Spatial multiplexing acoustic modem

Abstract

A wirelessly controlled transceiver acoustic modem for a distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) system, comprising a circuit that receives a wireless signal containing configuration information and configures the modem to operate according to the configuration information, and generates an acoustic signal detected by the DFOS system. The acoustic modem further includes one or more sensors that detect environmental information encoded in the acoustic signal for reception by the DFOS system. Depending on the received configuration information, the operating time of the modem, the sensors, or other operating modes are changed as needed, and that information is transmitted from a fixed location or a moving vehicle. The acoustic modem includes a plurality of vibration elements that provide spatially multiplexed vibration signals to be transmitted to the DFOS system fiber sensors.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) systems, methods, structures, and related techniques, and more particularly to spatially multiplexed acoustic modems used to transmit vibration signals to optical sensor fibers. [Background technology]

[0002] Distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) technologies, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), distributed vibration sensing (DVS), and distributed temperature sensing (DTS), are well established as being most useful for sensing acoustic events, vibration events, and temperature in a variety of modern applications. Given this importance, any improvement in DFOS technology or complementary systems would be a welcome addition to this technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relating to a wirelessly controlled transmit and receive acoustic modem for use in a distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) system and method provide an advancement in the art.

[0004] In contrast to the prior art, from a first perspective, the wirelessly controlled acoustic modem of the present invention advantageously receives wireless signals that are used to change the acoustic modem's operating settings, thereby allowing the acoustic modem to be remotely controlled and its operating characteristics to be adjusted. The transmit-receive acoustic modem may include one or more sensors that generate acoustically encodable environmental information and acoustically excite nearby sensing fibers for detection / analysis by the DFOS system.

[0005] In further contrast to the prior art, and viewed from another perspective, the acoustic modem of the present invention employs a novel method of acoustic modem communication through a DFOS / DAS system that advantageously increases the data transfer rate from the field to a central office or other location where a DFOS / DAS interrogator is installed. In operation, the acoustic modem of the present invention communicates acoustic vibration codes in a spatially multiplexed manner. Instead of using only a single vibrator (or shaker or speaker), the spatially multiplexed acoustic modem of the present invention uses multiple vibrators placed at various locations along the sensing fiber. As long as the spacing between the multiple vibrators is greater than the resolution of the DFOS / DAS system, the DFOS / DAS system can simultaneously detect the signals of the multiple vibrators. As a result, using n vibrators can increase the data transfer rate by a factor of n.

[0006] Finally, in further contrast to the prior art, from another perspective, the acoustic modem of the present invention wirelessly taps into a high power line to charge itself and power the sensor and vibrator for acoustic data transmission, thereby enabling the acoustic modem of the present invention to self-charge and transmit integrated sensor data via vibration over an OPGW (optical ground wire) cable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1(A)] FIG. 1(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional non-coded DFOS system. [Figure 1(B)] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional coded DFOS system.

[0008] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary over-the-air programming of an acoustic modem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating example components of an acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an operational workflow of the operation of a DFOS / DAS and an exemplary wireless acoustic modem, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary features of a DFOS / DAS system employing an exemplary wireless acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of an exemplary spatial multiplexing acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall operating principle of a spatial multiplexing acoustic modem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an operational workflow of the operation of DFOS / DAS and an exemplary spatial multiplexing acoustic modem, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating example features of a DFOS / DAS system employing an example spatial multiplexing acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example operation of an example energy harvesting acoustic modem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the workflow of operation of the DFOS / DAS and an exemplary energy-harvesting acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating example features of a DFOS / DAS system employing an example energy-harvesting acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following merely illustrates the principles of the present disclosure, and it should thus be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which embody the principles of the present disclosure, even though not explicitly described or shown herein, and which are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Furthermore, all examples and conditional language provided herein are meant to be for educational purposes only to aid in understanding the principles of the present disclosure and concepts provided by the inventors to further the present technology, and should not be construed as being limited to the specifically listed examples and conditions.

[0021] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Furthermore, such equivalents are intended to include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0022] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein are conceptual diagrams illustrating illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the present disclosure.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, the drawings herein, including the figures, are not drawn to scale.

[0024] As additional background, note that a distributed fiber optic sensing system interconnects an optoelectronic integrator to an optical fiber (or cable), transforming the optical fiber into an array of sensors distributed along the fiber. In effect, the fiber becomes the sensor, and the interrogator generates / injects laser light energy into the fiber to sense / detect events along the fiber.

