Visible light communication with smartphone (iPhone)

Abstract

As of current, the latest Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology opens up a wide area for new applications, new technical possibilities at a reduced cost. Conventional lighting infrastructure such as the fluorescent light bulbs are being replaced by LED lights.

However, unbeknownst to many, the LED technology is not simply just a light source provider, but it can also be used to communicate information. Unlike conventional lights, LED lights are digitalized which can be readily controllable. It can be used actively to send out information or passively sense the environment through ambient light variances.

The purpose of this project is to digitalize the use of LED lights by developing an iPhone application to detect and read messages transmitted from the LED light source.

The application is created on Xcode, in Swift language and uses Raptor Code algorithm to decode messages transmitted from the LED light source. While using the application, once the user points the iPhone towards the LED light source, the application will decode and display out the message.