Design and implementation of VLC-based smart barrier gate systems

Abstract

In this paper, an innovative and smart Visible Light Communication (VLC)-based Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is designed. The proposed system uses vehicle LED headlamps as a remote controller. Differential Pulse Position Modulation (DPPM) is utilized for the sake of its asynchronicity. The system features an innovative optical interference cancellation mechanism to address the unwanted variable DC component and AC line noise in the received signal. The feasibility of the proposed system is demonstrated experimentally in day and night conditions using an off-the-shelf LED headlights. The Bit Error Rate (BER) performance of the system in terms of angular position of the vehicle with respect to the VLC receiver at different link ranges is evaluated. The prototype successfully demonstrates the smart control over the barrier gate using the ATmega microcontrollers family for the outdoor environment. BER of lower than 10(-3) is achieved for a maximum link range of 4.4 meters.