Configurable Optical Beacon With Shaped Search Footprints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges in establishing a secure and undetectable link between communication partners, particularly when one partner's location is unknown, as traditional narrow beam methods require precise location knowledge and can be intercepted.
Innovation Solution
A configurable light signal apparatus comprising a light source, spatial light modulator, lens system, and controller device, which modulates light to create a contour limited footprint within a search field, allowing for secure and undetectable communication by illuminating only specific areas where communication partners are assumed to be.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow beam is used for optical communication, then the communication link becomes hard to intercept or detect, but the beam must be pointed accurately towards the communication partner which requires good knowledge of the partner's location
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon function is segmented into multiple independent light sources arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing the system to illuminate only specific segments (beacon positions) rather than the entire search area, thereby reducing detectability while maintaining communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the search field are illuminated with different local qualities - only specific beacon positions are illuminated based on expected partner locations, rather than uniformly illuminating the entire area, which reduces overall detectability while maintaining communication capability at expected positions
2Ease of operation
If an omnidirectional light source is used as a beacon, then no position information needs to be exchanged and the system can remain passive, but the light source can be easily detected by a third party and is easily jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional beacon is segmented into multiple directional light sources arranged in a matrix, each illuminating a specific sector. This allows the system to maintain passive operation by illuminating only expected beacon positions rather than the entire 360-degree area, reducing detectability while preserving the ability to operate without active location exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon system dynamically adjusts which light sources are activated based on expected partner positions and environmental conditions. The illumination pattern is not fixed but adapts to illuminate only relevant sectors, maintaining passive operation capability while reducing detectability in any given direction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow beacon is used to cover only the open-loop pointing inaccuracy, then the beam remains secure from interception, but the exact location of the communication partner must be known which requires radio transmission that can be intercepted
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix of light sources serves multiple functions: it acts as both a communication beacon and a location indication system. By illuminating multiple potential beacon positions simultaneously, the system eliminates the need for separate radio-based location acquisition, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-illuminating multiple expected beacon positions before actual communication begins. This allows the communication partner to detect the beacon and establish the link without requiring prior radio-based location exchange, eliminating the need for complex location acquisition systems
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 and undetectable optical communication by eliminating the need for precise location knowledge and reducing the risk of interception, while allowing for dynamic adjustment of the communication beam to specific areas.
Implementation Method 1
The spatial light modulator is configured to modulate light of the light trajectory spatially
Implementation Method 2
The lens system is configured and arranged to provide a light trajectory... out of the lens system to a search field
Data Source
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.