Basic study on indoor location estimation using Visible Light Communication platform.

A VLC (Visible Light Communication) system using fluorescent lights has been developed for indoor guidance of the visually impaired. While it is relatively straightforward to provide generalized location information for a blind user, precise location information is much more difficult to determine. We propose that the effective data reception range and the receiver's precise location can be calculated using measured sensor angles. A series of experiments have been performed in a practical platform with 22 fluorescent lights, 39 measuring points (MP). The average distance error could reach as low as 10 cm. This development will provide greater accuracy and therefore less stress for blind users.