[0025] As those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate, DFOS technology can be utilized to continuously monitor vehicle movement, foot traffic, drilling operations, seismic activity, temperature, structural integrity, liquid and gas leaks, and many other conditions and activities. It is used worldwide to monitor power plants, communications networks, railroads, roads, bridges, borders, critical infrastructure, onshore and offshore power and pipelines, and downhole applications in oil, gas, and enhanced geothermal power generation. Distributed fiber optic sensing has the advantage of being unconstrained by line-of-sight or remote power access and can be deployed over continuous lengths of more than 30 miles, sensing / detecting at any point along its length, depending on the system configuration. As a result, the cost per sensing point over long distances is unmatched by competing, commonly used technologies.

[0026] Distributed fiber optic sensing measures changes in the "backscatter" of light that occurs within an optical sensing fiber when the sensing fiber encounters an environmental change, such as a vibration, strain, or temperature change event. As described above, the sensing fiber acts as a sensor along its entire length, providing real-time information about the physical / environmental surroundings and the integrity / security of the fiber. Furthermore, distributed fiber optic sensing data pinpoints the precise location of events and conditions occurring at or near the sensing fiber.

[0027] A schematic diagram illustrating the general layout and operation of a distributed optical fiber sensing system that advantageously includes artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) analysis is illustrated in Figure 1(A). Referring to Figure 1(A), it is observed that the optical sensing fiber is connected to an interrogator. Although not shown in detail, the interrogator may include a coded DFOS system, which may employ a coherent receiver configuration known in the art, such as that shown in Figure 1(B).

[0028] As is well known, a modern interrogator is a system that generates an input signal to an optical sensing fiber and detects and analyzes the reflected / backscattered received signal. The received signal is analyzed to generate an output that is indicative of environmental conditions occurring along the fiber. The received backscattered signal is caused by reflections within the fiber, such as Raman backscattering, Rayleigh backscattering, and Brillion backscattering.

[0029] As understood, modern DFOS systems include an interrogator that periodically generates a light pulse (or any coded signal) and launches it into an optical fiber, where it is transmitted along the fiber.

[0030] At locations along the fiber, a small portion of the signal is backscattered / reflected back to the interrogator where it is received. The backscattered / reflected signal carries information that the interrogator uses to detect, for example, changes in power level indicative of mechanical vibrations.

[0031] The received backscattered signal is converted to the electrical domain and processed by an interrogator. Based on the time of the input pulse and the time the signal is detected, the interrogator can determine from which location in the optical sensing fiber the received signal originates and sense activity at each location along the optical sensing fiber. The classification method may further be used to detect and identify events or other environmental conditions along the optical sensing fiber, including acoustic and / or vibration and / or heat.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary DFOS operation, including an acoustic modem located on a utility pole suspending a fiber optic sensor cable, a component of the DFOS system. As shown in this diagram, the acoustic modem generates an acoustic signal that excites the fiber optic sensor cable to produce vibrations that are detected and interpreted by the operation of the DFOS / DAS system. As described above, the acoustic modem supports wirelessly controlled, transmit-receive communications, receiving and responding to transmitted, matching radio signals.

[0033] In the exemplary scenario shown in the figure, the vehicle is equipped with a radio transmitter that emits radio waves to communicate with and change the settings of the acoustic modem. For example, depending on the actual distance between the central office and the acoustic modem, the transmitter may be located in a central office (or other fixed location) or in a mobile station such as the vehicle shown in the figure.

[0034] As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the wirelessly controlled acoustic modem of the present invention provides a snow depth measurement function that can be disabled in the summer and turned back on in the winter, for example, or the transmission period of the acoustic modem can be varied according to the operator's needs.

[0035] As shown, the radio signals transmitted to the acoustic modem may be from a fixed station or from a moving or stationary vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the radio signals may be in an unlicensed radio frequency band and may use known protocols.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the wirelessly controlled acoustic modem of the present invention employs communications that can be transmitted and received over two different media.

[0037] The first type of communication and medium uses acoustic vibrations that excite nearby fiber optic cables and can be detected by the DFOS / DAS system over distances of at least 50 km. This medium (DFOS / DAS fiber optic sensor cable) runs from the acoustic modem to an interrogator located in a central office.

[0038] The second type of communication and medium uses radio signals in unlicensed frequency bands, such as one of the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) bands. Although these radio bands are unlicensed, they are not without limitations. The main limitation is that the transmission power level cannot be too high; that is, the distance between the radio receiver (acoustic modem) and the transmitter (controller) must be approximately 100 meters or less. Depending on the distance between the acoustic modem and the central office, the transmitter can be located in the central office or in a mobile station such as a car. This type of operation is shown diagrammatically in Figure 2.

[0039] In summary, the wirelessly controlled acoustic modem of the present invention provides the dual communication functions of the acoustic modem and a mobile transmitter that allows city-wide control of the acoustic modem, allowing the acoustic modem to be switched on / off while the measurement settings (sensitivity, accuracy, etc.) of the acoustic modem can be adjusted and changed as needed or desired due to changing sensing requirements or environmental conditions.

