112Equation Chapter 2 Section 1FINAL

YEAR PROJECT REPORT

BSc. Electrical (Telecommunication) Engineering
Batch 2017-2021

Data Transmission using Visible Light

Communication

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY, FAISALABAD
July, 2021
 Submitted by

Syed Arslan Raza 15521

Muhammad Usama 15561

Abdur Rehman Khalid 15565

Muhammad Abu Bakar 15566

Project Supervisor

Name: Engr. Dr. Umar Ijaz Randhawa

Signature: _______________________________
 DECLARATION

We certify that this Final Year Project Titled “Data Transmission using Visible Light
Communication” is our own project. The project has not been presented elsewhere for
assessment. The material used from other sources has been properly acknowledged / referred.

Name: Syed Arslan Raza Roll Number: 15521 Signature: ___________

Name: Muhammad Usama Roll Number: 15561 Signature: ___________

Name: Abdur Rehman Khalid Roll Number: 15565 Signature: ___________

Name: Muhammad Abubakar Roll Number: 15566 Signature: ___________

 COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

 Copyright in text of this Report rests with the student author. Copies (by any process)
either in full, or of extracts, may be made only in accordance with instructions given by
the author and lodged in the library of Department of Electrical Engineering. Details may
be obtained by the librarian. This page must form part of any such copies made. Further
copies (by any process) may not be made without the permission (in writing) of the
author.

 The ownership of any intellectual property rights which may be described in this report is
vested in Department of Electrical Engineering, Government College University
Faisalabad, subject to any prior agreement to the contrary, and may not be made available
for use by third parties without the written permission of the Department of Electrical
Engineering, which will prescribe the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are thankful to our creator Allah Almighty to have guided us throughout this work at every
step and for every new thought which He had setup in our minds to improve it. Indeed, we could
have done nothing without His priceless help and guidance. Whosoever helped us throughout the
course of our project, whether our parents or any other individual was His will, so indeed none
be worthy of praise but Allah.

We are profusely thankful to our beloved parents who raised us when we were not capable of
walking and continued to support us throughout in every department of our life. We would also
like to express special thanks to our supervisor for his help throughout our Final Year Project.

We would also like to pay special thanks to Engr. Dr. Umar Ijaz Randhawa for his/their
tremendous support and cooperation. Each time we got stuck in something, he/they came up with
the solution. Without his/their help we wouldn’t have been able to complete our Final Year
Project. We appreciate his/their patience and guidance throughout the whole project.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all the individuals who have rendered valuable
assistance to my study.
 ABSTRACT

Visible Light Communication is one of the key factors in wireless communication. It works
similarly to fiber-optics but in the free space optics. In this system the transmitter and receiver
must be in a line of sight. Means transmitter and receiver should be synchronous. If the
transmitter and receiver is not on the line of sight, then there’re chances of getting errors in the
data rates. In the upcoming years it will play an important role in the wireless communication
because of its high speed and low latency rate. It will be helpful in the medical and GPS systems.
Li-Fi can track a person more accurately in the indoor systems than any wireless system with a
pinpoint accuracy.
Using this system model on commercial level we can get benefits like low power consumption
and low cost. This model can be helpful for multinational companies that their security concerns
and have the threats of hacking attacks. In indoor system the light cannot passes through the
walls. So, the hacking chances can be reduced by deploying these systems. Its applications
include Vehicle-to-Vehicle data transmission, Position detection, Intelligent Transport System,
Image sensor communication and much more.

