KR20170057115A - Apparatus for visible light communication and method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A visible light communication device includes: a data input unit for receiving data; a modulator for modulating the input data; a controller for outputting a first control signal based on data modulated by the modulator; and a transmitter for outputting the modulated data through visible light based on a first control signal outputted through the controller, wherein the first control signal includes a color state signal of the output visible light. The present invention can give various information to the modulated data by applying the color temperature and color rendering index of the light to a visible light communication method.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a visible light communication device,

The present invention relates to a visible light communication device, and more particularly, to a visible light communication device and a visible light communication method capable of performing visible light communication by giving various information to one light source.

A visible light communication (VLC) is a type of visible light communication (VLC) that transmits visible light (e.g., about 400 to 700 nanometers, visible to the naked human eye) to wirelessly transmit data (e.g., voice data, (Nm) of the wavelength of the light). In order to transmit data using VLC, a visible light source, such as a fluorescent bulb or a light emitting diode (LED), can be intensity modulated or turned on and off very rapidly.

The receiving device (e.g., a camera, a presenter of a mobile phone, or an ambient light sensor) may receive the intensity-modulated light and convert it into data that the receiving device can process for use and / or enjoyment of the user.

One of the main causes of visible light communication is the ubiquitous nature of visible light sources that can be used to transmit data to receiving devices. Consumer electronics and lamps that may include, for example, LED transmissive displays and other LEDs, such as display lights and traffic signals, all include one or more visible light sources. Thus, the visible light sources have the potential to transmit data wirelessly to users located at almost any location.

Because visible light communication does not require the use of radio frequency bandwidth, it can provide advantages such as freeing limited radio frequency bandwidth for other uses. Also, since the light sources are already arranged for other purposes (e.g., providing light and displaying television shows, movies and data), the light sources can easily be converted to transmitters by simply coupling them to the control devices .

Such visible light communication can also be referred to as coded light (CL) and is based on inserting data, particularly invisible identifiers, into the light output of the light source. Thus, visible light communication can be defined as insertion of data and identifiers in the light output of the light source, and the embedded data and / or identifier preferably does not affect the primary illumination function (e.g., illumination) of the light source. Therefore, it should not show to the person any modulation of the emitted light associated with the data and / or the identifier. This allows applications such as scene setting, commissioning and re-commissioning of network lighting systems.

Such visible light may be used in a communication application and is configured such that one or more light sources emit visible light to inform the receiver of the information.

However, the visible light communication according to the related art utilizes the flicker function of the light source, and accordingly, it can not transmit various information with one modulated data.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new visible light communication method that allows various information to be transmitted and received with one piece of modulated data.

The present invention provides a visible light communication device capable of performing visible light communication in a new manner and a visible light communication method thereof.

In addition, the present invention provides a visible light communication device and a visible light communication method capable of transmitting various information with one modulated data.

Also, the present invention provides a visible light communication device capable of performing visible light communication using a light source color including at least one of a color temperature and a color rendering index, as well as flicker of a light source, and a visible light communication method thereof.

In addition, the present invention provides a visible light communication apparatus and a visible light communication method capable of performing visible light communication through at least one of a color temperature and a color rendering index without flicker of a light source.

It is to be understood that the technical objectives to be achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the technical matters mentioned above and that other technical subjects not mentioned are apparent to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments proposed from the following description belong, It can be understood.

A visible light communication apparatus includes a data input unit for receiving data; A modulator for modulating the input data; A controller for outputting a first control signal based on data modulated by the modulator; And a transmitter for outputting the modulated data through a visible light based on a first control signal output through the controller, wherein the first control signal includes a color state signal of the output visible light.

The control unit outputs a second control signal based on the modulated data, and the transmitter generates visible light according to the first control signal and the second control signal, and the second control signal controls the visible light Off signal of the light source that outputs the light beam.

The modulated data may include first data output through a change in color state of the visible light and second data output through on / off of the light source.

In addition, the modulated data includes first data according to a combination of a color state of the visible light and on / off of the light source.

Further, the data is output based on a change in the color temperature of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variables according to the color temperatures of the visible light.

Further, the data is output based on a change in the color rendering index of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variables according to the respective color rendering indexes of the visible light.

The data is output based on a combination of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variables depending on the combination of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light.

In addition, the respective color temperatures are grouped into a plurality of groups based on the color series, and the same code is assigned to a plurality of color temperatures belonging to the same group according to the grouping.

The control unit may generate the first control signal based on a code assigned to at least one color temperature among the color temperatures belonging to the same color sequence as the previous color temperature.

On the other hand, the visible light communication device includes a receiving unit for receiving visible light that is loaded with data; And a data acquiring unit that acquires data included in the visible light by demodulating the received visible light, wherein the data acquires color state information of the visible light and is acquired based on the acquired color state information.

Further, the data is output based on a change in the color temperature of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variables according to the color temperatures of the visible light.

Further, the data is output based on a change in the color rendering index of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variables according to the respective color rendering indexes of the visible light.

The data is output on the basis of a change in the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variable depending on the combination of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light.

In addition, the respective color temperatures are grouped into a plurality of groups based on the color series, and the same code is assigned to a plurality of color temperatures belonging to the same group according to the grouping.

