Bi-directional Optical Link Acquisition Between Distant Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data link acquisition methods between distant transceivers are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly when the transceivers are in space or have unknown relative positions, requiring them to mutually discover each other's positions to establish a bi-directional link.
Innovation Solution
A method where both transceivers emit optical beams simultaneously and vary their directions according to predetermined search patterns, allowing acquisition sensors to detect and orient the beams towards each other, thereby establishing a bi-directional optical link more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If transceivers use unidirectional optical links with one-way beam transmission, then the system complexity is reduced, but the acquisition time increases significantly because both transceivers cannot simultaneously discover each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic bidirectional beam transmission where both transceivers alternately transmit and receive optical beams in time-synchronized periods. During each acquisition cycle, transceiver A transmits while B receives, then B transmits while A receives, creating a periodic exchange pattern that enables mutual discovery without requiring continuous simultaneous transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having transceivers pre-synchronize their transmission and reception timing before the actual acquisition process begins. Ground stations provide preliminary position and timing information to both transceivers, allowing them to anticipate when the other will transmit and adjust their reception windows accordingly, reducing the overall acquisition time
2Reliability
If transceivers use wide beam angles to increase detection probability, then the acquisition success rate improves, but the pointing precision and data transmission quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acquisition process into two distinct phases: a coarse acquisition phase using wide beam angles to achieve initial detection, followed by a fine alignment phase using narrow beam angles for precise pointing. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both wide and narrow beam characteristics without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam angle adjustment where the beam divergence angle changes over time during the acquisition process. The system starts with larger beam angles to maximize detection probability, then progressively reduces the angle as the transceivers approach mutual alignment, optimizing both detection and precision at different stages
3Productivity
If transceivers perform sequential acquisition where one transceiver transmits first and the other responds, then the system operates simpler, but the total acquisition time doubles compared to simultaneous bidirectional transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by having both transceivers transmit optical beams simultaneously during the acquisition period. Instead of one transceiver waiting for the other to finish transmission before beginning its own transmission, both transceivers continuously transmit and monitor for the other's beam throughout the acquisition window, effectively utilizing the entire time period for productive discovery attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic bidirectional transmission where both transceivers alternately transmit and receive optical beams in time-synchronized periods. During each acquisition cycle, transceiver A transmits while B receives, then B transmits while A receives, creating a periodic exchange pattern that enables mutual discovery without requiring continuous simultaneous transmission
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 significantly reduces the time required to establish a bi-directional optical link between distant transceivers, increasing the probability of successful detection and enabling efficient data transmission or interferometry between them.
Implementation Method 1
activating a first beam emitting unit of the first transceiver and emitting a first optical beam into a first direction; activating a second beam emitting unit of the second transceiver and emitting a second optical beam into a second direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Systems and methods for acquiring a bi-directional optical link between distant transceivers are disclosed. A first beam emitting unit (110) of a first transceiver (100) is activated to emit a first optical beam (112) into a first direction. At about the same time, a second beam emitting unit (210) of a second transceiver (200) and is activated to emit a second optical beam (212) into a second direction. A first acquisition sensor (120) acquires source coordinates of the second optical beam that is incident onto the first acquisition sensor (120). The first direction of the first beam emitting unit (110) is varied towards the source coordinates of the second optical beam. The first acquisition sensor (120) is oriented towards the source coordinates of the second optical beam. The second acquisition sensor (220) acquires source coordinates of the first optical beam. The second direction of the second beam emitting unit (210) is varied towards the source coordinates of the first optical beam. The first optical beam (112) and the second optical beam (212) are emitted at least partially during a same period of time.