Patent Publication Number: US-2022230534-A1

Title: Inter-vehicle optical network

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/139,133 entitled “INTER-VEHICLE OPTICAL NETWORK” to Scott T. Sikora that was filed on Jan. 19, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of this document relate generally to emergency and service vehicle lights, and more specifically to variable lighting configured to coordinate with the lighting of adjacent vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Emergency and service personnel must often park their vehicles in locations that obstruct or come close to paths taken by other vehicles. For example, an emergency vehicle may be parked in a normal lane of traffic in order to prevent other vehicles from traveling in that lane. Thus, an immediate concern for the safety of all emergency and service vehicles and their drivers and passengers is that other drivers notice the emergency or service vehicle. To that end, emergency and service vehicles are often equipped with lights. These lights are designed to attract the attention of people near the vehicle. However, changing environments make it difficult to consistently emit light at a level that is appropriate. For example, a fire engine that is deployed at nighttime does not need as bright of lights to be noticed as it would in the middle of a bright day. Similarly, an ambulance parked in a lane of traffic could partially be in the sun or in the shade. The lights in the shade would not require the same level of brightness as the lights in the sun. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of this document relate to an inter-vehicle optical network that may comprise a plurality of lights arranged around a perimeter of a vehicle and configured to flash in a first flashing light pattern and illuminate the surroundings of the vehicle, wherein each light of the plurality of lights has an individually adjustable light level, a plurality of optical sensors arranged around the perimeter of the vehicle, wherein each individual optical sensor of the plurality of optical sensors is configured to gather light data regarding a light intensity and gradient of incoming light within a field of vision of the individual optical sensor, a controller mounted to the vehicle and communicatively coupled with the plurality of lights and the plurality of optical sensors, wherein the controller is configured to receive the light data from the plurality of optical sensors, detect in the light data a second flashing light pattern emitted by an adjacent vehicle, wherein the second flashing light pattern comprises at least one of a rhythm, at least one color, and at least one light intensity, detect in the light data a brightness level of ambient light surrounding the individual optical sensor, adjust the light level of each light of the plurality of lights based on the light data, adjust the first flashing light pattern in response to the second flashing light pattern, and adjust the first flashing light pattern to synchronize the first flashing light pattern with the second flashing light pattern. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The light data may comprise characteristics of the incoming light including a light frequency, a color, and a pulse pattern. The controller may further be configured to detect a change in the brightness level of the ambient light surrounding each individual optical sensor and adjust the light level of each light of the plurality of lights based on the change in the brightness level of the ambient light. The vehicle may comprise a preemption system configured to control traffic signals in the path of the vehicle and the controller is further configured to adjust a length of time for which the traffic signals are affected based on information communicated to the controller through the second flashing light pattern. The perimeter of the vehicle may be divided into a plurality of zones, wherein a portion of the plurality of optical sensors and a portion of the plurality of lights are associated with a first zone of the plurality of zones, and wherein the portion of the plurality of lights associated with the first zone of the plurality of zones is controlled by the controller based on the light data gathered by the portion of the plurality of optical sensors associated with the first zone of the plurality of zones. 
     Aspects of this document also relate to an inter-vehicle optical network that may comprise a plurality of lights mounted on a vehicle, wherein each light of the plurality of lights has an individually adjustable light level, a plurality of optical sensors mounted on the vehicle, wherein each individual optical sensor of the plurality of optical sensors is configured to gather light data regarding incoming light within a field of vision of the individual optical sensor, a controller mounted to the vehicle and communicatively coupled with the plurality of lights and the plurality of optical sensors, wherein the controller is configured to receive the light data from the plurality of optical sensors, detect in the light data a second flashing light pattern emitted by an adjacent vehicle, wherein the second flashing light pattern comprises at least one of a rhythm, at least one color, and at least one light intensity, detect in the light data a brightness level of ambient light surrounding the individual optical sensor, and adjust the first flashing light pattern and the light level of each light of the plurality of lights based on the light data. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The plurality of lights and the plurality of optical sensors may each be arranged around a perimeter of the vehicle. The controller may further be configured to adjust the first flashing light pattern to synchronize the first flashing light pattern with the second flashing light pattern. The light data may comprise characteristics of the incoming light including a light frequency, a color, and a pulse pattern. The controller may further be configured to detect a change in the brightness level of the ambient light surrounding each individual optical sensor and adjust the light level of each light of the plurality of lights based on the change in the brightness level of the ambient light. 
