Very Low-Cost Sensing and Communication Using Bidirectional LEDs

A novel microprocessor interface circuit is described which can alternately emit and detect light using only an LED, two digital I/O pins and a single current limiting resistor. This technique is first applied to create a smart illumination system that uses a single LED as both light source and sensor. We then present several devices that use an LED as a generic wireless serial data port. An important implication of this work is that every LED connected to a microprocessor can be thought of as a wireless two-way communication port. We present this technology as a solution to the “last centimeter problem”, because it permits disparate devices to communicate with each other simply and cheaply with minimal design modification. To appear in UbiComp 2003, Seattle, Washington, October 12-15, 2003 This work may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any commercial purpose. Permission to copy in whole or in part without payment of fee is granted for nonprofit educational a...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: HUC
• Authors: Paul H. Dietz, William S. Yerazunis, Darren Leigh
• Keywords: Electric Research Laboratories, HUC 2003, Microprocessor Interface Circuit, Mitsubishi Electric Research