Wireless Optical Transceivers for Secure Vehicle Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless radio frequency (RF) communications in vehicles face issues with security and interference, particularly in aircraft where they can compromise communication and avionics equipment, and require costly and weighty wiring installations for network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a MIMO configuration of wireless optical transceivers that modulate visible or infrared light signals for data transmission and reception, using separate transmitter and receiver optical subassemblies with ball lenses to enable wide-angle communication while preventing signal interference, and integrating these transceivers into cabin lighting systems to provide both illumination and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless RF communications are implemented in vehicles, then convenience of wireless communication is improved, but interference with communication and avionics equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF electromagnetic wave transmission with optical transmission using visible or infrared light. The optical transceivers use light sources (LEDs or lasers) to transmit data through modulation, fundamentally substituting the RF communication mechanism with an optical one, thereby eliminating interference with RF-sensitive avionics equipment while maintaining wireless communication convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of transmission medium from RF electromagnetic waves to optical waves (visible or infrared light). This parameter change allows the system to operate in a different spectral domain that does not interfere with avionics equipment, while still providing wireless communication functionality
2Ease of operation
If wireless RF communications are implemented in vehicles, then convenience of wireless communication is improved, but security of communication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized optical communication channels between transceivers that require direct line-of-sight or focused optical paths. This localized nature of optical transmission makes eavesdropping more difficult compared to omnidirectional RF signals, thereby improving communication security while maintaining wireless convenience
3Reliability
If wiring is installed to support computer network in vehicles, then network connectivity is achieved, but weight of wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical wiring connections with wireless optical transmission. Instead of installing cables and connectors throughout the vehicle, the system uses optical transceivers that communicate via light waves, eliminating the need for extensive wiring infrastructure and thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining network connectivity
4Reliability
If wiring is installed to support computer network in vehicles, then network connectivity is achieved, but cost of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces costly wiring installation with wireless optical transceivers. The elimination of cables, connectors, and complex installation procedures significantly reduces installation costs while maintaining reliable network connectivity. The system can be deployed by simply installing transceiver units at strategic locations without extensive infrastructure work
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 provides secure, interference-free, and cost-effective bidirectional data communication within vehicles, eliminating the need for wiring and ensuring reliable connectivity for entertainment and communication systems without impacting aircraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
each wireless optical transceiver comprises a light source configured to transmit an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
A first ball lens is arranged to distribute the first optical signal... A second ball lens is arranged to focus the second optical signal
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
Systems, methods, and a vehicle are disclosed to enable wireless optical communications. A wireless optical transceiver includes transmitter light source configured to transmit a first optical signal at a first wavelength via a first ball lens to generate a distributed first optical signal. The distributed first optical signal is configured to be received by a remote receiver via a first line - of - sight transmission. A detector is configured to receive a focused second optical signal at a second wavelength via a second ball lens. A controller is operably coupled to the light source and to the detector. The controller is configured to receive outgoing data and to generate a first electrical signal configured to modulate the first optical signal to transmit the outgoing data. The controller also is configured to receive a second electrical signal from the detector and to demodulate the second electrical signal to generate incoming data. Suitable for the interior cabin of a vehicle, where the distributed first optical signal provides illumination within said cabin.