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Time Synchronization Method Using Visible Light Communication for Smartphone Localization

Authors:
Takayuki Akiyama
Masanori Sugimoto
Hiromichi Hashizume

Keywords: Time synchronization; Visible light communication; Acoustic localization; ToA measurement; Smartphone.

Abstract:
We describe a time synchronization technique based on visible light communication (VLC). The precision of time synchronization is the key factor for localization based on time of arrival. Hence, we have proposed the SyncSync method using a modulated light-emitting diode (LED) light and a smartphone video camera, which enables time-of-arrival localization by measuring the time of flight of sound waves. This method gives better results than those of time-difference-of-arrival localization. However, we had to use a dedicated light synchronization device for our method. VLC is becoming a popular application of smartphones. If VLC demodulation could be used for time synchronization in acoustic localization, VLC and indoor localization could be integrated into a single application. In this paper, we examine the feasibility of using VLC codes for localization time synchronization. Experimental results show a time synchronization precision equivalent to 1.0 cm for an airborne acoustic wave. This is sufficiently precise for practical applications.

Pages: 6 to 9

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2016

Publication date: November 13, 2016

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4219

ISBN: 978-1-61208-514-2

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Dates: from November 13, 2016 to November 17, 2016