A downhole communication tracking method based on free space optical communication

Abstract

This application discloses a downhole communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication. The method is implemented based on an downhole emergency tracking system, which includes an optical fixed device and a mobile device. The method includes: the mobile device emitting a tracking beam through a beacon light emitting component; the fixed device, in response to receiving the tracking beam, locking the mobile device and determining the beam emission direction based on the tracking beam; the fixed device sending an attitude adjustment command corresponding to the beam emission direction to the tracking communication control box, controlling the tracking communication control box to drive a two-dimensional optical turntable to rotate and send a first beam to the mobile device; the mobile device controlling a camera to collect audio and / or video data, and an optical processing board generating beam convergence information of the first beam; emitting a second beam through a beam transceiver component; the fixed device receiving the second beam, analyzing the second beam based on a data processor, and feeding back the analyzed beam convergence information, audio data, and / or video data to a host computer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of free-space optical communication technology, and in particular to a downhole communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication. Background Technology

[0002] In confined underground spaces, communication equipment suffers from severe signal fading and complex multipath effects, posing multiple challenges to long-distance communication. Taking underground mines and tunnels as examples, signal strength decreases dramatically with increasing transmission distance due to absorption and reflection from tunnel walls and obstruction from various obstacles. In severe cases, the attenuation rate increases exponentially, significantly limiting communication distance. For instance, achieving point-to-point transmission distances greater than 700 meters in severely signal-fading underground tunnels is a highly challenging task. While high-power transmitters can be used to reach distant receivers, their high power consumption and heat generation do not meet the safety and explosion-proof requirements for underground spaces.

[0003] On the other hand, multipath propagation refers to the phenomenon where a signal reaches the receiver along multiple different paths due to encountering buildings, ground, water, or other obstacles during transmission. Multipath propagation exists in underground spaces such as mines or tunnels, leading to problems like signal delay spread and frequency-selective fading. Existing anti-fading and multipath processing techniques are insufficient for extreme environments, primarily because simple diversity reception techniques cannot adequately handle complex multipath environments. Furthermore, applying adaptive equalization techniques requires highly accurate channel estimation, which is challenging to implement in rapidly changing underground tunnel channels due to various influencing factors.

[0004] On the other hand, due to the presence of flammable and explosive substances such as methane and coal dust in mines, and the humid and dusty environment, the safety requirements for equipment, including explosion-proof, dust-proof, and moisture-proof protection, are extremely high. For wireless emergency communication equipment used in the project, while meeting safety protection requirements, it is also necessary to ensure that protective measures do not affect the equipment's communication performance. For example, when designing explosion-proof systems for underground communication equipment, the electrical safety of the equipment must be considered to prevent explosions caused by electrical sparks. However, this electrical safety design may affect the electromagnetic compatibility of the equipment, requiring designers to fully consider and verify it. Furthermore, while meeting safety protection requirements and ensuring equipment communication performance, maintainability and operability must also be considered. The overall structure of the equipment should not be overly complex; otherwise, it will not only increase the difficulty and cost of equipment maintenance but may also affect its use in emergency situations.

[0005] In today's rapidly evolving information technology landscape, new demands are emerging for high-definition audio and video communication in engineering projects conducted in underground spaces such as mine tunnels. High-definition audio and video communication requires high signal transmission quality, while the underground environment itself is characterized by rapid signal fading, multipath effects, and stringent security requirements. The complexity of the underground environment causes constantly changing channel characteristics, making signal distortion and bit errors highly likely, resulting in significant and unavoidable impacts.

[0006] How to effectively overcome the inherent environmental influences in long-distance underground communication and improve the accuracy and reliability of signal transmission in extreme environments requires designers to fully consider, weigh, and optimize, which is one of the technical challenges in related research. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a downhole communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication to solve at least one technical problem.

[0008] This application provides an underground communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication. The method is implemented using an underground emergency tracking system, which includes a fixed optical device and a mobile device. During use, both the fixed and mobile devices are located in the underground space. The fixed device is positioned at a designated location underground, while the mobile device is carried by the user for movement within the underground space. The mobile device includes a camera, an optical processing board, a beam transceiver assembly, a beacon light emitting assembly, and a power supply battery. The fixed device includes a two-dimensional optical turntable, a tracking communication control box, and a data processor. The data processor communicates with a host computer and is used to parse control information sent by the host computer. The two-dimensional optical turntable is equipped with optical transmitting and receiving antennas. The underground communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication includes: the mobile device emitting a tracking beam through the beacon light emitting assembly to maintain continuous optical link tracking between the fixed device and the mobile device; the fixed device responds... Upon receiving the tracking beam, the device locks onto the mobile device and determines the beam emission direction based on the tracking beam; it then sends an attitude adjustment command corresponding to the beam emission direction to the tracking communication control box, controlling the tracking communication control box to drive the two-dimensional optical turntable to rotate, so that the optical transmitting and receiving antenna transmits the first beam to the mobile device based on the beam emission direction; the mobile device controls the camera to collect audio data and / or video data, and receives the first beam based on the beam transceiver component; the optical processing board generates beam convergence information of the first beam; the optical processing board modulates the beam convergence information and audio data and / or video data into the second beam based on preset modulation parameters, and emits the second beam through the beam transceiver component; the fixed device receives the second beam through the optical transmitting and receiving antenna, analyzes the second beam based on the data processor, and feeds back the analyzed beam convergence information, audio data, and / or video data to the host computer.

[0009] This application provides an electronic device, which includes a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions; the processor executes the computer program instructions to implement the steps of the method described above.

[0010] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described above.

