Diverged Beam Free-Space Optical Communication for XR Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed free-space optical communication systems for extended reality immersion devices face limitations in bandwidth, latency, and complexity, particularly in supporting multiple users and high-definition video transmission, due to constraints in RF spectrum bandwidth and increased power, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a diverged beam free-space optical (DBFSO) system with a base station and extended reality immersion device (XRID) that uses uncollimated optical beams with a divergence angle greater than 0.1 degrees and an XRID with an optical receiver assembly having an acceptance angle greater than 0.1 degrees, enabling high-speed data transfer through multiple wavelengths and time-division multiplexing, while reducing cross-talk and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If RF communications are used for XRID-base station data transfer, then wireless communication is achieved, but bandwidth is limited and compression is required which increases processing complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF electromagnetic wave transmission with optical beam transmission for data communication between base station and XRID. This substitution enables vastly higher bandwidth (100x-1000x more than RF) without requiring data compression, thereby eliminating the associated processing complexity and power consumption while maintaining wireless communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission parameter from RF frequency to optical frequency, allowing utilization of the optical spectrum which offers abundant bandwidth. This parameter change enables transmission of uncompressed high-definition video and multiple simultaneous users without the bandwidth constraints of RF systems
2Productivity
If optical communications are used to increase bandwidth, then data transfer rate is improved, but eye safety becomes a concern due to higher power density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission system into multiple independent wavelength channels (e.g., 1550nm for downlink, other wavelengths for uplink). This segmentation allows simultaneous bidirectional communication and enables use of wavelengths that are safer for eye exposure while maintaining high data transfer rates through wavelength division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs time-division multiplexing where optical beams are transmitted in periodic time slots to multiple users. This periodic action allows the system to manage optical power delivery safely while achieving high aggregate data transfer rates through efficient time sharing of the optical channel
3Speed
If collimated laser beams are used for optical communication, then beam directionality is improved, but tracking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable optical elements (acousto-optic modulators, liquid crystal devices) that can rapidly change beam direction without mechanical movement. This dynamic control achieves precise beam steering for tracking mobile users while avoiding the mechanical complexity and inertia limitations of gimbal-based tracking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical gimbal tracking systems with electro-optical beam steering using acousto-optic and liquid crystal devices. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts while achieving rapid, precise beam direction control necessary for tracking users in mobile extended reality applications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides high-bandwidth, low-latency communication for XR applications, supporting multiple users and enabling seamless data transfer of high-definition video without the need for compression, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter assembly configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical beam, and emit the optical beam in free space
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver assembly having an acceptance angle greater than 0.1 degrees, the optical receiver configured to detect the optical beam in free space, convert the optical beam to a corresponding electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication system includes a base station and an extended reality immersion device (XRID). The base station includes an optical transmitter assembly configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical beam, and emit the optical beam in free space, uncollimated and with a divergence angle greater than 0.1 degrees. The XRID includes an optical receiver assembly having an acceptance angle greater than 0.1 degrees. The optical receiver is configured to detect the optical beam in free space, convert the optical beam to a corresponding electrical signal, and reproduce information carried by the corresponding electrical signal. The XRID also includes a head-up display configured to present the information.