Hybrid Fiber-Optic Sensing Using Temporal Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost and complexity of building a dedicated fiber optic network for distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) limit its practicality and feasibility for pervasive monitoring, as it requires thousands of individual sensors along dozens of kilometers of infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Leveraging existing fiber optic telecommunication infrastructure, the solution involves novel probing signal design and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) based analytics to achieve coexistence between DFOS and telecommunication signals, converting the communications network into a hybrid telecommunication-sensing platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated fiber optic network is built for distributed fiber optic sensing, then sensing coverage and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing telecommunication fiber networks to serve dual purposes: both data transmission and distributed sensing. The fiber network is converted from a single-function communication infrastructure to a multi-functional platform that simultaneously supports telecommunication and sensing operations, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated sensing infrastructure while maintaining sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges telecommunication signals and sensing probe signals onto the same fiber optic infrastructure. By combining these previously separate systems into a unified hybrid platform, the patent reduces overall system complexity and cost while preserving the measurement precision required for distributed sensing applications
2Area of stationary object
If a dedicated fiber optic network is built for distributed fiber optic sensing, then sensing coverage is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing telecommunication fiber networks to serve dual purposes: both data transmission and distributed sensing. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extensive sensing coverage across the same infrastructure that already exists for communications, eliminating the need to build separate dedicated sensing infrastructure and thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining broad coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the existing telecommunication fiber network to serve its own additional purpose of distributed sensing without requiring separate infrastructure investment. The network infrastructure itself becomes the sensing medium, utilizing its existing physical presence and coverage to provide sensing capabilities at no additional infrastructure cost
3Device complexity
If probe signals are transmitted on shared fiber optic strand with telecommunication signals, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference and measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating probe signals from telecommunication signals in the time domain through sequential transmission. The probe signal generator transmits probe signals at specific time intervals when no telecommunication signals are present, creating temporal segments that prevent interference between the two signal types while allowing both to share the same physical fiber infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting probe signals at predetermined time intervals in a cyclic manner. The probe signal generator operates periodically, sending probe signals at scheduled times and remaining inactive during telecommunication transmission periods, thereby maintaining measurement precision through regular temporal separation while reducing infrastructure complexity
4Measurement precision
If probe signals are transmitted sequentially to avoid interference, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity and sensing speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting probe signals at predetermined time intervals in a cyclic manner. The probe signal generator operates periodically, sending probe signals at scheduled times and remaining inactive during telecommunication transmission periods, thereby maintaining measurement precision through regular temporal separation while reducing infrastructure complexity
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 enables higher resolution, better sensitivity, and coverage through data analytics of combined distributed sensing information, making pervasive sensing more practical and cost-effective by utilizing existing fiber networks.
Implementation Method 1
measuring strain, temperature, and vibration over tens of kilometers by utilizing the backscattered Rayleigh, Raman, or Brillouin signals in a fiber optic strand
Implementation Method 2
measuring strain, temperature, and vibration over tens of kilometers by utilizing the backscattered Rayleigh, Raman, or Brillouin signals in a fiber optic strand
Implementation Method 3
measuring strain, temperature, and vibration over tens of kilometers by utilizing the backscattered Rayleigh, Raman, or Brillouin signals in a fiber optic strand
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber-optic network that uses as a hybrid telecommunication and sensing system when telecommunication signals and probe signals are transmitted across a shared fiber strand in either a co-propagated or counter-propagated direction is disclosed. Probe signals generated by a sensing termination system and/or by one or more end devices are used to analyze conditions affecting network hardware and/or events occurring within the fiber distribution area.