[0011] This application provides a computer program product, which includes computer program instructions. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the steps of the method described above.

[0012] In embodiments of this application, in narrow underground tunnel environments, mobile devices emit beacon light, facilitating continuous optical link tracking by fixed devices. Simultaneously, the fixed devices can further lock onto the mobile device based on the received beacon light, determine the beam emission direction, and automatically adjust their own attitude to ensure the emitted beam from the fixed device is always aligned with the mobile device. Based on this, the fixed device can emit a beam towards the mobile device according to this beam emission direction. The mobile device can then generate beam convergence information based on the received beam and simultaneously acquire necessary audio or video data in real time. The mobile device can feed back the acquired audio and video data and beam convergence information to the fixed device using beam transceiver components, thereby achieving efficient networking in the underground space. During this process, even with slight vibrations or attitude changes in the mobile device, the optical link remains stable, supporting continuous transmission of high-definition video or other large amounts of data. Furthermore, by centralizing complex optical turntable control and adjustment on the fixed device, a continuous optical link between the fixed and mobile devices is ensured. The mobile device only needs lightweight functions for video acquisition and beam transceiver, thus reducing its size and power consumption, making it easier to carry underground and operate for extended periods. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the downhole emergency tracking system architecture according to an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a downhole communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beam transceiver component of the mobile device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device used to implement the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will be described in detail below. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only intended to explain this application and not to limit it. For those skilled in the art, this application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples.

[0020] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0021] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0022] Various modifications and variations can be made to this application without departing from its spirit or scope, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this application is intended to cover modifications and variations falling within the scope of the corresponding claims (the claimed technical solutions) and their equivalents. It should be noted that the implementation methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other without contradiction.

[0023] Embodiments of this application relate to terminal devices and / or fixed devices. Those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of this application can be implemented as a system, apparatus, device, method, computer-readable storage medium, or computer program product. Therefore, this disclosure can be specifically implemented in at least one of the following forms: entirely hardware, entirely software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] It should be noted that the acquisition, storage, use, and processing of data in this application embodiment all comply with the relevant provisions of laws and regulations.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an architecture for a downhole emergency tracking system according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a mobile device 102 and a fixed device 104.

[0026] The mobile device 102 may include devices such as a camera, optical processing board, beam transceiver assembly, beacon light emitting assembly and power supply battery, and can wirelessly network with the fixed device 104 or other mobile devices to achieve data transmission based on the wireless network; the entire mobile device 102 is small in size and weight, making it easier to carry and move underground.

[0027] The fixed device 104 includes a two-dimensional optical turntable, a tracking and communication control box, and a data processor. The data processor communicates with a host computer and is used to parse control information sent by the host computer. The two-dimensional optical turntable is equipped with optical transmitting and receiving antennas, enabling real-time tracking of the mobile device 102 and ensuring a stable optical link. This allows for flexible adaptation to the constantly changing channel characteristics of the underground environment, effectively reducing signal distortion and bit errors, and ensuring the quality of video and audio transmission.

[0028] For example, in a narrow underground tunnel environment, the mobile device 102 emits a tracking beam through a beacon light emitting component, causing the fixed device to respond to receiving the tracking beam, lock the mobile device, and determine the beam emission direction based on the tracking beam, so that the emitted beam of the fixed device 104 is always aligned with the mobile device 102, thereby maintaining continuous optical link tracking between the fixed device and the mobile device.

[0029] The fixed device 104 can further determine its own beam emission direction based on the received tracking beam, and then send an attitude adjustment command corresponding to the beam emission direction to the tracking and aiming communication control box, controlling the tracking and aiming communication control box to drive the two-dimensional optical turntable to rotate, so that the optical transmitting and receiving antenna sends the first beam to the mobile device based on the beam emission direction.

[0030] The mobile device 102 can receive the first beam emitted by the fixed device and generate beam convergence information, while simultaneously acquiring video data in real time. The fixed device 104 obtains the beam convergence information and video data based on the second beam and feeds them back to the host computer.

[0031] During this process, even with slight vibrations or changes in posture of the mobile device, the optical link remains stable, enabling continuous transmission of high-definition video or other large amounts of data. Simultaneously, the complex optical turntable control and adjustment are centralized on the fixed equipment, ensuring a continuous optical link between the fixed and mobile devices. The mobile device only needs lightweight functions for video acquisition and beam transmission / reception, thus reducing its size and power consumption, facilitating its portability and long-term operation underground.

[0032] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a downhole communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The method includes steps 201 to 206.

[0033] Step 201: The mobile device emits a tracking beam through the beacon light emitting component.

[0034] In step 202, the fixed device, in response to receiving the tracking beam, locks onto the mobile device and determines the beam emission direction based on the tracking beam to maintain continuous optical link tracking between the fixed device and the mobile device.

[0035] Step 203: The fixed device sends an attitude adjustment command corresponding to the beam emission direction to the tracking and aiming communication control box, and controls the tracking and aiming communication control box to drive the two-dimensional optical turntable to rotate, so that the optical transmitting and receiving antenna sends the first beam to the mobile device based on the beam emission direction.

[0036] Step 204: The mobile device controls the camera to acquire audio data and / or video data, and receives the first beam based on the beam transceiver component.

[0037] Step 205: The optical processing board modulates the beam convergence information and the audio data and / or video data into the second beam based on preset modulation parameters, and emits the second beam through the beam transceiver component.

[0038] Step 206: The fixed device receives the second beam through the optical transmitting and receiving antenna, analyzes the second beam based on the data processor, and feeds back the analyzed beam convergence information, audio data and / or video data to the host computer.

