Ball Lens Light Receiver With Element Array For Spatial Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical spatial communication systems face challenges in efficiently receiving spatial optical signals due to the limited focal length of large-diameter lenses, which makes it difficult to guide signals from various directions to a small light receiving section, and require complex circuitry for tracking communication targets, especially outdoors.
Innovation Solution
A light receiving device comprising a ball lens and a light receiver with a light receiving element array and a selection circuit, where the light receiving elements and amplifier circuits are disposed in an array, allowing efficient signal reception and selection of the appropriate light receiving units for signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-diameter lens is used to receive spatial optical signals from wide space, then the light receiving area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for complex circuitry to guide signals from various directions
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving device is segmented into multiple independent light receiving elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, where each element has its own charge storage means and signal reading means. This segmentation allows each element to independently process signals from different directions, eliminating the need for complex external circuitry to guide signals while maintaining a large light receiving area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional array of light receiving elements to a two-dimensional matrix arrangement. This dimensional change enables the system to receive and process optical signals from multiple directions simultaneously, with each element in the matrix capable of independent operation, thereby reducing the complexity of signal routing circuitry.
2Speed
If a small area light receiving section is used for high speed communication, then the communication speed is improved, but the ability to receive signals from various directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving section is divided into multiple small light receiving elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each element maintains a small area for high-speed communication capability, while the collective array provides the versatility to receive signals from various directions by selecting and combining outputs from different elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving device achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single array of small light receiving elements to perform both high-speed communication (by selecting individual elements) and omnidirectional signal reception (by selecting multiple elements from different positions in the matrix), eliminating the need for separate specialized receivers.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of light receiving elements are disposed in a two-dimensional matrix for tracking communication targets, then the tracking capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring integrator, memory, and selector circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of integrator, memory, and selector circuits into integrated signal reading means associated with each light receiving element. This integration reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall circuit architecture while maintaining the tracking precision provided by the two-dimensional matrix arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light receiving element in the matrix is equipped with its own charge storage means and signal reading means, enabling self-service operation. This self-contained architecture allows each element to independently process and output signals, eliminating the need for complex external circuitry to manage the entire array, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving tracking precision.
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 solution enables efficient reception of spatial optical signals from various directions without the need for complex circuitry, allowing for high-speed communication and improved light receiving efficiency by condensing signals onto a small light receiving section.
Implementation Method 1
a ball lens and a light receiver disposed in a condensing region of the ball lens
Implementation Method 2
condensing signals onto a small light receiving section
Implementation Method 3
The light receiving element converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light receiving device includes a ball lens and a light receiver disposed in a condensing region of the ball lens. The light receiver includes a light receiving element array in which light receiving units each of which includes a light receiving element and an amplifier circuit associated with the light receiving element are disposed in an array, and a selection circuit that selects a light receiving unit included in the light receiving element array.