VLC-based location data transferal for smart devices

The extensive growth of mobile communications and the increasing use of smart devices has drawn significant research attention to location-based services (LBS). One of most important issues related to the application of LBS is the accurate position estimation of a mobile object. Focusing on an image sensor deployed in smart devices, we develop a visual light communication (VLC)-based location data transferal method. A light emitting diode (LED) generates a specific light signal, which is easily detected by image sensors. The algorithmic procedure of light signal recognition is implemented by using the image processing functions of smart devices. The image extracted from the light signal can be interpreted as unique location data. The proposed method can strengthen the advantages of the indoor applicability of VLC. The applicability of VLC is additionally reinforced by the concept of software defined light network reconfiguration. All data were harvested using actual measurements in indoor areas. The experimental results verify the practical usefulness of the proposed method.