WO2023232936A1 - Communication system and method for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system (SYS_C) comprising: - a transmitting assembly (ENS_TX) comprising a transmitting module (MOD_TX) and a transmitting element (ELE_TX) configured to form a structural element of a motor vehicle, the transmitting element including at least one light source configured to transmit, to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, at least one light signal comprising data encoded by the transmitting module; and - a receiving assembly (ENS_RX) comprising a receiving element (ELE_RX) that includes light detection means that are configured to receive at least one light signal transmitted within the passenger compartment and comprising encoded data, and the receiving assembly also comprising a receiving module (MOD_RX) configured to decode this encoded data.

Description

Communication system and method for a vehicle

The present invention belongs to the general field of wireless communications. It concerns more particularly a transmitter assembly as well as a receiver assembly the combination of which is capable of forming a wireless communication system for a motor vehicle, such as for example a car, a truck, a bus, etc. It also relates to a communication method implemented by such a communication system.

Today, the vast majority of electronic devices communicating via wireless communication use radio signals to implement this wireless communication.

By “radio signal”, we refer here to an electromagnetic wave propagating by non-wired means, the frequencies of which are included in the traditional spectrum of radio waves (a few hertz to several hundred gigahertz).

By way of non-limiting example, these radio signals can be supported by a mobile network (5G, 4G, 3G, 2G), a Wi-Fi network (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon expression “Wireless Fidelity”), a network Bluetooth, etc.

The almost exclusive use of the field of radio waves to carry out communications between electronic devices poses a certain number of well-known problems.

Among these problems, we find in particular saturation problems. The latter result first and foremost from the ever-increasing number of users of wireless communications in the field of radio waves, even though the extent of this field remains relatively limited. The democratization of digital uses and the ever-increasing number of electronic devices used, especially in the current context of the "Internet of Things" ("Internet of Things" or IoT in Anglo-Saxon literature) where each object of the everyday life is intended to become a communicating object, implies that the number of communication resources available for each user follows a decreasing slope.

These saturation problems are further accentuated when the wireless communications in question are carried out in an unsuitable location, particularly in a location whose configuration tends to increase the density of users.

This is particularly the case in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, such as a car. The user experience can in fact, in the event of saturation, be very affected, which manifests itself concretely in slowdowns but also in connection difficulties (or even impossibilities).

Added to this is the fact that the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is made up of a high number of reflective surfaces, which is detrimental to the proper propagation of radio waves and is therefore likely to create transmission problems. interference.

In addition to saturation problems, there are other problems linked to the exploitation of radio waves, namely:
- problems linked to complexity and cost of implementation (example: use of dedicated hardware to create a communication network), particularly when this implementation must be carried out in a reduced space such as the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle,
- energy consumption problems, certain modes of wireless communication via radio waves being particularly energy-intensive,
- data security problems, certain communication protocols may present security vulnerabilities,
- problems in terms of quantity and speed of data exchange.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to provide a motor vehicle with its own wireless communication network, this network of communication making it possible to carry out wireless communications in a frequency domain much wider than that of radio waves, as well as in a simple, inexpensive, energy-efficient, secure manner, and in quantities and speeds of data exchange more important than those of state-of-the-art solutions.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an assembly, called a “transmitter assembly”, comprising:
- a transmitter module configured to encode data intended to be transmitted via at least one light signal,
- an element, called a "transmitter element", configured to form a structural element of a motor vehicle, said transmitter element comprising at least one light source configured to emit towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle at least one light signal comprising data encoded by the transmitter module.

The invention therefore proposes to provide a transmitter assembly specifically adapted to a motor vehicle, so as to be able to establish, in cooperation with a receiver assembly as described below, a communication network using light as a data transmission medium towards the passenger compartment of said vehicle.

Communication technologies using light, such as “VLC” technology (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon expression “Visible Light Communication”) or “Li-Fi” technology (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon expression “Visible Light Communication”). Light Fidelity"), advantageously make it possible to transmit data with a rate significantly higher than the rate offered by state-of-the-art solutions, such as typically Wi-Fi technology.

