Visible-light data breakthrough uses LEDs
Technology promises to expand line-of-sight wireless information transfer
Adding data transmission capability to traditional lighting systems promises to seamlessly create ubiquitous computing applications.
Unveiled at the recent CEATEC Japan 2004 conference, a series of exhibits by members of the Visible-Light Communications Consortium demonstrated the benefits of using LED-based lighting to transmit high-speed data to handheld and vehicle-borne computing devices. Adding data to visible light generated by fixtures everywhere, including illuminated signs, traffic signals, and room lighting promises to usher in an expanded world of wireless communication by supplementing RF technologies.
Using LED light sources, data can be transmitted via normal fixtures such as store and traffic lights.
Visible-light communication sends data by flashing lights at speeds undetectable to the human eye, allowing the use of existing illumination infrastructure with only minor changes such as the replacement of incandescent light sources with LEDs. For example, data delivered by individual indoor LED lighting fixtures could provide cell phones or PDAs with information on services in the area, or traffic lights could broadcast alerts to a vehicle's navigation system.
Additional applications could involve displays as well, using information monitors in kiosks transmitting data via visible light to PDAs, cell phones, and other portable computing devices. Status indicators could also be used to transmit data, providing operating status or other important information about the device involved.
Although deployment of such systems is still in the future, these proof-of-concept systems demonstrate the viability of the technology. For more information, visit http://www.vlcc.net.
�Alix L. Paultre
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