[0039] The above steps will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments, as shown in the following figures.

[0040] Specifically, steps 201 and 202 involve the fixed equipment being installed at a designated location underground, while the mobile equipment is carried by the user and moves within the underground space, networking with the fixed equipment. It is understood that even when the mobile equipment moves in the surface space, it can still communicate with the fixed equipment to achieve wireless networking.

[0041] Mobile devices can emit tracking beams with a large divergence angle through beacon light emitting components, making it easier for fixed equipment to track mobile devices.

[0042] After the fixed device receives the tracking beam, it can quickly lock onto the mobile device and determine the beam emission direction. Specifically, the fixed device can determine the direction opposite to the tracking beam as its own beam emission direction, thereby achieving automatic alignment with the mobile device.

[0043] Based on this, the design difficulty of mobile devices can be reduced, and continuous tracking of optical links between fixed devices and mobile devices can be achieved.

[0044] The fixed equipment can also communicate with a host computer at any time. Optionally, the host computer can be located in the underground monitoring center or the surface command and control room to uniformly manage and control the underground free-space optical communication system. The host computer can communicate with the fixed equipment and can also directly issue commands to control the fixed equipment. At the same time, the host computer can also receive real-time data feedback from the fixed equipment, such as video data and beam convergence information. Based on this, relevant personnel can also easily understand the environmental conditions in the narrow underground passage and the operating status of mobile equipment through the host computer to ensure the stability of the optical link.

[0045] Regarding step 203, for example, during the continuous tracking of a mobile device by a fixed device based on an optical link, optionally, a data processor can modulate the information to be sent to the mobile device into a first light beam, so that the first light beam carries the information to be transmitted while undertaking the tracking task of the optical link, thereby achieving reliable data transmission. This information may be audio data corresponding to a voice call. For example, Figure 3 As shown, an encoding unit and a transmission demodulation unit can be configured in the data processor to modulate information into the first beam.

[0046] Alternatively, the call data can also be the video data corresponding to the video call, without any specific restrictions.

[0047] For example, the two-dimensional optical turntable supports optical tracking within an azimuth range of ±90° and a pitch range of 0-60°, thus enabling it to track mobile devices over a wide area. An optical transmitting and receiving antenna is configured inside the two-dimensional optical turntable, through which a first beam can be emitted.

[0048] Next, involving steps 204 and 205, the mobile device can receive a first beam from the fixed device through its configured beam transceiver assembly. After entering the beam transceiver assembly, the first beam is converted into an electrical signal and then enters the optical processing board.

[0049] The optical processing board is pre-configured with a data parsing processor. In response to an electrical signal, the optical processing board generates beam convergence information. For example, the beam convergence information may include beam spot position error information. The beam spot position error information can be determined based on the landing point of the first beam entering the beam transceiver component. For example, the landing point of the first beam entering the beam transceiver component forms a beam spot, and whether the center point of the beam spot is offset from the center point of the beam transceiver component.

[0050] Mobile devices can control their cameras to capture audio and / or video data according to actual application needs. The audio and video data can be audio or video data of the underground environment captured by the mobile terminal. The audio data can also be two-way voice communication with fixed equipment in response to the communication needs of the fixed equipment.

[0051] For the audio data and / or video data and beam convergence information acquired in real time by the camera, the optical processing board can use the same modulation parameters to modulate the beam convergence information and the audio data and / or the video data, so that the second beam can simultaneously carry the audio data and / or video data and the beam convergence information, and the light corresponding to the beam convergence information is the same as the audio data and / or video data.

[0052] Subsequently, the second beam is transmitted to the fixed device via the beam transceiver assembly to achieve uplink data transmission.

[0053] Next, in step 206, the fixed device receives the second beam via an optical transmitting and receiving antenna configured on a two-dimensional optical turntable, for example... Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed device according to an embodiment of this application. The received second beam enters the data processor via a beam processing unit. Exemplarily, the data processing involves demodulating and parsing the second beam using a receiving demodulation unit and a decoding unit to obtain the data contained in the second beam. Subsequently, the parsed data can be fed back to the host computer via a comprehensive management unit, whereby the host computer can store, analyze, or distribute the received data.

[0054] Based on the embodiments of this application, the fixed device can always stably point the transmitted beam of the optical transmitting and receiving antenna at the mobile device, realizing continuous tracking of the optical link between the fixed device and the mobile device, thereby supporting continuous transmission of high-definition video or other large amounts of data. The mobile device only needs to have lightweight functions for video acquisition and beam transmission and reception, thus not only reducing the size and power consumption of the mobile device, but also making it easy to carry underground and operate for a long time.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, when the mobile device and the fixed device initially establish an optical link, the two-dimensional optical turntable in the fixed device performs a wide-range scan according to a preset search strategy, thereby quickly capturing the approximate location of the mobile device. For example, continuing with... Figure 4 As shown, in Figure 4 Based on the beam transceiver assembly shown, the mobile device may also include a beacon beam emitting assembly, which can emit a tracking beam to facilitate the fixed equipment to capture and locate the mobile device.

[0056] The tracking beam emitted by the beacon optical emitting component is an optical signal that can be used for position indication, direction correction, and link capture. This tracking beam does not carry major service data and is mainly used to assist in establishing and maintaining optical links.

[0057] During the scanning process, the fixed equipment uses a motor drive unit to gradually adjust the azimuth and elevation angles of the tracking beam, ensuring the scanning area covers the region where mobile equipment might be present in the underground tunnel. A visible light coarse tracking detector monitors the changes in the optical power of the received tracking beam in real time; when the tracking beam originates from a mobile device, the optical power increases significantly. The visible light coarse tracking detector compares the optical power with a preset power threshold. When the optical power exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the mobile terminal has been captured, thus confirming the approximate location of the mobile terminal and facilitating the establishment of a more precise optical link.