Key Words: Wireless Data Transmission, Li-Fi, Visible Light Communication, Low Latency
rate, VLC, Free space optics, Fiber Optics, Visible Light Spectrum, Laser Light, LEDs,
Photodiodes, Hamamatsu PIN Photodiodes, Optical transceiver.
 Table of Contents

DECLARATION.........................................................................................................................................................iii
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT.....................................................................................................................................iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................................................................................................................v
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................................vi
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................................vii
List of Figures...............................................................................................................................................................ix
List of Tables.................................................................................................................................................................x
List of Abbreviations....................................................................................................................................................x
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Literature Review..........................................................................................................................................3
1.2.1 Using STM32F401RE..............................................................................................................................5
1.2.2 Using PDA10A-EC SITIA:......................................................................................................................8
1.3 Objective.....................................................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 2: PROJECT METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................................11
1.4 Proposed Model...........................................................................................................................................11
1.4.1 Transceiver Circuit Hardware Model:....................................................................................................13
1.5 Hardware.....................................................................................................................................................14
1.5.1 FT232R USB to TTL Converter.............................................................................................................14
1.5.2 Terminal Block Connector......................................................................................................................15
1.5.3 SN74HC04 Hex Converter.....................................................................................................................16
1.5.4 2N3904 NPN Transistor.........................................................................................................................17
1.5.5 650nm Laser............................................................................................................................................18
1.5.6 Hamamatsu PIN Photodiode...................................................................................................................19
1.5.7 Variable Resistor.....................................................................................................................................19
1.5.8 Comparator.............................................................................................................................................20
1.5.9 SN74HC04 Hex Inverter.........................................................................................................................22
1.6 Software......................................................................................................................................................23
1.6.1 Software Lookup:....................................................................................................................................24
1.6.2 Backend Logic:.......................................................................................................................................24
1.6.3 Text Data:................................................................................................................................................28
1.6.4 Image File:..............................................................................................................................................28
1.6.5 Excel File:...............................................................................................................................................31
1.6.6 Audio OGG File (WhatsApp Extension Format ):.................................................................................32
CHAPTER 3: COMMERCIALIZATION...............................................................................................................33
2.1 End Product.................................................................................................................................................33
2.2 Business Model Canvas..............................................................................................................................36
2.3 Marketability...............................................................................................................................................37
2.3.1 Using social media:.................................................................................................................................37
2.3.2 By approaching the companies:..............................................................................................................38
2.3.3 Seminars:.................................................................................................................................................38
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................................39
APPENDIX A..............................................................................................................................................................40
2.3.4 VLC Software Source Code:..................................................................................................................40
 List of Figures

Figure 1: Transceiver Circuit Diagram…………………………………………………….[13]

Figure 2: FT232R USB to TTL converter…………………………………………………[14]
Figure 3: Terminal Block Connector………………………………………………………[15]
Figure 4: SN74HC04 Hex Converter………………………………………………………[16]
Figure 5: 2N3904 NPN Transistor…………………………………………………………[17]
Figure 6: 650nm KY-008 Laser Module…………………………………………………...[18]
Figure 7: Hamamatsu S5972 PIN Photodiode…………………….…………………….….[19]
Figure 8: Voltage Divider……………………………………………………………….….[20]
Figure 9: LM339 comparator IC……………………………………………………….…...[21]
Figure 10: SN74HC04 Hex Inverter IC………………………………………………….…..[22]
Figure 11: Python 3 program interfacing with hardware model……………………….…….[23]
Figure 12: Software Lookup…………………………………………………………….……[24]
Figure 13: Software backend logic…………………………………………………….……..[24]
Figure 14: Receiver function explanation……………………………………………….……[25]
Figure 15: Transmitter function explanation………………………………………….………[25]
Figure 16: Open file function logic…………………………………………………….……..[26]
Figure 17: Decode Image function logic……………………………………………….……..[26]
Figure 18: Save file function logic…………………………………………………….…...…[27]
Figure 19: Text data transmission……………………………………………………….……[28]
Figure 20: Transmitted PNG image at transmitter………………………………….………...[29]
Figure 21: Received Decoded PNG Image………………………………………….………..[29]
Figure 22: Transmitted JPG Image at transmitter ………………………………….………...[30]
Figure 23: Received Decoded JPG image at receiver……………………………….………..[30]
Figure 24: Transmitted Excel File at transmitter…………………………………….……….[31]
Figure 25: Received decoded Excel file at receiver………………………………….……….[31]
Figure 26: Transmitted OGG audio file at transmitter…………………………….………….[32]
Figure 27: Received decoded Excel file at receiver……………………………….………….[32]
Figure 28: End product VLC model hardware…………………………………….………….[34]
 List of Tables