This data transmission capacity is further combined with that of lighting the area in which the transmission takes place when the light used is visible light.

By making it possible to establish such a communication network for a motor vehicle, the invention benefits from all the known advantages of these technologies: wireless communications in a frequency domain much wider than that of radio waves; simple, inexpensive, energy-efficient and secure implementation, etc.

In particular, establishing such a communications network for a vehicle makes it possible to significantly limit the use of cables. This is for example the case in an application where each passenger (including the driver) of a vehicle would benefit from a personalized audio stream via one or more speakers arranged near their seat or in their seat or in the headrest fitted to the seat.

In particular embodiments, the transmitter assembly may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

In particular embodiments, said transmitter element is any one of:
- an exterior mirror,
- an element for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle or for forming equipment for said passenger compartment.

In particular embodiments, said emitting element is any one of: a roof of the passenger compartment, for example a glass roof, a side window, a windshield, a rear window, a door panel, a dashboard dashboard, a headrest, a seat, an armrest, a sun visor, an interior rear-view mirror.

In particular embodiments, said emitting element comprises a plurality of light sources.

In particular embodiments, at least two light sources of the emitting element are configured to illuminate the same element, called the “receiving element”, of the passenger compartment.

In particular embodiments, at least two light sources of the emitting element are configured to respectively illuminate two distinct receiving elements of the passenger compartment.

In particular embodiments, at least one emitted light signal includes audio and/or video and/or textual and/or geolocation and/or sensor measurements and/or device control data.

In particular embodiments, a light source comprises a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

In particular embodiments, the emitting element is glazing of the vehicle defining a light guide, at least one light source comprising an element extracting the light propagating in the light guide capable of extracting the light guided in the guide of light towards the interior of the vehicle, the glazing being for example a glass roof, a side window, a windshield or a rear window of the vehicle.

In particular embodiments, the transmitter module is integrated into said transmitter element.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an assembly, called a “receiver assembly”, comprising:
- an element, called a “receiving element”, for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle or for forming equipment for said passenger compartment, said receiving element comprising light detection means configured to receive at least one light signal emitted within the passenger compartment and comprising encoded data,
- a receiver module configured to decode encoded data received by the light detection means.

In particular embodiments, the receiving element comprises at least one loudspeaker.

In particular embodiments, the receiver assembly may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

In particular embodiments, said receiving element is a headrest comprising at least one speaker.

In particular embodiments, said headrest includes two speakers configured to generate stereo sound.

In particular embodiments, said receiving element is a door panel comprising a speaker.

In particular embodiments, the light detection means comprise one or more photodetectors.

In particular embodiments, at least one light signal received using the light detection means comprises audio and/or video and/or textual and/or geolocation and/or sensor and/or control measurement data. of a device.

In particular embodiments, the receiver module is integrated into said receiver element.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a communication system comprising a transmitter assembly according to the invention, as well as a receiver assembly comprising:
- an element, called a “receiving element”, comprising light detection means configured to receive at least one light signal emitted within the passenger compartment and comprising encoded data,
- a receiver module configured to decode encoded data received by the light detection means.

The communication system according to the invention inherits the advantages described above for the transmitter assembly according to the invention.

In particular embodiments, the communication system may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

In particular embodiments, the receiver assembly conforms to the invention.

In particular embodiments, said receiving element is a user terminal.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, for example an autonomous car, comprising a communication system according to the invention.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a communication method implemented by a communication system according to the invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment devoid of any limiting character. In the figures:
there schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the invention;
there schematically represents a more particular example of producing a wireless communication system according to the invention;
there schematically represents a first embodiment of a transmitter element taking the form of a glass roof of a car and belonging to a wireless communication system according to the invention;
there schematically represents a second embodiment of a transmitter element taking the form of a glass roof of a car and belonging to a wireless communication system according to the invention;
there schematically represents a third embodiment of a transmitter element taking the form of a glass roof of a car and belonging to a wireless communication system according to the invention;
there schematically represents a fourth embodiment of a transmitter element taking the form of a glass roof of a car and belonging to a wireless communication system according to the invention.