     Aspects of this document also relate to an inter-vehicle optical network that may comprise at least one light mounted on a vehicle, wherein each light of the at least one light has an adjustable light level, at least one optical sensor mounted on the vehicle, wherein each individual optical sensor of the at least one optical sensor is configured to gather light data regarding incoming light within a field of vision of the individual optical sensor, a controller mounted to the vehicle and communicatively coupled with the at least one light and the at least one optical sensor, wherein the controller is configured to receive the light data from the at least one optical sensor, and adjust the first flashing light pattern and the light level of each light of the at least one light based on the light data. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The controller may be further configured to detect in the light data a second flashing light pattern emitted by an adjacent vehicle, wherein the second flashing light pattern comprises at least one of a rhythm, at least one color, and at least one light intensity. The controller may further be configured to adjust the first flashing light pattern in response to the second flashing light pattern. The vehicle may comprise a preemption system configured to control traffic signals in the path of the vehicle and the controller is further configured to adjust a length of time for which the traffic signals are affected based on information communicated to the controller through the second flashing light pattern. The controller may further be configured to adjust the first flashing light pattern to synchronize the first flashing light pattern with the second flashing light pattern. The controller may further be configured to detect in the light data a brightness level of ambient light surrounding the individual optical sensor. The light data may comprise characteristics of the incoming light including a light frequency, a color, and a pulse pattern. The controller may further be configured to detect a change in the brightness level of the ambient light surrounding each individual optical sensor and adjust the light level of each light of the plurality of lights based on the change in the brightness level of the ambient light. Each optical sensor of the plurality of optical sensors may correspond with at least one light of the plurality of lights. The plurality of lights and the plurality of optical sensors may each be arranged around a perimeter of the vehicle. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, applications, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors&#39; intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 120(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 120(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 120(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 120(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 120(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an inter-vehicle optical network installed on a vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the inter-vehicle optical network shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the inter-vehicle optical network shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a network diagram for the inter-vehicle optical network shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a process diagram showing actions which may be taken by the controller of the inter-vehicle optical network shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a cluster of vehicles joined together by the inter-vehicle optical network. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of implementations. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation. 
     The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity. 
     While this disclosure includes a number of implementations that are described in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular implementations with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the implementations illustrated. 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration possible implementations. It is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural, as well as procedural, changes may be made without departing from the scope of this document. As a matter of convenience, various components will be described using exemplary materials, sizes, shapes, dimensions, and the like. However, this document is not limited to the stated examples and other configurations are possible and within the teachings of the present disclosure. As will become apparent, changes may be made in the function and/or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosed exemplary implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     The present disclosure relates to an inter-vehicle optical network  100 . The inter-vehicle optical network  100  is configured to enable communication between multiple vehicles, such as a first vehicle  10  and a second vehicle  20 , through the lighting system of each vehicle  10 . This may enhance the effectiveness of vehicle convoys or clusters, where a convoy involves vehicles that are moving together, while a cluster involves a group of stationary vehicles. Additionally, the inter-vehicle optical network  100  is configured to allow a vehicle  10  to adapt to changing lighting situations and increase safety by providing sufficient lighting without over-illuminating the surroundings of the vehicle  10 . 
     The inter-vehicle optical network  100  comprises a circuit with at least one light  102 , at least one optical sensor  104 , and a controller  106 . The light  102  is mounted on the vehicle  10 . The inter-vehicle optical network  100  may comprise a plurality lights  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The plurality of lights  102  may be arranged around a perimeter of the vehicle  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The lights  102  may be configured to flash in a first flashing light pattern. The first flashing light pattern may be used to communicate information or data to an adjacent vehicle  20  that is similarly equipped with an inter-vehicle optical network  100 . The lights  102  may also be configured to illuminate the surroundings of the vehicle  10 . Each light  102  may have an individually adjustable light level. In some embodiments, the lights  102  may be grouped together, with the light levels of each light  102  being adjustable by group. 
