Configurable Optical Beacon With Contour-Limited Search Footprints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges in establishing secure links without requiring precise location knowledge of communication partners, as narrow beams are difficult to intercept but require radio transmissions, while omnidirectional sources are easily detectable and jammable.
Innovation Solution
A configurable light signal apparatus using a spatial light modulator and lens system to create a contour limited footprint, allowing secure optical communication without precise location knowledge, by modulating light to illuminate specific areas and encode information, reducing the need for radio transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow beam is used for optical communication, then security against interception is improved, but the ability to establish communication without precise location knowledge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon signal is segmented into multiple narrow sub-beams arranged in a geometric pattern (e.g., hexagon, octagon) rather than using a single narrow beam. This segmentation allows the signal to cover a wider angular area while maintaining the security benefits of narrow beams, as each sub-beam remains difficult to intercept but collectively they provide broader coverage for partner acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional narrow beam to a two-dimensional pattern of multiple beams arranged in geometric configurations. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve both narrow beam security characteristics and wide area coverage by distributing multiple narrow beams across different angular positions.
2Loss of information
If an omnidirectional light source is used as a beacon, then the need for radio transmission is eliminated, but detectability and susceptibility to jamming increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single omnidirectional light source that illuminates all directions equally, the patent segments the light output into multiple directed beams arranged in specific geometric patterns. This segmentation maintains radio silence while reducing detectability by concentrating light in specific directions rather than omnidirectionally, making it harder for third parties to detect and jam the signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different light intensity and directionality. Rather than uniform omnidirectional illumination, specific directional sectors are illuminated with concentrated beams while other sectors remain dark or have reduced intensity. This allows the system to maintain covert operation by only illuminating necessary directions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single narrow beacon beam is used, then security is improved, but the coverage area for partner acquisition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single narrow beacon beam into multiple segmented beams arranged in geometric patterns (such as hexagonal, octagonal, or other polyhedral configurations). Each segment maintains the security properties of a narrow beam while the collective arrangement provides expanded coverage area for partner acquisition without increasing individual beam vulnerability.
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 secure, covert optical communication by illuminating specific areas and encoding information, enhancing security and avoiding detection by third parties, while maintaining radio silence.
Implementation Method 1
The spatial light modulator is configured to modulate light of the light trajectory spatially to provide at least one contour limited footprint of the light of the light trajectory within the search field
Implementation Method 2
The lens system is configured to redirect light modulated by the spatial light modulator to a search field
Data Source
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Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
In general, the present invention relates to a configurable light signal. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a configurable light signal, to a moving object comprising such an apparatus and to a method for providing a configurable light signal. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises at least one light source 110, a spatial light modulator 120, a lens system 130, and a controller device 122. The at least one light source 110, the spatial light modulator 120 and the lens system 130 are configured and arranged to provide a light trajectory beginning from the at least one light source 110 to the spatial light modulator 120 into the lens system 130 and out of the lens system 130 to a search field 140. The controller device 122 is configured to control the spatial light modulator 120 and the spatial light modulator 120 is configured to modulate the light of the light trajectory spatially to provide at least one contour limited footprint 141 of the light within the search field 140.