Description of embodiments

There schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a SYS_C wireless communication system according to the invention.

The SYS_C system is integrated into a motor vehicle, and, in accordance with the invention, is configured to allow the establishment of a communication network between different elements of said vehicle, at least part of these elements belonging to the passenger compartment. The SYS_C system is more particularly configured to allow the transmission of data, via this network, using light. In other words, in the context of the present invention, light serves as a support for the transmission of data within the communication network created by the SYS_C system.

The remainder of the description relates more particularly to a car-type motor vehicle, for example an electric and/or autonomous car. By "electric car", we refer here to a car which includes at least one electric motor and which, to move (i.e. to operate said at least one electric motor), uses only the electrical energy on board one or several batteries which equip it.

It is important to note, however, that the present invention is not limited to the case of an electric and/or autonomous car, and can relate indifferently to a hybrid car or even a car solely equipped with a combustion engine, the latter being able to be autonomous or not.

Even more generally, the fact of considering a car type motor vehicle does not constitute a limitation of the invention, the latter remaining applicable for any type of motor vehicle, such as a truck, a bus, etc.

Conventionally, the passenger compartment of the car designates the interior space of the car, that is to say the space reserved for the occupant(s) of the car. This interior space is delimited by a closed envelope resulting from the assembly of different elements, in particular bodywork elements (metal structure), a roof, a floor, glazing (windshield, rear window, side windows), door panels, dashboard, etc.

In addition, the passenger compartment can integrate different equipment (i.e. the integration is done in the interior space delimited by the envelope), such as typically one or more seats, one or more headrests attached to the said seat(s), one or more armrests, one or more sun visors, an interior rear-view mirror, etc.

As mentioned above, the SYS_C communication system relies on light to transmit data to the vehicle cabin. More specifically, in the embodiment described here, it is considered in no way restrictive that the communication technology used by the SYS_C system is of the “VLC” type (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon expression “Visible Light Communication”). As is known, VLC technology is based on visible light, that is to say on the use of electromagnetic waves whose frequency spectrum extends significantly from 350 THz to 750 THz. This is a technology allowing point-to-point data transmission unidirectionally via signals, known as “VLC” signals. Its implementation is conventionally carried out by means of one or more light sources, such as for example one or more LED light-emitting diodes (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon expression “Light-Emitting Diode”), or even one or more diodes. laser. These technical aspects of implementation being well known to those skilled in the art, they are not described further here.

Considering, in the present embodiment, VLC technology for transmitting data by light, however, only constitutes a variant implementation of the invention, other variants being possible. For example, it is possible to consider Li-Fi technology which can not only be implemented in the visible domain, but also in the infrared or ultraviolet domain, and which has the advantage of allowing bidirectional point-to-point communications . The light sources that can be used for the implementation of Li-Fi technology are of the same type as those mentioned above in the context of VLC technology.

More generally, no limitation is attached to the communication technology that can be envisaged in the context of the present invention as long as it uses light as a data transmission medium. In particular, all of the technical aspects described below in the context of this embodiment are adaptable without difficulty to any light communication technology.

The diodes (LED or laser) have very significant switching capacities making it possible to transmit, via said VLC signals, the data in question. Each VLC signal is therefore, in the context of the present invention, a light signal illuminating a given area of the passenger compartment and whose intensity is modulated according to the data to be transmitted, the latter having previously been encoded appropriately.

The data to be transmitted are for example audio data (music, alarm, etc.) and/or video and/or textual data (Internet, messaging, information, connection data to a network such as the Internet network, etc.) and/ or geolocation and/or sensor measurements and/or control of a device (for example ON/OFF type), etc. Generally speaking, there are no limitations attached to the nature of the data that can be transmitted via VLC signals.

Conventionally, and as illustrated in no way limiting by the , the SYS_C system has two sets:
- a set, called “transmitter set” ENS_TX, configured to in particular encode data and transmit this data by means of VLC signals, and
- an assembly, called the ENS_RX “receiver assembly”, configured to receive these VLC signals and decode the data they contain.

