Multi-Directional Sensor Using Optical Fiber Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-directional sensing technologies face challenges in providing adequate directional response and are often complex, with previous approaches such as single isotropic RF systems, articulated RF systems, and multiple passive or active electro-optical sensors failing to effectively cover large angular volumes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional sensor system utilizing a light source and optical fibers to transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation in various directions, with a transmitter comprising a plurality of optical fibers terminating in different directions to emit radiation, and a detector to sense the radiation, enabling a large angular volume coverage and potentially simultaneous or sequential angular coverage up to 4π sr.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple passive electro-optical sensors on different platforms are used for triangulation and range estimation, then directional response is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical fiber transmitters with different emission directions into a single integrated sensor system. The transmitter includes multiple optical fibers arranged to emit electromagnetic radiation in different directions, merging the functionality of multiple separate sensors into one unified device, thereby maintaining directional response while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is segmented into multiple optical fibers, each capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in a specific direction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-directional coverage by dividing the overall function into independent directional components, improving measurement precision without requiring multiple separate platforms
2Measurement precision
If single/multiple articulated active EO sensors are used, then directional response is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple active EO sensing functions into a single integrated transmitter-receiver system. The transmitter comprises multiple optical fibers that can be articulated to different orientations, combining the capabilities of multiple articulated sensors while reducing overall system complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers in the transmitter are configured to be articulated to different orientations and/or directions, providing dynamic directional response. This articulation capability allows the system to adapt its sensing directions without requiring multiple fixed separate sensors, improving measurement precision while controlling complexity
3Device complexity
If a single isotropic RF transmitter and receiver are used, then device complexity is reduced, but directional response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each optical fiber in the transmitter a specific directional emission characteristic. Instead of a single isotropic emitter, each fiber is oriented to emit in a particular direction, creating local directional sensitivity that collectively provides comprehensive angular coverage while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from isotropic (omnidirectional but non-directional) RF transmission to multi-directional optical transmission by arranging optical fibers in different spatial orientations. This adds directional dimensionality to the transmission, improving measurement precision while keeping the system structure relatively simple through the use of fiber optic technology
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 enhanced directional sensitivity and coverage, reducing complexity while enabling effective detection and range estimation across a wide area, with the ability to eliminate range and direction ambiguities through pulse encoding and transmission sequencing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical fibers, wherein one or more of the optical fibers are configured to receive the beam of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation responsive to electromagnetic radiation transmitted to the target
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional sensor system includes a light source configured to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation; and a transmitter configured to transmit the beam of electromagnetic radiation to a target. The transmitter may include (i) a plurality of optical fibers, wherein one or more of the optical fibers are configured to receive the beam of electromagnetic radiation, and (ii) a surface on which one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers terminate in a different direction and/or orientation thereof to emit electromagnetic radiation. A detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation responsive to electromagnetic radiation transmitted to the target. A method of sensing is also disclosed.