[0058] Optionally, if a link is lost after the mobile device and the fixed device have established a connection, and a new connection needs to be established, the priority search range can be determined based on the direction of the previous beam. This allows the lost beam to be found quickly within a smaller area, avoiding large-scale full-area scanning. This can effectively shorten the link recovery time and improve the chance of re-capturing the mobile terminal.

[0059] After completing the coarse alignment described above, further precise alignment and tracking can be performed so that the subsequent fixed equipment can accurately and stably point the emitted beam of light at the mobile device, so as to receive the beam of light emitted by the mobile device and realize continuous tracking of the optical link between the fixed equipment and the mobile device.

[0060] Once a stable optical link is established, video or other large amounts of data can be transmitted.

[0061] In some embodiments, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beam transceiver assembly for a mobile device provided in an embodiment of this application, combined with... Figure 4 As shown, the beam transceiver assembly includes a beam receiving assembly, which includes a four-quadrant photodiode, a receiving lens, and a narrowband filter. The four-quadrant photodiode is electrically connected to an optical processing board. Based on this, precise alignment and tracking of the mobile device can be achieved as follows: During the movement of the mobile device, a first beam passes through the receiving lens and the narrowband filter and is focused onto the four-quadrant photodiode, causing the four-quadrant photodiode to generate four photocurrents. The optical processing board responds to the four photocurrents and generates beam convergence information, which includes beam spot position error information. This beam spot position error information is used to determine the link status of the optical link and also to correct the beam emission direction of the first beam emitted by the fixed device, thereby maintaining continuous optical link tracking between the fixed device and the mobile device.

[0062] Specifically, the receiving lens can collect and focus the first beam, and a narrowband filter can be installed in front of the receiving lens to filter out background stray light and non-target wavelength interference in the downhole environment, thereby improving the stability and singleness of the beam incident on the receiving lens.

[0063] Alternatively, a narrowband filter can also be mounted behind the receiving lens.

[0064] In one example, during the movement of the mobile device, the first light beam, after being focused by a receiving lens and filtered by a narrowband filter, is projected onto the photosensitive surface of a four-quadrant photodiode, forming a light spot. The four-quadrant photodiode consists of four quadrants (upper, lower, left, and right). When the spot's landing point shifts, the photocurrent generated in each quadrant differs. By simultaneously acquiring the four photocurrents, the positional distribution of the light spot on a two-dimensional plane can be characterized. The four-quadrant photodiode is electrically connected to an optical processing board. The optical processing board amplifies, performs analog-to-digital conversion, and normalizes the differential calculations of the four photocurrents to obtain the positional error information of the light spot, i.e., the offset (Δx, Δy) between the center of the light spot and the center of the photodiode.

[0065] After the spot position error information is sent to the fixed equipment, it can be further determined whether the optical link status is stable.

[0066] In some embodiments, the position error information of the light spot can also help determine whether the attitude of the two-dimensional optical turntable needs to be adjusted. For example, the data processor can correct the direction of the emitted beam based on the position error information of the light spot using a preset correction algorithm. This ensures that the emitted beam can be aligned with the mobile device in real time, enabling continuous tracking of the optical link in the downhole environment.

[0067] Specifically, the data processor in the fixed device analyzes the second beam to obtain the position error information of the light spot; based on the position error information of the light spot, the data processor determines the position fluctuation information of the light spot, and based on the position fluctuation information of the light spot, determines the link status of the optical link.

[0068] Specifically, the position fluctuation information includes the offset amplitude and offset frequency of the light spot; when the offset amplitude is greater than a first threshold and / or the offset frequency is greater than a second threshold, the optical link is in an unstable state; when the offset amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and the offset frequency is less than or equal to the second threshold, the optical link is in a stable state.

[0069] For example, after acquiring the spot position error information, the data processor statistically analyzes this data within a preset time window to calculate the spot offset amplitude and offset frequency. The offset amplitude refers to the distance the spot deviates from the center position, and the offset frequency refers to the frequency of spot position changes per unit time.

[0070] Optionally, the preset time window can be from hundreds of milliseconds to several seconds, and the specific window size can be set based on the specific application scenario.

[0071] If the offset amplitude of the light spot is less than or equal to the first threshold and the offset frequency is less than or equal to the second threshold, the link will not experience significant jitter, and the optical link can maintain normal communication. Therefore, the link is determined to be in a stable state.

[0072] If the offset of the light spot exceeds the first threshold, or if the offset frequency exceeds the second threshold, the link may experience frequent disconnections, data loss, or other problems. In this case, the link is considered to be in an unstable state and needs to be corrected.

[0073] In a specific example, if the offset magnitude is greater than the first threshold, but the offset frequency is less than or equal to the second threshold, the level of instability is low; or, if the offset magnitude is less than or equal to the first threshold, but the offset frequency is greater than the second threshold, the level of instability is also low. Optionally, before formally correcting the link, the link status is observed within an observation window. If the link status does not automatically enter a stable state within the observation window, link correction is performed immediately.

[0074] If the offset amplitude of the light spot is greater than the first threshold and the offset frequency is greater than the second threshold, the level of instability is high, and the link needs to be corrected.

