At a recent TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) conference held July 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Harald Haas discussed and demonstrated his recent innovation making use of an LED light bulb as an effective medium for transmitting wireless data.
More than 1.4 million cellular base stations are in operation throughout the world, transmitting over 600 terabytes of wireless data to over 5 billion cell phones worldwide every month. The cellular phone has become of such fundamental importance to every person’s life that it can be regarded as a utility, like electricity and water, that is used and consumed over and over again. There are significant issues and problems with the technology used by these stations to transfer and transmit data to mobile phone users.
The electromagnetic and radio waves which these stations use, have four main issues that must be addressed and resolved very soon. The first issue is that of capacity. Radio waves are scarce and are only available within a limited range. World growth at some point will not be able to cope with the amount of transmission needed when using electromagnetic and radio waves as more wireless devices appear. There are problems with efficiency. A lot of energy is used by these base stations. This energy problem is not related to the transmission of data, but with the massive amounts needed to cool down the base stations. With all the available base stations throughout the world, each base is capable of outputting only 5%. Lastly, there is the problem of security. Everyone is aware of the rules limiting and prohibiting the use of mobile phones on flights and in hospitals. Radio waves can be intercepted and used for evil or improper purposes.
Now consider an LED light bulb. There are over 14 billion LED bulbs currently installed throughout the world. Light has been around for millions and millions of years. It has created life, and all that has life. It is inherently safe to use. Compared with the sizes of the other spectrums, there are 10,000 more frequencies available for use with the visible spectrum when using an LED bulb. Mr. Haas has developed a microchip that makes use of a signal-processing technology that transmits thousands of bits of parallel streaming data at high speeds. The technology is called SIM OFDM. Through spatial modulation, the light source is able to transmit data.
In his demonstration, Haas makes use of a desk lamp with an LED light bulb which has been outfitted with a signal processor. The light beam is picked up by a receiver that converts the subtle changes in the light’s amplitude into an electrical signal, and converts it into a high-speed data stream. This light technology is able to resolve all of the main issues previously raised with radio waves. It addresses and solves the problems of capacity and availability. With an infrastructure of lighting already in place, it is hoped that this technology can one day be utilized for communications as the applications for this technology are limitless.
Cornelius Vanderkolk having come to Hawaii over 10 years ago, jumped into the lighting industry for his initial career as a consultant in calculating ROI and providing energy efficient lighting solutions servicing home owners, businesses, and commercial properties. In Hawaii where Kwh rate is some of the highest in the nation, he has been instrumental in introducing leading edge LED light bulbssolutions into the markets as they became available and first viable. With the fast evolving developments in LED lighting, he is never short of sharing the fast changing technologies amongst client, colleagues, friends and family and presenting something new that the industry has developed.
Outside his professional interests, he is active in a variety of civic and cultural organizations including Habitat for Humanity, church affiliate welfare programs, and participating in the Hawaii Film Festival. When it comes to outdoor actives, one can often find him climbing trails, swimming, and posting adventures and scenery photos on Facebook.
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