Line Concentrator Optical Communication Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In free-space optical communication systems, implementing a point-to-multipoint topology without using optical splitters is challenging due to increased optical loss, which hinders efficient communication among multiple optical devices.
Innovation Solution
A line concentration optical communication device that controls the angle of a spatial optical device based on angle information and time slots to establish communication with multiple optical devices, eliminating the need for optical splitters by using high-speed mechanical mirrors or optical spatial light modulators to manage radiation and acceptance angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical splitter is used to connect multiple optical communication devices to one line concentration optical device, then point-to-multipoint communication topology is achieved, but optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical splitter from the system architecture entirely. Instead of using a passive optical splitting component, the invention employs active optical beam steering using spatial light modulators and mechanical mirrors to direct optical signals between the line concentration optical device and multiple terminal devices without any optical splitting, thereby eliminating the associated optical losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional optical splitting mechanism with a mechanically-controlled beam steering system. Spatial light modulators and mechanical mirrors are used to dynamically control the direction of optical beams, enabling point-to-multipoint communication through active optical path management rather than passive optical division.
2Loss of energy
If optical splitters are eliminated to reduce optical loss, then point-to-multipoint communication without splitters is achieved, but the complexity of angle control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator and mechanical mirror system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an optical beam steering mechanism and a communication switching device. By controlling the angles of these components, the system can dynamically establish optical paths to different terminal devices, combining beam direction control with communication routing functionality in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic angle control of spatial optical devices including spatial light modulators and mechanical mirrors. The angles of these components are continuously adjusted based on time slot information and angle information to steer optical beams toward different terminal devices, enabling flexible and adaptive point-to-multipoint communication without fixed optical paths.
3Productivity
If multiple optical communication devices are connected simultaneously, then communication efficiency is improved, but signal overlap occurs without proper angle management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where communication with different terminal devices occurs in periodically allocated time slots. The angle control unit adjusts the spatial optical devices at specific time intervals to direct optical beams to the appropriate terminal for its designated time slot, ensuring that multiple devices can communicate efficiently without signal overlap through temporal separation.
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 efficient point-to-multipoint communication in free-space optical systems without optical splitters, reducing optical loss and allowing for flexible angle switching to prevent signal overlap, thereby enhancing communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spatial optical device 40 controls a radiation angle and an acceptance angle of a light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A line concentration optical communication device that communicates with a plurality of optical communication devices by free-space optical communication includes: an optical device control unit that controls an angle of a spatial optical device in each time slot on the basis of angle information and the time slot, the angle information being information indicating an angle at which each of the optical communication devices and the spatial optical device whose angle is controllable can communicate with each other, the time slot indicating a communicable time allocated to each of the optical communication devices; and an optical communication unit that performs communication with each of the optical communication devices via the spatial optical device.