Optical Axis Alignment Using Reflected Spreading-Code Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical space communication systems require synchronized timing for optical axis alignment between devices, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a first signal modulated with a spreading code for optical axis alignment, which is reflected and detected using the same code, and a second signal for communication detected with a different spreading code, allowing asynchronous alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing alignment is required for optical axis alignment between devices, then alignment precision can be maintained, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary component in the optical path. The reflector reflects the alignment signal back to the transmitting device, enabling the alignment process without requiring timing synchronization between separate transmitting and receiving devices. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex timing alignment protocols while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment signal is transmitted and then reflected back to the same device that transmitted it. This self-service approach allows the device to perform alignment operations on itself without requiring coordination with another device's timing, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving alignment accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If timing synchronization is required for optical axis alignment, then signal detection accuracy improves, but operation time and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a mediator that returns the alignment signal to the transmitting device immediately, eliminating the need for waiting for a separate receiving device to process and respond to the signal. This reduces operation time while maintaining signal detection accuracy through the use of spreading codes for reliable signal identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment signal is designed to be self-contained with spreading code modulation, allowing the transmitting device to detect the reflected signal and complete alignment without requiring preliminary timing coordination with another device. This preliminary preparation of the signal structure enables faster operation while preserving detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If separate alignment and communication signals are used with different spreading codes, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal usage into two distinct phases: alignment phase using a first spreading code and communication phase using a second spreading code. This segmentation allows the system to use different signal characteristics for different functions, improving reliability by preventing interference between alignment and communication operations while keeping the device structure relatively simple through code division.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spreading code parameter between alignment and communication operations. By modulating the alignment signal with a first spreading code and communication signals with a second spreading code, the system achieves reliable signal discrimination and interference reduction. This parameter change approach maintains moderate device complexity by utilizing code modulation rather than requiring completely separate hardware paths.
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 optical axis alignment without timing synchronization, facilitating smooth transitions between alignment and communication operations, reducing the need for precise device positioning and minimizing hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a reflected signal of the first signal reflected by a reflector of the other optical space communication device
Implementation Method 2
the first signal being modulated using a first spreading code, and the reception means is configured to execute: detecting, from a received optical signal, a reflected signal of the first signal reflected by a reflector of the other optical space communication device using the first spreading code
Data Source
AI summary
An optical space communication device includes a transmitter for transmitting a first signal for optical axis alignment with another optical space communication device including a reflector, the first signal being modulated using a first spreading code, and a receiver for detecting, from a received optical signal, a reflected signal of the first signal reflected by a reflector of the other optical space communication device using the first spreading code, and detecting, from a received optical signal, a second signal for optical space communication transmitted from the other optical space communication device using a second spreading code different from the first spreading code.