NeoCommLight: A Visible Light Communication System for RF-Restricted NICUs

Abstract

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is one of the emerging technologies of Optical Wireless Communications (OWCs) in finding sustainable solutions for the spectrum crunch of beyond 5G access technologies. This research work introduces the NeoCommLight system, a healthcare communication architecture for Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) based on visible light communication, which offers a promising solution for RF-restricted areas and addresses the challenges posed by spectrum crunch and health concerns associated with traditional radio communication technologies. To demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed system, a prototype design is presented, accompanied by implementation details. Furthermore, the performance analysis of the NeoCommLight system is conducted, shedding light on crucial aspects such as communication delay, transmitter-to-receiver distance, variations in transmitter angle concerning the Line of Sight (LoS) axis, and the impact of diffraction caused by a knife edge obstacle placed between the transmitter and receiver. The performance analysis of the system showed that it could transmit data at a maximum data rate of 3 Mbps at a distance of 5 cm. The system could transmit data at a data rate 800 Kbps to a maximum distance of 2 meters.