Optoelectronic Composite Cable for HMD Video Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixed-reality presentation systems face challenges in maintaining reliable video data transfer between head-mounted displays (HMDs) and image processing apparatuses, including signal degradation due to long cable lengths, bit errors, and inefficient power management in optical communication systems, which can lead to communication integrated circuit failures and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A transfer control apparatus using optoelectronic composite cables with photoelectric conversion circuits that control the output of optical and electrical signals based on control signals, ensuring reliable communication and power management, and incorporating multiple optical fibers and metal wires for data transfer and control signal transmission, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a long metal cable is used for connection between HMD and image processing apparatus, then the cable length is increased to allow observation from various positions, but the signal deteriorates and bit error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metal wire-based electrical signal transmission with optical fiber-based optical signal transmission. This substitution eliminates signal deterioration and bit errors associated with long metal cables while maintaining the required cable length for flexible observation positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an optoelectronic composite cable that integrates both optical fibers for data transmission and metal wires for power supply and control signals. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of high-speed reliable data transfer over long distances and stable power/control signal delivery.
2Reliability
If an optical cable is used for wide-band and long-distance transfer, then the communication bandwidth and distance are improved, but the handling complexity increases to prevent degradation of optical fiber end faces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates connectors with integrated protection structures that act as intermediaries between the optical fibers and the external environment. These connectors protect the delicate optical fiber end faces from degradation during handling and storage while enabling reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the connector structure to provide beforehand protection for optical fiber end faces. The connector housing and protective features are built-in to prevent damage before it occurs, reducing handling complexity requirements.
3Device complexity
If an optoelectronic composite cable is used to eliminate battery mounting, then the device simplicity is improved, but the reception integrated circuit may fail due to indefinite frequency signals during power-on state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control mechanism that checks the power-on state of the HMD before enabling optical signal transmission. This preliminary action prevents indefinite frequency signals from reaching the reception integrated circuit during the power-on initialization period, eliminating the risk of circuit failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a control signal line that provides feedback about the operational state of the HMD to the optical transmission side. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically controls the optical signal output, ensuring signals are only transmitted when the reception circuit is ready, thus preventing damage.
4Reliability
If optical output is continued when optical cable is cut off, then the optical communication functionality is maintained, but eye safety is compromised due to exposure to semiconductor laser beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring mechanism that detects the connection status of the optical cable through feedback signals. When cable disconnection is detected, the system immediately stops optical output, preventing laser beam exposure and ensuring eye safety while maintaining communication functionality when properly connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a safety mechanism that preemptively stops optical output when cable disconnection is detected, counteracting the potential harmful effect of continuous laser emission before it can cause eye damage.
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 enhances the reliability of video data transfer, prevents indefinite signal input to communication integrated circuits, and optimizes power usage, ensuring seamless mixed-reality presentations even with long-distance connections and varying device states.
Implementation Method 1
a first converter that outputs an optical signal converted from an electrical signal representing video data
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber for transferring the optical signal
Implementation Method 3
a second converter that outputs an electrical signal converted from the optical signal transferred by the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer control apparatus transfers video data obtained by image capturing in an image capturing and displaying apparatus to an image processing apparatus, and transfers video data generated by the image processing apparatus to the image capturing and displaying apparatus. In the transfer control apparatus, a first converter outputs an optical signal converted from an electrical signal representing the video data, an optical fiber transfers the optical signal, a second converter outputs an electrical signal converted from the optical signal transferred by the optical fiber, and a metal wire transfers a control signal indicating whether it is possible to communicate the video data by a communication unit of the image capturing and displaying apparatus. Operations of the first and second converters are controlled based on the control signal.