Hybrid Optical Relay Links for Portable OWC Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of optical wireless communication (OWC) interfaces in small portable devices, such as smartphones, is hindered by mechanical constraints, power consumption, and heat dissipation, limiting their connectivity to optical wireless networks and direct peer-to-peer links.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with dual optical transceivers is introduced, capable of operating in different modes to act as a bridge between an OWC access point and an end device, or as a relay between two end devices, utilizing distinct modulation schemes and beam angles to facilitate seamless connectivity and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical wireless communication interfaces are integrated into small portable devices, then connectivity to OWC networks and peer-to-peer links is enabled, but mechanical constraints, power consumption, and heat dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the optical communication function into separate transceivers with specialized beam angles. The first transceiver handles wide-area OWC network communication while the second transceiver handles directional peer-to-peer links, allowing the system to segment communication tasks to reduce overall power consumption and mechanical complexity in portable devices
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can act as a bridge between OWC access points and end devices, or as a relay between two end devices. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to replace multiple dedicated components, reducing power consumption and mechanical constraints while maintaining versatile connectivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual optical transceivers with different beam angles are used, then communication flexibility and range are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transceiver is optimized for its specific function with appropriate beam angle characteristics. The first transceiver uses a wider beam angle for OWC network communication while the second transceiver uses a narrower beam angle for directional peer-to-peer links. This local optimization allows each component to be simpler and more efficient for its specific task, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication flexibility
3Productivity
If higher data rates are supported through optical wireless communication, then communication capacity increases, but heat dissipation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically selects between different transceivers and communication modes based on the specific communication task. When high data rates are needed for peer-to-peer links, the system activates the second transceiver with optimized beam angle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve high data rates only when necessary, reducing overall heat dissipation and power consumption compared to continuously operating all components at full capacity
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 solution enables efficient, power-efficient, and flexible data exchange between OWC networks and portable devices, supporting higher data rates and extended communication ranges while reducing interference and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical transceiver configured to communicate with the OWC access point by means of a first type of optical wireless link using a first modulation scheme
Implementation Method 2
a second optical transceiver configured to communicate with the first end device by means of a second type of optical wireless link using a second modulation scheme
Implementation Method 3
optical wireless communication (OWC) technology, which makes use of the light spectrum in a broad scope to support bi-directional data communication
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical wireless communication, OWC, system, an apparatus (200) is configured to operate in a first mode to enable a first functionality where the apparatus acts as a bridge device between an OWC access point (400) and a first end device out of one or more end devices (300a, 300b, 300c, 300d), or in a second mode to enable a second functionality where the apparatus relays data between the first end device and a second end device out of the one or more end devices (300a, 300b, 300c, 300d). The apparatus (200) communicates with the OWC access point (400) by means of a first type of optical wireless link (450) using a first modulation scheme; and communicates with the first end device by means of a second type of optical wireless link (350) using a second modulation scheme. The first type of optical wireless link (450) has a wider beam angle than the second type of optical wireless link (350).