Table 1-1: STM32 F401 components table....................................................................................7

Table 1-2: TIA PDA10AEC components table..............................................................................8

List of Abbreviations

FYP Final Year Project

FEA Finite-element analysis
VLC Visible Light Communication
Li-Fi Light Fidelity
Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
OOK ON-OFF keying modulation
Tx Transmitter
Rx Receiver
GND Ground
TTL Transistor-Transistor Logic
LED Light Emitting Diode
FET Field Effect Transistor
EE Electrical Engineering
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction
In 1880 Alexander Graham Bell introduced the concept of transmitting sound with light as a
communication medium in his Photophone Invention. In that invention he uses light as a medium
by focusing the sunlight to the receiver through the source end. He modulated light in such a
mechanism that the mirror at the receiver end vibrates according to the modulated voice signal.
That further decoded into voice signal. But that invention was not so successful because, he
could not achieve a required modulated frequency and with some other factors. Due to this he
stopped his experiments. But his experiments create a new way and further that served as a
precursor in the upcoming research of visible light communication.[1]

In 1961 Robert Biard and Gary Pittman invented first infrared LED light while working at Texas
Instrument. But due to its microscopic size it was not so benefited on commercial level.[2]

In the upcoming year 1962 Nick Holonyak (“the father of light emitting diodes”) invented the
first LED that produced red visible light while working at General Electric [3]. These inventions
of LED brought back the concept of visible light communication. It uses white light emitting
diodes that send data by blinking LED light at speeds that is invisible to human eye. It can be
used anywhere without any distortion in a line of sight [4]. In visible light communication the
LED served as a transmitting source and Photodiode uses at the receiver end. Photodiode detects
light signals and convert it into current signals. That current signal further amplifies and
converted into volage signals. At the end it feeds into the application source [5].

Visible light spectrum has the highest frequency and shortest wavelength. That ranges from 400-
790 THz of frequency and 380-750 nm of wavelength. Due to these features, we can achieve
higher data rates by using highly sensitive amplifiers and photodiodes [6].

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Doing communication in visible light spectrum has many advantages due to its non-reactive
nature for RF waves. That make it more effective in many fields. Like in hospitals there are
many instruments that is sensitive to RF waves. Means RF spectrum can interfere and can reduce
their efficiency, and this may lead to many major issues regarding to patient health [7].

Visible light spectrum can reduce the security risks that can be benefited for big organizations
and agencies. Because light cannot pass through walls. Due to this, hackers cannot access at
server. In a closed building companies can easily perform their working without any security risk
[8].

Due to its lower latency rates and higher efficiency, it can play a vital role in IOT environments
and pin-point location tracing. There are millions of IOT devices that connected through internet.
RF spectrum cannot handle their bandwidth in the upcoming years [9]. So, we should have a way
of higher bandwidth internet. This VLC system can solve this problem. Researchers are doing
their best to implement this on a commercial level.

Our project aim is to develop a system that can handle data in the visible light spectrum from one
PC to another PC in a free space optics. Also, our research will create a way in our department to
further and advance research on this technology. So, we develop a system that can handle many
types of data format like Text, Image and Media files by using Laser and PIN photodiodes.

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1.2 Literature Review
Li-Fi and Wi-Fi have many dominating factors over each other. In some cases, Li-Fi becomes
dominant over Wi-Fi while in another scenario the Wi-Fi becomes dominant over the Li-Fi. But
the main presiding factor of Li-Fi is its high transmission speed and security over cyber-attacks
in
public sectors. When users demand increases then the Wi-Fi cannot add more devices on its
server
but on the other hand, the Li-Fi can do it easily by increasing light sources. The high
transmission
speed of Li-Fi can mask it over Wi-Fi in future because in theoretical models the Li-Fi speed is
1000 times than Wi-Fi [10].