The ENS_TX transmitter assembly and the ENS_RX receiver assembly are separated by an optical channel substantially defined by the light cone(s) created by said ENS_TX transmitter assembly to illuminate said ENS_RX receiver assembly.

Said transmitter assembly ENS_TX comprises a VLC transmitter module MOD_TX as well as an element, called "transmitter element" ELE_TX, comprising a diode (for example an LED diode) configured to be connected to said transmitter module MOD_TX and to emit at least one VLC signal to the within the passenger compartment.

The MOD_TX transmitter module is configured to carry out processing aimed in particular at encoding data, the light intensity of said diode being modulated to generate said at least one VLC signal as a function of the data thus encoded. Such processing is carried out by implementing a data processing method for the VLC broadcast.

For this purpose, the MOD_TX transmitter module comprises for example one or more processors and storage means (magnetic hard disk, electronic memory, optical disk, etc.) in which data and a computer program are stored, in the form a set of program code instructions to be executed to implement said data processing method for VLC transmission.

Alternatively or in addition, the MOD_TX transmitter module also includes one or more programmable logic circuits, such as FPGA, PLD, etc., and/or specialized integrated circuits (ASIC), and/or a set of discrete electronic components, etc. adapted to implement said data processing method for VLC transmission.

In other words, the MOD_TX transmitter module comprises a set of means configured in software (specific computer program) and/or hardware (FPGA, PLD, ASIC, etc.) to implement said data processing method. for the VLC show.

It should be noted that any encoding technique (respectively modulation) known to those skilled in the art for the implementation of VLC communications can be used. Thus, the choice of a particular encoding technique (respectively modulation) only represents a variant implementation of the invention.

In the embodiment described here with reference to the , said ELE_TX transmitter element is suitable for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment of the car. In other words, said ELE_TX transmitter element is structurally configured to form part of said envelope.

For example, said ELE_TX transmitter element is the roof of the car cabin.

According to a more specific example, said roof is glazed.

Still other examples of elements suitable for manufacturing the envelope of the car passenger compartment can be considered. Thus, said ELE_TX emitting element can be any one of: a side window, a windshield, a rear window, a door panel, a dashboard, a vehicle pillar, etc.

Considering that the ELE_TX transmitter element is suitable for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment of the car only constitutes a variant implementation of the invention, and nothing excludes further consideration of other variants. For example, said ELE_TX transmitter element can form equipment for said passenger compartment.

For example, said ELE_TX transmitter element can be a headrest attached to a seat in the passenger compartment, a seat, an armrest, a sun visor, an interior rearview mirror, etc.

According to yet another example, said ELE_TX transmitter element does not belong to the passenger compartment (both as an envelope and as equipment) and corresponds to an exterior mirror of the car.

Generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of said ELE_TX transmitter element since the latter is capable of transmitting to the passenger compartment of the car, by means of at least one light source, at least one signal bright VLC containing data encoded by the MOD_TX transmitter module.

It should be noted that when the emitting element ELE_TX takes the form of a glazing, cooperation between the diode and said glazing can be achieved in different ways. For example, the diode can be fixed on an internal surface of the glazing or even, in the case where the glazing is laminated, be integrated into the lamination of the latter. These aspects are well known to those skilled in the art and fall outside the scope of the present invention, so that they are not further detailed.

In the embodiment described here with reference to the , the MOD_TX transmitter module is not integrated into the ELE_TX transmitter element. In other words, the transmitter module MOD_TX is arranged, in the car, at a distance from the transmitter element ELE_TX (ie is external to the transmitter element ELE_TX) and is connected to the latter thanks to connection means (wired means or not). wired, computer bus, etc.). In particular, these connection means are suitable for the exchange of data, signals, commands, etc. according to any protocol known to those skilled in the art.

Considering a MOD_TX transmitter module external to the ELE_TX transmitter element, however, only constitutes a variant implementation of the invention. However, nothing excludes considering other variants according to which, for example, the MOD_TX transmitter module is integrated into the ELE_TX transmitter element. Such arrangements are advantageous in that they save space.

