Light Beam Receiver Integrator Control for Over-Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light beam receivers face issues with over-modulation and energy consumption due to high operating voltages, and adjustable amplifier stages can cause linearity problems and synchronization issues, affecting measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A light beam receiver with a signal integral limiting continuous integration control system, where integrators are controlled to prevent over-modulation by adjusting integration time based on signal intensity, and a calibration source is used for self-calibration to compensate for temperature and aging effects, ensuring precise measurement without high operating voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high operating voltages are applied to avoid over-modulation, then over-modulation is prevented, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control where the operating voltage of the integrator is automatically adjusted based on the detected light signal intensity. When strong light signals are detected, the voltage is reduced to prevent over-modulation; when weak signals are detected, the voltage is increased to maintain sensitivity. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for consistently high operating voltages, thereby preventing over-modulation while minimizing energy consumption throughout the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the light signal intensity and automatically adjusts the integrator's operating voltage in response. The control unit receives information about the signal strength and modifies the voltage supply accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal operating conditions without requiring manual intervention or consistently high power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable amplifier stages are used to handle varying signal intensities, then dynamic range is improved, but linearity problems and synchronization issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using adjustable amplifier stages that introduce linearity errors and synchronization problems, the patent changes the operating parameter of the integrator (voltage) to adapt to varying signal intensities. By modifying the voltage supply to the integrator rather than adjusting amplifier gain, the system maintains a simpler, more linear response characteristic while still achieving the ability to handle both strong and weak light signals effectively.
3Measurement precision
If integration time is extended to improve measurement accuracy at distance, then measurement precision is improved, but response time increases and dynamic range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control of the integrator based on the detected signal intensity. When weak distant signals are detected, the integrator voltage is increased and integration time is extended to accumulate sufficient signal for accurate measurement. When strong nearby signals are detected, the voltage is reduced and integration time is shortened to prevent saturation and maintain response speed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both precision and response time according to the actual measurement conditions.
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 solution prevents over-modulation and maintains high dynamic range, allowing accurate measurement of light beam elevation both near and far from the source, while reducing energy consumption and minimizing errors from beam shape irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
photo-detectors may, in particular, be arranged as light beam detector elements on the end faces of a transparent rod which conducts light from a point of incidence to it
Data Source
AI summary
A light beam receiver includes a plurality of light beam detector elements, a plurality of integrator circuits that receive signals from the light beam detector elements, and a signal integral limiting integration time controller that is in communication with at least two of the integrator circuits so that an analysis of the light beam reception is determined. One embodiment provides a self-calibration function, using a plurality of light beam detector elements that generate output signals when receiving a light beam upon the light beam detector elements, an evaluation/control circuit that receives the output signals and is configured to substantially determine a position where the light beam impacts on the light beam detector elements, and at least one calibration light source that emits at least one light pulse that is coupled to the light beam detector elements. The light beam receiver performs a self-calibration function using the calibration light source.