[0075] For example, when the link is determined to be unstable, the data processor can issue an adjustment signal based on the error information of the light spot, driving optical equipment, such as a two-dimensional optical turntable or a fine-tuner, to adjust its attitude, correct the beam emission direction, and restore link stability. Based on this, by real-time detection of the link status, accurate detection of beam alignment errors, rapid assessment of link stability, and implementation of corresponding adjustment measures, the long-term stable operation of the optical link in complex downhole environments can be ensured, thereby contributing to the realization of efficient and stable high-definition video and high-capacity data transmission.

[0076] In some embodiments, the beam transceiver assembly further includes a beam transmitting assembly, which includes an optical fiber interface, a transmitting optical fiber, and a transmitting lens. The transmitting optical fiber is connected to an optical processing board via the optical fiber interface. The method includes: the optical processing board encapsulating beam convergence information and audio and / or video data according to a preset communication protocol to obtain feedback data, and modulating the feedback data onto a target carrier based on preset modulation parameters to generate a feedback optical signal; the feedback optical signal is output to the transmitting optical fiber via the optical fiber interface, and then collimated by the transmitting lens to form a second beam.

[0077] Specifically, the transmitting optical fiber is connected to the optical processing board via an optical fiber interface. The optical processing board can convert different types of data into corresponding optical signals and output them through the transmitting optical fiber.

[0078] The optical processing board is configured to process data from different sources, such as beam convergence information, audio data, and / or video data, based on a preset communication protocol. The preset communication protocol may include information such as frame format definitions, data type identifiers, CRC checksums, and timestamps.

[0079] After obtaining beam convergence information, as well as audio and / or video data, the optical processing board can encapsulate this data into a format suitable for transmission, i.e., feedback data, according to a preset communication protocol.

[0080] After the data is encapsulated and feedback data is obtained, the optical processing card modulates the encapsulated data according to the preset modulation parameters, and loads the feedback data in the form of digital signal onto the target carrier to form a feedback optical signal.

[0081] Optionally, modulation parameters may include modulation type, number of bits transmitted per second, signal spectral range, encoding method, etc., which can be set based on the actual application scenario.

[0082] After the above modulation process is completed, the feedback optical signal is injected into the transmitting optical fiber through the optical fiber interface, and then collimated by the transmitting lens to form a second beam that is sent to the fixed device.

[0083] Based on this, the beam transceiver component can simultaneously converge beam information and audio / video service data in a second beam, which not only improves the utilization and stability of the downhole communication link, but also reduces the number and size of optical components, thereby significantly reducing the weight of mobile devices, improving the portability of mobile devices, and making them more convenient to use in downhole spaces.

[0084] In some embodiments of this application, the beam focusing information also includes beam receiving power and light intensity fluctuation information, wherein the light intensity fluctuation information is used to characterize light intensity fluctuations caused by dust or airflow disturbances in the downhole environment.

[0085] To further improve the stability of data transmission, the method may also include the following steps: in response to the beam receiving component receiving the first beam, the optical processing board calculates the beam receiving power of the beam receiving component, and calculates the light intensity fluctuation information based on the mean and variance of the beam receiving power within a preset time window; the light intensity fluctuation information and the beam receiving power are packaged into beam convergence information, so as to transmit the light intensity fluctuation information and the beam receiving power to the fixed device through the beam transmitting component.

[0086] Specifically, the optical processing board sums the four photocurrents output by the four-quadrant photodiode at a certain moment to obtain the total photocurrent of the light spot on the receiving surface at that moment. The total photocurrent, combined with pre-calibrated parameters, can be converted into the beam receiving power at that moment, that is, the instantaneous photopower signal. The calibration information may include responsivity, gain, optical loss compensation, etc.

[0087] Optionally, the optical processing board further calculates the mean and variance of the optical power signal at a preset time window, such as 0.5 seconds per preset time window, and then obtains the light intensity fluctuation information by calculating the ratio of the variance to the square of the mean, thereby quantifying the impact of downhole environmental disturbances on beam stability.

[0088] After the calculation is completed, the optical processing board packages the beam receiving power and light intensity fluctuation information into beam convergence information, so that it can be modulated into the second beam.

[0089] After receiving the second beam, the fixed equipment can use a data processor to analyze the received power and intensity fluctuation information from the second beam. This allows it to dynamically adjust the modulation and coding scheme and the divergence angle of the first beam based on the actual operating status of the link, thereby improving the stability and continuity of data transmission. Therefore, even in dusty or turbulent conditions, the fixed equipment can effectively control the optical link, ensuring communication connectivity with mobile devices.

[0090] In some embodiments, determining the link status based on beam receiving power and light intensity fluctuation information may further include the following steps: the data processor in the fixed device analyzes the second beam to obtain light intensity fluctuation information and beam receiving power; the data processor determines the link status of the optical link based on the light intensity fluctuation information and beam receiving power.

[0091] Specifically, when the received power of the beam is higher than the first power threshold and the light intensity fluctuation information is lower than the first fluctuation threshold, the link state is determined to be stable.

[0092] When the received power of the beam is lower than the first power threshold and / or the light intensity fluctuation information is higher than the first fluctuation threshold, the link state is determined to be unstable.

[0093] Specifically, when the received power of the light beam is higher than the first power threshold and the light intensity fluctuation information is lower than the first fluctuation threshold, it can be determined that the link state of the optical link is in a stable state. In this state, video data or other large-capacity data can be transmitted stably and continuously.

[0094] When the received power of the light beam is lower than the first power threshold and the light intensity fluctuation information is higher than the first fluctuation threshold, the data processor determines that the optical link is in an unstable state. At this time, there may be increased dust, airflow disturbance, or partial obstruction of the optical path in the underground roadway, which reduces the stability of the optical link and affects the quality of data transmission.

