I think this is going to end badly

The first thing that came into my head when reading this article is the number of people who have flicker-triggered migraines. What are the odds that "flickering faster than the eye can see" will cause problems for them?


http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2010/12/28/ceiling_lights_to_transmit_coded_internet_data/

The Associated Press
Ceiling lights to transmit coded Internet data
Minn. firm says technique could ease Wi-Fi traffic
By Chris Williams
Associated Press / December 28, 2010

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Flickering ceiling lights are usually a nuisance, but in city offices in St. Cloud, they will actually be a pathway to the Internet.

The lights will transmit data to specially equipped computers on desks below by flickering faster than the eye can see. Ultimately, the technique could ease wireless congestion by opening up new expressways for short-range communications.

The LVX system puts clusters of its light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, in a standard-size light fixture. The LEDs transmit coded messages — as a series of 1s and 0s in computer speak — to special modems attached to computers.

A light on the modem talks back to the fixture overhead, where there is a sensor to receive the return signal and transmit the data over the Internet. Those computers on the desks are not connected to the Internet, except through these light signals, much as Wi-Fi allows people to connect wirelessly.

More at the link.

I think this is going to end badly

The first thing that came into my head when reading this article is the number of people who have flicker-triggered migraines. What are the odds that "flickering faster than the eye can see" will cause problems for them?


http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2010/12/28/ceiling_lights_to_transmit_coded_internet_data/

The Associated Press
Ceiling lights to transmit coded Internet data
Minn. firm says technique could ease Wi-Fi traffic
By Chris Williams
Associated Press / December 28, 2010

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Flickering ceiling lights are usually a nuisance, but in city offices in St. Cloud, they will actually be a pathway to the Internet.

The lights will transmit data to specially equipped computers on desks below by flickering faster than the eye can see. Ultimately, the technique could ease wireless congestion by opening up new expressways for short-range communications.

The LVX system puts clusters of its light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, in a standard-size light fixture. The LEDs transmit coded messages — as a series of 1s and 0s in computer speak — to special modems attached to computers.

A light on the modem talks back to the fixture overhead, where there is a sensor to receive the return signal and transmit the data over the Internet. Those computers on the desks are not connected to the Internet, except through these light signals, much as Wi-Fi allows people to connect wirelessly.

More at the link.