Fiber Branch Structure for Blind-Spot-Free Spatial Optical Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical communication systems fail to function effectively in environments where structures block the light path between a moving body and an observation device, leading to interrupted information transmission.

Innovation Solution

A fiber branch structure for spatial optical communication that includes a light emitter, angle adjusters, optical fibers, and a distributor to ensure communication light is emitted and received without blind spots, using a network of optical fibers attached to a submerged structure to maintain continuous communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single light emitter and receiver are used in conventional optical communication, then the system structure is simple, but communication is blocked when structures obstruct the light path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the communication system into multiple light emitters and light receivers arranged in arrays. Instead of using a single emitter-receiver pair, multiple units are deployed to provide redundant communication paths, ensuring that at least one path remains unobstructed even when structures block certain lines of sight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple light emitters and receivers into an integrated communication system with control units that coordinate their operation. The control unit manages the collaborative work of multiple emitters and receivers to establish reliable communication, merging their functions to overcome obstructions while maintaining system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple light emitters and receivers are deployed to overcome obstructions, then communication reliability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs each light emitter and receiver unit to be multifunctional, capable of both transmitting and receiving signals. The control unit also performs multiple functions including coordinating emitters, managing receivers, and making real-time decisions about which communication paths to use, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit autonomously manages the complex coordination of multiple emitters and receivers without requiring external intervention. It automatically selects active communication paths, adjusts operation timing, and handles signal routing, allowing the system to self-regulate its complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Establishes a communication area without interruptions, ensuring reliable information transmission even in the presence of structures that could otherwise block light paths.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber configured to transmit the light emitted from the light emitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4099583B1Fiber branch structure for spatial optical communication and optical communication system provided with same
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP4099583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4099583B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4099583B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fiber branch structure for spatial optical communication for transmitting information by emitting communication light. The fiber branch structure is provided with: a light emitter configured to emit communication light; a light emission controller configured to control the light emitter; an optical fiber configured to transmit the light emitted from the light emitter; a distributor configured to distribute the light, the distributer being optically coupled to an output terminal of the optical fiber; and an optical fiber group optically coupled to a plurality of output terminals of the distributor. According to the present invention, a communication area can be established without blind spots. That is, the fiber branch structure for spatial optical communication according to the present invention includes an optical fiber group optically coupled to a plurality of output terminals of the distributor. A communication area can be established more assuredly by such an optical fiber group, which prevents the optical communication from being interrupted.