V2X Connections via Lighting: Communicating with Vehicles, Infrastructure, and Road Users

As vehicles become more automated and electrified, lighting systems are transforming into intelligent platforms for expanded connectivity. With integrated sensing, communication and computing capabilities, these advanced “enlightened” systems enable broader vehicle-to-everything (V2X) awareness and communication on the road.

The Vision: Connected, Communicating Lighting

Lighting has evolved far beyond simple illumination. With integrated cameras, radar, lidar sensors and powerful onboard computers, modern vehicle lighting leverages machine vision and intelligence to dynamically adapt light projections. The increasing fusion of lighting, sensing, and computing opens new opportunities to utilize headlights, taillights and indicators as high-speed data transmitters.

Bidirectional lighting communication with other vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, and city assets lays the foundation for omnidirectional cooperative awareness. This “enlightened connectivity” aims to transform road safety and efficiency.

Key Applications for Connected Lighting Systems

What does intelligent, communicating lighting look like in practice? Here we explore some promising V2X applications.

1. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Messaging

Direct data exchange between vehicles via lighting signals enables early hazard warnings and conveys intent to surrounding traffic for faster coordinated responses.

High-speed Light Signals

Subtle variations in headlight and brake light flashing from hundreds of times per second up to 10KHz can transmit warnings and sensor data to other vehicles’ cameras and software. These high-speed optical data links are faster than radio signals which have more complex vehicle penetration challenges.

Expanded Visible Light Ranges

Integrating new ultraviolet or infrared emitters expands the visible light communication spectrum for enhanced line-of-sight transmission resilience. Adaptive headlight spectrum adjustment maintains optimal exterior lighting conditions while simultaneously transmitting signals.

Precision Beam Control

Matrix LED arrays with individual beam elements support directed lighting field control. This enables transmitting vehicles to selectively target specific nearby vehicles with custom data signals based on their respective positional coordinates.

2. Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I)

Bidirectional communication with traffic infrastructure, city platforms, and navigation services keeps vehicles updated on local conditions to adapt appropriately.

Traffic Signal Integration

Connected vehicles receive upcoming traffic signal timing, phasing and intersection topology data for optimizing speed and routing. Light bars also visually signal data like vehicle intersection queue lengths and available green cycle time.

Connected Charging

Enlightened headlights and charging stations directly exchange data on station availability, user authentication, payment confirmation, charge status updates and estimated completion times.

Logistics Support

Cities are deploying digital platforms to manage parking, loading zones, automated toll booths and supply chain assets. Connected lighting links vehicles accessing these services, confirming allotted time windows, entry authorization, and billing payments.

3. Vehicle-to-Pedestrian/Cyclist (V2P/V2C) Safety

Direct communication with vulnerable road users including nearby pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders enables active collision avoidance.

Projected Visual Warnings

Exterior lighting projects graphical warnings onto crosswalks and sidewalks indicating the vehicle is aware of crossing pedestrians or opening doors. IR cameras read feedback gestures from pedestrians acknowledging the projected message.

Crosswalk Notifications

Approaching active crosswalks triggers lighting systems to beam “Yield” and “Stopping” signals in front of detected pedestrian while simultaneously alerting drivers.

Bike Lane Signaling

Bike lane integrated lighting pulses turn signals, hard braking and door opening warnings to adjacent cycling traffic based on sensors tracking their presence and trajectories.

The Road Ahead

In summary, the fusion of sensing, communication and illumination opens new value propositions for connected vehicles. With a 360-degree awareness of other vehicles, city infrastructure and vulnerable road users, vehicles can actively share their state and intent to participate in a collaborative driving intelligence. Unlocking such enlightened mobility propels safer and smarter transportation.