Optical Fiber Routing for Directivity Control Without Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communication devices face challenges in arbitrarily setting the directivity of light reception by light-receiving elements while maintaining sensitivity, as methods like using black paper or digital mirrors often shield light and deteriorate performance.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates optical fibers with adjustable light-incident end portions that can be positioned in specific directions to guide communication light to light-receiving elements, allowing for flexible directivity adjustment without shielding light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If black paper or digital mirror devices are used to adjust light-receiving directivity, then the directivity can be controlled, but the sensitivity of light-receiving elements deteriorates due to light shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary component between the light source and light-receiving elements. The optical fibers guide light to specific locations without blocking it, allowing directivity control while maintaining sensitivity. The optical fiber acts as a mediator that transfers light energy without the need for shielding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical shielding methods (black paper, digital mirrors) with an optical fiber-based light guiding system. Instead of physically blocking light to control directivity, the system uses optical fibers to precisely direct light to desired locations, eliminating the need for light-blocking mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-receiving elements are used to achieve arbitrary directivity, then the directivity coverage improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each optical fiber serve multiple functions: it acts as both a light-guiding element and a directivity-control mechanism. By adjusting the arrangement and orientation of optical fibers, a single light-receiving element can achieve various directivity patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of light-receiving directivity by allowing the optical fibers to be arranged in different configurations. The system can adapt its light-receiving characteristics by changing the spatial arrangement of optical fibers, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed elements.
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
This approach enables arbitrary setting of light directivity while preserving sensitivity, facilitating easier and more efficient underwater communication by reducing the need for multiple devices and structures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical fibers configured to guide the communication light to the plurality of light-receiving elements
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light-receiving elements configured to receive the communication light
Data Source
AI summary
This optical communication device (1) is provided with a plurality of light-receiving elements (11) and a plurality of optical fibers (12). The plurality of optical fibers each includes a light-incident end portion (12a) for communication light and a light-emission end portion (12b) for communication light. The plurality of light-emission end portions is each arranged near each of the plurality of light-receiving elements. The plurality of light-incident end portions is each configured to be capable of being arranged in a predetermined position in a predetermined direction.