Phased Antenna Array Beam Steering for Multi-User VR Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplayer VR and AR systems face challenges with wireless transmission, including high latency, interference, and the need for wired connections due to inadequate signal strength and bandwidth, especially in multi-user scenarios, which limits their feasibility and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes wearable display systems with a transmission system using phased antenna arrays and a control system to dynamically adjust antenna orientation and beam steering, leveraging location data from beacons and simultaneous localization and mapping algorithms to optimize content streaming and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used between the computer and HMD, then signal strength and bandwidth are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic transmission system. The base station transmits content streams wirelessly to multiple HMDs using antennas and wireless communication protocols, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining signal strength and bandwidth through optimized wireless transmission techniques.
2Reliability
If beam sweep is performed to identify the strongest beam configuration, then signal strength is improved, but loss of time increases due to sweep duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary beam configuration identification during system initialization or calibration phases. The base station pre-determines optimal beam configurations for different spatial locations and stores this information for rapid retrieval during operation, avoiding the need to perform time-consuming beam sweeps during actual content delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering that adapts to HMD movements in real-time. The base station continuously tracks HMD positions and adjusts beam directions dynamically without performing full sweeps, maintaining optimal signal strength while minimizing latency through responsive, motion-driven beam adjustment.
3Reliability
If beam sweep is performed to reconnect after loss of contact, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to broader sweep and refocusing procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains preliminary beam configuration data for multiple potential HMD locations and uses this pre-stored information to rapidly re-establish connections. When contact is lost, the base station retrieves pre-calculated beam parameters for the HMD's last known position and applies them immediately, avoiding time-consuming broad sweeps and refocusing procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple headsets perform simultaneous sweeps, then adaptability is improved, but interference increases resulting in lost data packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where HMDs report their positions and received signal quality to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to coordinate beam directions and transmission timing across multiple HMDs, adjusting configurations to minimize mutual interference while maintaining adaptability to different spatial arrangements and user movements.
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 efficient, low-latency, and high-bandwidth wireless content delivery to multiple users, reducing the need for wired connections and minimizing interference, thus enhancing the feasibility and user experience of large-scale multiplayer VR and AR applications.
Implementation Method 1
A base station transmits the content stream to the wearable display system via a directional antenna whose orientation is controlled in accordance with the location of the wearable display system. In one example the directional antenna is part of a phased antenna array which performs beam steering in order to transmit the content stream directly to the wearable display system.
Implementation Method 2
A location system is provided which detects a location of the wearable display system. In one example the location system includes multiple beacons provided in the venue, and a location processing device which determines a location of the wearable display system based on a position of the wearable display system relative to at least two beacons and positions of the at least two beacons in the venue.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for displaying content to a plurality of users in a multiplayer venue including: a plurality of wearable display systems, each display system being worn by a user, a content system that generates a plurality of content streams, each content stream being associated with a corresponding display system, a location system that detects a location of each display system within the venue, a transmission system including a number of transmission system antennas that wirelessly communicate with the display systems to transmit content to the wearable display systems and to receive data from the wearable display systems and a control system that determines the location of each display system within the venue from the location system and selectively controls transmitting antennas in accordance with the location of each display system to transmit each content stream to the corresponding display system or receive data from a corresponding display system.