The modulation signals are used to switch LED at desired frequencies that contains information.
to be transmitted. There are several techniques of modulation in Li-Fi. Modulation techniques is
needed in order the communication is still available even the illumination is not required.
Because of that, a modulation technique may support a dimmable illumination. The variation in
intensity of light corresponding to the information in the message signal [11].

Send out data through LED, like any multimedia data, it is necessary to modulate these into a
carrier signal. This carrier signal comprises of light pulses sent out at short intervals.
Fundamentally depends on the selectivity modulation scheme. Two of which are firstly
Subcarrier pulse (SCP) is presented which is beforehand established as VLC standard by the
VLCC and secondly modulation scheme to be addressed is called frequency shift keying (FSK)
[12].

Researcher Abdullah Al Halafi and Basem Shihada from the “King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology” proposed a underwater Li-Fi model of Down-link and Up-Link to
transmit ultra-high definition 4k video over bi-directional and again gets its feedback by manage
a well define system by uses different software and modulation platforms. The transmit data rate
measured about of 15Mbps to 30Mbps under clean and dusty water in a range of about to be
10m.We will use their theoretical models to enhance our search in Li-Fi field and try to

3
proposed a better model of greater data rate transmission so it may be helpful in future to take
one step forward in Li-Fi [13].

By using regular LEDs of red, green and blue colors the Consortium Li-Fi has recently proposed
a model of downlink and uplink to transmit data at the rate of 110 Mbps. With only downlink
they achieved the data rate of 155 Mbps. However, this speed was attained with regular LED’s.
but the Consortium has made the better LEDs of 5 mV output of emitter and by making use of
very sensitive photodiodes at the receiver end. Thus, by making use of these better new LED’s.
they attained the data transmission speed of 4 Gbps in the downlink channel and after by
enhancing distance of 10 m data rate attains become 1.1 Gbps. By analyzing the “Consortium Li-
Fi ‘s” experiments it has been observed that at the longer distance the efficiency of data
transmission rate becomes less sufficient that is a major barrier in implementing this technology
on public sectors. Different companies such as Intel, Siemens, CASIO, VLCC, Philips, Samsung
and Byte Light are working on Li-Fi to make it better and try to overcome the different hurdles.
However, for a long-range transmission the high intensity laser can be made dominant over the
normal regular light with a very sensitive photodiodes at the receiver end. Researchers are
working on these factors which may be solved in future and will make the Li-Fi dominant over
Wi-Fi with the advantage of high data transmission speed [14].

The researchers of Oxford University Published their research work in IEEE and described an
indoor model of optical wireless link of bi-directional data transmission with a maximum speed
of 224 Gbps at different Field of View (FOV). The 224 Gbps was attained with the FOV of 60
degree in which the 6 wavelengths of 37.4 each were transmitted and in the other scenario of 36
degree of FOV the transmission speed attained about to be 112 Gbps of 3 wavelengths of 37.4
Gbps each. Through these experimental observations it has been analyzed that by varying the
FOV in the Li-Fi indoor framework the transmission speed becomes less sufficient. Researchers
are working on this factor and try to be developing a system which will be change their FOV by
locating the computer in the room. It will solve the problem of FOV for the receivers in future
[15].

Communication in visible light spectrum in open space can be achieved by many ways. Each
method has their own modulation and demodulation techniques like ON-OFF keying (OOK) ,

4
Variable Pulse Position Modulation(VPPM) and Color Shift Keying(CSK). Each modulation has
their own accuracy and speed rates. It is up to us which method we adopt according to our
resources and budget. In this project, we are go through the three different methods and at the
end we adopt the last one due to its efficient cost and product availability.

