Wireless-Optical Signal Conversion for Dense Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges in securing a sufficient communication band due to radio interference, particularly when base stations are densely arranged, leading to increased wiring needs and potential interference between WAN and user communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that incorporates both wireless and optical communication means, using spatial light for communication between devices to reduce wire connections and minimize interference, while ensuring a sufficient communication band by converting wireless signals into optical signals and vice versa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If base stations are densely arranged to cover more area, then communication coverage is improved, but radio interference increases and communication band becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidradio interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical communication as an intermediary medium to replace wireless communication for backhaul connections between base stations. By using optical fibers or free-space optical links as a mediator, the system separates user communication (wireless) from inter-base-station communication (optical), thereby eliminating radio interference in the wireless band while maintaining dense base station deployment for wide coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the communication medium from electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency dimension to optical signals in the light frequency dimension. This dimensional change allows simultaneous operation of dense wireless base stations without mutual interference, as optical communication operates in a different spectral dimension with vastly higher bandwidth capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If base stations lower transmission output to reduce coverage zone, then communication band is secured, but more base stations must be installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication band sufficiencyVSAvoidnumber of base stations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes base stations multi-functional by equipping them with both wireless communication capabilities (for user access) and optical communication capabilities (for inter-base-station backhaul). This universality allows each base station to participate in both user service provision and network backbone communication, reducing the need for additional dedicated infrastructure and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If wireless WAN is used to reduce wiring, then wire connections are reduced, but interference between WAN communication and user communication occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidcommunication interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wireless radio wave transmission system with an optical transmission system for WAN backhaul. By substituting radio frequency electromagnetic waves with optical frequencies, the system eliminates the interference problem while achieving wireless or near-wireless connectivity, as optical signals do not interfere with radio communication bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach reduces wire connections, minimizes interference, and secures a sufficient communication band, enhancing the stability and security of wireless communication networks by using spatial light for device communication.

Implementation Method 1

an optical communication means for transmitting and receiving spatial light as communication light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a control means for performing signal conversion in a process for converting the wireless signal and the communication light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10951308B2Apparatus for conversion between wireless signals and spatial light communication signals

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 NEC CORP

AI summary

In order to reduce wire connections and achieve a wireless communication environment securing a sufficient communication band, the present invention provides a communication apparatus that includes a wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal, an optical communication means for transmitting and receiving spatial light as communication light, and a control means for performing signal conversion in a process for converting the wireless signal and the communication light and setting a transmission destination of the wireless signal and the communication light.