobile object which transmits such a message is also envisaged.

Abstract: Methods and devices including a light display transceiver device are disclosed. Disclosed methods and devices include a light source array including at least one pixel unit, the at least one pixel unit including one of a single pixel, a plurality of groups of cooperating single pixels, a combination of singles pixels and groups of cooperating single pixels, and a single group of cooperating single pixels. Control wires are joined with each of the at least one pixel units. A controller is joined with the control wires for controlling each of the at least one pixel unit. The light source array is configured to operate in at least one of three modes, a full-space-division-duplex (FSDD) mode, a half-space-division-duplex (HSDD) mode, and a time-division-duplex (TDD) mode. The controller causes the light source array to operate in one of the three modes.

Abstract: An air conditioner according to the present invention includes: a remote controller that transmits an infrared signal containing operation instruction information; and an air-conditioner main body. The air-conditioner main body includes a black window, a light-receiving element, and a white window. The black window allows the infrared signal to pass therethrough and has transmittance equal to or greater than a first value in a first wavelength range that is an infrared wavelength range. The light-receiving element receives the infrared signal. The white window is disposed between the black window and the light-receiving element and has transmittance equal to or greater than a second value in the first wavelength range, the second value being smaller than the first value.

Abstract: A method includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor included in a terminal device so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, obtaining identification information of the subject, and obtaining a direction of light of the subject. Additionally, the method includes calculating a distance between the terminal device and the subject, and obtaining a location of the subject. The method further includes calculating a location of the terminal device using the distance and the location of the subject, and sending the location of the terminal device to a server.

Abstract: An example apparatus for depth sensing includes an image data receiver to receive image data from a communication camera and an augmented reality (AR) camera. The apparatus also includes a modulated light detector to detect one or more modulated lights in the image data from the communication camera. The apparatus further includes a representation generator to generate a visual representation of a local image region for each of the detected modulated lights. The apparatus includes a region matcher to match the visual representation for each of the detected modulated lights with a region in the image data received from the AR camera. The apparatus also further includes a distance estimator to estimate a distance between a dual camera receiver and the one or more modulated lights based on a disparity between a position of the visual representation and a position of the matched region in the image data.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes communication circuitry, a body bias generator, and a controller. The communication circuitry includes a physical medium attachment (PMA) and a physical coding sublayer (PCS). The body bias generator provides body bias signals to the PMA and PCS. The controller controls the body bias generator such that the body bias signals are controlled to improve a power consumption of the communication circuitry.

Abstract: An illumination light communication apparatus includes: a light source; a power supply circuit; a switching element which modulates an output current supplied from the power supply circuit to the light source; a visible light communication signal circuit which controls ON and OFF of the switching element to output a modulating signal for superimposing a visible light beacon signal including a unique ID onto the illumination light emitted from the light source; a control power supply circuit which supplies power to the visible light communication signal circuit; a wireless module which transmits a radio wave beacon signal including a unique ID; and a radio wave beacon controlling and transmitting circuit which controls the radio wave beacon signal transmitted from the wireless module, wherein the radio wave beacon controlling and transmitting circuit is supplied with power from the control power supply circuit.

Abstract: A portable terminal sends to a second server sound contents request information comprising a tag ID corresponding to light received from an illumination device, the light-receiving position on the light-receiving surface, and the area ratio of the light-receiving range to the light-receiving surface in order to acquire sound contents. The second server 700 combines individual sound contents corresponding to the tag ID in the sound contents request information, first basic sound contents corresponding to the light-receiving position, and second basic sound contents corresponding to the area ratio. Then, the second server creates sound contents for giving information about the object present at the location where the illumination device emitting the light corresponding to the tag ID is installed and the direction and distance of the object when seen from the portable terminal and sends the sound contents to the portable terminal.