The data acquisition unit may include a color sensor for sensing color information of the received visible light, and the color information may include at least one of a color temperature and a color rendering index of the visible light.

The data obtaining unit extracts a symbol from the visible light, and further obtains the data based on a pulse signal included in the extracted symbol.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visible light communication method including: modulating data according to a color state of visible light; And outputting the modulated data through visible light, wherein the data is output by a change in color state of visible light emitted through the light source.

Further, the data is output based on a change in the color temperature of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variables according to the color temperatures of the visible light.

Further, the data is output based on a change in the color rendering index of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variables according to the respective color rendering indexes of the visible light.

The data is output on the basis of a change in the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light, and different codes are assigned to the variable depending on the combination of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light.

In addition, the respective color temperatures are grouped into a plurality of groups based on the color series, and the same code is assigned to a plurality of color temperatures belonging to the same group according to the grouping.

And modulating the data with a symbol having a basic clock period, wherein the data is output in combination with a color state of the visible light and an on / off state of a light source that emits the visible light.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, not only the flicker function of illumination but also the color temperature and color rendering index of illumination are applied to the visible light communication system, various information can be given to the modulated data, And can be expected to create a market.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, desired information can be transmitted through only the color rendering index or the color temperature even in a general lighting device not provided with a communication function or a coding function, It can be used for statistical analysis such as the number of shipment and confirmation of personnel.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a visible light communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing a detailed structure of the visible light transmitting apparatus shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a visible light communication process of a visible light communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a signal spectrum transmitted from a visible light transmitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the visible light transmitting apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the visible light receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a case where brightness control is implemented using VPPM (Variable - PPM) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating color states of a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining a step-by-step description of a visible light communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. Is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear. The following terms are defined in consideration of the functions in the embodiments of the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention of the user, the intention or the custom of the operator. Therefore, the definition should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

Combinations of the steps of each block and flowchart in the accompanying drawings may be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be embedded in a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus so that the instructions, which may be executed by a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, Thereby creating means for performing the functions described in the step. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer usable or computer readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to implement the functionality in a particular manner so that the computer usable or computer readable memory It is also possible to produce manufacturing items that contain instruction means that perform the functions described in each block or flowchart illustration in each step of the drawings. Computer program instructions may also be stored on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment so that a series of operating steps may be performed on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a computer- It is also possible for the instructions to perform the processing equipment to provide steps for executing the functions described in each block and flowchart of the drawings.

Also, each block or each step may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for executing the specified logical function (s). It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the blocks or steps may occur out of order. For example, two blocks or steps shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks or steps may sometimes be performed in reverse order according to the corresponding function.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed structure of the visible light transmitting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a visible light communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a signal spectrum transmitted from a visible light transmitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the visible light transmitting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 And FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the visible light receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, the visible light communication system according to the embodiment includes a visible light receiving apparatus 300 and a visible light transmitting apparatus 100. Here, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 includes a light source capable of transmitting visible light, and may be referred to as a lighting apparatus accordingly.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 receives the visible light transmitted through the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 and performs the registration process of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 to transmit the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 And may also be referred to as a lighting control device for outputting a control signal of an illuminating light. The visible light receiving apparatus 300 receives visible light transmitted through the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, demodulates the received visible light, and acquires data transmitted through the visible light according to demodulation of the visible light Or a data acquisition device such as a mobile terminal.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 is connected to a plurality of visible light transmitting apparatuses 100 through a wireless network.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 stores an application and provides a graphic user interface for controlling the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 by executing the stored application.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 can search a plurality of the visible light transmitting apparatuses 100 that are not registered and register the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 to control the operation of the registered visible light transmitting apparatus 100 And the like.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 may be a terminal through which the application can be stored and executed. The terminal may include at least one of a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), and navigation.

However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. Any device capable of downloading an application and capable of various wireless communications can be included in the visible light receiving apparatus 300.

The visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is controlled by a dimming device or the like. The visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may be constituted by at least one. Preferably, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may include a plurality of visible light transmitting apparatuses.

For example, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may include a first illumination installed on a ceiling of a bedroom, a second illumination installed on a table of a bedroom, and the like. Alternatively, when the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is installed in the office, the first illumination installed in the first meeting room, the second illumination installed in the second meeting room, and the third illumination installed in the barrel room may be categorized.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 may be an input means for receiving a command for controlling the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 from a user. Accordingly, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 is connected to the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 via the wireless network and transmits a control signal according to the command to the visible light transmitting apparatus 100. [

The wireless network of the visible light receiver 300 may be determined according to the wireless environment.

For example, at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Z-wave is applied to the visible light receiving apparatus 300 to perform wireless communication with the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 do.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 receives not only the means for controlling the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 but also the data transmitted from the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 and controls the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 based on the received data, (100). ≪ / RTI >

In addition, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 sets information for providing a specific data service to the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, receives information according to visible light transmitted from the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, It is possible to provide a data service correspondingly linked.

In addition, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 sets authentication information for security-related authentication in the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, receives information according to visible light transmitted from the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, The authentication process of the user who owns the transmitting apparatus 100 can be performed.

