Smart Note Taker

Smart Note Taker :-

The Smart Note Taker is such a helpful product that satisfies the needs of the people in today’s technological and fast life. This product can be used in many ways. The Smart NoteTaker provides taking fast and easy notes to people who are busy with something else. With the help of Smart NoteTaker, people will be able to write notes on the air, while being busy with their work

The written note will be stored on the memory chip of the pen and will be able to read in digital medium after the job has done. This will save time and ease life. The smart note taker is good and helpful for blinds that think and write freely. Another place, where this product can play an important role, is where two people talks on the phone. The subscribers are apart from each other while their talk and they may want to use figures or texts to understand themselves better. It’s also useful especially for instructions in presentations.

The instructors may not want to present the lecture in front of the board. The drawn figure can be processed and directly sent to the server computer in the room. The server computer then can broadcast the drawn shape through network to all of the computers which are present in the room. By this way, the lectures are aimed to be more efficient and fun. This product will be simple but powerful. The product will be able to sense 3D shapes and motions that user tries to draw. The sensed information will be processed and transferred to the memory chip and then will be monitored on the display device. The drawn shape then can be broadcasted to the network or sent to a mobile device.

“Technology is the best when it brings people together”

Technical Definition of Smart Note Taker:-

In order to meet the technical requirements of the product we need Operating System Like Windows or Linux in order to implement software part of the project, Displacement Sensors to recognize the displacement of the pen in three dimensions, parallel cable to communicate with computer, software to solve the displacement data and finds the individual coordinate displacements in three axes and transform the data into text format, analog to digital converter to process analog displacement data and convert them into digital format, switch to control the pen and Rechargeable battery.

• Analog to digital converter
• Software program to convert data into text or string format
• Operating System ??Parallel cable
• Switch
• Rechargeable battery
• Displacement Sensor

“It’s Not faith in technology, It’s Faith in People“

Note Taker for PC:-

PC Notes Taker is the world’s first device that captures natural handwriting on any surface onto a PC in real time. Based on a revolutionary electronic pen, PC Notes Taker displays the user’s handwritten notes, memos or drawings on the computer, and stores the image for future use. PC Notes Taker is ideal for markets where the handwritten input is essential, such as health, educational and financial sectors. Supplied with user-friendly software, PC Notes Taker is compatible with PCs and notebooks.

Adds Handwriting Input to any Computer PC Notes Taker is the world’s first device that captures natural handwriting on any surface onto a PC in real time. Based on a revolutionary electronic pen, PC Notes Taker displays the user’s handwritten notes, memos or drawings on the computer, and stores the image for future use. PC Notes Taker is ideal for markets where the handwritten input is essential, such as health, educational and financial sectors. Supplied with user-friendly software, PC Notes Taker is compatible with PCs and notebooks.

Features:-

Capture of handwriting from any plain paper or other writing surface Input of continuous writing up to A4 page size Insert sketches, signatures, equations, and notes into Word documents E-mail sketches or handwritten notes in any language using MS OUTLOOK Convert handwriting to digital text using MS word recognition engine Annotate, add comments, edit and draw in your own handwriting onto MS office documents Create instant messaging using ICQ

The Smart Pen system includes the Smart Pen and a pen cradle connected to an internet-enabled computer. As CRFs are filled out, the Smart Pen records each stroke. It identifies each CRF and where it is on the page through a very fine grid pattern that appears as a light gray background shading on the CRF. The Pen is then placed in the cradle, activating a password-protected Internet link to Health Decisions. Data are interpreted into fields and validation can occur immediately, with queries returned to sites quickly over the Internet. The process also creates an exact copy of the original CRF that can be read for notation and comparison with interpreted data fields. Health Decisions takes the best technology and applies it to your clinical trials.

“In Technology Whatever can be done will be done”

Note Taker for mobile:-

The Ultimate Handwriting Capture Device Mobile NoteTakerTM is the worlds first portable handwriting capture device based on natural handwriting as an input. Attach plain paper of any kind and use the Pegasus electronic pen to capture, store and share handwritten drawings, sketches, notes, and memos at meetings, lectures, and conferences.