Thus, by way of illustration, in the case of an ELE_TX transmitter element taking the form of laminated glazing, the MOD_TX transmitter module can be integrated into the lamination.

The ENS_RX receiver assembly, for its part, comprises an element, called "receiver element" ELE_RX, comprising light detection means (i.e. photosensitive means) configured to receive (detect) said at least one VLC signal emitted within the passenger compartment by said diode of the transmitter element ELE_TX, as well as to be connected to a VLC receiver module MOD_RX also belonging to said receiver assembly ENS_RX.

More particularly, in the embodiment described here, said light detection means are a photodetector. In a manner known per se, said photodetector (also called photoreceptor) is a receiving device sensitive to very high frequency modulations of the intensity of a light signal (in particular, in the present case, to that of a VLC signal). This is for example a PIN type silicon photodiode, or even a photovoltaic module.

Considering here a photodetector as a light detection means, however, only constitutes a variant implementation of the invention. Nothing excludes considering other variants, such as a photovoltaic module. Generally speaking, any light detection means known to those skilled in the art can be used in the context of the present invention.

Said receiver module MOD_RX is configured to carry out processing aimed in particular at demodulating said at least one VLC signal received from the transmitter element ELE_TX, so as to decode the data encoded in said at least one VLC signal, these data then being intended to be used by the receiving element ELE_RX (for example by an actuator integrated into the receiving element ELE_RX). Such processing is carried out by implementing a data processing method for VLC reception.

For this purpose, the receiver module MOD_RX comprises for example one or more processors and storage means (magnetic hard disk, electronic memory, optical disk, etc.) in which data and a computer program are stored, in the form a set of program code instructions to be executed to implement said data processing method for VLC reception.

Alternatively or in addition, the MOD_RX receiver module also includes one or more programmable logic circuits, such as FPGA, PLD, etc., and/or specialized integrated circuits (ASIC), and/or a set of discrete electronic components, etc. adapted to implement said data processing method for VLC reception.

In other words, the MOD_RX receiver module comprises a set of means configured in software (specific computer program) and/or hardware (FPGA, PLD, ASIC, etc.) to implement said data processing method. for VLC reception.

It should be noted that any demodulation (respectively decoding) technique known to those skilled in the art for the implementation of VLC communications can be used. Thus, the choice of a particular demodulation (respectively decoding) technique only represents one alternative implementation of the invention.

In the embodiment described here with reference to the , said receiving element ELE_RX is, for its part, configured to form passenger compartment equipment.

For example, said receiving element ELE_RX is a headrest comprising at least one speaker. Said at least one speaker (and therefore a fortiori the headrest) is connected to the receiver module MOD_RX and allows the broadcast of audio data transmitted via one or more VLC signals coming from the transmitter element ELE_TX. Such audio data can for example come from a network external to the VLC network created in the passenger compartment, for example the Internet network, or even can be stored by storage means (example: server) internal to the car.

According to a more specific example, said headrest comprises two speakers configured to generate stereo sound.

Still other examples of passenger compartment equipment can be considered for said ELE_RX receiving element (interior rearview mirror, headrest including a video screen, etc.).

Furthermore, considering that the ELE_RX receiving element forms passenger compartment equipment only constitutes a variant implementation of the invention, and nothing excludes considering another variant according to which said receiving element ELE_RX is suitable for manufacturing the car interior envelope.

For example, said ELE_RX receiving element may be a door panel comprising a speaker or a vehicle pillar comprising a speaker.

According to yet another example, said receiving element ELE_RX can be the roof, for example glass, of the passenger compartment of the car, this roof being provided with vibration means capable of making said roof vibrate to generate low frequency sounds. Such means of vibration are for example a vibrating musical enclosure allowing, in a manner known per se, to vibrate the surfaces with which it is placed in contact (principle of a resonance loudspeaker).

Generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of said receiving element ELE_RX since the latter is suitable for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment of the car or forms equipment for said passenger compartment, and that the light detection means that it includes make it possible to detect at least one VLC signal within the passenger compartment.