1.2.1 Using STM32F401RE

When designing and creating a VLC system, number of steps are required. The first step was for
component selection. When selecting components, one should have vast amount of depth
analysis and knowledge of ICs. Once the components were selected, the team would order,
design and test the transmitter and receiver side. The selection process compromise of analysis of
each component so that the best component could be determined. Our first step was to transmit
any form of data, beginning with transmitting text at smooth rate. To accomplish this, we use
STM32F401RE MCU at both sides of the circuit. The diagram of the circuit is shown below:

5
Figure 29

1.2.1.1 Transmitter Design

6
 1.2.1.2 Receiver Design

The main components used in the circuit are:

Component Model Number Quantity
Microcontroller Unit STM32F401RE 2
Op-Amp AD848JN 1
Transistor 2N2222A 1
LED LW514 10
Photodiode SFH213 5

The digital part of our system was considered as brains while the analog can be thought as a
body, so both were equally important. The MCU coding was necessary so coding in MATLAB
and C# was preferred. The terminal software used at both side of PCs were Tera Term; Cool
term were also optional. During our testing, we ran into small problem with the produced
received signal coming from the photodiodes. The signal was very noisy so low pass filter was
recommended. The first step was to transmit text, the first experiment served us well as the
photodiodes were sensing Led signals and successfully convert that to text. The next step was to

7
improve transmitter so it could beyond text and transmit audio files. The transmission speed at
transmitter was 1200 bits/sec. This was very low speed for transmitting audio file. As the team
decided to increase the baud rate so we moved at baud rate of 4800, the signal appears to be
noisier that results errors in transmitting audio files.

1.2.2 Using PDA10A-EC SITIA:

The transmission of audio signal is one of the many applications for VLC. It was reported in
literature that VLC could be used to achieve audio transmission as part of the development of
wireless aircraft entertainment systems. As we can successfully transmit text now its turn for
audio to transmit. The circuit diagram is as follows:

1.2.2.1 Transmitter Design

8
 1.2.2.2 Receiver Design

The components used in the circuit are:

Component Model Number
CREE X LAMP MCE 100 LM 1
RGBW COOL
N Channel FET DMN6068SE 1
PDA10A-EC fix gain TIA 1
FET drivers 2
Low Pass filter 1
Comparator 1

On PC (TX), a python program that uses PY Audio library functions was used to stream an audio
file. Data is then transmitted through medium established between VLC TX and RX. On PC, a
Python program reads from the serial port and writes to the audio using PY Audio library. For
text transmission a serial port terminal application “Cool Term” was used at baud rate of
115200b/s. For audio transmission, PY Audio was used to stream an audio file over serial port.
From the above experiment we were able to transmit audio file. Our goal also includes to make a
circuit that is Bi-directional, so the above circuit would make our circuit very costly as the cost

9
of single fix gain detector was 320$. If we want to apply bidirectional only fix gain amplifier
cost us about 750$ which is not a good move.

1.3 Objective
 Create a way in our EE department for further advanced research in upcoming sessions.
 Create a bi-directional VLC transceiver model for data transmission between 2 PCs.
 Create a model using low cost and less power components.
 Market our product and try to get sponsorship from any telecom company.

10
 CHAPTER 2: PROJECT METHODOLOGY

1.4 Proposed Model

At transmitter side the first task is to convert binary signal into analog or voltage form, so we use
TTL (transistor-transistor logic) converter to convert binary signal into voltage waveforms. A
TTL input signal is defined as "low" when between 0 V and 0.8 V with respect to the ground
terminal, and "high" when between 2 V and VCC (5 V) and if a voltage signal ranging between
0.8 V and 2.0 V is sent into the input of a TTL gate, there is no certain response from the gate
and therefore it is considered "uncertain"[16].

Then the first thing comes up in a circuit is terminal block connector, to supply signal to the
circuit. Then there is chip name “SN74HC04” Hex inverter [17]. It acts like a buffer IC that can
amplify the signal. Buffer circuit prevents loading of the source. If the load to a voltage source is
a low value, it practically shorts the source and draws too much current from the source for
which the source is not rated which is harmful for the source. So, by cascading a buffer after a
source provides division of labor- the source only generated the correct voltage, and the buffer
provides the demanded current keeping the voltage constant AND without loading the source as
the buffer has very high input impedance, it draws negligible current from the original source,
thereby preventing loading.

