Optical Fiber Positioning via Vibration Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber position specifying systems require time synchronization and a real-time network for accurate position determination, and they cannot directly specify the installation position of optical fibers on a map.
Innovation Solution
A position specifying system that includes a vibration generator capable of generating vibrations with position information, an optical fiber to detect these vibrations, and a communication unit to receive and analyze the optical signals, allowing for the specification of the optical fiber's position without the need for time synchronization or a network, by using frequency changes to convey latitude and longitude information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time synchronization and network are used to specify optical fiber position, then position information can be acquired, but system complexity increases and real-time network environment is difficult to establish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic time synchronization system and network communication system with an optical encoding system. Position information is encoded directly into the optical signal's frequency characteristics, eliminating the need for separate time synchronization mechanisms and real-time network infrastructure. The optical fiber itself becomes the transmission medium for both sensing and position information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position information transmission function with the optical sensing function. By encoding position data into the frequency characteristics of the optical signal that already carries vibration information, the system combines multiple functions into a single optical communication channel, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If vibration generator is moved to multiple locations for position mapping, then complete position information is acquired, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encoding position information into the vibration signal before transmission through the optical fiber. This allows the sensing device to immediately determine position without requiring time-consuming sequential measurements at multiple locations. The position data is already prepared and embedded in the signal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of position information and embeds it within the vibration signal. Instead of physically moving the vibration generator to map positions, the position data is copied and transmitted through the optical fiber, allowing simultaneous acquisition of position information from multiple locations without physical relocation.
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 easy and accurate specification of optical fiber installation positions without requiring time synchronization or a network, allowing for real-time mapping of optical fiber positions and routes.
Implementation Method 1
A sensing device 200 causes pulsed light to enter the optical fiber 100, and receives, as an optical signal, backscattered light generated when the pulsed light is transmitted through the optical fiber 100. At this time, vibration detected by the optical fiber 100 is superimposed on the optical signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A position specifying system according to the present disclosure includes: a position information acquisition unit (31) that acquires position information; a vibration generation unit (32) that generates vibration including the position information; an optical fiber (10) that detects the vibration; a communication unit (21) that receives an optical signal including the position information included in the vibration; a distance specifying unit (22) that specifies, based on the optical signal, a distance of the optical fiber (10) from a location of the communication unit (21) to a location where the optical fiber (10) detects vibration; and a position specifying unit (23) that specifies, based on the optical signal, the position information included in the optical signal and stores the distance and the position information in association with each other.