Furthermore, if there exists a priori no limitation relating to the nature (the shape) of the transmitter element ELE_TX and the receiver element ELE_RX, we understand of course that these two elements are nevertheless configured, in terms of relative positioning in the car, so as to be able to communicate with each other (i.e. the receiver element ELE_RX is positioned so as to be in the light cone(s) generated by the transmitter element ELE_TX).

Following considerations similar to those described above for the MOD_TX transmitter module, the MOD_RX receiver module is not integrated into the ELE_RX receiver element in this embodiment. However, nothing excludes considering opposite provisions.

It can be noted that the functions respectively implemented by the MOD_TX transmitter and MOD_RX receiver modules are not limited to modulation/demodulation as well as encoding/decoding. Indeed, other functions are possible (filtering, amplification, etc.). Generally speaking, the technical aspects concerning the implementation of VLC communications are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not detailed here further.

Furthermore, although only said data processing methods for VLC transmission and data processing for VLC reception have been described so far, it is important to note that the invention also targets a more general method, called " VLC communication method”, the implementation of which comprises the execution of each of said data processing methods for transmission and reception.

More generally, the communication method according to the invention is not limited to unidirectional exchanges between ENS_TX transmitter assembly and ENS_RX receiver assembly. Indeed, if a light communication technology allowing bidirectional exchanges is used (example: Li-Fi technology), an initially transmitting assembly (respectively an initially receiving assembly) can also play an inverse role as a receiving assembly ( respectively as a transmitter assembly).

The invention has been described so far by considering that the SYS_C system comprises a single E_TX transmitter assembly as well as a single E_RX receiver assembly. Such arrangements are however not limiting to the invention, and nothing excludes considering a plurality of transmitter elements and/or a plurality of receiver elements, as is for example illustrated below in more detail in through applications of the invention.

It has also been considered until now that the transmitter element ELE_TX (respectively the receiver element ELE_RX) comprises a single diode (respectively a single photodetector). Here again, such arrangements are not limiting to the invention, and it is entirely possible to envisage embodiments in which at least one transmitter element (respectively at least one receiver element) of the SYS_C system comprises a plurality diodes (respectively a plurality of photodetectors).

According to a more particular embodiment, when a plurality of diodes equip at least one transmitter element, at least two of these diodes are configured to illuminate the same receiver element of the passenger compartment.

Following considerations of the same order, it is possible to envisage that, when a plurality of photodetectors equips at least one receiving element, at least two of these photodetectors are illuminated by a single diode or by several diodes, said diode(s) which may belong to one or more emitting elements.

In other words, the invention covers embodiments relating to the number of transmitter/receiver elements as well as the number of diodes/photodetectors according to all technically possible combinations.

Furthermore, it has also been considered until now that a receiving element of the SYS_C system is either suitable for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment, or forms equipment for said passenger compartment. However, the invention also covers other embodiments according to which such a receiving element does not belong to the two aforementioned categories but is a terminal intended to be used by an occupant of the car, also called a "user terminal".

No limitation is attached to the nature of said user terminal as long as it is able to use data having been decoded from a light signal. By way of non-limiting examples, it may be a telephone, for example a smartphone, a tablet, a PDA, a laptop, etc.

Finally, the SYS_C system has been described so far as being integrated into the vehicle, that is to say as being functionally operating within said vehicle. The fact remains that the invention also covers the case of a SYS_C system supplied in the form of a kit. As such, if the transmitter module MOD_TX (respectively the receiver module MOD_RX) is not integrated into the transmitter element ELE_TX (respectively into the receiver element ELE_RX), these two entities can be previously connected to each other. other (for example in a wired way) or not. Such a kit can also be supplied with assembly instructions for the different entities that compose it.

There schematically represents a more particular example of producing a communication system according to the invention within a car.

In this example of application, we consider in no way restrictive that the frequencies concerned for the implementation of VLC communications within the passenger compartment of the car are between 350 THz and 789 THz. In other words, we only consider the frequency spectrum of visible light here.

