Free-Space Optical Relay Alignment for Multi-User Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in providing high-bandwidth, ad hoc communication networks in free-space environments, such as airborne or mobile settings, where optical fibers are not feasible, and RF/microwave systems offer limited bandwidth due to lower carrier frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A free-space optical communications network utilizing multiple multi-channel relay converters with internal alignment references and steering mirrors, allowing for alignment and communication between geographically distributed users without a clear line of sight, employing optical telescopes, detectors, alignment lasers, and conditioning optics to track and align users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical fibers are used to transmit light, then light can follow arbitrary geometric paths, but this solution is not feasible for airborne or free-space environments where optical fibers cannot be strung between mobile communicators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric path flexibilityVSAvoiddeployment feasibility in free-space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces free-space optical relay systems as intermediary devices that receive optical signals from transmitters and redirect them to receivers without requiring physical fiber connections. These relay systems use optical telescopes, beam steering mechanisms, and alignment systems to mediate the transmission path through free-space, enabling flexible geometric routing without the deployment constraints of optical fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If RF or microwave frequencies are used for free-space communication, then higher transparency and broader coverage are achieved, but the carrier frequencies are orders of magnitude lower resulting in slower data rates and limited bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transparencyVSAvoiddata rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the operating frequency parameter from RF/microwave ranges to optical frequencies. This parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of high data rates (due to optical carrier frequencies being orders of magnitude higher) and adequate signal propagation (through use of optical wavelengths in atmospheric windows). The system uses optical telescopes and free-space optical links to maintain reliability while dramatically increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If optical frequencies are used for communication, then higher carrier rates and bandwidth capabilities are achieved, but light travels in straight lines requiring point-to-point architectures which are rare in practical scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capabilityVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical communication network into multiple relay segments. Each relay system independently performs optical beam reception, processing, and redirection. This segmentation allows the straight-line optical transmission requirement to be satisfied locally at each segment while the overall network achieves complex routing capabilities through the cascade of multiple relay points, effectively solving the point-to-point architecture limitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial dimensionality through three-dimensional beam steering and relay positioning. By distributing relay systems in three-dimensional space and using adjustable beam pointing mechanisms, the system creates flexible optical paths that can navigate around obstacles and connect users without direct line-of-sight, adding spatial freedom to the otherwise rigid straight-line optical transmission requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables high-bandwidth optical communication between multiple users in diverse environments, including those without a clear line of sight, improving communication efficiency and reducing costs compared to prior art systems.

Implementation Method 1

alignment lasers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

steering mirrors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

optical telescopes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

detectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8200093B2Multi-channel optical relays for enabling a networked communications system

Publication Date: 2012.06.12 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A free-space optical communications network for allowing a plurality of geographically-distributed users to communicate may include free-space multi-channel relay converters for tracking a plurality of users, and a connection system in communication with each of the plurality of multi-channel relay converters. The connection system may include an internal alignment reference and steering mirrors. Each free-space multi-channel relay converter may be adapted to align with the internal alignment reference. The connection system may be adapted to align the plurality of free-space multi-channel relay converters with one another to allow the plurality of geographically-distributed users to communicate.