Abstract: A smart switch applied to a remote control system in a smart home is connected to a power and at least one electronic device. The smart switch includes a storage, and a communication unit receiving commands from a remote source which include the unique identification code of a target electronic device. A smart gateway, a remote unit, and a processor unit including a converting module and a control module are also included. The converting module converts the remote command to a control signal that can be recognized by the electronic device, and the control module controls the remote unit to send the control signal to the electronic device. A remote control system is also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining an output of a visible frame in at Visible Light Communication (VLC) device are provided. A first VLC device determines whether to permit a second VLC device to generate visible frames, and transmits, to the second VLC device, visible frame information indicating whether the second VLC device is permitted to generate the visible frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to embedding data symbols of a data signal into a luminance output of an illumination device. The device includes a controller configured for receiving a first base pattern and a second base pattern within a frame period, and generating a shifted second pattern by phase shifting the second base pattern within the frame period with respect to the first base pattern in response to the data signal such that the data symbols are embedded in the luminance output of the device. The device also includes a first light source configured to generate a first luminance output in response to the first base pattern and a second light source configured to generate a second luminance output in response to the shifted second pattern. The first and second luminance outputs have different output spectra and the luminance output of the illumination device comprises both the first and second luminance outputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting mobility of a mobile terminal in a Visible Light Communication (VLC) system. The method includes activating only necessary light sources for VLC considering the mobility of the mobile terminal, instead of using total light sources for VLC. Consequently, power consumption can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method of automatically binding first and second devices for RF communication is disclosed. One step of the method involves establishing a secure, non-RF communication mode between the first and second devices. According to another step, first and second communication addresses respectively identifying the first and second devices are exchanged in the secure, non-RF communication mode such that the first and second devices will recognize each other as communication partners. The secure, non-RF communication mode is then terminated and an RF communication mode is established between the first and second devices as a first bound pair.

Abstract: A method of registering a wireless device located in premises in a wireless network which is constructed in the premises. The method includes receiving a light signal, which includes network identification information of the wireless network constructed in the premises from at least one illumination device installed in the premises, and registering the wireless device in the wireless network constructed in the premises, by using the network identification information of the wireless network included in the received light signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing synchronized data by using visible light communication includes, receiving a synchronization channel from a mobile communication base station using a specific mobile communication network, by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting; analyzing the received synchronization channel, and extracting a synchronization signal for synchronizing the LED lighting with at least one LED lighting adjacent to the LED lighting; selecting a specific time slot of the synchronization signal based on IDentifications (IDs) of the LED lightings; and including a data frame of the LED lighting in the specific time slot, and transmitting the specific time slot, which includes the data frame of the LED lighting, to a mobile terminal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a visible light communication technology capable of intuitively recognizing a transmission speed, an alignment status, a communication status, or a transmission rate. A visible light communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source selecting unit selecting at least one light source of a plurality of light sources generating lights having different wavelengths by considering intuitive information distinguished depending on a wavelength in a visible light band; and a visible light communication unit performing visible light communication by at least one selected light source to allow the intuitive information to be recognized by a color corresponding to at least one selected light source. Accordingly, a user using the visible light communication can intuitively know an optimal communication status or transmission speed.

Abstract: A system comprises a transmitter including a laser configured to generate a laser beam directed at a spot on a surface, and a laser driver connected to the laser and configured to modulate input data onto the laser beam. The system may further comprise a receiver including an optical detector configured to decode received light into raw data, a signal processor configured to decode the raw data into the original input data, and telescope optics configured to receive light reflected from the spot on the surface, collimate the light and converge the light onto the optical detector.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photo detector-combined illuminance sensor includes a circuit for a Photo Detector (PD) function to detect the illuminance of the ambient environment. The illuminance sensor operates under the control of a controller in a visible light communication terminal. When an optical signal detected by the illuminance sensor is a visible light communication signal, the controller switches to cause the illuminance sensor to operate as the photo detector for the visible light communication in a visible light communication mode.

Abstract: The spatial light communication device is constituted with a spatial light transmitter which is installed in a fixed manner in a plurality of places, stores preset ID information of its own and has a light emitting portion for emitting spatial light on which the ID information is superimposed, and a spatial light receiver which is connected to a handheld terminal, has a light receiving portion for receiving spatial light emitted from the light emitting portion of the spatial light transmitter and also has a light receiving circuit for amplifying and outputting a light receiving signal of the light receiving portion. The spatial light receiver is provided with a connector portion which is connected to a microphone input terminal of the handheld terminal as a terminal for outputting a light receiving output signal of the light receiving circuit to the handheld terminal.

Abstract: A network architecture for integrating a 4G wireless mesh network (WMN) with a 3-G network in order to effectively support multimedia communication is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a wireless mesh network system comprises a plurality of routers each having a wireless optical interface; at least one base station having Internet backhaul and connecting to a wireless optical device; a computer media storing instructions for assigning at least one of the plurality of routers to act as an Internet gateway via said base station; wherein said assigned router and said base station communicating via a link between wireless optical interface of said assigned router and the wireless optical device connected to said base station, and said link is line-of-sight.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus of a wireless light communication system using an illumination light source can maximize a rate of data transmission while maintaining a brightness adjusting function of the illumination light source. The transmission apparatus includes a dimming level input unit which receives a dimming level of the illumination light source as an input, a coder which codes original data and outputs the coded data, a dimming coder which checks the dimming level input to the dimming level input unit, generates a symbol-codeword table corresponding to the dimming level, and dimming-codes the data output from the coder, a line coder which converts the data diming-coded by the dimming coder into pulse signals.

