Optical Air-Data SNR Improvement Through Time-Sequential Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical air data systems (OADS) suffer from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which affects the accuracy and sensitivity of air data parameter measurements, increases computational resources, and reduces spatial and temporal resolutions.
Innovation Solution
The system time-separates optical signals to individual emitters, enabling each emitter to transmit a full optical power beam sequentially and uses shutter control to disable optical sensors during non-reception times, reducing noise and enhancing SNR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical signals are split and simultaneously provided to all LOSs, then the system can operate all optical emitters, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially activating optical emitters in time-divided intervals rather than simultaneously operating all emitters. The optical signal is modulated with unique codes for each emitter, and receivers are activated in synchronized sequences to detect signals from specific emitters during designated time windows. This periodic activation pattern maintains full operational versatility while concentrating optical power during each time slot, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical signal transmission into separate time segments, with each segment dedicated to a specific optical emitter. The optical signal is split into multiple time-divided portions, each carrying a unique code for a specific emitter. Receivers are segmented into groups that are activated during specific time intervals to detect signals from corresponding emitters. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the ability to operate all emitters while ensuring full optical power is directed to each emitter during its designated time slot, improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If full optical power is transmitted to each LOS, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to transmit full optical power to each line of sight sequentially rather than simultaneously. Optical emitters are activated in periodic time slots with each emitter receiving full optical power during its designated interval. Receivers are similarly activated in periodic sequences to detect signals. This approach achieves high signal-to-noise ratio with full optical power while managing system complexity through time-division multiplexing and synchronized activation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the activation of optical emitters and receivers before signal transmission begins. Each emitter is assigned a specific time slot and unique code in advance, and receivers are pre-configured to be activated during corresponding time intervals. This preliminary synchronization eliminates the need for complex real-time switching and coordination during operation, reducing system complexity while maintaining the capability to transmit full optical power to each LOS sequentially.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple optical emitters operate simultaneously, then the system coverage is maximized, but the energy per signal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical signal into time-divided portions, with each portion allocated to a specific optical emitter. The total optical power is segmented in time rather than space, allowing each emitter to receive the full optical power budget during its designated time slot. This segmentation enables multiple emitters to be served sequentially, maximizing overall system coverage while ensuring each emitter receives sufficient optical power for effective signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling through multiple optical emitters in sequential time slots, with each emitter receiving full optical power during its active interval. This periodic activation pattern ensures that all emitters are covered over time (maximizing system coverage) while each emitter receives the complete optical power budget during its turn, preventing energy dilution that would occur with simultaneous operation.
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
Improves the resolution, accuracy, and sensitivity of air data parameters while reducing computational resources, thus lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
generating data with a camera's optical sensor from the incident return optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided which improve the signal to noise ratio of an optical air data system. A pulsed optical signal is sequentially provided to different optical emitters. Upon receiving the pulsed optical signal, each optical emitter emits an optical beam along a unique line of sight to a unique region of the atmosphere. A return optical signal is reflected and/or scattered back to an optical receiver. The return optical signal is detected to provide data about the return optical signal. Using data about the pulsed optical signal and each return optical signal, optical air data parameters can be derived with improved accuracy and/or sensitivity.