[0095] In some specific embodiments, when the link state is determined to be unstable, the following steps can be used to adjust the link transmission mode: when the link state is determined to be unstable and does not match the current link transmission mode, the data processor instructs the optical transmitting and receiving antenna to increase the divergence angle, and / or the data processor generates a transmission mode adjustment command and modulates the transmission mode adjustment command into a first beam, so that the first beam carries the transmission mode adjustment command and transmits it to the mobile device, so as to instruct the mobile device to reduce the modulation and coding level to reduce the data transmission volume.

[0096] When the link state is determined to be unstable, and this state does not match the current transmission mode used by the link, it means that the link is currently transmitting data based on the transmission mode corresponding to a stable state. Because the stability of optical links is reduced, it is necessary to prioritize ensuring the stability of the link.

[0097] Specifically, the data processor can directly control the optical transmitting and receiving antennas to increase the divergence angle, thereby expanding the coverage area of ​​the light spot, improving the fault tolerance and robustness of the link, and reducing the risk of disconnection due to mobile devices.

[0098] Optionally, the data processor can also generate a transmission mode adjustment instruction and modulate the instruction into the first beam, so that the first beam carries the instruction and transmits it to the mobile device to instruct the mobile device to reduce its modulation and coding scheme level. For example, after reducing the modulation and coding scheme level, the number of bits carried by each symbol decreases, the amount of data that can be transmitted per unit time also decreases, and at the same time, the number of redundant bits increases.

[0099] Based on this, although the effective throughput of the entire optical link has decreased, the stability and continuity of the overall communication link are guaranteed, enabling data transmission to continue even when the quality of the optical link deteriorates. As a result, it is better able to cope with the complex environment downhole and ensure the continuous transmission of basic data and video.

[0100] In some specific embodiments, if the link status is determined to be stable, the following steps can be used to adjust the link transmission method to ensure accurate transmission of video data.

[0101] Specifically, if the link state is determined to be stable and does not match the current link transmission mode, it is further determined whether the received power is higher than the second power threshold and whether the received light intensity fluctuation information is lower than the second fluctuation threshold, wherein the second power threshold is higher than the first power threshold and the second fluctuation threshold is lower than the first fluctuation threshold.

[0102] When the received power is higher than the second power threshold and the light intensity fluctuation information is lower than the second fluctuation threshold, the data processor instructs the optical transmitting and receiving antenna to narrow the divergence angle, and / or the data processor generates a transmission mode adjustment command and modulates the transmission mode adjustment command into the first beam, so that the first beam carries the transmission mode adjustment command and transmits it to the mobile device, so as to instruct the mobile device to increase the level of modulation and coding mode to increase the amount of data transmission.

[0103] If the current link transmission mode does not match the stable state when the link is determined to be in a stable state, that is, the current link transmission mode corresponds to the transmission mode in the unstable state, the data transmission volume is small. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the transmission mode to increase the data transmission volume and match the current link state.

[0104] To avoid frequent switching of transmission modes near the critical value, it is necessary to further determine whether the received power is higher than the second power threshold and whether the optical intensity fluctuation information is lower than the second fluctuation threshold. The second power threshold is set higher than the first power threshold, and the second fluctuation threshold is set lower than the first fluctuation threshold to form a hysteresis range.

[0105] Next, if the received power is higher than the second power threshold and the light intensity fluctuation information is lower than the second fluctuation threshold, then it is confirmed that the transmission mode can be adjusted.

[0106] Optionally, the data processor can directly issue control commands to narrow the divergence angle of the optical transmitting and receiving antenna, thereby improving optical power density and link utilization. The data processor can also generate transmission mode adjustment commands and modulate these commands into the first beam, enabling the first beam to carry the commands and transmit them to the mobile device. Upon receiving the commands, the mobile device upgrades its modulation and coding scheme to increase data transmission volume and overall communication throughput.

[0107] For example, the higher the modulation and coding level, the higher the corresponding data transmission volume and overall communication throughput. For instance, different modulation levels carry different numbers of bits per symbol; a higher modulation level allows for a larger amount of data to be transmitted per unit time. Similarly, different coding levels correspond to different numbers of redundant bits; a higher coding level results in a lower number of redundant bits, thereby increasing the effective information content.

[0108] Based on the embodiments of this application, by combining light intensity fluctuation information and beam receiving power, the link status can be dynamically evaluated. When the link is stable, the transmission rate can be increased by narrowing the divergence angle or increasing the modulation and coding level. At the same time, the judgment logic of dual thresholds can be used to reduce frequent switching, thereby achieving efficient data transmission while ensuring stability.

[0109] In some embodiments, after the link has been in a stable state for more than a preset time, the data processor controls the optical transmitting and receiving antenna to gradually narrow the divergence angle, and / or the data processor generates a transmission mode adjustment instruction and modulates the transmission mode adjustment instruction into the first beam, so that the first beam carries the transmission mode adjustment instruction and transmits it to the mobile device, so as to instruct the mobile device to gradually increase the level of modulation and coding mode to increase the amount of data transmission.

[0110] For example, based on the second beam, if the optical link is determined to be continuously stable for more than a preset duration, it indicates that the current optical link has relatively low volatility. At this point, the data processor can further improve the overall throughput. The preset duration can be 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or other values, and can be set according to the application scenario.

[0111] Optionally, the data processor controls the divergence angle of the transmitted beam to narrow gradually, thereby allowing the optical power to be more concentrated on the beam receiving component of the mobile device, improving the received signal-to-noise ratio and increasing the communication bandwidth. Understandably, the adjustment process is carried out in stages, with each narrowing corresponding to a limited amplitude, to ensure that the beam can still cover the small range of motion of the mobile device and avoid link disconnection due to excessively rapid narrowing.

