Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for enhancing indoor navigation using light-based communication (LCom). In some embodiments, an LCom-enabled luminaire configured as described herein may include access to a sensor configured to detect a given hazardous condition. In response to detection of a hazard, the LCom-enabled luminaire may adjust its light output, transmit an LCom signal, or both, in accordance with some embodiments. A given LCom signal may include data that may be utilized by a recipient computing device, for example, in providing emergency evacuation routing or other indoor navigation with hazard avoidance, emergency assistance, or both. In a network of such luminaires, data distribution via inter-luminaire communication may be provided, in accordance with some embodiments, via an optical interface or other wired or wireless communication means. In some cases, the network may include a luminaire that is not LCom-enabled yet still configured for inter-luminaire communication.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for position-based actions using light-based communication (LCom). LCom signals can be used to encode or otherwise provide data which in turn can be used to help determine the position of a device receiving those LCom signals. Therefore, LCom can be used to facilitate various actions based on, for example, the position of an LCom receiver determined using data received via the LCom signals. There are numerous use cases for position-based actions using LCom, such as security applications, check-in applications, payments based on location, permissions, and access to information that can all be tied to a location. Actions may include temporarily disabling or enabling the LCom receiver hardware or software (such as disabling device cameras in high security areas), providing another security layer as a result of knowing the device position, and using the LCom receiver position as a part of a larger process.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for programming a luminaire position for light-based communication (LCom) luminaires within an array of luminaires using position information provided by passing mobile computing devices. This position information can be received as, for example, as a specific coordinate (e.g., x-y coordinates of a grid-based map) or as movement data of the mobile computing device relative to an initial known reference location. The disclosed techniques can be used, for example, to reduce the time, labor, and expense associated with programming and re-programming a luminaire with a luminaire position, and to increase the flexibility of navigation system installations. In some cases, the disclosed techniques can be used, for example, to improve the precision of a luminaire position programmed into a newly installed luminaire.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sampling an LCom message and accurately decoding the entire LCom message using a light receiver (e.g., digital camera) of a typical mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile computing device. In one embodiment, a curvature method is disclosed to determine LCom signal bit values from a curvature value of a running average calculation of light sensor data. In another embodiment, a signal reconstruction method is disclosed to determine LCom signal bit values from a comparison of modeled data buffers to light sensor data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for augmenting global positioning system (GPS)-based navigation via light-based communication (LCom). In accordance with some embodiments, a light-sensing device, such as a camera or an ambient light sensor configured as described herein, may be used to detect an LCom signal transmitted by a local LCom-enabled solid-state luminaire. The LCom signal may include data about the location of the transmitting luminaire, and in some cases that location data may be used, for example, in computing the amount of time that it would take to navigate indoors to the luminaire's location. In some instances, GPS data also may be considered to calculate the total trip duration for an entire trip, including time spent indoors and outdoors. In some other cases, the location data and, if available, GPS data may be used, for example, in computing an automotive navigation route.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for projecting visible cues to assist with light-based communication (LCom), the visible cues referred to herein as visual hotspots. The visual hotspots can be projected, for example, using a luminaire that may be LCom-enabled. The visual hotspots may be projected onto the floor of an area including an LCom system. The visual hotspots can be used for numerous benefits, including alerting a potential user that LCom is available, educating the user about LCom technology, and assisting the user in using the LCom signals available in the area. The visual hotspots may include images, symbols, cues, characters (e.g., letters, words, numbers, etc.), indicators, logos, or any other suitable content. In some cases, the visual hotspots may be interactive, such that a user can scan the hotspot to cause an action to occur (e.g., launch an application or website).