Nikon: Demonstrate tracking optical wireless communication technology: 360 degrees, tracking possible
Softbank:
Nikon:
We have created a new usage scene for optical wireless communication technology.
AI (artificial intelligence) technology,
Image processing technology,
Integrated utilization of precision control technology.
“Tracking optical wireless communication technology”:
“Tracking optical wireless communication” that allows two communication devices to track 360 degrees in both directions.
In December 2020, we succeeded in demonstrating for the first time in the world.
background:
Until now, in radio communication, we have pursued high speed and large capacity.
The use has progressed from radio waves with long wavelengths to radio waves with short wavelengths.
In 5G:
“Utilization of millimeter waves, which have extremely short wavelengths and properties similar to light,” such as conventional radars, is progressing.
In 6G:
It has a shorter wavelength than millimeter waves, and is expected to “utilize” light “, which has limited uses like millimeter waves.”
But in light:
It has the property that it is extremely straightforward than radio waves, and unlike radio waves, it transmits underwater but does not transmit objects.
Securing a line of sight (LOS) for the utilization of light,
Two-way tracking technology between communication devices is essential.
Outline of efforts:
360 degrees horizontally,
Has a tracking performance of 50 degrees in the vertical direction
We have developed a tracking optical wireless communication device.
Two communicators:
By capturing each other, the optical axes are aligned, and we have succeeded in demonstrating data communication without interruption even if each communication device moves.
Results of this demonstration test:
With an eye on its use in the city, we conducted a “demonstration with a safe LED optical wireless communication device (communication distance: 100 m, communication speed: 100 Mbps)”.
In the future, we will use laser light with even higher output.
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication and road-to-vehicle communication due to long distance, high speed, and miniaturization,
Communication with industrial robots and drones such as automatic guided vehicles,
Underwater wireless communication where radio waves do not pass, etc.
Create new markets in highly specialized areas.
Nikon | News
https://www.nikon.co.jp/news/2021/0318_01.htm
Softbank and Nikon succeed in demonstrating “tracking optical wireless communication technology” capable of 360-degree tracking for the first time in the world
Corporate / IR | Softbank
https://www.softbank.jp/corp/news/press/sbkk/2021/20210318_01/