Optical Wireless Link Alignment Using Signal Quality Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installation of optical wireless communication (OWC) systems, such as LiFi networks, is challenging when the distance between communicating devices is long, especially with invisible infrared beams, requiring multiple ladder climbs for rough and fine alignment without assurance of optimal signal quality.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method providing an alignment indicator and remote control device for OWC devices to determine distance and signal quality, allowing visual or graphical user interfaces for alignment confirmation, and remote adjustment of device orientation for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is performed by installer climbing ladder multiple times for rough and fine alignment, then alignment precision can be adjusted, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated alignment system that uses feedback from optical sensors to continuously monitor and adjust the alignment status. The system provides real-time feedback signals to guide the alignment process, eliminating the need for manual ladder climbing and multiple adjustments, thus reducing installation time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system performs self-alignment through automated sensors and adjustment mechanisms. The system independently detects misalignment and executes corrections without requiring installer intervention, transforming a manual labor-intensive process into an autonomous operation that completes alignment in a single installation action
2Reliability
If invisible infrared beams are used for communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but alignment detection becomes difficult without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change color or emit visible light to indicate the alignment status of the infrared communication link. This provides real-time visual feedback to the installer, making the invisible infrared beam alignment process visible and detectable, thereby simplifying the alignment detection while maintaining the data transmission capabilities of infrared communication
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple ladder climbs are required for rough and fine alignment, then alignment can be performed at different positions, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual alignment process (requiring multiple ladder climbs and physical adjustments) with an automated optical sensing and control system. The system uses optical sensors, processors, and automated adjustment mechanisms to achieve alignment, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with an integrated electronic control system that simplifies the overall installation process
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 installation with minimal ladder climbs, ensuring maximum signal quality by providing visual feedback and remote control for precise alignment without specialized tools, simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to receive an optical signal from the second OWC device and to measure a signal quality of the received optical signal
Implementation Method 2
the distance between the first and second OWC devices may be determined based on a time of flight measurement between a pulse signal transmitted to the second OWC device and a return pulse signal received from the second OWC device
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
This invention relates to optical wireless communication systems that use radiation beams for communication. In such systems aiming at the communication partner is not easy especially if the distance between the communication devices is longer and radiation in the non-visible range is used. It is proposed to use an adaptive signal quality indicator in order to provide installing persons and users with a quick and deterministic way of aligning the communication devices.