Then there comes a role of transistor for switching the wave on and off to give signal to led as
fast as it can. We use 2N3904 NPN switching transistor to drive our circuit. As we know
transistor is used to amplify the signal but here, we use transistor as a switch. The areas of
operation of transistor switch are known as Saturation region and cut off region. This means then
that we can ignore the operating Q-point biasing and voltage divider circuitry required for
amplification and use the transistor as a switch by driving it back and forth between its “fully-
OFF” (cut-off) and “fully-ON” (saturation).

11
The last thing in transmitter side is Laser. Some of the qualities like high efficiency, fast
response time, high data rate, less dispersion, long distance transmission is considered.
At receiver side S5972 Photodiode is used to detect the upcoming signal from led [18]. It has a
photosensitive area size of 0.8mm. Its function is to sense the intensity of light and convert these
flickering into high and low waveform. This is the most important task, the faster the photodiode
sense the signal, the faster we receive data. Variable resistor is used to adjust the value of
resistance. Then comes a single supply quad comparator whose function is to set voltage levels
to produce binary waveforms for TTL converter. Then DM74LS14 is used, its each input has
hysteresis which increases the immunity to noise and transform a slowly changing input to a fast-
charging jitter free output. Then the signal is again fed to TTL converter which then transmit
data to receiver side pc.

12
1.4.1 Transceiver Circuit Hardware Model:

13
1.5 Hardware
1.5.1 FT232R USB to TTL Converter

At transmitter side the first task is to convert binary signal into analog or voltage form, so we use
TTL (transistor-transistor logic) converter to convert binary signal into voltage waveforms. A
TTL input signal is defined as "low" when between 0 V and 0.8 V with respect to the ground
terminal, and "high" when between 2 V and VCC (5 V) and if a voltage signal ranging between
0.8 V and 2.0 V is sent into the input of a TTL gate, there is no certain response from the gate
and therefore it is considered "uncertain"[1]. Standard TTL circuits operate with a 5-volt power
supply. It can support a baud rate of up to 115,200 [19].

TTL Logic converter

14
1.5.2 Terminal Block Connector

It used to connect Tx, Rx, Vcc and GND pin of TTL and fed signal from TTL to different ICs in
the circuit.

15
1.5.3 SN74HC04 Hex Converter

It acts like a buffer IC that can amplify the signal. It has total 14 pins, of which 14th pin is of Vcc
is connected,1A is connected and Pin 7 is connected to Ground. Buffer circuit prevents loading
of the source. If the load to a voltage source is a low value, it practically shorts the source and
draws too much current from the source for which the source is not rated which is harmful for
the source. So, by cascading a buffer after a source provides division of labor- the source only
generated the correct voltage, and the buffer provides the demanded current keeping the voltage
constant AND without loading the source as the buffer has very high input impedance, it draws
negligible current from the original source, thereby preventing loading.

16
1.5.4 2N3904 NPN Transistor

It is fast and responsive transistor used for switching on and off Led. It has turn on time of 65ns,
turn off time of 240ns, delay time of less than 35ns, rise time of 35ns, fall time of 50ns which
make it feasible for the circuit. One of the most common uses for transistors in an electronic
circuit is as simple switches. In short, a transistor conducts current across the collector-emitter
path only when a voltage is applied to the base. When no base voltage is present, the switch is
off. When base voltage is present, the switch is on. In this we have to make this switching fast as
possible to transmit data at higher rate.

17
1.5.5 650nm Laser

It has 3 pins, which operates at 5volt, has a power of 5mw which makes it efficient for low
power consumption. 25µs is the rise time of laser diode, fall time of 30µs, which makes it fast
responsive.