The example of the represents a partial view of the interior of a car. More particularly, the driver's seat 100 and the front passenger seat 200 are shown in this example, each of these seats being conventionally provided with a headrest 110, 210.

The car is equipped with a glass roof 300 comprising a plurality of LED diodes 301, 302, 303, 304. More particularly, said LED diodes 301, 302, 303, 304 define two light zones, namely a first dedicated light zone Z1 to the headrest 110 of the driver's seat 100 (diodes 301 and 302) and a second light zone Z2 dedicated to the headrest 210 of the front passenger seat 200 (diodes 303 and 304). In addition, said LED diodes 301, 302, 303, 304 are connected to a transmitter module (not shown in the figures), so that the assembly formed by the glass roof 300 and said transmitter module corresponds to a transmitter assembly in the sense of the invention.

The communication system is configured to allow the broadcast of audio content to each of said headrests 110, 210 (in addition to allowing the illumination of the seats concerned 100, 200). Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, each of the headrests 110, 210 is equipped with two speakers 111, 112, 211, 212 distributed on either side of said headrest, so as to provide stereo sound . In addition, each of said speakers 111, 112, 211, 212 is connected, via a receiver module (not shown in the figures), to a photodetector 121, 122, 221, 222 integrated into said headrest 110, 210. In this way, the assembly formed by a headrest 110, 210 as well as the receiver modules integrated therein corresponds to a receiver assembly within the meaning of the invention.

As illustrated by the , each photodetector 121, 122, 221, 222 is integrated into a headrest 110, 210 so as to be illuminated by one of said LED diodes 301, 302, 303, 304 of the first or second light zone Z1, Z2. The audio contents broadcast by each of said light zones Z1, Z2 may be identical or different.

The example of the is advantageous in that it allows, when zones Z1 and Z2 are configured (via their respective transmitter and receiver assemblies) to broadcast different audio content, better spatialization of the sound for each of the occupants located at the front of the vehicle .

It should be noted that the example of realization of the is described here for purely illustrative purposes, and many variants are of course possible. In particular, the number of light zones does not constitute a limiting factor of the invention, the latter being able, in whole or in part, to broadcast identical or very different audio contents. Examples of light zone configurations are illustrated in Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d .

In the example of the , the glass roof has 6 light zones Z1_a, ..., Z6_a, each of them being configured to allow the broadcast of audio content different from the other zones (said 6 zones are separated, on the , by dotted lines to symbolize this ability to broadcast different audio content).

In the example of the , the glass roof has 4 light zones Z1_b, Z2_b, Z3_b, Z4_b. Zones Z1_b and Z2_b respectively illuminate the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, and are also configured to allow the broadcast of the same audio content. Zones Z3_b and Z4_b respectively illuminate the rear passenger seats, each of which is configured to allow the broadcast of audio content different from the other zones.

In the , the glass roof has 4 light zones Z1_c, Z2_c, Z3_c, Z4_c. Zone Z1_c illuminates the driver's seat. Zones Z2_c, Z3_c and Z4_c respectively illuminate the front passenger seat and the rear passenger seats, and are also configured to allow the broadcast of the same audio content, this audio content possibly being different from that broadcast by zone Z1_c.

In the , the glass roof has 4 light zones Z1_d, Z2_d, Z3_dc, Z4_d respectively illuminating each of the car's seats and also configured to allow the broadcast of the same audio content.

According to a variant, the emitting element is an illuminating glazing of the vehicle in which light rays are able to be guided.

Said glazing is for example a glass roof, a side window, a windshield or a rear window of the vehicle.

The glazing has at least one zone forming a light guide.

For example, at least one light source configured to emit towards the passenger compartment comprises a light extraction means capable of extracting the light rays propagating in the light guide towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

The means of extracting light are, for example, diffusing elements.

The light rays able to propagate in the light guide are for example generated by a light generator of light injection means of the glazed roof configured to inject light into the light guide of the glazing.

Such a light generator is for example a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

Advantageously, said glazing comprising the zone forming a light guide is an illuminating glass roof of the vehicle.

In such a case, advantageously, the receiving element is a headrest, for example a headrest comprising a loudspeaker.