Abstract: A lighting system includes light fixtures not in communications with and not synchronized with one another, and one or more light sensors. Each light fixture separately emits data encoded visible light including light fixture information encoded therein in a manner that avoids visually perceptible flicker and enables light fixture information emitted by one light fixture to be distinguished from light fixture information emitted by other light fixtures. The light fixture information is encoded into data encoded visible light such that a difference between different levels of the data encoded visible light is indicative of an illumination capability of the light fixture and such that visually perceptible flicker is avoided. Each light sensor separately receives portions of data encoded light visible light emitted by multiple light fixtures and separately determines the identity of and the maximum and present illumination contributions for each light fixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection system for determining data embedded into the light output of a light source in a form of a repeating sequence of N symbols. The detection system includes a camera and a processing unit. The camera is configured to acquire a series of images of the scene via specific open/closure patterns of the shutter. The processing unit is configured to process the acquired series of images to determine the repeating sequence of N symbols. By carefully triggering when a shutter of the camera is open to capture the different symbols of the encoded light within each frame time of a camera, a conventional camera with a relatively long frame time may be employed. Therefore, the techniques presented herein are suitable for detecting the invisible “high frequency” coded light while using less expensive cameras as those used in the prior art.

Abstract: There is disclosed a visible light communication technology capable of intuitively recognizing a transmission speed, an alignment status, a communication status, or a transmission rate. A visible light communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source selecting unit selecting at least one light source of a plurality of light sources generating lights having different wavelengths by considering intuitive information distinguished depending on a wavelength in a visible light band; and a visible light communication unit performing visible light communication by at least one selected light source to allow the intuitive information to be recognized by a color corresponding to at least one selected light source. Accordingly, a user using the visible light communication can intuitively know an optimal communication status or transmission speed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transmission system includes a transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter includes one or a plurality of light sources, a modulator, a first driver, a display, and a second driver. The one or a plurality of light sources is configured to emit a visible light whose light amount corresponds to a first drive signal. The modulator is configured to, according to transmission data to be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, modulate a first luminance signal indicative of an amount of the light the light source is configured to emit, to generate a second luminance signal. The first driver is configured to generate the first drive signal based on the second luminance signal. A mean of the second luminance signal during one frame in the input video signal is substantially equal to a value of the first luminance signal in the frame.

Abstract: There is provided a light detection system which is capable of determining in light embedded codes by detecting light in a scene which is illuminated by an illumination system (110) comprising one or more light sources (111,112,113) each providing a light contribution (I111, I112, I113) comprising an embedded code (ID#1, ID#2, ID#3) emitted as a temporal sequence of modulations in a characteristics of the light emitted. The light detection system comprises light detection means (220), which are arranged for acquiring at least one image of the scene, where the image is acquired a plurality of temporal shifted line instances. Each line of the acquired image comprises an instance of the temporal sequence of modulations of the first embedded code. The light detection system further comprises means (230) for determining embedded codes from the spatial pattern of modulations.

Abstract: A system includes a beacon device including a communication strip having a plurality of directed light emitters distributed along the communication strip. The beacon device can transmit a directed light signal via the directed light emitters. The system further includes a tag including a processor, a radio frequency transmitter coupled to the processor, a directed light receiver coupled to the processor, and a lens having first and second major surfaces and a side surface, the tag to receive the directed light signal via the side surface and to transmit a radio frequency tag message via the radio frequency transmitter. The system also includes a radio frequency reader to receive the radio frequency tag message.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting visible light communication data is provided, the apparatus including a common modulation unit generating a modulated signal for transmitting a first visible light communication data, a plurality of individual modulation units generating modulated signals for transmitting a plurality of second visible light communication data, and a plurality of light emitting units receiving the modulated signals from the plurality of individual modulation units, respectively, and outputting visible light signals, wherein an output of the common modulation unit is the input as an output control signal of the individual modulation units.

