Hybrid RF-Optical Access Network for Industrial AGV Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access networks face challenges in efficiently providing high data rate connectivity to wireless devices, such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), especially in large indoor areas like factories, where traditional Wi-Fi solutions suffer from dead spots and limited coverage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an access network that combines radio frequency (RF) communication with optical communication, using a plurality of antennas for RF and optical elements for optical links. This setup allows for connection to wireless devices with both RF and optical communication, utilizing RF for downlink and optical for uplink to achieve high data rate and efficient resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Wi-Fi is used for connectivity in large indoor areas, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but coverage quality deteriorates with dead spots and limited area coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Wi-Fi radio frequency communication with optical communication (using LED elements) into a hybrid system. The access points integrate both Wi-Fi antennas and optical transmitters, allowing devices to use either or both communication modes depending on conditions, thereby maintaining coverage quality while keeping infrastructure costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The access points are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as Wi-Fi access points and optical communication transmitters. This universal design allows a single infrastructure element to provide both wireless and optical connectivity, resolving the contradiction between cost and coverage quality.
2Productivity
If optical communication is used for uplink, then data rate is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing LED elements in devices for optical communication without requiring separate dedicated optical transmitters. The LED serves dual purposes - display indication and data transmission - thereby improving data rate while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing LED components in wireless devices are utilized for optical communication in addition to their traditional display functions. This multi-functional use of existing components achieves high data rates without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If 5G radio technology is used, then coverage and handover are improved, but infrastructure cost increases compared to Wi-Fi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for expensive 5G infrastructure with a hybrid Wi-Fi/optical system. By using optical communication for high-capacity backhaul and Wi-Fi for access, the system achieves 5G-level performance without deploying 5G base stations, thereby improving coverage and handover while controlling infrastructure costs.
4Power
If cloud processing is used for AGV control, then computational power is improved, but latency increases due to data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The optical communication channel provides continuous, high-bandwidth connectivity between AGVs and the cloud, enabling uninterrupted data transmission. This continuous connection minimizes latency by maintaining constant communication channels for real-time control and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes optical communication channels and maintains persistent connections between AGVs and cloud infrastructure. By having communication channels ready in advance and maintaining continuous connectivity, the system reduces latency when data transmission is required for cloud processing.
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 hybrid RF-optical communication approach enhances the access network's capacity and resilience, particularly suited for industrial applications, by providing stable and high-speed connectivity over large areas, reducing latency, and optimizing resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sets of optical elements configured for optical communication with the wireless device
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of antennas each configured to provide a cell for radio frequency communication with the wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
An access network for communication with a wireless device (100), the access network comprising a plurality of antennas each configured to provide a cell for radio frequency communication with the wireless device, and a plurality of sets of optical elements (40) configured for optical communication with the wireless device (100). The access network comprises a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said apparatus is operative to connect to the wireless device with both the radio frequency communication and optical communication, and connect to the wireless device with the radio frequency communication at least in a downlink direction, and connect to the wireless device with the optical communication at least in an uplink direction.