Optical Communication Interface for Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld devices face challenges with data transfer due to space constraints, mechanical complexity, and limited bandwidth in existing wireless communication methods, particularly with custom USB connectors and wireless charging standards, which compromise signal integrity, water tightness, and data transfer speeds.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication interface is introduced, utilizing optical transmitters and receivers on handheld devices and docking stations for high-speed data transfer without additional transceivers or antennas, employing photodiodes, LEDs, phototransistors, and light sensors through an optical window, enabling contactless communication and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If custom USB connectors are used for data transfer, then data transfer capability is provided, but mechanical complexity and space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical USB connectors with an optical communication system using light-based transceivers. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical coupling mechanisms while enabling high-speed data transfer through optical signals transmitted through the device housing, resolving the contradiction between data transfer capability and mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical transceivers and light transmission paths as intermediaries between devices. Instead of direct mechanical contact through USB connectors, data is transferred via optical signals that pass through the housing material, serving as a mediator that enables data transfer without mechanical complexity
2Ease of operation
If wireless charging standards are used, then wireless power transfer is enabled, but data transfer bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wireless power transfer and high-bandwidth data transfer into a single integrated system. By using the same wireless communication infrastructure for both power and data transmission, it enables simultaneous operation of wireless charging and high-speed data transfer without the bandwidth limitations of separate wireless protocols
3Ease of operation
If optical transmitters and receivers are placed on exterior surfaces, then contactless communication is enabled, but signal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the device housing itself as an optical waveguide, copying the function of dedicated optical cables. The housing material is selected and structured to transmit optical signals with minimal loss, enabling contactless communication while maintaining signal integrity through the structural design of the housing rather than through separate protective components
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 high-speed data transfer for handheld devices, including firmware updates, media storage, and application updates, while maintaining water resistance and reducing power consumption, without compromising signal integrity or device durability.
Implementation Method 1
the optical transmitter is at least one of: a photodiode, or an LED diode
Implementation Method 2
the optical receiver is at least one of: a phototransistor, a photoconductor, or a light sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
One example discloses an optical communication interface for a handheld device: wherein the handheld device, has an external surface; wherein the external surface includes an interior facing side and an exterior facing side; a first optical receiver, on the interior facing side of the handheld device, having an optical input and an electrical output; wherein the electrical output is coupled to circuitry; and wherein the optical input is configured to be optically coupled to a second optical transmitter on the exterior facing side of the handheld device.