Coverage optimization of VLC in smart homes based on improved cuckoo search algorithm

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are often placed on the ceiling in smart homes for visible light communications. However, the layout of LEDs will lead to the uneven distribution of the received optical power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the same receiving plane, which cannot guarantee fairness of communication. To solve this problem, we used an LED source array and introduced a power adjustment factor to determine a set of optimal power regulators to improve the power distribution on the same receiving plane. We proposed an improved cuckoo search (ICS) algorithm based on chaos theory and dimension cells to solve the normal CS algorithm convergence problem. The chaos mechanism will optimize the random distribution of the initial solution for chaotic distribution, and it can achieve an improved quality of the initial solutions. Moreover, we divided the multidimensional solutions into several dimension cells to avoid interference between dimensions. Simulation results show that the accuracy and the convergence rate of the ICS algorithm is better than that of CS, particle swarm optimization, and evolutionary algorithm. Furthermore, the fairness of the received optical power and SNR on the same receiving plane can be clearly improved.