Optical Beam Steering for Seamless Multi-User VR Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data communication systems in virtual reality environments face challenges in maintaining uninterrupted data transmission and immersion when users move between access points, especially when multiple users are present, leading to potential interruptions and varying levels of immersion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a combination of optical fibers, mirrors, cameras, and LED rings to determine the position and orientation of user headsets relative to fixed access points, enabling seamless pairing and communication by distinguishing between different identifiers and using time division multiple access techniques to manage multiple users, ensuring continuous data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single access point serves one user headset, then data transmission is stable and reliable, but the system cannot support multiple users simultaneously with consistent immersion quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the service area into multiple zones, each served by a dedicated access point. Each access point independently serves one or more headsets within its zone, allowing multiple users to simultaneously maintain stable connections without interfering with each other. This segmentation enables the system to support multiple users while preserving the reliability of individual connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Access points are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple tasks: transmitting VR data, tracking headset position, determining user location, and managing beam steering. This multi-functionality allows a single access point to simultaneously maintain reliable data transmission while adapting to serve different users and scenarios, thereby supporting multi-user environments.
2Ease of operation
If the headset moves between access points, then user mobility is improved, but data transmission interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking the headset's position and predicting its movement trajectory. Before the headset actually moves between access points, the system prepares for the handoff by establishing preliminary connections and coordinating between access points. This preliminary action ensures that data transmission continues without interruption during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by implementing seamless handoff protocols between access points. As the headset moves, the current access point continues transmitting data until the handoff is complete, ensuring no gaps in the data stream. The beam steering mechanism continuously adjusts to maintain optimal signal quality throughout the movement, preserving transmission reliability while enabling user mobility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are deployed to support multiple users, then system versatility improves, but determining which access point serves which user becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where access points continuously report headset positions and connection status to a central coordinator. The coordinator uses this feedback to dynamically determine which access point should serve which user, optimizing the pairing assignments. This feedback loop simplifies the management of multiple access points by providing real-time information about system state, enabling automatic and efficient pairing decisions without complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Headsets and access points are equipped with self-service capabilities to automatically discover each other and establish connections. The headsets actively search for available access points and initiate pairing requests, while access points automatically accept or reject based on current load and compatibility. This self-service mechanism reduces the complexity of pairing management by eliminating the need for manual intervention in multi-user scenarios.
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 uninterrupted virtual reality experiences by allowing users to move freely while maintaining high data transmission rates and consistent immersion across multiple access points, supporting simultaneous use by multiple users with minimal power loss and alignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber carrying a light beam
Implementation Method 2
a removable mirror, a microprocessor to control the orientation of the mirror according to vertical and horizontal angles of inclination to direct the light beam exiting the optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
a photoreceptor matrix to receive a light flux from an emitting source associated with the helmet and to determine a first direction of reception
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for optical communication of data between a first telecommunication device (AP), the location of which is known, and a second telecommunication device (UT), the first device being provided with an optical fibre carrying a light beam and with a removable mirror controlled by a microprocessor in order to direct the light beam at the output of the optical fibre in a first direction. The method comprises: - controlling the removable mirror by the microprocessor in order to align the first direction with the direction of reception; and - determining by the microprocessor the location of the second device, knowing the location of the first device, the relative height between the two devices and the vertical and horizontal inclination angles of the mirror.