Development of Visible Light Communication System for Automotive Applications Based on Organic Light Emitting Diode Panels

Classical traffic light systems in various forms have served public transport for more than a hundred years now. Their basic principle is to inform drivers of all types of vehicles and also pedestrians of their current active status. The number of cars has increased drastically so that it is very common to get stuck in traffic in rush hours. The road infrastructures in cities use multiple lanes and also traffic lights to direct traffic and to ensure and safety. Today traffic lights can also be used simultaneously to establish communication between vehicles and infrastructure with the help of visible light communication (VLC). This new feature could be key in attempting to diminish road accidents with the use of important information. Real-time analysis of traffic information is required in order to pass relevant information to the driver. This can be gained with an interconnected infrastructure throughout the city. Therefore when a certain level of traffic is reached, redirection of traffic would prevent traffic jams, and also urgent messages like an incoming ambulance/fire truck/police car in the mission would be passed to drivers to allow free passage. In this era of information, informing prevents panic and also the sudden course of action. This paper describes the development of such capable traffic light, based on OLED decorative panels. The obtained traffic light system has been tested indoor for its suitability for vehicular applications.