Optical Fiber Event Recognition Using All-Optical Neural Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional distributed fiber optic sensing systems face limitations in data processing capabilities, leading to response delays and inability to meet real-time monitoring needs due to photoelectric conversion inefficiencies and electronic signal processing bottlenecks, which introduce noise and increase energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A distributed optical fiber sensing event recognition method and device based on optical computing, utilizing a distributed sensing information processing part, optical convolution computing part, and optical full connection computing part, which processes optical signals directly without electronic conversion, employing a YOLOv8 micro-detection framework and tensor acceleration technology for accurate event identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional photoelectric conversion and electronic signal processing are used, then the system can provide continuous monitoring information, but the data processing speed is limited and response delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidresponse delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional photoelectric conversion and electronic signal processing system with an all-optical processing system. Optical signals are processed directly through optical components (optical modulators, optical switches, optical correlators) without conversion to electrical signals, eliminating the electronic processing bottleneck and achieving faster data processing speed and real-time response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional electronic signal processing is used, then the system can process sensing data, but noise is introduced and system stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidsignal noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates electronic signal processing components that introduce noise by implementing direct optical processing. Optical signals remain in the optical domain throughout processing, using optical modulation, optical switching, and optical correlation techniques, thereby avoiding the noise and interference inherent in electronic systems and improving signal quality and system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional photoelectric conversion is used, then the system can convert optical signals to electrical signals, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsignal processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the energy-intensive photoelectric conversion process with direct optical processing. By keeping signals in the optical domain and using optical components for modulation, switching, and correlation, the system eliminates the energy losses associated with photoelectric conversion and electronic processing, achieving lower energy consumption while maintaining high processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The method and device achieve high-speed, accurate identification of sensing events with enhanced response speed, anti-interference ability, and reliability, improving system performance and adaptability in complex environments.

Implementation Method 1

This type of system uses the principles of Rayleigh scattering and Brillouin scattering of optical fibers to monitor changes in physical parameters such as temperature, strain or vibration along the optical fiber path.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRayleigh scattering: Rayleigh Scattering

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrillouin scattering: Brillouin Scattering

Implementation Method 3

Optical computing uses photons instead of electrons to perform computing operations. Its processing speed is much faster than electronic computing, and it can directly process optical signals without converting them into electrical signals.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical computing:

Data Source

PatentUS20260056037A1Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing Event Recognition Method And Device Based On Optical Computing

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 NANJING UNIV

AI summary

The invention relates to a distributed optical fiber sensing event recognition method and device based on optical computing, and relates to the technical field of optical fiber sensing event identification. The invention collects two-dimensional time-frequency signals of distributed sensing information through a coherent detection type φ-OTDR system, and uses optical computing on the optical path to achieve accurate identification of sensing events. Optical computing includes optical convolution operations and optical full connection operations. The two-dimensional time-frequency signals are processed into one-dimensional tensors. Through the cooperation of an intensity amplitude modulator and a programmable multi-wavelength laser array, the neural network weights are loaded onto the light, thereby completing the optical neural network computing, and finally obtaining the corresponding light intensities of four wavelengths, thereby achieving accurate identification of sensing events.