Abstract: A system for open space data communication comprising a transmitting device and an optical receiver using multiple varying levels of emitted radiation output. The transmitting device includes multiple emitter groups that are capable of being switched on and off and each of which can be activated in parallel to emit fixed, varying radiation outputs. A total radiation output emitted by the transmitting device is defined by a sum of the emitted radiation outputs of the emitter groups, wherein to transmit a bit vector (b0 . . . bn) an emitter group assigned to a most significant bit (b0) emits a maximum radiation output Pmax and emitter groups assigned to the less significant bits (b1 . . . bn) of the bit vector emit radiation outputs: Px=Pmax/2x where x=1 . . . n.

Abstract: A data center for executing a data processing application includes processing units, sub-units or servers. Each of the processing units, sub-units or servers can execute a part or all of the data processing application. The processing units, sub-units or servers are electrical disjoint with respect to data communications, but can communicate with each other over free space optical links.

Abstract: A method for communication between a lighting node and a controller is described. One embodiment of the method includes transmitting a command from the controller based on a target illumination profile stored on the controller to the lighting node utilizing a controller radio device and receiving the command from the controller at the lighting node utilizing a node radio device. The method may also include generating illumination having a spectral content from the lighting node utilizing at least a light emitting diode; and receiving the spectral content from the lighting node at the controller utilizing an optical sensor.

Abstract: A data center for executing a data processing application includes processing units, sub-units or servers. Each of the processing units, sub-units or servers can execute a part or all of the data processing application. The processing units, sub-units or servers are electrical disjoint with respect to data communications, but can communicate with each other over free space optical links.

Abstract: A handheld device includes: a transmitter or receiver of a signal beam for quantum key distribution; and a source of alignment beams that diverge from each other in a pattern that matches sensors on a station containing a receiver or transmitter for the quantum key distribution. The alignment beams from the handheld device are of sufficient intensity to produce on the station visible spots that facilitate manual alignment of the handheld device. The station can measure a position and a direction of respective alignment beams and dynamically steer the signal beam according to the measurements.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the preset invention, in a sensor terminal that is worn by a person, and detects that respective wearers face each other by the aid of an optical communication, a plurality of optical transmit/receive units each having at least one of a transmission unit that emits the light to transmit data, and a reception unit that receives the light to receive the data is arranged within the housing, and the plurality of optical transmit/receive units is arranged so that light emission axes of the transmission units, or extension lines of light detection axes of the reception units approaches each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light-based communication, and more particularly it relates to methods for configuration of at least one remote light-sensing device, to a central light-emitting unit and to a light-sensing device. According to the invention, spatial configuration of remote light-sensing devices (e.g. peripherals such as loudspeakers or light devices), will be achieved by transmission of embedded identifiers or configuration information in light emitted in a plurality of directions from a central light-emitting unit. With a different identifier or different configuration information for each direction of transmission, the directions can be distinguished from each other. The invention enables a user to place remote light-sensing devices in a desired spatial position and the central light-emitting unit will be able to determine location and spatial function, i.e. for example whether the peripheral is an audio device and/or a lighting device.

Abstract: An LED light and communication system includes one or more optical transceivers that have a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and one or more photodetectors attached thereto, and a processor in communication with the light emitting diodes and the one or more photodetectors. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal. The one or more optical transceivers are engaged to a lighting fixture within a building. The one or more optical transceivers are constructed and arranged to communicate with a name tag.

Abstract: A data center for executing a data processing application includes processing units, sub-units or servers. Each of the processing units, sub-units or servers can execute a part or all of the data processing application. The processing units, sub-units or servers are electrical disjoint with respect to data communications, but can communicate with each other over free space optical links.

Abstract: A lighting system includes light fixtures not in communications with and not synchronized with one another, and one or more light sensors. Each light fixture separately emits data encoded visible light including light fixture information encoded therein in a manner that avoids visually perceptible flicker and enables light fixture information emitted by one light fixture to be distinguished from light fixture information emitted by other light fixtures. The light fixture information is encoded into data encoded visible light such that a difference between different levels of the data encoded visible light is indicative of an illumination capability of the light fixture and such that visually perceptible flicker is avoided. Each light sensor separately receives portions of data encoded light visible light emitted by multiple light fixtures and separately determines the identity of and the maximum and present illumination contributions for each light fixture.