According to a variant, said receiving element is connected to remote equipment integrated into the envelope of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle or to equipment remote from the passenger compartment of the vehicle, such as a loudspeaker.

Claims (23)

1. Set, called “transmitter set” (ENS_TX), comprising:
   - a transmitter module configured to encode data intended to be transmitted via at least one light signal (MOD_TX),
   - an element, called "transmitter element" (ELE_TX), configured to form a structural element of a motor vehicle, said transmitter element comprising at least one light source configured to emit towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle at least one light signal comprising data encoded by the transmitter module.
   
2. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter element (ELE_TX) is any one of:
   - an exterior mirror,
   - an element for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle or for forming equipment for said passenger compartment.
3. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to claim 2, wherein said transmitter element (ELE_TX) is any one of: a roof of the passenger compartment, for example a glass roof, a side window, a windshield, a rear window , a door panel, a dashboard, a headrest, a seat, an armrest, a sun visor, an interior rearview mirror.
4. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said transmitter element (ELE_TX) comprises a plurality of light sources.
5. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to claim 4, in which at least two light sources of the transmitter element (ELE_TX) are configured to illuminate the same element, called the “receiver element”, of the passenger compartment.
6. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, in which at least two light sources of the transmitter element (ELE_TX) are configured to respectively illuminate two separate receiver elements of the passenger compartment.
7. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which at least one emitted light signal comprises audio and/or video and/or textual and/or geolocation and/or sensor measurements and/or data. or control of a device.
8. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which a light source comprises a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.
9. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the transmitter element (ELE_TX) is vehicle glazing defining a light guide, at least one light source comprising an element extracting the propagating light in the light guide capable of extracting the light guided in the light guide towards the interior of the vehicle, the glazing being for example a glazed roof, a side window, a windshield or a rear window of the vehicle.
10. Transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the transmitter module (MOD_TX) is integrated into said transmitter element (ELE_TX).
11. Assembly, called “receiver assembly” (ENS_RX), comprising:
    - an element, called a “receiving element” (ELE_RX), for manufacturing the envelope of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle or for forming equipment for said passenger compartment, said receiving element comprising light detection means configured to receive at least one light signal emitted within the passenger compartment and comprising encoded data,
    - a receiver module (MOD_RX) configured to decode encoded data received by the light detection means.
12. Receiver assembly (ENS_RX) according to claim 11, in which the receiver element (ELE_RX) comprises at least one loudspeaker.
13. Receiver assembly (ENS_RX) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said receiver element (ELE_RX) is a headrest comprising at least one speaker.
14. Receiver assembly (ENS_RX) according to claim 13, wherein said headrest includes two speakers configured to generate stereo sound.
15. Receiver assembly (ENS_RX) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said receiver element (ELE_RX) is a door panel having a speaker.
16. Receiver assembly (ENS_RX) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, in which the light detection means comprise one or more photodetectors.
17. Receiver assembly (ENS_RX) according to any one of claims 11 to 16, in which at least one light signal received using the light detection means comprises audio and/or video and/or textual and/or geolocation data and /or sensor measurements and/or device control.
18. Receiver assembly (ENS_RX) according to any one of claims 11 to 17, in which the receiver module (MOD_RX) is integrated into said receiver element (ELE_RX).
19. Communication system (SYS_C) comprising a transmitter assembly (ENS_TX) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, as well as a receiver assembly (ENS_RX) comprising:
    - an element, called a “receiving element” (ELE_RX), comprising light detection means configured to receive at least one light signal emitted within the passenger compartment and comprising encoded data,
    - a receiver module (MOD_RX) configured to decode encoded data received by the light detection means.
20. System (SYS_C) according to claim 19, wherein the receiver assembly (ENS_RX) conforms to any one of claims 11 to 18.
21. System (SYS_C) according to claim 19, wherein said receiving element is a user terminal.
22. Motor vehicle, for example an autonomous car, comprising a communication system (SYS_C) according to any one of claims 19 to 21.
23. Communication method implemented by a communication system (SYS_C) according to any one of claims 19 to 21.