Li-Fi Link Alignment via Infrared Trigger Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing high-speed optical wireless links between remote devices is complex and requires precise alignment, making it difficult for users to set up efficiently, especially in scenarios where high-speed data transfer is needed, such as live streaming and file transfer, due to the narrow beam width and high directivity of Li-Fi links.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a trigger signal sent via a different link, such as infrared or radio frequency, to provide a human perceivable indication of the dedicated reception area on the remote device, allowing users to adjust the position and orientation of the Li-Fi transmitter for alignment, and includes feedback on alignment status to facilitate easy setup and reduce power consumption by activating the Li-Fi link only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Li-Fi link is used for high-speed data transfer, then data transfer speed is improved, but alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an infrared trigger link as an intermediary to establish the Li-Fi connection. The infrared link with wider beam width facilitates initial device discovery and connection setup, after which high-speed data transfer occurs over the Li-Fi link. This mediator approach simplifies the alignment process for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment and connection establishment using the infrared trigger link before activating the high-speed Li-Fi data transfer. The infrared link prepares the connection path and ensures proper alignment is in place before the narrower Li-Fi beam is activated for data transfer.
2Reliability
If Li-Fi transmitter is activated continuously, then data transfer readiness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Li-Fi transmitter is activated periodically or on-demand based on trigger signals received via the infrared link, rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic activation ensures the system is ready for data transfer when needed while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the infrared trigger link to automatically initiate Li-Fi connection establishment when data transfer is needed, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring and manual activation. The trigger-based self-service approach activates Li-Fi only when required, optimizing power efficiency.
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
Simplifies the interaction for users in establishing high-speed Li-Fi links, reduces power consumption, and enables quick alignment and data transfer, supporting high-bandwidth applications like live streaming and file transfer within a few seconds.
Implementation Method 1
the trigger signal sent from the first transmitter is via another link different from the high-speed Li-Fi link, which can be based on at least one of an infrared link
Implementation Method 2
Li-Fi transmits data by intensity modulating optical sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs), faster than the persistence of the human eye
Implementation Method 3
intensity modulating optical sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
Given the potential high data rate and privacy of Optical Wireless Communication, Li-Fi turns out to be an attractive technology for enabling high-speed wireless data transfer between remote devices. This invention is directed to various methods, systems and apparatus for enabling high-speed file transfer via a high-speed Li-Fi link (200) between a user-held apparatus (300) and a remote device (400). Upon a trigger command received by the user-held apparatus (300), a trigger signal is sent to the remote device (400) via another communication link (500) having a wide beam width. The remote device (400) provides a human perceivable indication of a dedicated reception area after receiving the trigger signal to assist a user to adjust the user-held apparatus (300) for an alignment needed to enable the high-speed Li-Fi link (200). The high-speed file transfer starts after the alignment status is determined allow for file transfer, or a start-to-send command is received by the user-held apparatus (300).