LED Optical Source Arrays for Beam-Steered Free-Space Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio frequency communication systems face limitations in bandwidth, security, interference susceptibility, and data throughput, particularly in dynamic and all-weather environments, while existing free space optical systems lack efficient beam forming and steering solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of ultra-wideband wireless optical communication devices with electrically controlled beam steering and forming capabilities, utilizing arrays of individually controllable optical sources, such as LEDs, to create steerable far field radiation patterns across various spectra, including infrared, deep infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light, with applications in stationary and mobile systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional radio frequency communication systems are used, then communication coverage and penetration are achieved, but bandwidth is limited, security is reduced, and interference susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic wave transmission with visible light optical transmission. This substitution transitions from RF mechanics to optical mechanics, enabling higher bandwidth and immunity to RF interference while maintaining communication functionality through light-based transmission in free space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission parameter from radio frequency spectrum to visible light spectrum. This parameter change enables significantly higher data throughput and provides inherent security since visible light does not penetrate walls, restricting communication to line-of-sight paths only.
2Reliability
If free space optical systems are used, then security and interference immunity are improved, but beam forming and steering capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission system into multiple independent light-emitting diode elements arranged in arrays. Each LED element can be independently controlled to emit light in specific directions, enabling beam forming and electronic steering capabilities through coordinated activation of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by electronically controlling which LED elements are activated and their emission intensities. This dynamic control allows the communication beam to be steered to different directions and focused on specific targets without mechanical movement, providing adaptability to mobile platforms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arrays of individually controllable optical sources are used, then beam steering and forming capabilities are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each LED element multi-functional by designing it to serve both as a communication transmitter and as a beam steering actuator. This universality reduces overall system complexity because the same hardware components perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the LED array system to self-steer beams through electronic control without requiring complex mechanical steering mechanisms. The electronic control system directly manipulates the LED elements to achieve beam forming and steering, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external complexity.
4Productivity
If ultra-wideband wireless optical communication devices are developed, then high data rates and security are achieved, but power consumption and device size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of LED elements to transmit data at high rates. By using time-division multiplexing and periodic activation patterns across the LED array, the system achieves high data throughput while keeping individual LEDs active only during necessary time slots, reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 solution provides secure, high-data-rate, all-weather communication with reduced interference, low power consumption, and minimal size and cost, suitable for diverse platforms including aircraft, underwater vehicles, and consumer devices, enabling efficient data transmission and object detection.
Implementation Method 1
an array of optical sources wherein each optical source of the array of optical sources is individually controllable and positioned to provide a finite beam enabling the array of optical source to provide a steerable far field radiation pattern
Implementation Method 2
Each optical source within the array of optical sources may be configured to operate at least partially within one or more of an infra-red spectrum, a deep infra-red spectrum, an ultra-violet spectrum, a deep ultra-violet spectrum, and/or a visible light spectrum. Each optical source may be a light emitting diode (LED)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and system for beam forming and beam steering within ultra-wideband, wireless optical communication devices and systems. According to one embodiment, a free space optical (FSO) communication apparatus is disclosed. The (FSO) communication apparatus includes an array of optical sources wherein each optical source of the array of optical sources is individually controllable and positioned to provide a finite beam enabling the array of optical source to provide a steerable far field radiation pattern. Each optical source of the array of optical sources may be a non-coherent optical source. For example each optical source may be a light emitting diode (LED).