As a result, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 and the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 are able to transmit and receive the visible light according to the promised code information, .

The visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may have a configuration as shown in FIG.

The visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may include an illumination module 500 and a communication module 400.

The lighting module 500 includes an inner case 570 including a connection terminal 575 at an upper portion thereof and an insertion portion at a lower portion thereof and a heat dissipation body (not shown) into which the insertion portion of the inner case 570 is inserted A guide member 505 coupled to a peripheral region of the lower portion of the heat-dissipating body to firmly fix the light-emitting module to the heat-dissipating body, A lens 510 formed between the guide member 505 and the light emitting module, and an outer case 580 on the outer side of the heat dissipating body.

The lens 510 includes a lens opening 512 into which the communication module 400 is inserted. The communication module 400 is inserted into the lens opening 512.

The communication module 400 inserted through the lens opening 512 is connected to a connector of a power control unit and transmits a control signal transmitted through the visible light receiving device 300 to the lighting module 500.

The visible light communication system including the plurality of visible light transmitting apparatuses 100 that can be controlled by the wireless controller can be operated in real time through the graphic user interface provided through the touch screen of the visible light receiving apparatus 300 100 can be controlled.

In order to control the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, the visible light communication system performs a process of registering the unique address of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 as shown in FIG.

The registration of the illumination is performed by confirming the position of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 on the map showing the lighting installation place and matching the identified position with the unique address of the communication module mounted on the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 .

Here, the unique address of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may be MAC (Media Access Control) address information of a communication module installed in the visible light transmitting apparatus 100.

The visible light transmitting apparatus 100 stores its own unique address and outputs address information S1 of the stored unique address according to an external request. The address information S1 may be output according to the on / off state of the light source included in the visible light transmitting apparatus 100. [

At this time, the address information S1 is displayed on visible light. The visible light refers to light in a wavelength range that can be detected by human eyes in an electromagnetic wave, wherein the wavelength range is 380 to 700 nm.

Accordingly, the user places the visible light receiving apparatus 300 equipped with the receiver 600 shown in FIG. 3 around the place where the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is installed.

The receiver 600 receives visible light output through the visible light transmitting apparatus 100. [ Here, the address information S1 for the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is listed in the received visible light.

When the visible light is received, the receiver 600 may extract the address information S1 contained in the received visible light and transmit the address information S1 to the visible light receiving apparatus 300. The visible light receiving apparatus 300 may receive the address information S1 The unique address of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is stored and registered.

At this time, the visible light can output the first data according to the flicker function of the general light source, and further, the color state of the light source can be changed to output the second data corresponding to the code assigned to the color state .

Here, the first data may be the address information S1 of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, as described above.

Accordingly, the light source constituting the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 modulates the address information in order to output the first data, and generates a first control signal (for example, Which may be a pulse signal).

In addition, the second data may be positional information on an installed position in which the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is installed.

At this time, the position information may be transmitted by a color state change of visible light output through the light source. Here, the change of the color state may include at least one of a color temperature change and a color rendering index change of the light source. To this end, the light source constituting the visible light transmission apparatus 100 modulates the position information to output the second data, and generates a second control signal (color signal) for controlling the color state of the light source, A temperature signal, and a color rendering index signal).

Accordingly, a different code is assigned to each position on the map of the entire place where the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 can be installed, and the codes assigned to the respective positions and the color temperature and color rendering index At least one of them can be matched.

For example, a first position on the map may be assigned a code A, a second position may be assigned a code B, and a third position may be assigned a code C. The code A may be matched with the color temperature 2700K, the code B may be matched with the color temperature 3000K, and the code C may be matched with the color temperature 3500K.

Accordingly, when the color temperature of the visible light transmitted through the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is 3000 K, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 can display the visible light corresponding to the second data based on the visible light transmitted through the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 Code B ', and can recognize the mounting position of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 as the second position on the map based on the obtained' code B '.

As described above, when the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 transmits data through the visible light, the data is not transmitted only by a pulse signal for ON / OFF control of the light source, but the color temperature and the color rendering index So as to transmit additional data in accordance with the color state change including at least one of the color state changes.

In the above description, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 transmits the first data by using the flicker function of the light source, and transmits the second data by the color state change separately. However, The flicker function and color state change may be combined to transmit one data.

Also, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 can transmit data according to the visible light communication only by using a color state change of the light source except the flicker function.

For example, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 can transmit data through only the change of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the light source in a general lighting apparatus in which the brightness of the light source can not be controlled or the coding function does not exist.

As a result, a technology for transmitting data according to visible light communication using the flicker function of the light source is well known. However, the present invention is not limited to the flicker function of the light source, but may be configured to transmit data according to visible light communication only using color temperature and color rendering index changes, and to add the flicker function to the color temperature and color rendering index changes, .

That is, in the visible light communication, when the minimum cost and minimum information are required (for example, the simple attendance check function), the information can be transmitted only through the change of the color temperature and the color rendering index instead of the flicker function.

In addition, the flicker function is required to adjust the brightness of the light source, and thus it is difficult to realize 100% brightness of illumination. Accordingly, the data can be transmitted using only the color temperature and the color rendering index, not the flicker function, in the space in which the brightness of 100% should be realized.