Mobile NoteTakerTM has a built-in LCD to confirm input. The on-board flash memory can store up to 50 pages.

Features:-

Uses standard paper – no special paper required Stores up to 50 A4 pages Includes LCD to view and confirm input Operates both in mobile mode and when connected to PC, notebook or other device Connects to PC/Notebook via USB cable (included) Includes software for synchronization and management of stored files Writes directly into MS Office applications (in Connected mode) Allows file transfer over LAN, email, and instant messaging application (in connected mode).

Capture, Organize, and Share Your Notes Digitally-Anywhere, Anytime!
Mobile Mode Enables capture and storage of notes and sketches digitally at meetings, lectures, and conferences.

“Because People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do”

Connected Mode

Synchronizes the Mobile NoteTakerTM and a PC/Notebook via USB cable (included). You can upload, organize, move, edit or add to handwritten notes, ideas, sketches, phone numbers, or reminders. The included software also enables memos, notes, and sketches to be sent via e-mail or over the LAN network. It is also possible to write directly into MS Word or Outlook, and add a personal touch to ICQ instant messages. Based on Pegasus successful PC Notes Taker, Mobile NoteTakerTM is the ultimate handwriting capture device. Everything you need to get started is right in the box. Even if you dont have standard size paper or piece of paper with you-you can use anything – an envelope, an old receipt, a tear-off from a paper bag and best of all in your own natural and writing.

As long as you have the Mobile NoteTakerTM, you can jot down your most inspired ideas and be sure that you will never lose them again.

Pill Camera

What is wireless capsule enteroscopy (Pill Camera)?

Wireless capsule enteroscopy also known as pill cam is a relatively new method of diagnosing diseases within the?small intestine.

For detecting diagnosis a pill-sized video capsule is swallowed, which slowly travels through your intestine before being naturally excreted. The capsule has its own built-in light and camera to take pictures of the walls of the intestine and detect bleeds or small intestine tumors, ulcers or abnormal vascular masses. 2-4 images are taken per second for up to 8 hours. The images are transmitted to a recorder that is worn around the waist.

You may require this investigation if you have abnormal bleeding or are suspected to have Crohn’s disease. This investigation is non-invasive and allows doctors to examine all three portions of the small intestine

• Duodenum,
• Jejunum and
• Ileum

which often cannot be reached by other imaging methods.
What is Capsule Endoscopy used for?

Capsule enteroscopy allows your doctor to visualize the small intestine which is often missed by conventional imaging methods such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or colonoscopy. The most common reason for ordering this investigation is to look for sources of bleeding. You may have noticed blood in yo ur vomit or faeces, or have unnoticed blood loss that can cause iron deficiency anaemia. This investigation can identify polyps, inflammatory intestine disease (Crohn’s disease or?ulcerative colitis), ulcers and tumors that may be the source of the bleeding. Such lesions may not have been found by previous investigations but once identified; your doctor can decide an appropriate course of management.

The other main use is for evaluating the extent of Crohn’s disease, which commonly affects the small intestine. This investigation is particularly useful for detecting early disease which may be missed by barium examination and CT. Also, it can be useful in patients who have symptoms which do not match the extent of disease (if any) seen by conventional imaging techniques.

Wireless capsule enteroscopy may have further indications in the future as it is safe, easy to perform, non-invasive and doesn’t require sedation. In particular, if techniques are invented that allow treatments or biopsies (tissue sampling) to be performed at the time of the procedure, it will become a very useful procedure.

It should be noted that this investigation may not always be the best for you. The images taken by the camera are of poorer quality than those obtained by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or colonoscopy. In addition, the camera may move too fast or slow to examine or the appropriate areas or be facing the wrong way and miss some lesions. Thus, it is only one possibility?of a series of investigations you may require in order for your doctor to make a correct diagnosis.
How do you prepare for the procedure?

Prior to the procedure, your doctor will explain what the procedure involves, risks, benefits and why it is indicated in your case. You will need to fast (don’t eat or drink) for around 10 hours before the investigation, as it is safest and produces the best results when the intestine is empty.

