Visible Light Communication (VLC) uses visible light spectrum for data transmission and illumination simultaneously. It has advantages over wireless technologies like free spectrum, high security, and no health hazards. VLC works by modulating the light intensity of LED bulbs to transmit data. Researchers have demonstrated transmitting high definition video through a table lamp. The VLC industry is expected to grow rapidly as LED lighting becomes more widespread. Challenges include increasing data rates and providing bidirectional communication.

1. Visible Light Communication
Managing Digital Convergence
2011.09.22
Seungdo Baek, Songju Kim, Kyungrok Kim, Jungwook Eom, Meherun

2. I. Background
Why this topic?
According to GBI Research’s new report,
“Visible Light Communication (VLC) – A Potential Solution to the Global Wireless
Spectrum Shortage”.
What it is?
• Data transfer media – VLC uses light emitting diodes (LEDs),
• Dual role - illumination and data transmission.
• Free - it uses visible light spectrum,
• Less crowded than other frequencies – it can take credit over wireless services.
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

3. I. Background
General characteristic of VLC
• Visibility : Aesthetically pleasing
• Security : What You See Is What You Send
• Unregulated : No regulation in optical frequency
• Health : Harmless for human body
• Non-interference with other devices
How does it work?
Prof Harald Haas demonstrates
high definition video transmitted
by the light from a table lamp at
TED Global 2011.
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

4. I. Background > Harald Hass
Harald Haas: Wireless data from every light bulb
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

5. II. Internal Analysis > Industry Analysis
LED was replaced by incandescent and fluorescent, and it has
been rapidly developed with LED light itself and various
utilizations.
Source:
ETRI
• Ministry of Knowledge Economy has a plan to reach one of top 3 LED country through
improvement of LED luminous efficiency and its application technology.
• LED will be used for approximately 30 percent of all lights until 2015.
• The industries in which LED lights can be used will be grown (Green Growth Korea).
• Being valued 100 billion dollars, the LED market will be evolved.
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

6. II. Internal Analysis > Industry Analysis
The LED industry would experience an overall compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 27.8% to reach $18.4 billion in 2014.
• LED backlights for LCD TVs and monitors will be the biggest growth driver.
• Although the slowing LCD TV market may reduce projected shipments of LED TV
backlights, the penetration of LEDs will continue to increase.
• Illumination, such as outdoor lighting and replacement lamps, will be the fastest-
growing segments.
• The longer-term outlook continues to be highly positive, with a 5-year CAGR
forecast of 48%.
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

7. II. Internal Analysis > Industry Analysis
• IEEE802.15.7 draft standard for VLC was accomplished.
• → Within a few years, VLC will be commercialized.
• Through a number of initiatives and funding packages, US President Barack Obama is
fuelling the drive for VLC
• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is now actively promoting the use and
development of solid state lighting (i.e. LEDs).
Domestic LED VLC Industry plan
2nd Stage (‘11 – ’13) 3rd Stage (‘14 – ’16)
1stStage (‘08 – ’10)
Securing Acquiring international
Securing
International infra standard
Domestic infra
and exploiting And generalizing
and IPR Standard
of new market LED VLC
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

8. II. Internal Analysis > VLC Applications
Smart Location
Lighting Based
System
Highway
Airplane Museum
Mobile
Connectivity
Aviation
Any industry
Military using Library
illumination
WiFi
Hazardous
Spectrum
Environment
School Aquarium Relief
Hospital
Defense
Health Care Security
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

9. III. External Analysis
Comparison with RF Communication
Property VL Comm. RF Comm.
Bandwidth Unlimited, 400nm~700nm Regulatory, BW Limited
EMI No Yes
Line of sight Yes No
Standard Beginning Matured
Power consumption Relatively low Medium
Visibility security Yes No
Infrastructure LED Illumination Access Point
Mobility Limited Yes
Coverage, Distance Narrow, Short Wide, Medium
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

10. III. External Analysis > Competitor Analysis
The RFID market is anticipated to continue to grow rapidly in these and
many other market sectors and industries including the food and drug in
dustry, propelled by United States FDA mandates. The technical issues t
hat have made standardization more challenging are heading toward res
olution with the emergence of the second-generation of UHF RFID.
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

11. III. External Analysis > Competitor Analysis
Bluetooth also has a bright future because it benefits from the network
effects of ubiquity. Retaining strict interoperability testing requirements
means end users can be certain their Bluetooth-enabled devices will be
able to communicate with new devices and peripherals.
Shipment of Bluetooth enabled equipments – IMS Research
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

12. III. External Analysis > Competitor Analysis
Wi-Fi market projections indicate the enormous potential and the
opportunity WPS to provide positioning
and Location Based Services to hundreds of millions of mobile devices
Source: Skyhook Wireless 200
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

13. III. External Analysis > Competitor Analysis
Could advanced LED-based technology revolutionize
the way we send and receive data compared to RFID, WIFI, Bluetooth?
VLC(Visible light communication)
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

14. III. External Analysis
Business model with VLC
Application Function
Mobile
Contents-sharing
to
Data transfer
Mobile
Portable device
Mobile File transfer
to Video streaming
Fixed M-commerce
Indoor Navigation
Infrastructure
Information-broadcast
to
Mobile
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

15. IV. Challenges
• Increasing data rates
 Transmitter/Receiver equalization
 Complex modulation
 Parallel communication
• Provision of an uplink
 Infra-red uplink
 Retro-reflecting transceiver
• Regulations
 Associated illumination practices
• Distance & Interference of other lights
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

16. IV. Next Steps
• More study on
 Technologies
 Industries
 Startup companies
• Building a New Business Model using VLC
 Converged with other industries
 Under current constraints
2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence

17. 2011.9.22 Managing Digital Convergence