Referring to FIG. 4, the address information S1 and the position information are output in a visible light spectrum.

The visible light emitted by the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 has a spectral wavelength band of 400 to 700 nm. Accordingly, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 dims the light of the wavelength band according to the address information and the position information, and emits the light.

Hereinafter, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 for outputting the visible light will be described.

In the above description, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is an illuminating apparatus, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 is called an illuminating control apparatus, and only the address information of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 is output through visible light communication. However, The information that can be transmitted in the visible light in the visible light transmission apparatus 100 may include various information as well as the address information. In addition, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 may be included in the apparatus side capable of receiving the visible light and demodulating the data included in the visible light, and may output information corresponding to the demodulated data through the data demodulation May be included therein.

5, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 of the present invention includes a modulator 110, a dimmer 120, a communication unit 140, a controller 150, a memory unit 160, and a light source 130 do.

Here, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may store data to be transmitted internally, and may otherwise receive data transmitted from the outside. To this end, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may further include a data input unit (not shown) for receiving data transmitted from the outside.

The light source 130 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes or fluorescent lamps.

The modulator 110 receives the data and modulates the received data. Here, the received data may include information on a unique address of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100. Accordingly, the modulator 110 may store the unique address information and may modulate information on the stored unique address.

In addition, the received data may include information on a mounting position of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100. [ Accordingly, the modulator 110 stores the installation position information and can modulate information about the installation position stored.

The dimming unit 120 receives a dimming signal from the outside, processes the dimming signal, and transmits the dimming signal to the controller 150.

The control unit 150 receives the modulated data through the modulation unit 110. In addition, the controller 150 receives the dimming signal transmitted from the dimming unit 120. Here, the modulated data includes first data for controlling on / off of the light source 130 and second data for controlling the color state of the light source 130.

The control unit 150 processes the modulated first data to the received dimming signal to generate an on-off signal of the light source 130. The controller 150 processes the second data to generate a color control signal for changing the color state of the light source 130.

The controller 150 may be a power supply circuit for controlling the light source 130.

Here, the on-off signal is composed of binary symbols according to data to be transmitted by the visible light transmitting apparatus 100. For example, according to the first scheme, when the symbol of the modulated data is '1', the controller 150 generates a pulse signal in which the ON interval is present in the corresponding period. If the symbol of the modulated data is '0', a pulse signal in which an off interval first exists within the period is generated.

Alternatively, according to the second scheme, when the modulated data symbol is '1', a first pulse signal having a first frequency magnitude may be generated, Can exist. If the modulated data symbol is '0', a second pulse signal having a second frequency magnitude different from the first frequency magnitude is generated. At this time, an ON period such as the first pulse signal is also present in the second pulse signal. In other words, when each binarization symbol is divided through the change of the frequency magnitude, the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal are composed of an ON period and an OFF period, and the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal Each on-period of the branch can be located at the same point in the cycle.

For example, in the first scheme, a pulse signal having the symbol '1' is located at the rear portion of the clock period, and a pulse signal having the symbol '0' Respectively.

However, in the second scheme, both of the ON period of the first pulse signal having the symbol '1' and the ON period of the second pulse signal having the '0' symbol are positioned in front of the corresponding clock period, The frequency magnitude of the first pulse signal and the frequency magnitude of the second pulse signal are made different from each other so that the '1' symbol and the '0' symbol can be distinguished from each other.

The light source 130 performs an on-off operation based on the pulse signal generated through the controller 150. In addition, the light source 130 emits visible light corresponding to at least one of the color temperature and the color rendering index according to the color control signal generated through the controller.

Accordingly, the visible light emitted through the light source 130 is loaded with the above-described data according to on / off time and order, and at least one color state of the color temperature and the color rendering index. The output data may be unique address information and location information of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, and may alternatively be data for real-time events, advertisements and location services, and secure data for user authentication.

That is, the light source 130 is divided into a plurality of operation periods by the on-off signal, and performs the light emission operation.

For example, when the modulated data value is '01010000', the on-off signal generated by the controller 150 is divided into 8 symbol periods. According to the second scheme, the start positions of the pulse signals in the respective symbol periods are all the same, but only the frequency magnitude changes according to '0' and '1'.

In other words, the frequency of the pulse signal in the '0' symbol interval may be 10 KHz, so that the period of the corresponding pulse signal may be 100 ms. In addition, the frequency of the pulse signal of the '1' symbol interval may be 5 KHz, so that the period of the corresponding pulse signal may be 200 ms.

As described above, according to the present invention, the distinction between the '1' symbol and the '0' symbol can be implemented according to the frequency magnitude change through the frequency modulation instead of the ON period.

Therefore, the light source 130 performs an on-off operation according to the on-off signal. At this time, the ON / OFF operation of the light source 130 is also divided into a plurality of operation periods corresponding to the ON / OFF signals.

In addition, the light source 130 may emit visible light corresponding to different color temperature and color rendering index by dividing the light source 130 into a plurality of operation periods by the color control signal. In other words, the light source 130 is divided into a plurality of sections according to the on-off signal, and emits visible light corresponding to the color temperature and the color rendering index.

The visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may further include a communication unit 140. The communication unit 140 communicates with a gateway system (not shown) or another neighboring visible light transmitting apparatus 100, And transmits the received control signal to the control unit 150. [

In addition, the communication unit 140 can receive data transmitted through a separate server (not shown).

The communication unit 140 includes an antenna therein, receives a control signal from the outside, and transmits the received control signal to the control unit 150.

The communication unit 140 may include a communication integrated circuit for analyzing the control signal according to the type of the wireless network. The communication unit 140 may select one specific communication integrated circuit among a plurality of communication integrated circuits according to the wireless network environment, .

The communication integrated circuit may support at least one of a communication method such as ZigBee, GeoWave, WiFi or Bluetooth.

The visible light transmitting apparatus 100 may include a memory unit 160, and the memory unit 160 may store information for data modulation.

For example, the memory unit 160 may store code information assigned according to the color temperature and / or the color rendering index of the light source 130.

For example, the stored code information may be as shown in Table 1.

Representative color temperature code 2700K C0 3000K C1 3500K C2 4000K C3 5000K C4 5700K C5 6000K C6 6500K C7

As shown in Table 1, the visible light transmission apparatus 100 can store code information given according to the color temperature of the light source, and emits visible light of a color temperature corresponding thereto based on a code corresponding to data to be transmitted to the outside .

Alternatively, the stored code information may be as shown in Table 2.

Representative color rendering index code CRI 75 R0 CRI 80 R1 CRI 90 R2

As shown in Table 2, the visible light transmission apparatus 100 can store code information given according to the color rendering index of the light source, and emits visible light having a color rendering index corresponding thereto based on a code corresponding to data to be transmitted to the outside can do.

Alternatively, the stored code information may be as shown in Table 3.

Representative color temperature code - Representative color rendering index code 2700K C0 - CRI 75 R0 3000K C1 - CRI 80 R1 3500K C2 - CRI 90 R2 4000K C3 - 5000K C4 - 5700K C5 - 6000K C6 - 6500K C7 -

That is, as shown in Table 3, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 can store code information given in accordance with the color temperature and the color rendering index of the light source. Based on the code corresponding to the data to be transmitted to the outside, And a visible light having a color rendering index.

Accordingly, the number of variables according to the code information finally stored according to the color temperature and the color rendering index may be 24, and the codes assigned according to the respective variables may be as shown in Table 4 below.

Color temperature Color rendering index code C0 R0 A C0 R1 B C0 R2 C C1 R0 D C1 R1 E C1 R2 F C2 R0 G C2 R1 H C2 R2 I C3 R0 J C3 R1 K C3 R2 L C4 R0 M C4 R1 N C4 R2 O C5 R0 P C5 R1 Q C5 R2 R C6 R0 S C6 R1 T C6 R2 U C7 R0 V C7 R1 W C7 R2 X

In Table 4, it is described that the number of codes that can be given according to the color temperature and the color rendering index is 24. However, this is only an embodiment, and the number of codes that can be given according to the change of the color temperature and the color rendering index may be further increased. In other words, the number of color temperature and color rendering index that can be implemented in the light source can be increased according to the specifications of the light source manufactured by the manufacturer of the light source, so that the number of codes that can be provided by the light source can be increased . In other words, a color temperature such as 2300K and 7500K and a color rendering index such as CRI 65 (Ra) can be realized in a specific light source, so that the number of the codes can be increased or decreased according to the specification of the light source.

On the other hand, different information can be set in each of the codes (A to X) described in Table 4. [

For example, the set information may be position information of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 according to each code, and may be as shown in Table 5 below.

Color temperature Color rendering index code Location information C0 R0 A Location 1 C0 R1 B Position 2 C0 R2 C Location 3 C1 R0 D Location 4 C1 R1 E Location 5 C1 R2 F Location 6 C2 R0 G Location 7 C2 R1 H Location 8 C2 R2 I Location 9 C3 R0 J Location 10 C3 R1 K Location 11 C3 R2 L Location 12 C4 R0 M Location 13 C4 R1 N Location 14 C4 R2 O Location 15 C5 R0 P Location 16 C5 R1 Q Location 17 C5 R2 R Location 18 C6 R0 S Location 19 C6 R1 T Location 20 C6 R2 U Location 21 C7 R0 V Location 22 C7 R1 W Location 23 C7 R2 X Location 24

Alternatively, the set information may be user information according to the respective codes, which may be as shown in Table 6 below.

Color temperature Color rendering index code User information C0 R0 A Hong Gil Dong C0 R1 B Admiral Yi C0 R2 C Ginkgo C1 R0 D JoJo C1 R1 E Analogy C1 R2 F Guan Yu C2 R0 G Jegal C2 R1 H withdrawal C2 R2 I Min-ah C3 R0 J Youngsu C3 R1 K Sunhee C3 R2 L English C4 R0 M Lunar C4 R1 N everlasting C4 R2 O Fully C5 R0 P take over C5 R1 Q race C5 R2 R dropsy C6 R0 S Su-hyun C6 R1 T Vanguard C6 R2 U delay C7 R0 V Sujin C7 R1 W Sejin C7 R2 X Line

Accordingly, in the embodiment of the present invention, each user can be authenticated based on the user information set according to the respective color temperatures and the color rendering index, and the corresponding service can be provided according to the authentication result .