[0112] Optionally, the data processor can send the transmission mode adjustment command multiple times. After receiving the command, the mobile device can gradually increase its modulation and coding scheme level. Based on this, the mobile device can achieve a higher data transmission volume while maintaining link stability.

[0113] Based on the embodiments of this application, it is possible to achieve stable transmission of high-definition video and other large amounts of data in complex environments such as underground dust and airflow disturbances, while reducing the processing load of mobile devices and realizing emergency communication underground.

[0114] In some optional embodiments, a relay device can be installed between the mobile device and the fixed device. The relay device can be used to increase the communication distance. There can be one or multiple relay devices, especially in complex or obstacle-filled downhole environments. By installing relay devices, the stability and coverage of signal transmission can be enhanced, thereby ensuring that the signal can cover a farther area and reducing transmission loss.

[0115] Optionally, the relay equipment may be configured with an optical transmitting and receiving unit, including a beam receiving component and a beam transmitting component. The beam receiving component receives signals emitted by the fixed device or the preceding relay equipment, amplifies and forwards the signals. The beam transmitting component receives the beam and modulates it into a second beam or an uplink beam, transmitting the signal to the mobile device or the next relay equipment. When the signal passes through the relay equipment between the mobile device and the fixed device, the first beam emitted by the fixed device is received by the relay equipment, processed by the optical processing board, and then the beam transmitting component of the relay equipment sends the modulated optical signal to the next device. Optionally, the next device can be either a relay equipment or a mobile device.

[0116] In addition, in underground tunnels or narrow roadways, if the signal transmission path is severely obstructed or the signal attenuation is significant, relay equipment can be deployed to enhance the signal and ensure stable communication between fixed and mobile equipment.

[0117] Corresponding to the method embodiments of this application, this application also provides a downhole communication tracking device based on free space optical communication. The downhole communication tracking device based on free space optical communication in the embodiments of this application can correspond to the execution subject of the downhole communication tracking method based on free space optical communication provided in the embodiments of this application. For details on the operation and / or function of each module / unit of the downhole communication tracking device based on free space optical communication, please refer to the description of the corresponding part in the method provided in the above embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0118] The electronic device in this application embodiment can be a user terminal device, a fixed device, other computing devices, or a cloud-based fixed device. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the hardware structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application. The electronic device may include a processor 501 and a memory 502 storing computer program instructions. When the processor 501 executes the computer program instructions, it implements the process or function of any of the methods described above.

[0119] Specifically, processor 501 may include a central processing unit (CPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application. Memory 502 may include a mass storage device for data or instructions. For example, memory 502 may be at least one of the following: a hard disk drive (HDD), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), floppy disk drive, flash memory, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, universal serial bus (USB) drive, or other physical / tangible memory storage device. Alternatively, memory 502 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Furthermore, memory 502 may be internal or external to the integrated gateway disaster recovery device. Memory 502 may be non-volatile solid-state memory. In other words, typically memory 502 includes a tangible (non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium (such as a memory device) encoded with computer-executable instructions, and when the software is executed (e.g., by one or more processors), it can perform the operations described in the methods of the embodiments of this application. The processor 501 implements the process or function of any of the methods described in the above embodiments by reading and executing computer program instructions stored in the memory 502.

[0120] In one example Figure 5The illustrated electronic device may also include a communication interface 503 and a bus 510. The processor 501, memory 502, and communication interface 503 are connected via bus 510 and communicate with each other. Communication interface 503 is primarily used to enable communication between modules, devices, units, and / or equipment in the embodiments of this application. Bus 510 may include hardware, software, or both, and can couple components of the online data traffic billing device together. For example, the bus may include at least one of the following: Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, Front Side Bus (FSB), HyperTransport (HT) Interconnect, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Infinite Bandwidth Interconnect, Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, memory bus, Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable buses. Bus 510 may include one or more buses. Although specific buses are described or illustrated in the embodiments of this application, any suitable bus or interconnection method may be considered in the embodiments of this application.

[0121] In conjunction with the methods in the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the process or function of any of the methods in the above embodiments.

[0122] In addition, this application also provides a computer program product that stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the process or function of any of the methods described above.

[0123] The flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of this application have been exemplarily described above, and related aspects have been described. It should be understood that each block or combination thereof in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be implemented by computer program instructions, by dedicated hardware performing a specified function or action, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. For example, these computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine that enables the implementation of the function / action specified in each block or combination thereof in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, executable via such processor. Such a processor may be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a special-purpose application processor, or a field-programmable logic circuit.

[0124] The functional blocks shown in the structural block diagrams of this application can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc.; when implemented in software, they are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. Programs or code segments can be stored in memory or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried on a carrier wave. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet or intranets.