Abstract: A mobile device includes an inertial navigation system (INS) to measure inertial quantities associated with movement of the device, and estimate a kinematic state associated with the movement based on the measured inertial quantities. The device includes a light receiver to record light beams originating from lights at respective image positions in a sequence of images. The device photogrammetrically determines its position relative to the originating lights based on predetermined real-world positions and corresponding image positions of the lights. The device corrects the estimated kinematic state based on the photogrammetrically determined position, to produce a corrected estimated kinematic state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to detect infrared (IR) signals at a media device. Exemplary embodiments include a media device configured to receive media content; at least one IR detector residing in the media device, and configured to receive a portion of IR signals emitted from a remote control; and a cover lens disposed in a portion of an enclosure of the media device. The cover lens has a first cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signals emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a first portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is horizontally oriented, and has a second cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signal emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a second portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is vertically oriented.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless communication method, base station and system. The base station includes several LED lights and/or several VLC/IR receivers. The several LED lights are configured to send downlink signals in an OFDMA standard to a user terminal, and the several VLC/IR receivers are configured to receive uplink signals that are of an SC-FDMA standard and sent by the user terminal. The base station further includes a baseband signal processing unit configured to equate the several LED lights and/or the several VLC/IR receivers with radio remote units of an LTE mode to perform processing and resource management. The embodiments of the present invention are capable of reusing baseband signal processing and resource management manners in an existing LTE system, thereby simplifying resource management and baseband signal processing operations performed by the base station, and saving the base station resources.

Abstract: Methods and systems for relaying an optical signal from a remote control to a remote-controlled device such as a home entertainment device or a security device. Embodiments include at least one optical receiver and a plurality of optical transmitters. The optical transmitter positioned with an unobstructed line-of-sight to the home entertainment device is identified and the data encoded in the optical signal from the remote control is sent to that transmitter. A second optical signal that is substantially identical to the first is then generated at the optical transmitter and communicated to the home entertainment device.

Abstract: A method for providing visible notification by a device in a visible-light-communication system based on Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.15.7, wherein higher levels are allowed to invoke through one standardized interface a medium-access-control sub-layer to provide color-function support and enables invocation of a transmission of color, visibility, and dimming frames by a higher layer, which creates a unified interface between the MAC sub-layer and the higher layers, while providing a primitive for requesting, by the at least one upper layer to the at least one interface of the medium-access-control entity layer, a transmission of at least one visibility frame.

Abstract: A visible light communication (VLC) device is provided for use in a VLC system. The VLC device detect a trigger condition indicating a failure of a VLC link associated with first allocated resources used to communicate with a second VLC device. In response to the detection, the VLC device terminates on the first allocated resources transmission of data to the second VLC device and transmits a fast link recovery (FLR) signal using the first allocated resources. The VLC device receives a fast link recovery response (FLR RSP) signal indicating the second VLC device received the FLR signal and, in response, the VLC device resumes transmission of data to the second VLC device.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for the optical transmission of data by a pulse-width modulated light source (LED), in which a set dimming factor (N) is replaced with a cycle-dependent dimming factor (NI), the cycle-dependent dimming factor is modulated for encoding the data to be transmitted and corresponds to the set dimming factor over a time interval which is resolvable for the human eye.

Abstract: A data center for executing a data processing application includes processing units, sub-units or servers. Each of the processing units, sub-units or servers can execute a part or all of the data processing application. The processing units, sub-units or servers are electrical disjoint with respect to data communications, but can communicate with each other over free space optical links.

Abstract: A visible light communication method and terminal are provided for communicating with a visible light coordinator which discriminates between at least one communication area cell that includes at least one light source and a boundary area positioned between the communication area cell and another communication area cell adjacent to the communication cell area, and which provides time division visible light communication. Data of the visible light communication terminal is received from the visible light coordinator using a first time slot in a first communication area cell determined according to a position of the visible light communication terminal. The visible light coordinator is communicated with using a second time slot assigned from the visible light coordinator, when the visible light communication terminal is located in a boundary area of the first communication area cell. The second time slot has not been assigned to the visible light communication terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device for embedding data symbols of a data signal into a luminance output of the illumination device. The device includes a LED comprising at least two segments which have a common electrode and are individually controllable. The LED is configured to generate the luminance output in response to a drive signal. The device further includes a controller configured for switching one of the segments on or off in response to the data signal to embed data symbols of the data signal into the light output of the device. One advantage of such an approach is that the proposed device is compatible with conventional LED drivers since no additional electronics for modulating the drive signal are necessary, which enables simple implementation and reduced costs.

Abstract: A data center for executing a data processing application includes processing units, sub-units or servers. Each of the processing units, sub-units or servers can execute a part or all of the data processing application. The processing units, sub-units or servers are electrical disjoint with respect to data communications, but can communicate with each other over free space optical links.