For example, the service may be a customized lecture service, and when the code A corresponding to the color temperature and the color rendering index corresponding to the Hong Gil-dong is received, the link video corresponding to the Hong Gil-dong may be automatically reproduced.

On the other hand, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 may have a configuration as shown in FIG. Here, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 includes a receiver 600 for receiving data through the VLC communication (visible light communication) with the visible light transmitting apparatus 100.

The receiver 600 includes a light receiving unit 610, an amplification unit 620, and a demodulation unit 630.

The light receiving unit 610 may be a photoelectric device that receives light and photoelectrically converts the received light to output an electrical signal. Here, the light receiving portion 610 may be implemented as a photodiode.

Here, the electrical signal output through the optical receiver 610 includes not only the intensity information of the signal but also information on the presence or absence of the signal.

The amplification unit 620 amplifies the electrical signal output through the light receiving unit 610 and converts the amplified electrical signal into a level that can be processed (recognizable) by the demodulation unit 630.

The demodulation unit 630 demodulates the amplified electrical signal according to a code modulated by the modulation unit 110 of the illumination.

The signal demodulated by the demodulator 630 indicates the first data transmitted from the visible light transmitting apparatus 100, for example, the address information S1 of the unique address of the visible light transmitting apparatus 100. The receiver 600 acquires the first data and transmits the first data to the visible light receiver 300. At this time, the receiver 600 may be a component of the visible light receiving apparatus 300, and accordingly, the receiver 600 may be provided in the visible light receiving apparatus 300.

In addition, the demodulator 630 may obtain color information from the received visible light. To this end, the demodulator 630 may further include a color sensor (not shown).

Wherein the color sensing sensor senses at least one of color temperature and color rendering index information from the received visible light when the visible light is received and acquires second data based on the code information corresponding to the sensed color temperature and color rendering index have.

Accordingly, the demodulator 630 transmits the first data acquired according to the on / off state of the visible light and the second data acquired according to the color state of the visible light to the visible light receiver 300.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 outputs the corresponding information using the received first and second data. At this time, if the received data is the unique address and installation position information of the visible light transmission apparatus 100, the visible light reception apparatus 300 can transmit the visible light transmission apparatus 100 installed at a specific position using the received data You can register.

To this end, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 may include a controller 320, an interface 330, and a wireless communication unit 310.

The wireless communication unit 310 may be formed in a main body of the visible light receiving apparatus 300. However, a communication module (not shown) including a wireless communication chip supporting the network according to the wireless network may be detachably connected As shown in FIG.

The control unit 320 controls the operation of the visible light receiving apparatus 300 using the stored data in the memory.

The memory may store an operation and communication control program / protocol, and may download and store various applications.

The interface 330 receives a control signal from a user and transmits the control signal to the control unit 320, and may include a microphone, a touchable touch screen, and various local buttons.

The control unit 320 provides image data to the interface 330 according to the stored program, and the touch screen of the interface 330 provides a screen to the user according to the image data.

If the user provides a selection signal by touching the touch screen or by various other known methods, the control unit 320 provides other image data corresponding to the selection signal.

Meanwhile, the control unit 320 can demodulate the received data and grasp the first and second data transmitted through the visible light communication.

Wherein the control unit detects only the rising or falling period of the pulse signal when the visible light is transmitted by the second method in order to grasp the first data and detects a rising period or a falling period of the pulse signal based on the frequency magnitude between the detected rising period or falling period, The symbol can be distinguished from within.

Also, the controller 320 can demodulate data according to the color state of the visible light and confirm the information transmitted according to the color state change of the visible light.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a case where brightness control is implemented using VPPM (Variable - PPM) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the modulated data is '0', a pulse is positioned in the front part of one clock period. When the modulated data is '1', when performing VPPM modulation in which a pulse is positioned after one clock period, Is ON for only T / 2 of one clock cycle, so that the brightness is 50% of the whole cycle.

In order to finely adjust the brightness to 25% or 75%, two clocks should be included in the same time interval as in the case of 50% brightness. When the pulse is turned on for T / 2 at a period of 2 clocks of 2T, the brightness becomes 25%, and when the pulse is turned on for (3T / 2), the brightness becomes 75%. Similarly, for finer control of brightness to 12.5% or 87.5%, four clocks are needed within the same time interval.

In the present invention, on / off of the light source 130 can be controlled by using the pulse signal as described above, and the corresponding data can be transmitted.

8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating color states of a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the color state of the light source may be a color temperature, and the state of the light source may be changed according to the respective color temperatures. Referring to FIG. 9, the color state of the light source may be a color rendering index, and the state of the light source may be changed according to the respective color rendering indexes.

Meanwhile, when data is transmitted through the visible light as described above, the color temperature of the light source 130 may be changed from time to time according to the change of data, and the change of the color temperature may cause eye fatigue of the user.

Therefore, in the present invention, each color temperature is grouped into a plurality of color group groups based on the same color series.

