Optical Inspection System for Real-Time Pattern Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for inspecting data in optical data streams require conversion of optical signals to electrical signals, which involves buffering and processing, making them inefficient for real-time packet inspection and pattern matching.
Innovation Solution
An optical system that includes modulation elements to selectively remove or alter optical characteristics of data signals based on compare data, using optical modulators and detectors to generate match results directly in the optical domain, allowing for real-time pattern recognition without electrical conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical signals are converted to electrical signals for packet inspection, then data can be processed using conventional memory circuits and search engines, but processing speed decreases and real-time inspection becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical signal processing system with an optical signal processing system. Optical modulators directly manipulate optical signals to perform pattern matching without requiring optical-to-electrical conversion, thereby maintaining inspection accuracy while dramatically improving processing speed and enabling real-time inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical modulators as intermediary devices that facilitate pattern matching in the optical domain. These modulators selectively modify optical signals based on compare data values, acting as mediators between the incoming optical data stream and the detection system, enabling direct optical pattern recognition without electrical conversion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical signals are converted to electrical signals and buffered in memory circuits, then packet data can be stored and examined using search engines, but the system complexity increases and real-time processing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical buffering and processing systems with a streamlined optical processing system. By performing pattern matching directly in the optical domain using modulators and photodetectors, the system eliminates the need for optical-to-electrical conversion, memory buffering, and complex search engine circuits, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining inspection versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate steps from the conventional inspection process. Specifically, it removes the optical-to-electrical conversion stage and the buffering stage, keeping only the essential pattern matching and detection functions implemented directly in the optical domain, thus simplifying the system architecture.
3Loss of information
If conventional packet inspection methods are used involving optical-to-electrical conversion, then data can be buffered and searched, but processing time increases and real-time inspection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical processing with optical processing to eliminate time-consuming conversion and buffering steps. Optical modulators and photodetectors process data at the speed of light without requiring conversion to electrical domain, thereby maintaining complete data integrity while reducing processing time to enable real-time inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous, uninterrupted processing of optical data streams by performing pattern matching directly in the optical domain. The optical signals flow continuously through modulators and photodetectors without being stopped for conversion or buffering, ensuring no data is lost while minimizing processing time delays.
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 efficient, real-time inspection and matching of data patterns within optical signals, improving processing speed and reducing the need for electrical signal conversion and buffering.
Implementation Method 1
a first modulation element coupled to the optical path and configured to selectively remove or reduce a first optical characteristic from a data signal in response to a binary compare data value
Implementation Method 2
a second modulation element coupled to the optical path configured to selectively remove or reduce a second optical characteristic from a background signal in response to the binary compare data value
Implementation Method 3
an optical signal detector coupled to the optical path and configured to generate a match result signal in response to the first optical compare result and second optical compare result
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include an optical path; a first modulation element coupled to the optical path and configured to selectively remove or reduce a first optical characteristic from a data signal in response to a binary compare data value to generate a first optical compare result; a second modulation element coupled to the optical path configured to selectively remove or reduce a second optical characteristic from a background signal in response to the binary compare data value; and an optical signal detector coupled to the optical path and configured to generate a match result signal in response to the first optical compare result and second optical compare result. A data signal can comprise an optical signal encoded with a data value according the first optical characteristic. A background signal can comprise an optical signal having the second optical characteristic. Corresponding methods and devices are also disclosed.