Distributed Measurement Spatial Resolution via Signal Deconvolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed temperature systems (DTS) face limitations in spatial resolution due to the width and spreading of light pulses, resulting in approximately 50 centimeters of spatial resolution, which is inadequate for many applications, and using shorter pulses to improve resolution is cost-prohibitive due to the need for ultra-fast laser sources.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system that includes a cable, a light source, and a processor configured to transmit optical signals, receive scattered signals, and de-convolve spatial averaging effects using a weighting profile to generate a distributed property profile along the cable, achieving higher spatial resolution without requiring hardware upgrades or costly laser sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shorter light pulses are used to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but the amount of scattered signal received back from the fiber decreases and the cost increases due to requiring ultra-fast laser sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the spatial response function of the fiber optic cable through calibration measurements. This pre-acquired information about the cable's impulse response is then used during actual temperature measurements to deconvolve and correct the spatial averaging effect, enabling high spatial resolution without requiring ultra-short pulses during the measurement process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model (copy) of the fiber optic cable's spatial response through initial calibration measurements. This model, representing the cable's impulse response function, is then used to process and correct subsequent temperature measurement data, replacing the need for physical ultra-short light pulses and expensive ultra-fast laser sources.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional light pulse width is used, then sufficient scattered signal is received, but spatial resolution is limited to approximately 50 centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational processing step that uses the pre-characterized spatial response function to deconvolve the scattered signal data. This intermediary processing layer separates the spatial averaging effect from the actual temperature distribution, enabling high spatial resolution measurements while maintaining sufficient scattered signal amounts from conventional light pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from the raw scattered signal intensity to the deconvolved temperature distribution. By applying mathematical transformation (deconvolution) using the known spatial response function, the system transforms low-resolution scattered signal data into high-resolution temperature profiles, effectively changing the resolution parameter through signal processing rather than hardware modification.
3Measurement precision
If ultra-fast laser sources are used to generate shorter light pulses, then spatial resolution is improved, but system cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex ultra-fast laser sources with conventional, cost-effective light sources. By using standard laser sources combined with computational deconvolution based on pre-characterized spatial response, the system achieves high spatial resolution without requiring costly ultra-fast pulsed lasers, making the technology economically viable for practical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes a mechanical/optical approach (ultra-fast laser sources generating ultra-short pulses) with a computational approach (deconvolution processing using pre-characterized spatial response). This replacement of physical hardware complexity with information processing achieves the same high spatial resolution result while using conventional, affordable light sources.
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
This approach improves spatial resolution to 20 centimeters or less, providing more accurate and convenient distributed property readings such as temperature, pressure, or strain along the cable length without increasing system costs.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the scattered light from the fiber is analyzed to determine temperature of the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system includes a cable having a length, a light source, at least one detector, and at least one processor. The light source is operably coupled to the cable and is configured to transmit an optical signal to the cable. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the cable and configured to: receive a scattered signal from the cable responsive to the optical signal transmitted to the cable; map the scattered signal to the length of the cable; and de-convolve a spatial averaging effect of the scattered signal using a weighting profile corresponding to the light source and the cable to generate a distributed property profile defined along the length of the cable.