     The optical sensors  104  are also mounted to the vehicle  10 . Each optical sensor  104  is configured to gather light data regarding incoming light within a field of vision of that specific optical sensor  104 . The optical sensors  104  may be configured to measure the ambient light level in direction up to 360 degrees around the vehicle  10 . The light data may comprise a light intensity and a gradient of incoming light. For example, the light data may indicate how the light intensity varies across the field of vision of the optical sensor  104 . The light data may also comprise characteristics of the incoming light. For example, the light data may include a light frequency, a color, and a pulse pattern. The light data may comprise visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, or any combination of the three. Other characteristics of the incoming light that could be used to communicate information may also be included in the light data, whether that data communicated on a spectrum visible to humans or includes modulations of the light signal not visable to humans. In some embodiments, the light  102  and the optical sensor  104  are incorporated into a single device that comprises both a light  102  and an optical sensor  104 . The optical sensors  104  may also be integrated with other electrical devices, such as LED lightheads or other fixtures of emergency or service vehicles  10 . The inter-vehicle optical network  100  may have an optical sensor  104  for every light  102 . Each optical sensor  104  may be located with its corresponding light  102 . Alternatively, the optical sensors  104  and the lights  102  may be physically separated. The inter-vehicle optical network  100  may comprise a plurality of optical sensors  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The plurality of optical sensors  104  may be arranged around a perimeter of the vehicle  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . This allows the inter-vehicle optical network  100  to gather light data from all sides of the vehicle  10 . In some embodiments, the inter-vehicle optical network  100  may have a single optical sensor  104  positioned on top of the vehicle  100 . 
     The optical sensors  104  may be configured to gather light data from all directions. In some embodiments, the optical sensors  104  are configured to gather data from less than 360 degrees. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the perimeter of the vehicle  10  may be divided into a plurality of zones  108 . In some embodiments, the plurality of zones may comprise a first zone  110 , a second zone  112 , a third zone  114 , and a fourth zone  116 . A different portion of the plurality of lights  102  may be associated with each of the plurality of zones  108 . Thus, the inter-vehicle optical network  100  may control each light  102  based on which zone  108  it is located in and based on the light data gathered by the optical sensors  104  associated with that particular zone  108 . The optical sensors  104  may be configured to gather data regarding the incoming light in a portion of the zones without gathering light data in all of the zones. For example, the optical sensors  104  may be configured to only gather light data from the rear and two sides of the vehicle  10 , which correspond with the second zone  112 , the third zone  114 , and the fourth zone  116  for the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, in some embodiments, particular zones  108  may have lights  102  that emit with variable light levels, while other zones  108  may have lights  102  with fixed light levels. 
     The optical sensors  104  are configured to receive and measure light from all light sources surrounding the vehicle  10 . For example, the optical sensors  104  may be configured to measure ambient light levels, as well as receive and recognize light from the lighting systems of other vehicles, such as a second vehicle  20  and a third vehicle  30 , and light emitted from certain programming or control devices. Thus, the optical sensors  104  may be configured to measure not only the ambient light  118 , but also specific light frequencies, colors, pulse patterns, and any other characteristics of light. This allows the inter-vehicle optical network  100  to both respond to changing ambient light levels as well as recognize and respond to the lighting systems of adjacent vehicles  10 . 
     The controller  106  may also be mounted to the vehicle  10 . The controller  106  is communicatively coupled with the lights  102  and the optical sensors  104 , thus allowing the controller  106  to receive data from the optical sensors  104  and then control the lights  102  in response to the data received from the optical sensors  104 . In other words, the controller  106  may be configured to interpret the light data and pass instructions to other components based on the light data. During initial system install, the controller  106  may receive programming to enable the controller  106  to detect different flashing patterns comprising different rhythms, colors, and modes. The controller  106  may then be configured to change the vehicle&#39;s emergency lighting, internal illumination, scene illumination, and other warning system functions based on the flashing patterns detected. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the inter-vehicle optical network  100  may function as follows. The light surrounding the vehicle  10  may include both ambient light  118  and light from adjacent vehicles  120 . The optical sensors  104  are configured to receive this incoming light and communicate the light data received to the controller  106 . The controller  106  is configured to process the light data and may use the light data to control the lights  102  and/or a preemption system  122  installed in the vehicle  10 . The lights  102  may be used for scene lighting  124 , with the goal being to illuminate the surroundings of the vehicle  10 , and/or for emergency lighting  126 , with the goal being to attract attention to the vehicle  10  and/or communicate with an adjacent vehicle  20 . 
