Spread Spectrum Overlay for Secure Video Headsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems for industrial, police, and military applications require Type I encryption, which is costly and power-intensive, and existing low-power solutions using Ultra Wide Band technology do not scale well for long-range, anti-jamming, and secure data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A portable wireless communication headset utilizing frequency hopping spread spectrum technology with on-demand operation, integrating COTS Bluetooth and cellular radio chipsets, and a software overlay to selectively switch between conventional and Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping modes, providing secure and high-bandwidth video streaming without the need for Type I encryption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Type I encryption is implemented for secure data transmission, then security is improved, but power consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, power-intensive Type I encryption hardware with a software-based spread spectrum frequency hopping implementation using off-the-shelf components. This approach provides comparable security through computational methods rather than hardware encryption, significantly reducing power consumption and cost while maintaining security requirements for tactical communications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes hardware-based Type I encryption with a software-based spread spectrum communication system. By using frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) with pseudorandom code modulation, the system achieves security through signal obfuscation and frequency diversity rather than hardware encryption mechanisms, reducing both power consumption and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If Ultra Wide Band technology is used for low-power communication, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission range and scalability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission range
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spread spectrum frequency hopping technology that dynamically changes transmission frequency parameters over time according to a pseudorandom sequence. This allows the system to achieve long-range communication capabilities by spreading the signal across a wide frequency band, overcoming the range limitations of Ultra Wide Band technology while maintaining low power consumption through efficient frequency utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic frequency hopping where transmission parameters continuously change based on a pseudorandom sequence known to both transmitter and receiver. This dynamic approach enables the communication system to adapt to varying channel conditions and extend transmission range beyond static frequency systems like Ultra Wide Band, while maintaining power efficiency through intelligent signal management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional frequency hopping is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but security and anti-jamming capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary synchronization where the receiver is pre-configured with the pseudorandom code sequence and frequency hopping pattern before transmission begins. This preliminary action enables the receiver to correctly decode the spread spectrum signal and track frequency hops, providing enhanced security and anti-jamming capabilities while maintaining implementation simplicity through pre-established synchronization protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2617180B1Wireless video headset with spread spectrum overlay
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 KOPIN CORP
  • EP2617180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2617180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2617180B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Enhanced Bluetooth and/or cellular frequency hopping radios are integrated into a hands-free wireless mobile computing and video display headset. Forms of these enhanced headsets incorporating the enhanced frequency hopping spread spectrum radio technology are of interest to military, police, fire fighters, first responders and certain commercial companies such as utility companies seeking private cellular systems seeking enhanced communication privacy.