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for determining a light-based communication (LCom) receiver position. The techniques can be used to determine the position of a receiver relative to a specific luminaire within the field of view (FOV) of the receiver camera. The relative position may be calculated by determining the distance and the orientation of the receiver relative to the luminaire. The distance relative to the luminaire may be calculated using the observed size of the luminaire in an image generated by the receiver camera, the image zoom factor, and actual geometry of the luminaire. The orientation relative to the luminaire may be determined using a fiducial associated with the luminaire that can be used as an orientation cue. Once the position of a receiver relative to a luminaire is determined, the absolute position of the receiver may be calculated using the absolute position of the luminaire.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sampling an LCOM message and accurately reconstructing the entire LCOM message using a light receiver (e.g., digital camera) of a typical mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile computing device. These including receiving segments of an LCOM signal from at least two repetitions of the LCOM signal. The location of each segment within the LCOM signal is identified and each segment is stored in a corresponding location in a buffer configured to have a length equal to the LCOM signal. The buffer is a ring buffer, in some embodiments.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing proper raster line alignment of a camera or other light-sensing device of a receiver device relative to a transmitting light-based communication (LCom)-enabled luminaire to establish reliable LCom there between. In accordance with some embodiments, proper alignment can be provided automatically (e.g., by the receiver device and/or other suitable controller). In accordance with some embodiments, proper alignment can be provided by the user. In some instances in which a user is to be involved in the alignment process, the receiver device may be configured, for example, to instruct or otherwise guide the user in the process of properly aligning the receiver device relative to a given transmitting LCom-enabled luminaire.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sampling an LCOM message and accurately reconstructing the entire LCOM message using a light receiver (e.g., digital camera) of a typical mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile computing device. These including receiving segments of an LCOM signal from at least two repetitions of the LCOM signal. The location of each segment within the LCOM signal is identified and each segment is stored in a corresponding location in a buffer configured to have a length equal to the LCOM signal. The buffer is a ring buffer, in some embodiments.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for controlling a system including one or more light-based communication (LCom)-enabled luminaires. In some cases, the system may include: one or more LCom-enabled luminaires; a light sensor configured to detect LCom signals emitted from the luminaires; a computing device operatively coupled to the light sensor and configured to decode data from the LCom signals; and a controller configured to control the light output from at least one of the luminaires. The techniques may include calibrating, detecting, or otherwise setting up the system, such that the computing device knows at least one of the unique identification and position of each luminaire in the system. Once the initial set up is completed, the system can be controlled in a number of ways, such as manually or automatically controlling the light output from the luminaires for various applications, such as providing ambient light that complements video or audio content.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sampling an LCOM message and accurately reconstructing the entire LCOM message using a light receiver (e.g., digital camera) of a typical mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile computing device. These including receiving segments of an LCOM signal from at least two repetitions of the LCOM signal. The location of each segment within the LCOM signal is identified and each segment is stored in a corresponding location in a buffer configured to have a length equal to the LCOM signal. The buffer is a ring buffer, in some embodiments.