No fluid is taken for at least 2 hours and no food for a further 4 hours after swallowing the capsule. Oral medications can be taken after 2 hours if required.

If you are diabetic, the medication must be stopped during the fasting period and insulin use should be discussed with your doctor.

There is usually no need for intestine preparation, but strong colored tablets (e.g. iron tablets) should be avoided for about 24hrs before the procedure.
What does the procedure involve?

For the procedure, you will be required to swallow a 26x11mm endoscopy capsule equipped with a video camera, light source, radio transmitter, and batteries. The capsule is swallowed with a substance called simethicone, to prevent bubbles forming and interfering with the images.

The capsule passes naturally through your body via peristalsis (contraction and propelled by the muscular walls of the gastrointestinal tract) while it takes many images. The images are detected by a sensor device attached to your abdomen with 8 small aerials taped to the skin (similar to the electrodes used for an ECG). These are recorded and stored on the image recorder worn around your waist.

After approximately 8 hours you will be required to return to the medical center so the images can be downloaded and examined on a computer monitor by the physician. Around 50,000 images will be taken per investigation, so it can take a long time for these to be examined and processed. Your doctor will normally inform you of the results within a week.

You should pass the capsule naturally after 8-72 hours, but it can sometimes take up to two weeks. If you haven’t passed the capsule by this time, an X-ray may need to be performed to see if it is still present or obstructed. The capsule is discarded after it has been excreted.
What are the risks?

Capsule enteroscopy is a safe procedure and is well tolerated by most patients. Less than 1 in 10 people have difficulty swallowing the capsule, which has a gel coating to help you swallow it.

The main risk is retention of the capsule, which occurs in about 1 in a hundred people. The capsule becomes impeded by a stricture (narrowing) secondary to a tumor, inflammation or scarring from previous surgery. It is not dangerous in the short term, but you may require a surgical intervention to remove it. Obstruction may present as bloating, vomiting or pain. You should consult your doctor promptly if you experience these symptoms. In most cases, the capsule will pass naturally from the body without any problems.

What is Security Trend?

By Author -Rashmita Soge

Looking ahead, a number of emerging IT security advances will arm organizations with the right information at the right time to help spot and mitigate potential breaches before they can occur. Here, in no particular order, Collaborate, contribute, consume and create knowledge about todays top security trends, help to identify security issues that are relevant and emerging as well as issues that need more guidance.
Overall, security trends will closely follow technical trends for a particular year. If AI(artificial intelligence), IoT(internet of things), Data privacy are said to be a game changer in technical industry for 2018.
Here are the key technology trends for 2018 that are anticipated to have an even greater impact on businesses and government in the relentless pursuit to increase efficiencies and enhance connectivity.
Internet of Things (IoT):
Internet-enabled devices are expected to continue their momentum in 2018 and connect even more everyday objects. IoT devices present some very serious security issues. Most IoT devices were never built to withstand even very simple cyber-attacks. Most IoT devices are unable to be patched or upgraded, and will, therefore, remain vulnerable to cyber hacks or breaches.
If compromised, IoT devices with security vulnerabilities can result in a range of issues, such as a simple denial of service, privacy compromises, major infrastructure failures, or even death. There are well-known methods of improving the security of IoT devices, such as implementing additional protection steps and processes, but these have other drawbacks, such as higher costs, and user inconvenience. Government regulation is needed to set national frameworks in place to ensure devices have minimum standards of protection.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Many vendors have jumped onto the AI bandwagon in order to build “smarter” systems that can detect and act on security threats, either before or very early after the information has been compromised. I expect to see this continue in 2018, with computers becoming more intuitive and defensive.This presents a strong opportunity for developers, with a growing demand for systems to be increasingly intelligent and alert to potential cyber risks.
Just as AI has the potential to boost productivity for businesses and government, hackers will look to AI to find vulnerabilities in software, with machine-like efficiency, to hack into systems in a fraction of the time it would take a human being. This and other scenarios make AI one of the key technology trends to watch and mitigate risk for in 2018.
Cryptocurrency:
Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin has come on to the global agenda in 2017, and with it surging in value, it begs the question of how can owners ensure it is protected and legitimate?
Current cryptocurrency systems have significant issues with scale and performance and may be susceptible to quantum computer attacks in the future. Cryptocurrency systems need to evolve to overcome these issues, and investors in cryptocurrency need to place more emphasis on the security strategies and systems in place at their providers or risk losing their capital overnight.
Cloud Computing:
Many high-profile breaches in recent years have demonstrated the vulnerabilities of cloud computing and how it continues to be a significant issue. The ongoing question of how businesses and individuals can manage their data remotely while ensuring its protected will continue to resonate in 2018.
While many users will judge that the risk of data compromise does not warrant local control of information when compared with the benefits of convenience and low price of cloud services, a growing number of potential users will come to realize that for them, the risk of data compromise may be too high. This will be particularly true for government agencies, defense, intelligence, banking and finance, and legal services.
Data Privacy:
Data privacy also called information privacy, is the aspect of information technology (IT) that deals with the ability an organization or individual has to determine what data in a computer system can be shared with third parties. Data privacy continues to be a lost issue with every new device monitoring our conversation, location, likes, dislikes. There is a huge electronic virtual dictionary being built on us with the digital footprint that we are constantly leaving. This will continue into 2018 and beyond.

