Sectorized Optical Wireless Transmitter With Feedback Beam Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sectorized transmitters for optical wireless communication require multiple narrow beam light sensors, increasing device size and cost, while existing solutions for sectorization in optical wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving high-speed data transmission with large coverage and low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A sectorized transmitter apparatus with a wide beam light source and multiple narrow beam light sources, utilizing a feedback-based beam selection procedure to select the optimal narrow beam light source for data communication, without requiring multiple narrow FoV light sensors, thus reducing device size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple narrow beam light sources are used for sectorized transmission, then coverage and alignment precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple narrow FoV light sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sectorization function from the receiver side and implements it only on the transmitter side. Instead of requiring multiple narrow FoV light sensors at the receiver to detect feedback for beam selection, the system uses a single wide beam light source to illuminate the remote device, which then provides feedback that enables the transmitter to select the appropriate narrow beam light source. This removes the complex sensor array requirement while maintaining precise beam alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wide beam light source as an intermediary element that facilitates the beam selection process. The wide beam source illuminates the remote device across multiple sectors, enabling the remote device to provide feedback about which sector has the best alignment. This intermediary wide beam source acts as a mediator that enables the selection of the optimal narrow beam without requiring complex sensors at the receiver.
2Area of stationary object
If wide beam light source is used for large coverage, then coverage area is improved, but data transmission speed and power efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wide beam coverage into multiple directional narrow beam sectors. Each narrow beam light source is oriented to cover a specific sector, allowing the system to provide wide overall coverage while enabling high-speed data transmission through selected narrow beams. The segmentation allows the system to switch between wide coverage mode and high-speed narrow beam mode as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam selection where the system can adaptively choose between wide beam and narrow beam modes based on communication requirements. The controller dynamically selects which narrow beam light source to activate based on feedback from the remote device, enabling the system to transition between coverage-oriented and speed-oriented operation modes as conditions change.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple narrow beam light sources are activated simultaneously, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by sequentially activating different narrow beam light sources based on feedback from the remote device. Instead of keeping multiple narrow beams active simultaneously, the system periodically tests different sectors and activates only the optimal one for data transmission. This periodic selection process maintains coverage capability while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to simultaneous activation.
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 high-speed optical communication with reduced power consumption and large coverage by selectively activating a single narrow beam light source for data transmission, while maintaining efficient beam alignment and data throughput.
Implementation Method 1
two or more narrow beam light sources configured to emit in different directions
Implementation Method 2
a wide beam light source configured to provide a wide coverage area
Implementation Method 3
at least one photodiode configured to receive a feedback signal from the remote device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for use in an optical wireless communication system comprises: a wide beam light source (L5): two or more narrow beam light sources (L1-L4) configured to emit in a different direction, wherein a combined field-of-view. FoV, of the narrow beam light sources (L1-L4) is covered by a FoV of the wide beam light source (L5); a plurality of switches (S1-S5) configured to turn on or off a corresponding one out of the 5 light sources (L1-L5) individually; a receiver (RX) configured to receive one or more feedback signals from a remote device (200); and a controller (CTR) configured to control the plurality of switches (S1-S5) via a control signal; update the control signal based on the one or more feedback signals received by the receiver (RX): carry out a beam selection procedure by sending test signals via the wide beam light source (L5) and one or more 10 narrow beam light sources (L1-L4) to the remote device (200) to enable a selection of one out of the narrow beam light sources (L1-L4) for establishing data communication with the remote device (200).