researchers are looking towards flickering lights to act as a possible new avenue for short-range Internet communications.
Presented as an alternative to slow and congested WiFi networks, the new technology, introduced by the startup LVX Systems in an around snowy Minnesota, uses a cluster of small LED lights to transmit coded communications to special receiving modems.
"Light can be the way out of this mess," said Mohsen Kavehrad, a Penn State electrical engineering professor who works in optical network technology.
Although LVX is presenting the system as an alternative to WiFi, it seems as if the folks in St. Cloud, Minnesota have a different idea.
To be sure, St. Cloud adopted the $10,000 framework primarily because of its potential energy saving LED applications.
Indeed, technology analyst Craig Mathias of the Farpoint Group explains that LVX’s system can be employed for other uses like indoor advertising displays and energy management. ??
Other applications include personal locators or tiny video cameras to help guide people through large buildings - even smart lights that dim when the sun is shining through the window brightly.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which pays for 24-hour lighting and replacing fluorescent bulbs on high ceilings, is considering an LVX system, said Jeffrey W. Hamiel, executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
"Anything we can do to save costs is worth consideration," he said. ??
Meanwhile, St. Cloud city administrator Michael Williams noted that the city had been thinking of employing LVX for some time.
"It's pretty wild stuff. They have been talking about it with us for couple of years, and frankly it took a while for it to sink in."
LED future technology will certainly save costs when compared to fluorescent bulbs, but it seems like most technologists agree that flickering lights are simply not a realistic replacement for WiFi.
It is a form of high-speed, very secure wireless data communication using visible light.
Traditionally, wireless communication has been, and is now comprised of, radio waves with their related electronic equipment. Examples of these are “WI-FI”, “3G Networks” and “Bluetooth”. Without exception, they all require magnetic radio waves.
Visible Light with Embedded Communication is comprised of light photons and can be seen by the human eye. Its related equipment is what looks like a standard lamp that generates its light from LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes or solid state lighting) rather than hot filaments or hot gasses like those used in today’s lamps. The difference is that the solid state LEDs “modulate” so fast, that though the human eye can’t see this modulation, data information can be carried within this modulated signal, all while lighting your occupied area as traditional lights always have.
What can we do with Visible Light Embedded Data Communication?
We can offer access to the Internet, transmit HDTV, cell, VOIP and standard phone services; virtually any form of electronic data transmission. Light can do it faster and with greater security than any other practical form of wireless communication available today.
Why is this better? Because this patented technology enables LVX System to offer service to your home or business in ways never before possible. Consider these three important features:
1. Communication It’s fast. As practical wireless communication goes, there is none faster or more secure than the services provided by LVX System.
No wiring is necessary to connect your computer, TV, phone or other device to the Internet or broadcast service.
2. Energy It’s energy saving; it’s "Green". Depending on your needs, the savings on your energy bill could pay for much, if not all, of your Internet service costs.
Our lamps produce much less heat resulting in less wasted air conditioning.
With LVX System's BrightNow service, home and building lights and street lighting can be managed by computers in ways that will save lamp energy from 30-80%. Our solid state lighting offers an intelligent lighting solution that can automatically illuminate areas when they become occupied and reduce lighting in areas that are unoccupied.
The exceptionally long life of LED lamps reduce replacement and maintenance costs. Unlike fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps, our lamps contain no hazardous mercury making them environmentally friendly. Light bulbs, ballast and lamp disposal fees become a thing of the past.
3. Security With LVX System, your wireless transmissions are the most secure, practical wireless transmissions available today.
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