Dual mode vehicle camera for visual light communication
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorGrant Inskeep
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus are disclosed for a dual mode vehicle camera for visual light communication. An example vehicle includes a camera, a visual light communication (VLC) module, and a camera module. The camera includes a lens removable from a light path between an aperture and a CMOS sensor. The VLC module is communicatively coupled to the camera. The VLC module selects between first and second modes, and when in the second mode, removes the lens from the light path to receive VLC data via the camera. Additionally, the camera module captures images via camera when the VLC module selects the first mode.
Claims18
A vehicle comprising:
- a camera including a lens removable from a light path between an aperture and a CMOS sensor;
- a visual light communication (VLC) module with a processor communicatively coupled to the camera to:
- select between first and second modes,
- when in the second mode, remove the lens from the light path, and receive VLC data via the camera;
- and
- a camera module to capture images via the camera when the first mode is selected.
A dual mode camera for a vehicle comprising:
- a CMOS sensor;
- a housing that defines an aperture through which light enters and a light path from the aperture to the CMOS sensor;
- a lens removably positioned in the light path, the camera to remove the lens from the light path in response to receiving a command from a visual light communication (VLC) module of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.