Semantic-empowered visible light communication for image transmission based on deep convolutional generative adversarial network

In this paper, a semantic communication-based scheme was proposed to tackle the optimization challenge of transmission efficiency and link stability in indoor visible light communication (VLC) systems utilizing light-emitting diodes for image transmission. The semantic model, established by deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN) and vector quantization method, can effectively extract the essential characteristics of images. In addition, indoor VLC channel models including line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) links are established in a 5*5*3 room, while incorporating noise interference encountered during signal transmission into the training process of the semantic model to enhance its anti-interference capability. Besides, the performance disparity between the semantic VLC system and the conventional VLC system using Better Portable Graphics (BPG) is assessed across various modulation formats, transmission distances, and receiving locations. The simulation results demonstrate that the semantic VLC system effectively enhances link stability and achieves a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain exceeding 6 dB. Additionally, the semantic VLC system achieves superior performance compared to the conventional VLC system employing convolutional code at a rate of 1/2, without incurring additional bits consumption for error correction. Moreover, the practicality of the semantic VLC system is experimentally validated on an indoor physical testbed online enabled by the field programmable gate array (FPGA) with up to 1 Gbps data rate. In comparison with existing schemes, the semantic VLC system effectively reduces communication overhead by 40% while maintaining similar received image quality. Furthermore, it significantly enlarges the communication coverage of the VLC system by a factor of two without necessitating any hardware modifications and ensures stable transmission of images in high-speed scenarios.