[0125] It should be noted that this application is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above or shown in the figures. The above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the described systems, devices, modules, or units can be referred to the corresponding processes in the method embodiments, and need not be repeated here. It should be understood that the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A downhole communication tracking method based on free space optical communication, characterized by, The method is based on an underground emergency tracking system, which includes an optical fixed device and a mobile device. When in use, both the fixed device and the mobile device are located in the underground space. The fixed device is set at a designated location in the underground space, and the mobile device is carried by the user to move in the underground space. Mobile devices include: a camera, an optical processing board, a beam transceiver assembly, a beacon light emitting assembly, and a power supply battery; The fixed equipment includes: a two-dimensional optical turntable, a tracking and communication control box, and a data processor. The data processor communicates with a host computer and is used to parse the control information sent by the host computer. The two-dimensional optical turntable is equipped with an optical transmitting and receiving antenna. The downhole communication tracking method based on free-space optical communication includes: The mobile device emits a tracking beam via the beacon light emitting component; In response to receiving the tracking beam, the fixed device locks onto the mobile device and determines the beam emission direction based on the tracking beam to maintain continuous tracking of the optical link between the fixed device and the mobile device; The fixed device sends an attitude adjustment command corresponding to the beam emission direction to the tracking and aiming communication control box, and controls the tracking and aiming communication control box to drive the two-dimensional optical turntable to rotate, so that the optical transmitting and receiving antenna sends a first beam to the mobile device based on the beam emission direction; The mobile device controls the camera to collect audio data and / or video data, and receives the first beam based on the beam transceiver component; The optical processing board generates beam convergence information for the first beam; The optical processing board modulates the beam convergence information and the audio data and / or video data into the second beam based on preset modulation parameters, and emits the second beam through the beam transceiver component; The fixed device receives the second beam through the optical transmitting and receiving antenna, analyzes the second beam based on the data processor, and feeds back the analyzed beam convergence information, audio data and / or video data to the host computer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The beam transceiver assembly includes: a beam receiving assembly, which includes: a four-quadrant photodiode, a receiving lens, and a narrowband filter, wherein the four-quadrant photodiode is electrically connected to the optical processing board; The methods include: During the movement of the mobile device, the first light beam passes through the receiving lens and the narrowband filter and is focused onto the four-quadrant photodiode, so that the four-quadrant photodiode generates four photocurrents. The optical processing board responds to four photocurrents to generate beam convergence information, wherein the beam convergence information includes the position error information of the light spot; The position error information of the light spot is used to determine the link status of the optical link. The position error information of the light spot is also used to correct the beam emission direction of the first beam emitted by the fixed device, so as to maintain continuous tracking of the optical link between the fixed device and the mobile device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method includes: The data processor in the fixed device analyzes the second beam to obtain the position error information of the light spot; The data processor determines the position fluctuation information of the light spot based on the position error information of the light spot, and determines the link status of the optical link based on the position fluctuation information of the light spot; Among them, the position fluctuation information includes the offset amplitude and offset frequency of the light spot; If the offset amplitude is greater than a first threshold and / or the offset frequency is greater than a second threshold, the optical link is in an unstable state. When the offset amplitude is less than or equal to the first threshold and the offset frequency is less than or equal to the second threshold, the optical link is in a stable state.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The beam transceiver assembly also includes a beam transmitting assembly, which includes an optical fiber interface, a transmitting optical fiber, and a transmitting lens. The transmitting optical fiber is connected to the optical processing board via the optical fiber interface. The methods include: The optical processing card encapsulates the beam convergence information and the audio data and / or video data according to a preset communication protocol to obtain feedback data, and modulates the feedback data onto the target carrier based on preset modulation parameters to generate a feedback optical signal. The feedback optical signal is output to the transmitting optical fiber through the optical fiber interface, and then collimated by the transmitting lens to form a second beam.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The beam focusing information also includes beam receiving power and light intensity fluctuation information, wherein the light intensity fluctuation information is used to characterize the light intensity fluctuations caused by dust or airflow disturbances in the downhole environment. The method includes: In response to the beam receiving component receiving the first beam, the optical processing board calculates the beam receiving power of the beam receiving component, and calculates the light intensity fluctuation information based on the mean and variance of the beam receiving power within a preset time window. The light intensity fluctuation information and the beam receiving power are packaged into the beam converging information, so that the light intensity fluctuation information and the beam receiving power are transmitted to the fixed device through the beam transmitting component.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The data processor in the fixed device analyzes the second beam to obtain the light intensity fluctuation information and the beam receiving power. The data processor determines the link status of the optical link based on the light intensity fluctuation information and the beam receiving power; Specifically, when the received power of the light beam is higher than the first power threshold and the light intensity fluctuation information is lower than the first fluctuation threshold, the link state is determined to be a stable state. When the received power of the beam is lower than the first power threshold and / or the light intensity fluctuation information is higher than the first fluctuation threshold, the link state is determined to be unstable.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the link state is determined to be stable and does not match the current link transmission mode, it is further determined whether the received power is higher than the second power threshold and whether the optical intensity fluctuation information is lower than the second fluctuation threshold, wherein the second power threshold is higher than the first power threshold and the second fluctuation threshold is lower than the first fluctuation threshold. When the received power is higher than the second power threshold and the light intensity fluctuation information is lower than the second fluctuation threshold, the data processor instructs the optical transmitting and receiving antenna to narrow the divergence angle, and / or the data processor generates a transmission mode adjustment command and modulates the transmission mode adjustment command into the first beam to instruct the mobile device to increase the level of modulation and coding scheme to increase the data transmission volume.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The method includes: If the link state is determined to be unstable and does not match the current link's transmission mode, the data processor instructs the optical transmitting and receiving antenna to increase the divergence angle, and / or the data processor generates a transmission mode adjustment command and modulates the transmission mode adjustment command into the first beam to instruct the mobile device to reduce the modulation and coding level to reduce the amount of data transmitted.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The method includes: When the link remains in a stable state for more than a preset time, the data processor instructs the tracking communication control box to drive the optical transmitting and receiving antenna to gradually narrow the divergence angle, and / or the data processor generates a transmission mode adjustment command and modulates the transmission mode adjustment command into the first beam to instruct the mobile device to gradually increase the level of modulation and coding to increase the data transmission volume.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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