Fiber-Enabled Optical Antenna Arrays for Multi-User Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical wireless communication systems face limitations such as limited number of service user terminals, small coverage area, high complexity of alignment, and one-way transmission, which hinder the use of abundant spectrum resources and fail to meet the demands of ultra-high-rate data transmission in mobile communication.
Innovation Solution
An optical antenna with an optical fiber transceiving port array and a lens or reflecting mirror is used to generate multiple beams in different directions, coupled with an optical chain for bi-directional communication, and a baseband signal processing unit for multi-user MIMO or beam division multiple access, enabling full-beam coverage and high-rate data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single optical transmitting node transmits omnidirectional signals, then the coverage area is expanded, but the number of user terminals that can be served simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single omnidirectional transmitting node into multiple directional transmitting nodes (antenna elements). Each antenna element transmits signals in a specific direction, creating multiple focused beams. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple user terminals simultaneously in different directions while maintaining adequate coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single isotropic (omnidirectional) transmission model to a multi-element array system that operates in multiple spatial dimensions. By utilizing the spatial dimension and creating directional beams at different angles and orientations, the system can accommodate multiple users simultaneously without compromising coverage area.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an infrared beam with strong directivity is generated, then the received energy is enhanced, but the alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming capabilities where the system can adaptively adjust the direction and focus of transmitted beams based on user terminal positions and channel conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal energy concentration without requiring manual or complex mechanical alignment, as the electronic beam steering automatically tracks and serves users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameters (phase, amplitude, frequency) of signals across multiple antenna elements to dynamically control beam direction and shape. By modifying these parameters electronically rather than through mechanical alignment, the system achieves strong directional beams with enhanced received energy while minimizing alignment complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If LED is used for visible light communication, then the illumination requirement is met, but the transmission rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of LED illumination with high-rate optical communication by combining LED arrays for broad illumination coverage with laser diodes or high-speed modulated LEDs for targeted high-rate data transmission. This hybrid approach allows the system to provide both adequate illumination and ultra-high transmission rates simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination and communication functions into different spatial zones and wavelength bands. Broad-spectrum LED illumination provides general lighting coverage, while specific high-coherence light sources (laser diodes) transmit high-rate data signals in focused beams. This functional segmentation allows both illumination requirements and high transmission rates to be satisfied concurrently.
4Productivity
If spectrum resources in high-frequency band are used, then the transmission rate is increased, but the spectrum resources are more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying solely on frequency spectrum resources to utilizing the spatial dimension as an additional resource dimension. By implementing multi-element antenna arrays with beamforming capabilities, the system creates multiple spatial channels that can carry independent data streams. This spatial multiplexing effectively increases the available transmission capacity without requiring additional frequency spectrum, thereby achieving ultra-high transmission rates while conserving spectrum resources.
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 system supports simultaneous communication with a large number of user terminals, enhances transmission rate and system throughput, reduces implementation complexity, and allows bi-directional communication with flexible antenna arrangement and reduced construction costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal transmitted by a single optical fiber port is refracted by the micro-lens, generating an optical beam having a certain angular range
Implementation Method 2
after light transmitted by a single optical fiber transceiving port is refracted by the lens or reflected by the reflecting mirror, an optical beam having a certain angular range is generated in a direction
Implementation Method 3
after light transmitted by a single optical fiber transceiving port is refracted by the lens or reflected by the reflecting mirror, an optical beam having a certain angular range is generated in a direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber enabled optical wireless communication (FE-OWC) system and method is provided. An optical antenna composed of an optical fiber transceiving port array and a lens or a reflecting mirror is used to generate optical beams in different directions, such that full-beam coverage of a communication area is implemented. The optical antenna is connected to an optical chain by an optical fiber, the optical chain realizes mutual conversion of an optical signal and an electrical signal, and a baseband signal processing unit which is in electrical signal connection with the optical chain realizes user scheduling, transceiving signal processing, etc. Multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) or massive MIMO or beam division multiple access optical wireless communication between a base station and user terminals is implemented by using the optical beams. The FE-OWC system and method may support ultra-high-rate user data transmission and system throughput, and have a low complexity.