Dual-Antenna Array Wireless Communication for VR Headsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual reality communication systems face disruptions due to blind spots caused by the user's head obstructing the line of sight of phased-array antennas, leading to unstable wireless signal transmissions between head-mounted displays and host computers.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a base, a signal transceiver, and two antenna arrays oriented at different angles to provide omnidirectional coverage, allowing for efficient wireless signal transmission between a head-mounted display and a host computer, even when the device is moved or rotated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a phased-array antenna with beamforming adjustment is used for wireless signal transmission, then wireless communication capability is improved, but communication stability deteriorates due to blind spots caused by user's head obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into multiple antenna arrays with different orientations. Each antenna array is responsible for specific angular ranges, and they work together to provide comprehensive coverage. This segmentation eliminates blind spots caused by head obstruction while maintaining wireless communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional dimension for antenna deployment. Instead of using a single antenna array, multiple arrays are arranged at different angles (e.g., 0 degrees and 90 degrees) to cover different spatial directions. This dimensional approach ensures that at least one antenna array maintains line of sight with the base station regardless of head orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If physical cables are used for signal transmission between host computer and head-mounted display, then communication stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoiduser mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection (physical cable) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. By using multiple antenna arrays with different orientations, the system achieves stable wireless transmission without the mobility constraints imposed by physical cables, allowing users to move freely while maintaining communication stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution ensures stable and uninterrupted wireless communication by enabling the device to maintain signal transmission regardless of the user's head movements, enhancing user experience and activity range without the need for physical connections.

Implementation Method 1

The signal transceiver is configured to up-convert or down-convert radio frequency signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The first antenna array is configured to receive or transmit a first radio frequency signal along a first orientation. The second antenna array is configured to receive or transmit a second radio frequency signal along a second orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS10578878B2Communication device and communication method
Publication Date: 2020.03.03 HTC CORP
  • US10578878B2 patent drawing
  • US10578878B2 patent drawing
  • US10578878B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication device includes a base, a signal transceiver, a first antenna array and a second antenna array. The signal transceiver is configured to up-convert or down-convert the radio frequency signals. The first antenna array is disposed on the base and electrically coupled to the transceiver. The first antenna array is configured to receive or transmit a first radio frequency signal along a first orientation. The first radio frequency signal is transmitted between the first antenna array and the transceiver. The second antenna array is disposed on the base and electrically coupled to the first antenna array. The second antenna array is configured to receive or transmit a second radio frequency signal along a second orientation. The first radio frequency signal is transmitted between the second antenna array and the transceiver, via the first antenna array.