Multi-Detector Optical Routing for Atmospheric Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current free-space optical (FSO) communication systems face limitations in reliability and distance due to atmospheric interference, leading to bit errors and inability to transmit data over long distances, while existing technologies like radiofrequency and microwave systems are insufficient in meeting data demand.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication system that includes an optical signal generator, modulator, amplifier, telescope, and detector system, capable of encoding and filtering data beams for transmission through a variably refractive medium, with a routing system and controller for adaptive re-configuration to maintain data transmission quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical communication is used to increase data throughput, then data transmission capacity is improved, but atmospheric interference causes bit errors and reduces transmission reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical communication system into multiple independent components: optical source, modulator, atmosphere, and detector. By segmenting the transmission path and using multiple wavelengths simultaneously, the system can maintain high data throughput while mitigating atmospheric interference effects on individual wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of wavelength by using multiple different wavelengths for optical communication. This allows the system to adapt to varying atmospheric conditions at different wavelengths, maintaining reliability while achieving high data throughput through wavelength diversity
2Ease of manufacture
If optical communication is used to decrease cost, then system cost is reduced, but transmission distance is limited due to atmospheric interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the transmission system by using multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve longer transmission distances by selecting wavelengths that penetrate atmospheric conditions better, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through optical rather than radiofrequency transmission
3Reliability
If radiofrequency and microwave communications are used to ensure transmission reliability, then reliability is maintained, but spectrum limitations prevent sufficient data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radiofrequency and microwave electromagnetic systems with optical electromagnetic systems. This substitution enables vastly higher data transmission capacity while maintaining reliability through the use of multiple wavelengths and appropriate optical components, overcoming the spectrum limitations of radiofrequency systems
4Length of moving object
If current optical systems are used to transmit data over long distances, then transmission distance is extended, but atmospheric interference introduces bit errors and reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple wavelengths as intermediaries between the transmitter and receiver. Different wavelengths act as intermediaries that can penetrate atmospheric conditions differently, allowing the system to maintain transmission distance while improving accuracy by selecting or combining wavelengths that suffer less from atmospheric interference
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 system provides highly reliable and available data transmission over long distances, such as half a mile or more, by effectively managing atmospheric interference and improving data transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical source configured to generate a beam of light
Implementation Method 2
the optical source comprising a waveguide that amplifies emitted light
Implementation Method 3
a modulator configured to encode data on the beam of light to form an encoded beam of light
Implementation Method 4
an amplifier configured to receive the encoded beam of light from the modulator and both amplify and filter the encoded beam of light
Implementation Method 5
the telescope is configured to: transmit the amplified beam of light through a variably refractive medium
Implementation Method 6
a detector system, wherein the detector system includes: a plurality of detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for transmitting information optically in free space. For instance, a system may include an optical signal generator to generate an amplified beam of light. A telescope transmits the amplified beam through the medium and receives an inbound beam of light. A detector system may include one or more (or multiple) detectors and a routing system that transmits the inbound beam to a selected set of detectors. In some cases, the system can determine a re-configuration condition based on control parameters and perform a system re-configuration to direct the inbound beam to a different set of detectors. In some cases, the system includes a remote fiber head or wavelength division multiplexing.