Optical Transmitter Array Beam Selection for Wide-Angle OWC
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving high data throughput and wide-angle coverage in optical wireless communication systems while maintaining eye-safety and avoiding mechanical reliability issues in vehicle-to-vehicle communication is challenging due to increased power requirements and limitations in transmission power.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional array of narrow-angle optical transmitters with individually controlled fields of view and a wide-angle receiver, using out-of-band beacons for beam selection and feedback to dynamically adjust transmitter selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transmission power is increased to achieve high data throughput and long range, then communication performance is improved, but eye-safety requirements are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter array is divided into multiple independent optical transmitters, each with its own narrow beam. Instead of using one high-power omnidirectional transmitter, the system segments the transmission into multiple low-power directional beams, achieving high throughput through spatial multiplexing while maintaining eye-safety through lower individual power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Each optical transmitter in the array is configured with a narrow, focused beam that concentrates energy in a specific direction. This local quality approach ensures that high power density is achieved only in the intended communication path while areas outside the beam remain at safe power levels, satisfying eye-safety requirements.
2Reliability
If mechanical beam-steering systems are used to achieve directional communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical beam-steering components (motors, actuators, moving mirrors) with a static optical transmitter array. Directional control is achieved through electronic selection of which transmitters to activate rather than through mechanical movement, eliminating moving parts while maintaining reliable directional communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves dynamic beam steering capability through electronic control of the transmitter array selection, without mechanical movement. The controller dynamically selects which transmitters to activate based on communication requirements, providing adaptability and reliability without the complexity of mechanical systems.
3Area of stationary object
If a single wide-angle transmitter is used to achieve wide coverage, then coverage area is improved, but data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple narrow-angle transmitters into a unified transmitter array that collectively provides wide-angle coverage. Each transmitter contributes to a specific sector, and their combined effect achieves both wide coverage and high throughput through spatial multiplexing, overcoming the limitation of single wide-angle transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional wide-angle transmission approach to a multi-dimensional array configuration. By distributing transmitters across a two-dimensional array with individually controllable narrow beams, the system achieves wide coverage through spatial arrangement while maintaining high throughput through parallel transmission channels.
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
Enables efficient beam steering without mechanical parts, ensuring reliable communication over a wide area while adhering to eye-safety standards and reducing mechanical reliability issues.
Implementation Method 1
an optical receiver with at least a photodetector
Implementation Method 2
a Trans-Impedance Amplifier, TIA, for amplifying the signal from the at least one photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an Optical Wireless Communication, OWC, transceiver system (600), comprising: an optical receiver (102) with at least a photodetector and a Trans-Impedance Amplifier, TIA, for amplifying the signal from the at least one photodetector, and a two-dimensional array of optical transmitters (103a) each having an individual transmitter field-of-view, and corresponding drivers, the two-dimensional array arranged to create a combined transmitter field of view that is larger than the individual transmitter field of view, the plurality of optical transmitters arranged such that optical axes of the plurality of optical transmitters are evenly distributed within the combined transmitter field of view; a baseband unit (101) configured to modulate outgoing data for transmission and to demodulate incoming data of the optical receiver (102); a beacon generator configured to generate beacons for output by each respective one of the plurality of optical transmitters, wherein the beacon of a respective one of the plurality of optical transmitters comprises an attribute uniquely identifying the respective optical transmitter; a controller (209) configured, to select which of the plurality of optical transmitters in addition to its beacon also transmits the outgoing data.