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1.5.6 Hamamatsu PIN Photodiode

At receiver side we use “Hamamatsu s5972” Si pin photodiode. It has a peak sensitivity
wavelength of 800nm. Operating temperature ranges from -40 °C to 100+ °C, reverse voltage of
20V and power dissipation of 50mW which makes it reliable to use. It is used to detect the
upcoming signal from led. It has a photosensitive area size of 0.8mm. Its function is to sense the
intensity of light and convert these flickering into high and low waveform. This is the most
important task, the faster the photodiode sense the signal, the faster we receive data from
transmitter side.

1.5.7 Variable Resistor

It used to change the value of resistance in the circuit.

19
1.5.8 Comparator

It has a single supply operation of 3V to 36V, Split supply operation range from 1.5V to 18V,
Common input voltage range from -0.3 to 36Volts dc, Low Input bias current of 25nA, Low
input offset current operating at temperature ranges from 0 to 70°C. It is compatible to TTL. It

20
has a feature of high gain and wide bandwidth characteristics, designed for use in level detection,
low−level sensing so plays important role in our circuit.

21
1.5.9 SN74HC04 Hex Inverter

It has a voltage range of 4.75Volts to 5.25Volts, Positive going threshold voltage from 1.4Volts
to 1.9Volts, temperature range of 0°C to 70°C to work normally. its each input has hysteresis
which increases the immunity to noise and transform a slowly changing input to a fast-charging
jitter free output.

22
1.6 Software
In this project, we have developed our own application in Python 3 by using Tkinter and other
necessary libraries. This software works on the half duplex mode [20] with some little
deficiencies. From this, we have been able to send and receive text, Images and other media files
using our VLC circuit through serial port on 2400 baud rate. We have successfully transmitted
and received different types of media file formats from one PC to another PC. We will step by
step demonstrate the different file formats using our VLC software.

Here below the sketch demonstration of our software interfacing with hardware.

23
1.6.1 Software Lookup:

1.6.2 Backend Logic:

24
 1.6.2.1 Explanation

After opening the application at the receiver side where we wanna receive the data files. We will
press “connect” button and thus this function will start and will run in while loop. In while loop
(self.running == True ) indicates logic 1. While logic of while loop is 1 then this function will
keep on running. And while we press “Disconnect” Button then a function will be called. That
will do the ( self.running == False ) or in simple words while loop in a 0 logic. This will stop the
receiver function.

25
When press the transmit button the ( self.running == False ) that will close the receiver function,
so the serial port will be available for the transmitter function. This is because the serial port
cannot be used for two functions at a same time. Due to this, we close the serial port after using
one function.

When we open the any media file then then function will implement. It will encode the media
file into base64 string format and will insert its data into transmitter Textbox. Text files, PNG
images and all other media file formats are supported in this function.

26
This function will decode the any image data into PNG image format and will display it into the
window image viewer. In this function Python Pillow library function manipulate that decode
and display the image.

After receiving all the data bytes, we save the data according to their file formats. That will
happen because of this function. This function works in a sequence. First, it will check the
filepath. If filepath is None then this function will return and lead to end up. But ii file path is
exist then further it will write all decoded base64 bytes and will close the file. At the end after 2
seconds of delay “ os.system(data2) “ will implement by getting the file path and will
automatically open the save file.

27
1.6.3 Text Data:

At the first step we’ll send some text strings to calibrate and check the accuracy of our system.
After this, we will send different file formats. Text strings will not be encoding in base64. Only
Media files will be encoded in base64 format for proper streaming on the serial ports. Because
the hexadecimal data contains some garbage symbols that corrupts the streaming protocol. Due
to this for file transmission we encode our hexa data into base64 strings.