HACKABALL – MOST ENGAGING UX FOR DIGITAL EDUCATION

By Author – Shubhangi Agrawal

Lifehack (or life-hacking) refers to any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life. The term was primarily used by computer experts who suffer from information overload or those with a playful curiosity in the ways they can accelerate their workflow in ways other than programming.

One of the most amazing life hacks is Hackaball.
Hackaball is a computer you can throw that allows children to program their own games.
Computer-related employment is expected to rise by 22% by 2020. This year, England became the first country to make computer programming a compulsory school subject, and in the U.S., organizations are lobbying for programming to be available to students in every school.
It is a device that would encourage even the youngest children to learn necessary skills that will better prepare them for an ever-more tech-focused world.
Hackaball is a smart and responsive smartphone-connected gadget designed to teach 6-10-year-olds the principles of coding through fun, physical and mental play. The ball is paired with an iOS application that lets children create their own games and program them onto the device as well as play the classics. Sensors inside the sturdy Hackaball encourage kids to experiment with sound, light, vibration, and movement. The potential for creating games is as limitless as a childs imagination.
Hackaball quickly caught the attention and captured the imagination of the public.
How does it work?
The computer inside Hackaball has sensors that detect motions like being dropped, bounced, kicked, shaken or being perfectly still. Children hack the ball with an iOS or OS X app which allows them to go in and change the behavior of Hackaball to do what they want.
The paired iOS or OS X app comes pre-loaded with several games that can be sent to Hackaball to get kids started. Once they’ve mastered these initial games, kids can create brand new ones using a simple building block interface, experimenting with Hackaball’s sounds, LED lighting effects and rumble patterns. You can install the app on as many iPads an iPhones as you like, it’s free
Hackaball grows the more they play. Rewarding kids with unlockable features, challenging them with broken games to fix and the ability to share their creations with friends.
The variety of games children make and play are limited only by their imagination.

Hydrogen: Future Fuel

By Author – Rishabh Sontakke

Hydrogen fuel is a zero-emission fuel when burned with oxygen. It uses electrochemical cells, or combustion in internal engines, to power vehicles and electric devices. It is also used in the propulsion of spacecraft and might potentially be mass-produced and commercialized for passenger vehicles and aircraft.
Hydrogen lies in the first group and first period in the periodic table, i.e. it is the first element on the periodic table, making it the lightest element. Since hydrogen gas is so light, it rises in the atmosphere and is therefore rarely found in its pure form, H2. In a flame of pure hydrogen gas, burning in air, the hydrogen (H2) reacts with oxygen (O2) to form water (H2O) and releases energy.
2H2(g) + O2(g) 2H2O(g) + energy
If carried out in the atmospheric air instead of pure oxygen, as is usually the case, hydrogen combustion may yield small amounts of nitrogen oxides, along with the water vapor.
The energy released enables hydrogen to act as a fuel. In an electrochemical cell, that energy can be used with relatively high efficiency. If it is simply used for heat, the usual thermodynamics limits the thermal efficiency.
Since there is very little free hydrogen gas, hydrogen is in practice only as an energy carrier, like electricity, not an energy resource. Hydrogen gas must be produced, and that production always requires more energy than can be retrieved from the gas as a fuel later on. This is a limitation of the physical law of the conservation of energy. Most hydrogen production induces environmental impacts.