In the present invention, the same code can be assigned to the color temperature belonging to the same color group group. Alternatively, when the color temperature is changed in order to transmit the data, the color temperature for the transmission of the data is set to be different from the color temperature for the transmission of the data based on the color temperature of the current light source, So that the temperature is changed.

Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to solve the problem of fatigue of the eyes of the user when changing the color temperature for data transmission.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, by applying the color temperature and the color rendering index function of the illumination to the visible light communication method, various information can be given to the modulated data and applied to various applications such as data service and security solution field Not only is it possible, but it can be expected to create a market.

10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining a step-by-step description of a visible light communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the visible light transmission apparatus 100 defines symbols according to on / off states of the light sources, and also provides codes according to the color states of the light sources (step 110).

When the data to be transmitted is generated, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 modulates the generated data (step 120).

Then, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 generates a first control signal for controlling on / off of the light source 130 based on the modulated data (operation 130).

In addition, the visible light transmission apparatus 100 generates a second control signal for controlling the color state of the light source 130 on the basis of the modulated data (operation 140).

Then, the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 controls the light source 130 based on the generated first control signal and the second control signal, and emits visible light according to the first and second control signals (operation 150) .

11, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 receives the visible light emitted through the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 (step 210).

Then, the visible light receiver 300 demodulates the first data stored in the visible light based on the received pulse signal (step 220).

The visible light transmission apparatus 100 senses at least one of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the received visible light (step 230).

In operation 240, the visible light receiver 300 demodulates the second data stored in the visible light based on at least one of the sensed color temperature and the color rendering index.

Hereinafter, an application example of visible light communication according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The visible light communication according to the present invention can be variously used, and an example thereof will be described. The visible light communication can provide customized information, can be used for security enhancement, and can be used for statistical analysis.

12 to 15 are views for explaining application examples of visible light communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the visible light communication can be used to provide customized information. For this purpose, the course attendance information for each seat of the classroom or the reading room is set (step 310).

The customer who owns the visible light transmitting apparatus 100 goes to the seat he wants to attend and generates visible light to the visible light receiving apparatus 300 installed in the seat in step 320. At this time, the visible light includes data including authentication information of a user.

The visible light receiving apparatus 300 acquires the authentication information stored in the visible light, and when the authentication information is normally authenticated, the visible light receiving apparatus 300 acquires the course enrollment information on the seat in which the visible light receiving apparatus 300 is located (Step 330). That is, different lecture attendance information is set in each seat, and when the user authentication is completed, the lecture attendance information set in the seat is transmitted to the user so that the user can take a desired lecture attendance.

Also, referring to FIG. 13, the visible light communication can be used to provide security information at a financial institution such as a bank. To do this, the user may select one of the currently coded variables (step 410). That is, the variable may include 24 variables as shown in FIG. 4, and the user may select any one of the 24 variables. At this time, the number of the variables is only one embodiment, and may be increased according to the combination condition of the color temperature and the color rendering index.

When the variable is selected, the visible light transmitting apparatus operates the light source according to the selected variable and transmits information corresponding to the selected variable through visible light. If the variable is transmitted through the visible light, a password of the user is set as the transmitted variable in operation 420.

In operation 430, the user inputs a code corresponding to the set password, and the visible light transmitting device transmits visible light corresponding to the set code.

Thereafter, the visible light receiving apparatus receives the visible light transmitted from the visible light transmitting apparatus, acquires a user password included in the visible light, and performs authentication according to whether the obtained password is normal (operation 450).

When the password authentication is normally performed, the visible light receiver opens the safe (step 460).

Referring to FIG. 14, the visible light communication can be used for statistical analysis such as the number of viewers, the number of factory product shipment, and the number of personnel at the same place as an amusement park.

To this end, the visible light transmitting apparatus turns on the illumination based on predetermined color temperature and color rendering index according to the viewer's position (step 410).

When the illumination is turned on, the visible light receiving apparatus obtains color temperature and color rendering index information of the illumination (operation 420), and transmits the obtained color temperature and color rendering index to the server (operation 430).

In step 440, the server manages the number of viewers by using the color temperature and the color rendering index of the transmitted illumination.

In addition, in the above-mentioned amusement park, a gate for exclusive use of visitors using a VIP and a discount voucher is installed, a visible light receiving device is installed in the installed gate, and the visible light receiving device is set to manage the number of passengers .

In addition, in the above-mentioned amusement park, different color temperatures and color rendering indexes are assigned to each of the amusement parks, and according to the respective amusement parks, lighting-up is performed according to the use of the visitors, can do.

Meanwhile, in the visible light communication as described above, data is transmitted using only color state information such as a color temperature and a color rendering index, except for the flicker function of the illumination as described above. Accordingly, advantages such as a communication function and a coding function And it is possible to improve the user satisfaction by allowing the illumination to operate at a constant brightness of 100%.

Referring to FIG. 16, such visible light communication can be used for employee management, business management, and shipping product management in a manufacturing line. First, the manager assigns a code for the manufacturing process and the shipment product (step 510).

Each of the manufacturing lines includes a visible light transmitting device. When a specific user enters his or her working position, the power of the visible light transmitting device is turned on (operation 520).

