Steerable Phased-Array Link for Low-Latency Wireless HMD Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless systems struggle to maintain high throughput for virtual reality experiences due to interference and movement, requiring wired tethers to ensure low latency and high bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A wireless data transport system using a steerable phased-array antenna that dynamically adjusts its beamforming pattern based on tracking data to maintain connection with mobile devices, reducing latency and increasing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) are used for data transport, then communication flexibility and range are improved, but power consumption increases and connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two distinct modules: a wireless communication module for flexible connectivity and a wired communication module for stable, low-power data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to use wireless communication only when flexibility is needed, while relying on wired communication for routine data transport, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wired communication module as an intermediary between the head-mounted display and external devices. This intermediary handles the bulk of data transmission tasks that would otherwise require power-intensive wireless communication, acting as a bridge that reduces the burden on the wireless module and consequently lowers power consumption while maintaining connection stability.
2Reliability
If wired communication protocols are used for data transport, then connection stability and power efficiency are improved, but communication flexibility and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted display is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both wired and wireless communication protocols simultaneously. This universal communication capability allows the device to adapt to different usage scenarios: using wired connection for stable data transport and wireless connection for flexible, on-the-go scenarios, thereby maintaining both connection stability and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically switches between wired and wireless modes based on operational requirements. When user convenience and flexibility are priorities, the system activates wireless communication; when connection stability and power efficiency are critical, it transitions to wired communication. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal performance across varying usage conditions.
3Ease of operation
If head-mounted displays are positioned close to the user's head, then immersion and comfort are improved, but heat dissipation and signal interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the primary communication function from the head-mounted display unit and relocates it to an external device connected via wired communication. This extraction removes the wireless communication hardware and associated heat-generating components from the head-mounted display, thereby improving heat dissipation while maintaining user comfort and immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
An external device serves as an intermediary, housing the wireless communication module and processing unit. This intermediary handles computationally intensive tasks and wireless communication functions away from the user's head, reducing heat generation in the head-mounted display while maintaining full communication functionality through the wired connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for providing low latency and high bandwidth wireless data transport for various applications, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or video applications. A wireless data transport system is provided that includes an electrically steerable antenna, such as a phased-array antenna, that is operative to selectively steer its beam based on control input. The wireless data transport system includes a tracking subsystem that is operative to track a mobile wireless device (e.g., head-mounted display (HMD), tablet computer, smart phone) as the mobile wireless device moves around in a tracked volume. The wireless data transport system utilizes the known position, orientation, or movement of the mobile wireless device receiving the data (e.g., video data) from the tracking subsystem and compensates for movement of the mobile wireless device by selectively adjusting the beamforming pattern of the steerable antenna based at least in part on the tracking data received from the tracking subsystem.