Abstract: Light-based communication (LCom) techniques are disclosed for decoding LCom signals using a sub-raster line sampling process. In accordance with an embodiment, a system is provided that is configured to sub-sample each raster line to capture data at a much faster sampling rate, which in turn allows for longer LCom messages and faster response time. The sub-sampling of the raster lines can be carried out in a rolling shutter mode. Without such sub-sampling of the raster lines, decoding the LCom signals may be effectively limited by the raster line frequency, given that the raster line sampling rate is tied to the horizontal resolution of the camera. However, by sub-sampling the raster lines as provided herein, the sampling rate can be a combination of horizontal and vertical pixels which represents a substantial improvement over standard raster line based rolling shutter modes.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for enhancing indoor navigation using light-based communication (LCom). In some embodiments, an LCom-enabled luminaire configured as described herein may include access to a sensor configured to detect a given hazardous condition. In response to detection of a hazard, the LCom-enabled luminaire may adjust its light output, transmit an LCom signal, or both, in accordance with some embodiments. A given LCom signal may include data that may be utilized by a recipient computing device, for example, in providing emergency evacuation routing or other indoor navigation with hazard avoidance, emergency assistance, or both. In a network of such luminaires, data distribution via inter-luminaire communication may be provided, in accordance with some embodiments, via an optical interface or other wired or wireless communication means. In some cases, the network may include a luminaire that is not LCom-enabled yet still configured for inter-luminaire communication.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing proper raster line alignment of a camera or other light-sensing device of a receiver device relative to a transmitting light-based communication (LCom)-enabled luminaire to establish reliable LCom there between. In accordance with some embodiments, proper alignment can be provided automatically (e.g., by the receiver device and/or other suitable controller). In accordance with some embodiments, proper alignment can be provided by the user. In some instances in which a user is to be involved in the alignment process, the receiver device may be configured, for example, to instruct or otherwise guide the user in the process of properly aligning the receiver device relative to a given transmitting LCom-enabled luminaire.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for selective use of light-sensing devices in light-based communication (LCom). In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed techniques can be used, for example, in determining how and when to utilize a given light-sensitive device, such as a camera or an ambient light sensor, of a receiver device for purposes of detecting the pulsing light of LCom signals transmitted by an LCom-enabled luminaire. In accordance with some embodiments, determination of whether to utilize only a camera, only an ambient light sensor, or a combination thereof in gathering LCom data may be based, in part or in whole, on factors including time, location, and/or context. In some cases, improvements in system resource usage may be realized using the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: Light-based communication (LCom) techniques are disclosed for adaptively adjusting the baud rate of a luminaire to optimize the LCom signal transmitted for an intended receiver device. The adaptive baud rate can be adjusted by a process that includes, for example: determining decoding parameters of the receiver device, the device including a camera for receiving LCom signals, and a display. The process further includes calculating a baud rate suitable for the receiver device based on the decoding parameters, and causing the baud rate to be set at the luminaire. The process may further include at least one of: verifying the baud rate at the receiver device; adjusting the decoding parameters of the receiver device if baud rate cannot be adjusted to meet a current configuration of decoding parameters; and prompting a user to rotate receiver device to improve orientation of the luminaire with respect to a raster direction of the camera.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for projecting visible cues to assist with light-based communication (LCom), the visible cues referred to herein as visual hotspots. The visual hotspots can be projected, for example, using a luminaire that may be LCom-enabled. The visual hotspots may be projected onto the floor of an area including an LCom system. The visual hotspots can be used for numerous benefits, including alerting a potential user that LCom is available, educating the user about LCom technology, and assisting the user in using the LCom signals available in the area. The visual hotspots may include images, symbols, cues, characters (e.g., letters, words, numbers, etc.), indicators, logos, or any other suitable content. In some cases, the visual hotspots may be interactive, such that a user can scan the hotspot to cause an action to occur (e.g., launch an application or website).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for position-based actions using light-based communication (LCom). LCom signals can be used to encode or otherwise provide data which in turn can be used to help determine the position of a device receiving those LCom signals. Therefore, LCom can be used to facilitate various actions based on, for example, the position of an LCom receiver determined using data received via the LCom signals. There are numerous use cases for position-based actions using LCom, such as security applications, check-in applications, payments based on location, permissions, and access to information that can all be tied to a location. Actions may include temporarily disabling or enabling the LCom receiver hardware or software (such as disabling device cameras in high security areas), providing another security layer as a result of knowing the device position, and using the LCom receiver position as a part of a larger process.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing proper raster line alignment of a camera or other light-sensing device of a receiver device relative to a transmitting light-based communication (LCom)-enabled luminaire to establish reliable LCom there between. In accordance with some embodiments, proper alignment can be provided automatically (e.g., by the receiver device and/or other suitable controller). In accordance with some embodiments, proper alignment can be provided by the user. In some instances in which a user is to be involved in the alignment process, the receiver device may be configured, for example, to instruct or otherwise guide the user in the process of properly aligning the receiver device relative to a given transmitting LCom-enabled luminaire.