Underwater Wireless Interface Module for Signal Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater video cameras with Wi-Fi capabilities cannot transmit wireless signals effectively through water, limiting the ability to view real-time underwater footage from the surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an underwater wireless interface module and an above-water wireless interface module connected via a wired tether, allowing the transmission of Wi-Fi signals from an underwater camera to the surface for real-time viewing on mobile devices or other equipment without requiring changes to the camera or mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi signals are transmitted through water, then wireless communication capability is provided, but signal transmission distance is severely limited to mere inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-interface module that acts as an intermediary between the underwater camera and the above-water display device. This module has a first wireless interface for underwater communication and a second wireless interface for above-water communication, enabling signal relay across the water-air boundary where direct transmission fails
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into three distinct components: the underwater camera, the dual-interface relay module, and the above-water display device. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment (underwater wireless, air wireless, and wired connection through water) rather than attempting direct end-to-end communication
2Length of stationary object
If a wired connection is used between underwater and above-water devices, then signal transmission distance is extended, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two wireless interface capabilities (underwater and above-water) into a single dual-interface module. This merging allows the system to maintain wireless operation on both sides of the water boundary while using a wired connection only for the essential data transmission through the water, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-interface module serves multiple functions: it acts as an underwater wireless receiver, an above-water wireless transmitter, and a wired data bridge through water. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Ease of operation
If wireless interface modules are added to extend communication range, then real-time viewing from distance is enabled, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a wired connection for the critical data transmission through water rather than attempting wireless transmission, which would require excessive power and still be unreliable. This partial use of wired connection enables real-time viewing while keeping power consumption manageable
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method including receiving, via a bridge system including a first adapter and a second adapter, a service set identifier and a password of a capture device and discovering the capture device via the first adapter and the second adapter of the bridge system. Based on a comparison of a first signal-to-noise ratio between the first adapter and the capture device with a second signal-to-noise ratio between the second adapter and the capture device, the method includes assigning one of the first adapter and the second adapter as a host adapter in the bridge system to communicate with the capture device, transmitting, from the host adapter, a signal to the capture device to prioritize a frequency band to use for communication with the bridge system, receiving, via the frequency band, IP packets from the capture device at the host adapter and forwarding the IP packets from the bridge system to a client device.