1.6.4 Image File:

We can send any type of image format after encoding into base64 data format. But here, we will
demonstrate two types of image formats:

28
1.6.4.1 PNG Image:

29
1.6.4.2 JPEG Image:

30
1.6.5 Excel File:

31
1.6.6 Audio OGG File (WhatsApp Extension Format ):

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 CHAPTER 3: COMMERCIALIZATION

2.1 End Product

In this project we develop a VLC model that do data communication in free space optics between
two sources like PC or Laptop. This project will create a new way of further research in our EE
department under Dr. Umar Ijaz Randhawa’s supervision. Our respected Supervisor Dr. Umar
Ijaz Randhawa is a committed and energetic person. And they are motivated to take it on a next
level in the upcoming sessions.

So, we have developed this model with advanced featured VLC software on Python 3 using
Tkinter and other necessary libraries. We tried our best to make it efficient, but our circuit could
only achieve a speed of 2400 Baud Rate with almost zero errors. This is because of budget issue
and unavailability of the high-speed advanced components in our local market. So, we rely on
the less efficient components that were available in our local market. But with the grace of Allah
Almighty at the end we have successfully developed a VLC model that are sending and receiving
the different types of data files from one PC to another PC with 100% efficiency.

Many companies and universities are working on the Li-Fi technology. Like these our VLC
model will be helpful for the further research on Li-Fi in our EE Department. Further research
will eliminate the limitations and will make its speed more efficient with advanced features and
algorithms.

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 2.2 Business Model Canvas

Business Model Canvas

Key Partners Key Activities
Our Supervisor, More efficient in low
Department Faculty, cost and low power.
and some sponsored Can run only a single
companies 5V power supply from
the Laptop or PC
Value Propositions Customer Relationships
Customer Segments
We can deliver the A secured network, Telecom companies
secured indoor systems Efficient and low-cost who want to research
to the companies that model, on this new upcoming
have their concerns on Low Power technology can sponsor
security risks. consumption this project.

Key Resources Channels

Hardware and Physical LinkedIn, Facebook,
and Instagram and by
approaching some
multinational
companies

Cost Structure Revenue Streams

Market our product on social media through ads is bit For research purpose, as different companies are working on it.
expensive. So, if we market our product through social media and ads then
there are chances of getting more revenue.

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2.3 Marketability
First., we will briefly describe the market demand of our product. Marketability of a product
depends on low cost and highly efficient. As different companies and universities are working on
this project with a million of dollar budgets, so it means there will be demand of this product in
the upcoming years.

As now we communicate in the RF spectrum, but day by day due to increasing population there
are increasing the bandwidth demand. That is insufficient and will create problems in the
upcoming years. So due to this we must find a way for our communication that can fulfill our
bandwidth demand with a low latency rate. For this we have been flew into a new system called
VLC or Li-Fi. This system will eliminate all the previous existing issues.

There is a great scope of VLC in the hospitals site where the highly sensitive instruments
operate. Due to their highly excessive X ray radiations the internet does not work there. So, if we
deploy a VLC system then the light photons will not interfere with the X ray waves. So, we can
use internet inside the indoor sites of the hospitals.

The companies that have their high concern about the security issues can be solved by using Li-
Fi systems in indoor sites. As you know the light cannot pass-through walls. So, the hacking
chances can be eliminated by using this system. This is a great approach in the upcoming years.
And many companies will adopt this system for their security layers.

So, what steps should we take to market our products?

2.3.1 Using social media:

Nowadays, social media is a great tool for marketing the products on international level. We can
create and upload content on social media like Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin about our
product quality that can attract the potential customers.

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2.3.2 By approaching the companies:

As many companies are working on this project, we can approach them by proposal and let them
serve our model and services. Sure, this way helps us a lot in market our product on international
level. We can publish a research paper on this model that can attract the potential companies.
But for this this model further needs to be upgrade wit advanced algorithms and systems. And
hope our supervisor will solve this in the upcoming sessions.

2.3.3 Seminars:

We can hold seminars on university levels and invite the industry individuals and let them
present our idea and try to convince them to invest in this research. As this type of new research
take a lit of budget and time. So, if any company sponsor us then we can develop a advanced
model with a lot of functionalities.

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 REFERENCES

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