Annular Mirror Array Transmitter for Low-Attenuation Omnidirectional Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical spatial communication systems face challenges in transmitting spatial optical signals in arbitrary directions without significant attenuation, particularly due to blind regions and increased beam diameter with distance, which are exacerbated by the use of curved or flat mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter design incorporating a light source, a first and second annular mirror array with oriented reflectors, and a spatial light modulator, where the second array compensates for blind regions of the first array, allowing for spatial optical signals to be transmitted in arbitrary directions with reduced attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved light-transmitting surface is used to transmit optical signals in all directions, then omnidirectional transmission is achieved, but the beam diameter increases with distance according to the curvature, causing signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the omnidirectional transmission function into multiple discrete reflectors arranged in an array. Each reflector handles a specific directional sector, collectively achieving 360-degree coverage without requiring a single curved surface that would cause beam expansion and attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flat mirrors arranged in specific geometric patterns rather than curved surfaces. The flat reflectors redirect light beams in precise directions without the beam expansion problem inherent in curved surfaces, maintaining constant beam diameter and reducing attenuation over distance.
2Loss of energy
If a flat mirror is used instead of a curved light-transmitting surface, then optical signal attenuation is reduced, but a blind region where the optical signal cannot be transmitted increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple flat reflectors arranged in an array to cover the entire 360-degree horizontal plane. Each reflector is positioned and oriented to handle a specific angular sector, eliminating blind regions that would occur with a single flat mirror while maintaining the advantages of flat surfaces (no beam expansion).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple flat reflectors into an array configuration where the collective coverage of all reflectors achieves complete omnidirectional transmission. The overlapping coverage areas of adjacent reflectors ensure no blind regions exist, while each reflector maintains its flat-surface advantage of minimal attenuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflectors are arranged in an annular shape to achieve omnidirectional transmission, then transmission in arbitrary directions is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses identical flat reflectors with the same dimensions and optical properties, arranged in a repeating annular pattern. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing and alignment procedures while achieving complex omnidirectional transmission functionality. Each reflector performs the same basic function of redirecting light in its designated sector.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enables efficient transmission of spatial optical signals in arbitrary directions with minimal attenuation by reducing blind regions and optimizing beam projection across a horizontal plane, enhancing detection speed and communication flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator that includes a modulation part that emits the illumination light emitted from the light source, and emits the modulation light modulated by the modulation part
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of reflectors constituting the first annular mirror array and the second annular mirror array are arranged in such a way that the modulation light emitted from the spatial light modulator is reflected laterally
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter including a light source that emits illumination light, a first annular mirror array and a second annular mirror array that includes reflectors arranged in an annular shape, and a spatial light modulator that includes a modulation part that emits the illumination light emitted from the light source, and emits the modulation light modulated by the modulation part toward at least one of the first annular mirror array and the second annular mirror array. A plurality of reflectors constituting the first annular mirror array and the second annular mirror array are arranged such that the modulation light emitted from the spatial light modulator is reflected laterally. A reflecting surface of each of the reflectors constituting the second annular mirror array is oriented in a direction including a blind region of any reflecting surface of the reflectors constituting the first annular mirror array.