Optical Network Acoustic Detection via SOP Modulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical network systems face challenges in detecting and localizing acoustic signals, particularly in underwater environments and data centers, due to the limitations of mechanical vibration-based methods and the interference of optical signals, as well as the inefficacy of OTDR technologies over long distances.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a microphone and polarization controlling device within existing optical line systems, such as submarine and terrestrial networks, to encode and modulate detected sound signals onto the state-of-polarization (SOP) envelope, allowing for acoustic signal detection and localization without disrupting the primary communication traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If mechanical elements are used to detect acoustic signals on the fiber, then acoustic signal detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and optical signal quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic signal detection capabilityVSAvoidmechanical element complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vibration-based acoustic detection with a direct acoustic-to-optical modulation system. A speaker cone or diaphragm directly modulates the optical signal in response to acoustic pressure changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical vibration transducers while maintaining acoustic detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic-to-optical transducer (speaker cone, diaphragm, or membrane) as an intermediary that converts acoustic pressure changes directly into optical signal modulations. This intermediary enables acoustic detection without requiring complex mechanical vibration elements, simplifying the overall system while improving detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If mechanical elements are used to detect acoustic signals, then acoustic detection is enabled, but optical signal quality is significantly impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic signal detection capabilityVSAvoidoptical signal degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vibration-based acoustic detection with a direct acoustic-to-optical modulation system. A speaker cone or diaphragm directly modulates the optical signal in response to acoustic pressure changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical vibration transducers while maintaining acoustic detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic-to-optical transducer (speaker cone, diaphragm, or membrane) as an intermediary that converts acoustic pressure changes directly into optical signal modulations. This intermediary enables acoustic detection without requiring complex mechanical vibration elements, simplifying the overall system while improving detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If OTDR technologies are used for acoustic detection, then detection capability is improved, but effectiveness decreases over long distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic signal detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection reliability over long distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vibration-based acoustic detection with a direct acoustic-to-optical modulation system. A speaker cone or diaphragm directly modulates the optical signal in response to acoustic pressure changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical vibration transducers while maintaining acoustic detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic-to-optical transducer (speaker cone, diaphragm, or membrane) as an intermediary that converts acoustic pressure changes directly into optical signal modulations. This intermediary enables acoustic detection without requiring complex mechanical vibration elements, simplifying the overall system while improving detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effective detection and localization of acoustic signals across various environments, including underwater and data centers, with minimal impact on the optical communication systems, facilitating applications like submarine detection and data center security.

Implementation Method 1

a microphone configured to detect sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

a polarization controlling device connected to the circuitry and configured to modulate a state-of-polarization (SOP) envelope for the transmission of the information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization modulation: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS11595761B2Detecting and localizing acoustic signals with an optical network

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 CIENA CORP

AI summary

An optical network element includes a connection to an optical fiber in an optical line system including a coherent receiver; a microphone configured to detect sound; and circuitry connected to the microphone and configured to cause transmission of information related to sounds detected by the microphone to a receiver at an end of the optical line system, wherein the transmission is over the optical fiber in the optical line system to the coherent receiver. The optical network element can include a polarization controlling device connected to the circuitry and configured to modulate a state-of-polarization (SOP) envelope for the transmission.