When the visible light transmitting apparatus is turned on, the visible light receiving apparatus confirms the position of the visible light transmitting apparatus based on the turned on visible light transmitting apparatus, and confirms the staff attendance state of the position where the visible light transmitting apparatus is installed in step 530.

Then, the visible light receiver again transmits the visible light including information on the task schedule of the present day to the visible light transmitter, and the user can grasp the task schedule of today's day using the information included in the transmitted visible light (Step 540 , Step 550).

According to the embodiment of the present invention, not only the flicker function of illumination but also the color temperature and color rendering index of illumination are applied to the visible light communication system, various information can be given to the modulated data, And can be expected to create a market.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, desired information can be transmitted through only the color rendering index or the color temperature even in a general lighting device not provided with a communication function or a coding function, It can be used for statistical analysis such as the number of shipment and confirmation of personnel.

The features, structures, effects and the like described in the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects and the like illustrated in the embodiments can be combined and modified by other persons skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Accordingly, the contents of such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the embodiments.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It can be seen that the modification and application of branches are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

100: visible light transmitting device
110:
120:
130: Light source
140:
150:
160:
300: visible light receiver
310:
320:
330: Interface
600: receiver
610:
620:
630:

Claims (22)

A data input unit for receiving data;
A modulator for modulating the input data;
A controller for outputting a first control signal based on data modulated by the modulator; And
And a transmitter for outputting the modulated data through visible light based on a first control signal output through the controller,
Wherein the first control signal comprises:
And the color state signal of the output visible light
Visible light communication device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Outputting a second control signal based on the modulated data,
The transmitter may further comprise:
Generates visible light according to the first control signal and the second control signal,
Wherein the second control signal comprises:
Off signal of the light source that outputs the visible light
Visible light communication device. 3. The method of claim 2,
The modulated data is modulated,
First data outputted through a change in the color state of the visible light,
And second data output through on / off of the light source
Visible light communication device. 3. The method of claim 2,
The modulated data is modulated,
The first data corresponding to a combination of the color state of the visible light and the on / off of the light source
Visible light communication device. The method according to claim 1,
The data includes:
Based on the color temperature change of the visible light,
Different codes are assigned to the variables depending on the respective color temperatures of the visible light
Visible light communication device. The method according to claim 1,
The data includes:
Based on a change in color rendering index of the visible light,
Different codes are assigned to the variables according to the respective color rendering indexes of the visible light
Visible light communication device. The method according to claim 1,
The data includes:
The color temperature of the visible light and the color rendering index,
Different codes are given to the variable depending on the combination of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light
Visible light communication device. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein each color temperature is grouped into a plurality of groups based on a color sequence,
According to the grouping, the same code is assigned to a plurality of color temperatures belonging to the same group
Visible light communication device. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein,
The first control signal is generated based on a code assigned to at least one color temperature among the color temperatures belonging to the same color sequence as the previous color temperature
Visible light communication device. A receiving unit for receiving visible light outputting data; And
And a data acquiring unit for acquiring data included in the visible light by demodulating the received visible light,
The data includes:
Acquires color state information of the visible light, and obtains the color state information based on the acquired color state information
Visible light communication device. 11. The method of claim 10,
The data includes:
Based on the color temperature change of the visible light,
Different codes are assigned to the variables depending on the respective color temperatures of the visible light
Visible light communication device. 11. The method of claim 10,
The data includes:
Based on a change in color rendering index of the visible light,
Different codes are assigned to the variables according to the respective color rendering indexes of the visible light
Visible light communication device. 11. The method of claim 10,
The data includes:
A color temperature and a color rendering index of the visible light,
Different codes are given to the variable depending on the combination of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light
Visible light communication device. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein each color temperature is grouped into a plurality of groups based on a color sequence,
According to the grouping, the same code is assigned to a plurality of color temperatures belonging to the same group
Visible light communication device. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the data obtaining unit comprises:
And a color sensor for sensing color information of the received visible light,
The color-
A color temperature of the visible light and a color rendering index
Visible light communication device. 11. The method of claim 10,
The data obtaining unit
Extracts a symbol from the visible light, and further obtains the data based on a pulse signal included in the extracted symbol
Visible light communication device. Modulating data according to a color state of visible light; And
And outputting the modulated data through visible light,
The data includes:
And is output by a change in color state of visible light emitted through the light source
Visible light communication method. 18. The method of claim 17,
The data includes:
Based on the color temperature change of the visible light,
Different codes are assigned to the variables depending on the respective color temperatures of the visible light
Visible light communication method. 18. The method of claim 17,
The data includes:
Based on a change in color rendering index of the visible light,
Different codes are assigned to the variables according to the respective color rendering indexes of the visible light
Visible light communication method. 18. The method of claim 17,
The data includes:
A color temperature and a color rendering index of the visible light,
Different codes are given to the variable depending on the combination of the color temperature and the color rendering index of the visible light
Visible light communication device. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein each color temperature is grouped into a plurality of groups based on a color sequence,
According to the grouping, the same code is assigned to a plurality of color temperatures belonging to the same group
Visible light communication method. 18. The method of claim 17,
Modulating the data to a symbol having a basic clock period,
The data includes:
The color state of the visible light and the on / off state of the light source that emits the visible light
Visible light communication method.

Images