Hydrogen Production:

Because pure hydrogen does not occur naturally on Earth in large quantities, it takes a substantial amount of energy in its industrial production. There are different ways to produce it, such as electrolysis and steam-methane reforming process.
Electrolysis and steam-methane reforming process ?
In electrolysis, electricity is run through water to separate the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This method can use wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, fossil fuels, biomass, nuclear, and many other energy sources. Obtaining hydrogen from this process is being studied as a viable way to produce it domestically at a low cost. Steam-methane reforming, the current leading technology for producing hydrogen in large quantities, extracts the hydrogen from methane. However, this reaction causes a side production of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which are greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming.

Energy:

Hydrogen is locked up in enormous quantities in water, hydrocarbons, and other organic matter. One of the challenges of using hydrogen as a fuel comes from being able to efficiently extract hydrogen from these compounds. Currently, steam reforming, or combining high-temperature steam with natural gas, accounts for the majority of the hydrogen produced. Hydrogen can also be produced from water through electrolysis, but this method is much more energy demanding. Once extracted, hydrogen is an energy carrier (i.e. a store for energy first generated by other means). The energy can be delivered to fuel cells and generate electricity and heat or burned to run a combustion engine. In each case, hydrogen is combined with oxygen to form water. The heat in a hydrogen flame is a radiant emission from the newly formed water molecules. The water molecules are in an excited state on the initial formation and then transition to a ground state; the transition unleashing thermal radiation. When burning in air, the temperature is roughly 2000 C. Historically, carbon has been the most practical carrier of energy, as more energy is packed in fossil fuels than pure liquid hydrogen of the same volume. The carbon atoms have classic storage capabilities and releases even more energy when burned with hydrogen. However, burning carbon-based fuel and releasing its exhaust contributes to global warming due to the greenhouse effect of carbon gases. Pure hydrogen is the smallest element and some of it will inevitably escape from any known container or pipe in micro amounts, yet simple ventilation could prevent such leakage from ever reaching the volatile 4% hydrogen-air mixture. So long as the product is in a gaseous or liquid state, pipes are a classic and very efficient form of transportation. Pure hydrogen, though, causes the metal to become brittle, suggesting metal pipes may not be ideal for hydrogen transport.

Uses:

Hydrogen fuel can provide motive power for liquid-propellant rockets, cars, boats and airplanes, portable fuel cell applications or stationary fuel cell applications, which can power an electric motor. The problems of using hydrogen fuel in cars arise from the fact that hydrogen is difficult to store in either a high-pressure tank or a cryogenic tank
An alternative fuel must be technically feasible, economically viable, easily convert to another energy form when combusted, be safe to use, and be potentially harmless to the environment. Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth. Although hydrogen does not exist freely in nature, it can be produced from a variety of sources such as steam reformation of natural gas, gasification of coal, and electrolysis of water. Hydrogen gas can use in traditional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines (ICE) with minimal conversions. However, vehicles with polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells provide a greater efficiency. Hydrogen gas combusts with oxygen to produce water vapor. Even the production of hydrogen gas can be emissions-free with the use of renewable energy sources. The current price of hydrogen is about $4 per kg, which is about the equivalent of a gallon of gasoline.