[0040] 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating exemplary components of an acoustic modem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a sound / vibration generator, a transceiver that can advantageously provide the multi-mode communication described above, and a controller / computer for coordinating the operation of the acoustic modem.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the operational workflow of the operation of a DFOS / DAS and an exemplary wireless acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in this diagram, the acoustic modem is first mounted in a position where it is in physical contact with a nearby fiber optic cable. Next, the acoustic modem measures certain physical parameters and transmits the results via vibrations based on its configuration. The vibrations are remotely detected by the DFOS / DAS. To change the acoustic modem settings, a transmitter sends radio waves containing configuration / settings data from a fixed or mobile station to the acoustic modem. The acoustic modem's controller receives this data and uses it to reconfigure its operating parameters. Finally, the acoustic modem settings and parameters are changed. Such changes may include turning sensors on or off as needed or desired.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary features of a DFOS / DAS system employing an exemplary wireless acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown schematically in this figure, the acoustic modem provides both fiber optic communication (through acoustic / vibration action) and wireless communication. The acoustic communication provides a communication medium (the fiber optic sensor cable that is part of the DFOS / DAS) without cutting, splicing, or terminating. The wireless communication allows for remote control of the acoustic modem and allows for wireless reconfiguration of the acoustic modem. Finally, the wireless communication containing the reconfiguration information can be provided from a mobile or fixed location, greatly enhancing the versatility of the reconfiguration.

[0043] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure and the inventive acoustic modem, the acoustic modem is further improved by providing the capability to spatially multiplex and transmit acoustic vibration codes. Instead of using a single vibrator (or shaker or speaker), the inventive spatially multiplexed acoustic modem operation uses multiple vibrator sources located at different locations along the fiber optic sensor cable. As long as the vibrators are spaced further apart than the resolution of the DFOS / DAS system, the DFOS / DAS operation can simultaneously detect / collect signals from those vibrators. That is, using n vibrators can increase the data transfer rate by a factor of n.

[0044] As those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate, the spatial multiplexing operation of the present invention is made possible by the detection capabilities of the DFOS / DAS system, as it is able to collect data from multiple points along the fiber cable, thereby enabling the spatial multiplexing acoustic modem of the present invention to transmit data from multiple points via multiple vibration sources.

[0045] As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the spatially multiplexed acoustic modem of the present invention provides a unique operation in the data transmission and data reception operations of DFOS / DAS. For data transmission, it employs spatial multiplexing in the acoustic domain (i.e., different portions of data are transmitted simultaneously via different transducers at different points along the fiber). For data reception, the DFOS / DAS system simultaneously receives / detects / decodes DFOS / DAS data from multiple points along the path of the fiber optic sensor cable. That is, signals detected at different points are combined and analyzed as a single transmission.

[0046] 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the setup and operation of an exemplary spatially multiplexed acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in this figure, a series of n vibrators are attached at n different locations along the path of a fiber optic cable sensor. The n vibrators are controlled by a single acoustic modem. The n vibrators operate simultaneously at different frequencies and are simultaneously received / detected / analyzed by a single DFOS / DAS interrogator.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall operating principle of a spatial multiplexing acoustic modem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] First, an acoustic modem and n oscillators are placed in the field. The n oscillators must be placed at n different locations to couple to a single point along the fiber, and the oscillators must be spaced at least as far apart as the spatial resolution of the DFOS / DAS system. The data to be transmitted can be sensor data, time values, or other data. Before the data is transmitted, the acoustic modem splits it into n pieces, one for each of the n oscillators. Next, the acoustic modem maps the bits to frequencies (i.e., 101 becomes f c (corresponding to n). The acoustic modem then determines the vibration pattern of n different frequencies, and the vibrator realizes these vibrations. Once the vibrations are coupled into the fiber, they are detected by the DAS system, demultiplexed, and decoded, thus recovering the complete data stream.

[0049] 8 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an operational workflow of the operation of a DFOS / DAS and an exemplary spatially multiplexed acoustic modem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a spatially multiplexed acoustic modem with n transducers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in the field, with the n transducers located at different locations along the fiber optic sensor cable. The acoustic modem's main board / processor splits and transmits data to the n transducers, respectively. The n transducers simultaneously transmit portions of the data from their different locations. The DFOS / DAS detects all DFOS / DAS signals from the n transducers, demultiplexes them to obtain a single data stream, and analyzes the single stream to decode the data. Finally, the entire operation is repeated.

