Wireless data from every light bulb - Is this real or rubbish?

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jbard

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Topic # 88378 15-Aug-2011 09:22

I watched this video the other day, the idea sounds like it could be awesome.

I don't really know a lot about this though, is this really possible for practical use?
Is it practical to use it to replace mobile phone transmitters?
How about a wireless setup at home, could it be used for this?

vinnieg

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Reply # 506574 15-Aug-2011 09:25

It's real, it's a similar concept to one devleoped a few years ago by the Japanese.

Using LED technology, they can flash them so fast the human eye can't see it, but can transmit data within the number of flashes. Can't wait to see it in action personally :) it sounds very cool

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SaltyNZ

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Reply # 506588 15-Aug-2011 09:39

I doubt it will go far. Does anyone remember IR ports? There's a reason why we stopped using them. This seems even *less* useful, as it's only one way.

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Linuxluver

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Reply # 506608 15-Aug-2011 10:18

SaltyNZ: I doubt it will go far. Does anyone remember IR ports? There's a reason why we stopped using them. This seems even *less* useful, as it's only one way.

IR ports were mainly limited by the fact most users had no idea how to configure and use them. Every time I tried to use them the other user user had no idea how to do it and didn't want to spend the time to figure it out.

This is bit like video calling over the Internet. I was making two-way video "calls" to people in Canada 15 years ago.....but the problem that blocked the technology was that the users didn't know how to set it up...and it wasn't actually all that hard, either: a twain webcam and MS Netmeeting.

Incurious users who don't explore the functionality in their tech tools is (in my experience) usually the biggest obstacle to innovation.

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SaltyNZ

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Reply # 506613 15-Aug-2011 10:25

Linuxluver:

IR ports were mainly limited by the fact most users had no idea how to configure and use them.

Well, yes, people not knowing how to configure them was one thing, but even when you did they were often very finnicky, requiring devices to be up close and pointing right at each other. Admittedly when you're talking about a very bright light that's a bit less of an issue.

But the only thing this is good for is a one-way stream, and the fact that it's not radio means you can't, say, have the phone in your pocket while listening.

So I stand by my original argument. It's only good for one thing, and it's not great at that either.

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sbiddle

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Reply # 506661 15-Aug-2011 11:29

IR has great potential, but limited throughput.

Most of the ESL systems in supermarkets are IR based with transmitters in the roof. The great thing about IR is that it bounces around which means it can deliver great coverage, with significantly less power consumption than radio based systems.

SimonGeorgeBrown

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Reply # 506668 15-Aug-2011 11:37

Incurious users who don't explore the functionality in their tech tools is (in my experience) usually the biggest obstacle to innovation.

I don't have a lot to add to this conversation, but just wanted to say that I have often thought this. I guess that's one of the hurdles you must overcome.

oxnsox

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Reply # 506676 15-Aug-2011 11:42

SaltyNZ:
Linuxluver:

IR ports were mainly limited by the fact most users had no idea how to configure and use them.

Well, yes, people not knowing how to configure them was one thing, but even when you did they were often very finnicky, requiring devices to be up close and pointing right at each other. Admittedly when you're talking about a very bright light that's a bit less of an issue.

But the only thing this is good for is a one-way stream, and the fact that it's not radio means you can't, say, have the phone in your pocket while listening.

So I stand by my original argument. It's only good for one thing, and it's not great at that either.

A lot of IR applications were simplistic, early application of the technology, and designed for a cost to suit the purpose (remotes and headset audio being the most common)

But this has real potential and there's no reason why it can't be bi-directional. Fibre is.

Whether we see it applied as envisioned is another thing. The limitations of light travel (walls, objects etc) will end up determining where it'll work best and where it won't.

I thought some years back that someone was running a high bandwidth directional light link in Hamilton(?) and/or Auckland (around what is now the Wynyard quarter).

sbiddle

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Reply # 506680 15-Aug-2011 11:47

oxnsox:
I thought some years back that someone was running a high bandwidth directional light link in Hamilton(?) and/or Auckland (around what is now the Wynyard quarter).

Laser links are actually very common. TVNZ use one back to the Sky tower as a link from Devonport.

SaltyNZ

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Reply # 506684 15-Aug-2011 11:54

sbiddle:
oxnsox:
I thought some years back that someone was running a high bandwidth directional light link in Hamilton(?) and/or Auckland (around what is now the Wynyard quarter).

Laser links are actually very common. TVNZ use one back to the Sky tower as a link from Devonport.

Yep, but that's a long way from "cheap" data access via modulating a light bulb. I would be extremely surprised if it ran in cheaper than radio by the time you include the whole set of kit. It's not just the light bulb you know. (Not to mention the fact that LED light bulbs are north of $20 each!)

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