However, in fuel cell vehicles, such as the 2009 Honda FCX Clarity, 1 kg provides about 68 miles of travel. Of course, the price range is currently very high. Ongoing research and implementation of a hydrogen economy are required to make this fuel economically feasible. The current focus is directed toward hydrogen is a clean alternative fuel that produces insignificant greenhouse gas emissions. If hydrogen is the next transportation fuel, the primary energy source used to produce the vast amounts of hydrogen will not necessarily be a renewable, clean source. Carbon sequestration is referenced frequently as a means to eliminate CO2 emissions from the burning of coal, where the gases are captured and sequestered in gas wells or depleted oil wells. However, the availability of these sites is not widespread and the presence of CO2 may acidify groundwater. Storage and transport is a major issue due to hydrogens low density.

Is the investment in new infrastructure too costly?

Can our old infrastructure currently used for natural gas transport be retrofitted for hydrogen?

The burning of coal and nuclear fission are the main energy sources that will be used to provide an abundant supply of hydrogen fuel.

How does this process help our current global warming predicament? The U.S. Department of Energy has recently funded a research project to produce hydrogen from coal at large-scale facilities, with carbon sequestration in mind.

Is this the wrong approach? Should there be more focus on other forms of energy that produce no greenhouse gas emissions? If the damage to the environment is interpreted as a monetary cost, the promotion of energy sources such as wind and solar may prove to be a more economical approach.

The possibility of a hydrogen economy that incorporates the use of hydrogen into every aspect of transportation requires much further research and development. The most economical and major source of hydrogen in the US is the steam reformation of natural gas, a nonrenewable resource and a producer of greenhouse gases. The electrolysis of water is a potentially sustainable method of producing hydrogen, but only if renewable energy sources are used for the electricity. Today, less than 5% of our electricity comes from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. Nuclear power may be considered as a renewable resource to some, but the waste generated by this energy source becomes a major problem. A rapid shift toward renewable energy sources is required before this proposed hydrogen economy can prove itself. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are the current focus of my research related to the energy source required for electrolysis of water. One project conducted at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, MI employed the use of 40 solar PV modules directly connected to an electrolyzer/storage/dispenser system. The result was an 8.5% efficiency in the production of hydrogen, with an average production of 0.5 kg of high-pressure hydrogen per day. Research similar to this may result in the optimization of the solar hydrogen energy system. Furthermore, the infrastructure for a hydrogen economy will come with high capital costs. The transport of hydrogen through underground pipes seems to be the most economical when demand grows enough to require a large centralized facility. However, in places of low population density, this method may not be economically feasible. The project mentioned earlier may become an option for individuals to produce their own hydrogen gas at home, with solar panels lining their roof. A drastic change is needed to slow down the effects of our fossil fuel dependent society. Conservation can indeed help, but the lifestyles we are accustomed to requiring certain energy demands.

Li-Fi Technology

By Author – Rashmita Soge

Li-Fi is a technology for wireless communication between devices using light to transmit data. In its present state only LED lamps can be used for the transmission of visible light. LiFi is designed to use LED light bulbs similar to those currently in use in many energy-conscious homes and offices. However, LiFi bulbs are outfitted with a chip that modulates the light imperceptibly for optical data transmission. LiFi data is transmitted by the LED bulbs and received by photoreceptors. Li-Fi’s early developmental models were capable of 150 megabits-per-second (Mbps). Some commercial kits enabling that speed have been released. In the lab, with stronger LEDs and different technology, researchers have enabled 10 gigabits-per-second (Gbps), which is faster than 802.11ad. The term was first introduced by Harald Haas during a 2011 TED Global talk in Edinburgh. In technical terms, Li-Fi is a visible light communications system that is capable of transmitting data at high speeds over the visible light spectrum, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. In terms of its end use the technology is similar to Wi-Fi. The key technical difference is that Wi-Fi uses radio frequency to transmit data. Using light to transmit data allows Li-Fi to offer several advantages like working across higher bandwidth, working in areas susceptible to electromagnetic interference (e.g. aircraft cabins, hospitals) and offering higher transmission speeds. The technology is actively being developed by several organizations across the globe.

Benefits of LiFi:-

• Higher speeds than Wi-Fi.
• 10000 times the frequency spectrum of radio.
• More secure because data cannot be intercepted without a clear line of sight.
• Prevents piggybacking.
• Eliminates neighboring network interference.
• Unimpeded by radio interference.
• Does not create interference in sensitive electronics, making it better for use in environments like hospitals and aircraft.