[0050] First, an acoustic modem and n vibrators must be installed in the field, with the n vibrators placed at n different locations so that they couple to a single point along the fiber. They are spaced apart at least according to the spatial resolution of the DAS system. The data can be sensor data, time values, or other data. Before the data is transmitted, the acoustic modem splits the data into n bits for the n vibrators. Next, the acoustic modem maps the bits to frequencies (i.e., 101 becomes f c (corresponding to n). The acoustic modem then determines the vibration pattern of n different frequencies, and the vibrator realizes these vibrations. Once the vibrations are coupled into the fiber, they are detected by the DAS system, demultiplexed, and decoded, thus recovering the complete data stream.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating example features of a DFOS / DAS system employing an example spatial multiplexing acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] It is noted that the power requirements of acoustic modems may limit their practical and widespread use, as they must be installed in locations where power is available in order to operate for extended periods without technician intervention.

[0053] Therefore, the present invention provides an acoustic modem with wireless power tapping capability from high voltage lines to power the acoustic modem, which requires close proximity to the high power lines, optimizing applications related to monitoring of high power lines.

[0054] In operation, our acoustic is an upgraded acoustic modem that wirelessly taps into high-power lines to charge itself and power sensors and vibrators for extended or continuous operation. Our approach uses a wireless energy harvester, similar to wireless charging technology. As a result, our acoustic modem is self-charging and transmits sensor data integrated via vibration over an optical ground wire (OPGW) cable.

[0055] Advantageously, the acoustic modem of the present invention utilizes power tapping from high voltage lines to power the acoustic modem, making it practical to operate near high voltage lines. Because the acoustic modem leverages the detection capabilities of DFOS / DAS systems, simply generating mechanical vibrations near an optical ground wire (OPGW) cable can be detected by a DFOS / DAS interrogator system located several kilometers away.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of an exemplary energy-harvesting acoustic modem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen from this diagram, the acoustic modem of the present invention harvesting electrical energy includes at least three main operational components. The first component is a main control unit including a sensor and a rechargeable battery. The second component is a wireless power tapping antenna located near, but not physically in contact with, the high-voltage cable. This component is responsible for wirelessly harvesting electrical energy and providing it to the main control unit. The third component is the acoustic modem, which includes a shaker / vibrator attached to or near the OPGW cable. Additionally, there is also a DFOS / DAS system that includes an interrogator that interrogates the OPGW cable and detects vibrations generated by the device's shaker / vibrator.

[0057] One of the advantageous features of the inventive acoustic modem with energy harvesting capability is that it is a completely isolated system with respect to power. It does not require any optical or "hard" physical electrical connections. It does not need to receive any external communication or control signals. It is a completely self-contained device that can be self-charged, can perform pre-programmed missions (such as measuring a specific physical parameter (temperature, humidity, pressure, snow depth, etc.) and transmit the value via vibration at predetermined intervals), and is plug-and-play.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the workflow of operation of DFOS / DAS and an exemplary energy harvesting acoustic modem, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating example features of a DFOS / DAS system employing an example energy-harvesting acoustic modem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] While the present disclosure has been illustrated herein using certain specific examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present teachings are not limited thereto. Accordingly, the present disclosure should be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. 1. A spatially multiplexed acoustic modem system for a distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) system, comprising: a plurality of oscillators spaced at predetermined intervals along the optical sensor fiber of the DFOS system; an acoustic modulator configured to generate spatially multiplexed physical vibrations in the plurality of vibrators; the acoustic modulator includes a processor that divides data to be transmitted into a plurality of pieces of data for each of the vibrators and transmits the plurality of pieces of data to the plurality of vibrators, respectively; the plurality of vibrators are arranged such that vibrations generated by each of the plurality of vibrators are received by the optical sensor fiber of the DFOS system at a different location along the optical sensor fiber of the DFOS system; A spatially multiplexed acoustic modem system in which different portions of the data to be transmitted are transmitted along the optical sensor fiber simultaneously via different vibrators, resulting in spatial multiplexing in the acoustic domain.

2. 2. The spatial multiplexing acoustic modem system of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors that measure the physical environmental parameters, and wherein the acoustic modulator is further configured to process the measured environmental parameters and generate the spatially multiplexed physical vibrations according to the measured physical environmental parameters.

3. 3. The spatial multiplexing acoustic modem system of claim 2, wherein the acoustic modulator receives the measured physical environmental parameter and assigns a vibration pattern to a particular vibrator among the plurality of vibrators according to the measured physical environmental parameter.

4. 4. The spatially multiplexed acoustic modem system of claim 3, comprising n oscillators positioned at n locations along the optical sensor fiber of the DFOS system.

5. 2. The spatially multiplexed acoustic modem system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of oscillators are spaced further apart than the resolution of the DFOS system.

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