Methods and systems for encoding and decoding visible light with data and illumination capability

A method for use by a light fixture including a light source that emits visible light, the method comprising:

• (a) receiving a drive signal generated in dependence on a dimmer setting;
• (b) encoding data symbols into the received drive signal to produce a data encoded drive signal that includes the light fixture information encoded therein, wherein first portions of the data encoded drive signal includes data symbols, and second portions of the data encoded drive signal, which are between the first portions, do not include data symbols;
• and
• (c) driving the light source with the data encoded drive signal to thereby cause the light source to emit data encoded visible light having the light fixture information encoded therein;
• wherein step (b) includes
• (b.1) selectively adjusting a magnitude of the received drive signal to achieve at least two different levels that differ from a level of the received drive signal, to thereby generate the first portions of the data encoded drive signal that include data symbols;
• (b.2) passing through the received drive signal without adjusting the received drive signal, to thereby generate the second portions of the data encoded drive signal that do not include data symbols;
• and
• (b.3) producing the data encoded drive signal in a manner that avoids visually perceptible flicker in the data encoded visible light that is emitted by the light source in response to the light source being drive by the data encoded drive signal.

A light fixture, comprising:

• a data encoder that receives a drive signal generated in dependence on a dimmer setting, and encodes data symbols into the received drive signal to produce a data encoded drive signal that includes the light fixture information encoded therein;
• a light source that, in response to being driven by the data encoded drive signal, emits data encoded visible light having the light fixture information encoded therein;
• wherein first portions of the data encoded drive signal includes data symbols, and second portions of the data encoded drive signal, which are between the first portions, do not include data symbols;
• wherein in order to generate the first portions of the data encoded drive signal that include data symbols, the data encoder selectively adjusts a magnitude of the received drive signal to achieve at least two different levels that differ from a level of the received drive signal;
• wherein in order to generate the second portions of the data encoded drive signal that do not include data symbols, the data encoder passes through the received drive signal without adjusting the received drive signal;
• and
• wherein data encoder generates the data encoded drive signal in a manner that avoids visually perceptible flicker in the data encoded visible light that is emitted in response to the light source being drive by the data encoded drive signal.