     To that end, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the controller may be configured to receive the light data from the optical sensors  128 . The controller may then detect in the light data a brightness level of ambient light surrounding the individual optical sensor  130 . Once the brightness level of ambient light  118  is known, the controller can adjust the light level of the lights based on the light data  132 . This allows scenes to be illuminated enough that an emergency responder can clearly see the surroundings without providing so much light that vision is inhibited. The controller  106  may also detect in the light data a second flashing light pattern  134 . The second flashing light pattern may be emitted by an adjacent vehicle  20  to communicate information to the vehicle  10  (see  FIG. 6 ). The first flashing light pattern and the second flashing light pattern may each comprise at least one of a rhythm, at least one color, and at least one light intensity. By varying each of these characteristics, different data and information can be communicated through the flashing light patterns by assigning different meanings to different rhythms, colors, and light intensities. The controller  106  may be configured to adjust the first flashing light pattern in response to the second flashing light pattern  136 . In this way, information and data can be shared between multiple controllers  106  and whichever controller  106  is in charge can adjust to the situation, having a more complete picture of the situation. 
     Because the optical sensors  104  are configured to receive light from all light sources, the vehicle&#39;s lighting system may also be controlled with any device that emits optical signals. Multiple vehicles may even be controlled using the same device. Thus, in situations where there are multiple emergency or service vehicles, such as a first vehicle  10 , a second vehicle  20 , and a third vehicle  30 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , the single device, or even the emissions from a single vehicle, can be used to coordinate the lighting systems of all of the vehicles to meet the lighting needs of the situation either simultaneously, in sequence, or through a chain of light commands passed between the first vehicle  10 , the second vehicle  20 , and the third vehicle  30  automatically. The third vehicle  30  may be used to flash emergency lights, while the first vehicle  10  and the second vehicle  20  may be used to illuminate the scene. Alternatively, no single device may be used to control all of the vehicles  10 , but instead, each vehicle  10  includes its own controller  106  and may use its own optical sensors  104  to observe what adjacent vehicles  20 ,  30  are doing, and then the controller  106  for that vehicle may turn certain lights  102  on or off based on the need and its programming. For example, the first vehicle  10  may already be illuminating the scene. When the second vehicle  20  pulls up next to the first vehicle  10 , the second vehicle  20 , through its optical sensors  104  and controller  106  may recognize that the side of the second vehicle  20  closer to the first vehicle  10  is already illuminated, and thus not turn on the scene illumination lights  102  on that side of the second vehicle  20 . However, the second vehicle  20  may also recognize that, on the side of the second vehicle  20  facing away from the first vehicle  10 , the second vehicle  20  is now blocking the light from the first vehicle  10 . Thus, the second vehicle  20  may automatically turn on the scene illumination lights  102  on the side of the second vehicle  20  facing away from the first vehicle  10  in response to input from the optical sensors  104  and in response to a command from the controller  106  of the first vehicle  10 . Each vehicle  10 ,  20 ,  30  may also lower the brightness of the lights  102  as more lights are turned on. In this manner, all of the scene continues to be illuminated with a desired illumination level without having excessive lighting in the center of the group of vehicles  10 . This preserves energy and maintains a proper lighting level for the scene regardless of the number of vehicles at the scene. 
     In some scenarios, the first flashing light pattern and the second flashing light pattern are not used to communicate any information, but rather are used to ensure that third parties nearby become aware of the presence of the vehicles  10 . In such a scenario, the controller  106  is configured to adjust the first flashing light pattern to synchronize the first flashing light pattern with the second flashing light pattern  138 . This allows each of the vehicles to have flashing lights, ensuring that third parties are aware of the vehicle&#39;s presence, without overly contributing to the chaos of the situation. For example, when three or four emergency vehicles are parked near each other, all flashing lights differently, this can be disorienting to individuals present, or to drivers passing by. With the flashing lights synchronized, through the respective optical sensors  104  and controllers  106  of the various vehicles  10 , the disorientation may be lessened, improving the safety of emergency responders, pedestrians, and drivers. 