By using LiFi in all the lights in and around a building, the technology could enable greater area of coverage than a single WiFi router. Drawbacks to the technology include the need for a clear line of sight, difficulties with mobility and the requirement that lights stay on for operation.

All the existing wireless technologies utilize different frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum. While Wi-Fi uses radio waves, Li-Fi hitches information through visible light communication. Given this, the latter requires a photo-detector to receive light signals and a processor to convert the data into streamable content. As a result, the semiconductor nature of LED light bulbs makes them a feasible source of high-speed wireless communication.

So, how does it work? Lets look at the working of Li-Fi:-

When a constant current source is applied to an LED bulb, it emits a constant stream of photons observed as visible light. When this current is varied slowly, the bulb dims up and down. As these LED bulbs are the semiconductor, the current and optical output can be modulated at extremely high speeds that can be detected by a photo-detector device and converted back to electrical current.

The intensity modulation is too quick to be perceived with the human eye and hence the communication seems to be seamless just like RF. So, the technique can help in transmitting high-speed information from an LED light bulb. However, its much simpler, unlike RF communication which requires radio circuits, antennas, and complex receivers.

Li-Fi uses direct modulation methods similar used in low-cost infrared communications devices like remote control units. Moreover, infra-red communication has limited powers due to safety requirements while LED bulbs have intensities high enough to achieve very large data rates.

Wi-Fi vs Li-Fi:-

Now that we know what Li-Fi is and how it works, the question is where it stands when compared to Wi-Fi. In order to get an understanding as to which one is superior, lets take a look at certain aspects of both the technologies:-

• Speed:- Li-Fi can possibly deliver data transfer speeds of 224 gigabits per second which clearly- leaves Wi-Fi far behind. As per the tests conducted by pure LiFi, the technology produced over 100 Gbps in a controlled environment. Moreover, the visible light spectrum is 1,000 times larger than the 300 GHz of RF spectrum which helps in gaining high speed.
• Energy Efficiency:- Usually, Wi-Fi needs two radios to communicate back and forth which takes a lot of energy to discern the signal from the noise as there may be several devices using the same frequency. Each device has an RF transmitter and baseband chip for enabling communication. However, as Li-Fi uses LED lights, the transmission requires minimal additional power for enabling communication.
• Security:- One of the main differences between Wi-Fi and Li-Fi is that the former has a wider range (typically 32 meters) and can even be accessed throughout different portions of a building, however, the latter cant penetrate through walls and ceilings and hence its more secure. Although that would mean fitting a separate LED bulb in all the rooms, yet the technology can be ideal for sensitive operations like R&D, Defense, Banks, etc. So, in a way, its not subject to remote piracy and hacking as opposed to Wi-Fi.
• Data Density:- Owing to the interference issues, Wi-Fi works in a less dense environment while Li-Fi works in a highly dense environment. The area covered by one Wi-Fi access point has 10s or 100s of lights and each LiFi light can deliver the same speed or greater than a Wi-Fi access point. Therefore, in the same area, LiFi can provide 10, or 100, or 1000 times greater wireless capacity.

Future Scope:-

Li-Fi provides a great platform to explore the grounds of transmission of wireless data at high rates. If this technology is put into practical use, each light bulb installed is potential and can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot to transmit data in a cleaner, greener and safer manner. The applications of Li-Fi are beyond imagination at the moment. With this enhanced technology, people can access wireless data with the LEDs installed on the go at very high rates. It resolves the problem of shortage of radio frequency bandwidth. In various military applications, where RF-based communications are not allowed, Li-Fi could be a viable alternative to securely pass data at high rates to other military vehicles. Also, LEDs can be used effectively to carry out VLC in many hospital applications where RF-based communications could be potentially dangerous. Since light cannot penetrate through walls, it could be a limitation to this technology. Nevertheless, given its high rates of data transmission and applications in multiple fields, Li-Fi is definitely the future of wireless communication.