Wireless Optical Link for High-Speed VR Immersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless transmission technologies for high-definition 3D immersion in virtual or augmented reality are limited by low throughput and interference with biological tissues, and existing optical solutions struggle to maintain high-speed data transfer for multiple users without disrupting the optical link.

Innovation Solution

A wireless optical transmission system using wavelength multiplexing with optical access points forming an optical cell around the user, allowing for high-speed data transfer (greater than 10 Gbit/s) and minimizing interference by relaying the link through optical access terminals located above the immersion space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radio frequency waves are used for wireless transmission, then mobility is improved, but transmission speed is limited and interference with biological tissues occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidtransmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic waves with optical waves (light) as the transmission medium. This substitution enables wireless optical communication that achieves transmission speeds greater than 5 Gbit/s while maintaining mobility, directly resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and mobility by using a different physical carrier (optical vs. radio frequency).

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the transmission medium from radio frequency to optical frequency. By operating in the optical spectrum rather than radio frequency spectrum, the system achieves higher bandwidth and transmission speeds while avoiding interference with biological tissues, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If optical source points directly at optical receiver, then transmission speed is improved, but risk of masking or cutting the optical transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidtransmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission space into multiple optical cells, each served by a dedicated optical access point. This spatial segmentation allows the system to maintain direct optical links within each cell while providing redundancy across cells, resolving the contradiction by dividing the coverage area to reduce masking risks while maintaining high transmission speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial diversity by deploying multiple optical access points at different locations (ceiling, walls, or distributed positions) rather than relying on a single point-to-point link. This dimensional expansion of the transmission architecture provides alternative paths for optical signals, reducing the impact of masking or cutting while maintaining high transmission speeds through spatial redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple users are served simultaneously, then user capacity is improved, but risk of data masking or loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser capacityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service area into multiple optical cells, with each cell serving one or more users through a dedicated optical access point. This segmentation enables simultaneous service to multiple users while isolating their transmission channels, thereby maintaining high user capacity while reducing data masking or loss through spatial channel separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical access points as intermediary devices between the central system and multiple users. These intermediaries receive optical signals and relay them to specific users within their respective optical cells, enabling simultaneous service to multiple users while managing transmission reliability through distributed intermediary nodes that can handle local transmission independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system achieves high-speed, reliable data transfer for multiple users with reduced risk of data masking or loss, ensuring uninterrupted immersion experiences while adhering to eye safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

free-space optical transmission technologies ('WOC' in English, for 'Wireless Optical Communications')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree-space optical propagation: Light

Implementation Method 2

fast detectors from fiber optic communication technologies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3394711B1Wireless optical link system for transmitting data at very high speed in a controlled manner while moving
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 INSTITUT MINES TELECOM TELECOM BRETAGNE
  • EP3394711B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3394711B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3394711B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for immersing at least one first user (1) in a virtual or augmented reality, comprising an immersion space (2) in which said at least one first user (1) is able to move. According to the invention, the system comprises: - an optical reception device (11) worn by said first user, - processing means (3) comprising: - means for generating a first immersive multimedia stream intended for said first user (11) as a function of the movements of same, - means (TxO1, TxO2...TxOn) for optically transmitting a multiplexed optical signal (λ1, λ2...λn) to at least one optical access terminal (PAO), said optical access terminal (PAO) being arranged in said immersion space (2) in such a way as to form an optical cell (CEO) extending in said immersion space (2), said optical reception device (11) comprising a) means for receiving the multiplexed optical signal (λ1, λ2...λn) from said optical access terminal (PAO) via a wireless optical link when said first user (1) is located in the optical cell (CEO), and b) filtering means configured to extract the first immersive multimedia stream intended for the first user (1) from the multiplexed optical signal (λ1, λ2...λn)·