     The various controllers  106  of the inter-vehicle optical network  100 , which are all installed on different vehicles, are configured to communicate via the lights  102 . This can be done with the color and flash rate of the lights  102 . This communication can also take place by embedding information within the flashing light patterns used by adding additional lighting components. The additional lighting components could be visible light that is emitted in addition to the normal lighting or could be an additional infrared emitted component. 
     The controller  106  may also be configured to detect a change in the brightness level of the ambient light  118  surrounding each individual optical sensor  104 . A respective controller  106  may adjust the light level of each light  102  of the plurality of lights  102  on the vehicle  10  based on the change detected in the brightness level of the ambient light  118 . This allows the inter-vehicle optical network  100  to adjust to changing environmental light levels automatically. For example, when the sun is shining, brighter lights may be needed for the flashing emergency lights to be visible, but when the sky is cloudy, the lights  102  may not need to be illuminated so brightly. Further, during the night, the lights  102  can be even dimmer. Thus, the inter-vehicle optical network  100  can adjust to different ambient light levels. In some scenarios, different lights  102  located in different positions around the vehicle  10  may adjust to different light levels based on the ambient light  118  surrounding each individual optical sensor  104 . For example, the vehicle  10  may be parked with a portion of the vehicle  10  in the shade and a portion of the vehicle  10  in the sun. The plurality of optical sensors  104  and the plurality of lights  102  may be controlled to adjust accordingly so that each individual light  102  is set to an optimal light intensity. 
     As mentioned above, the inter-vehicle optical network  100  may interface with a preemption system  122  installed on the vehicle  10 . The preemption system  122  allows the vehicle  10  to communicate with light signals and other traffic control systems in the path of the vehicle  10  so that traffic is cleared ahead of the vehicle  10 , allowing the vehicle  10  to travel faster to the destination of the vehicle  10 , and so that the vehicle  10  does not need to stop at traffic lights. In some situations, multiple vehicles  10  are traveling to the same destination. In such a situation, the inter-vehicle optical network  100  of the vehicles  10  behind the first vehicle  10  may communicate with the inter-vehicle optical network  100  of the first vehicle  10  so that the first vehicle  10  knows how many vehicles  10  are following, and how far back they are. The controller  106  may be configured to adjust a length of time for which the traffic signals are affected based on the communications sent by the following vehicles  10  through the second flashing light pattern. This allows all of the vehicles  10  to travel safely to the destination in the shortest amount of time possible. 
     It will be understood that implementations of an inter-vehicle optical network are not limited to the specific assemblies, devices and components disclosed in this document, as virtually any assemblies, devices and components consistent with the intended operation of an inter-vehicle optical network may be used. Accordingly, for example, although particular inter-vehicle optical networks, and other assemblies, devices and components are disclosed, such may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of inter-vehicle optical networks. Implementations are not limited to uses of any specific assemblies, devices and components; provided that the assemblies, devices and components selected are consistent with the intended operation of an inter-vehicle optical network. 
     Accordingly, the components defining any inter-vehicle optical network may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the materials selected are consistent with the intended operation of an inter-vehicle optical network. For example, the components may be formed of: polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; glasses (such as quartz glass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1180 aluminum, aluminum alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination of the foregoing thereof. In instances where a part, component, feature, or element is governed by a standard, rule, code, or other requirement, the part may be made in accordance with, and to comply under such standard, rule, code, or other requirement. 
     Various inter-vehicle optical networks may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. Some components defining an inter-vehicle optical network may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another, while other components may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled with the integral components. Various implementations may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. 
     Accordingly, manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. 
     It will be understood that methods for manufacturing or assembling inter-vehicle optical networks are not limited to the specific order of steps as disclosed in this document. Any steps or sequence of steps of the assembly of an inter-vehicle optical network indicated herein are given as examples of possible steps or sequence of steps and not as limitations, since various assembly processes and sequences of steps may be used to assemble inter-vehicle optical networks. 
     The implementations of an inter-vehicle optical network described are by way of example or explanation and not by way of limitation. Rather, any description relating to the foregoing is for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, and implementations may also be used with similar results for a variety of other applications employing an inter-vehicle optical network.