Optical Receiver Aperture Layout for Wide Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical wireless devices face challenges in achieving a high dynamic range due to receiver saturation at varying reception levels, which is not effectively addressed by existing methods that increase system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves equipping the receiver with a plurality of optical systems arranged side by side with different distances from the optical axis, allowing them to direct light to an optical detector, where a subset of systems receives light in the geometric near field and a higher number receives light in the geometric far field, avoiding saturation and optimizing power utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If transmitting power is increased to extend communication range, then maximum distance is improved, but receiver saturation occurs at short distances reducing minimum distance
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is divided into multiple receiving units with different aperture sizes. Larger aperture units capture more optical power at long distances, while smaller aperture units prevent saturation at short distances. This segmentation allows the system to handle a wide dynamic range of reception levels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different receiving units are assigned different aperture sizes based on their intended function. The first receiving unit has a larger aperture optimized for far-field reception, while the second receiving unit has a smaller aperture optimized for near-field reception. Each unit's local aperture quality is tailored to its specific operational range.
2Reliability
If additional elements are added to attenuate optical signal and prevent saturation, then receiver saturation is reduced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiving units with different aperture characteristics are combined into a single receiving device. This merging eliminates the need for separate attenuation mechanisms, mechanical shutters, or variable aperture systems. The combined system handles both near-field and far-field reception through the inherent aperture differences of the integrated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural aperture-size-dependent optical power capture characteristics of the receiving units to self-regulate reception levels. No active control or additional attenuation elements are needed - the smaller aperture unit automatically captures less power, preventing saturation without requiring external intervention or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If field of view is reduced to avoid near-field saturation, then minimum distance is improved, but dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device performs multiple functions simultaneously through its plurality of receiving units. It can receive optical signals at both short and long distances, in both near-field and far-field conditions, using different units as needed. This multi-functionality provides universal reception capability across the entire dynamic range without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of limiting the field of view in one dimension, the system adds another dimension by incorporating multiple receiving units with different aperture sizes. This dimensional approach to handling reception levels allows simultaneous coverage of near-field and far-field conditions without compromising field of view or requiring complex angular adjustments.
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 achieves a high dynamic range with efficient power utilization by ensuring the optical detector operates without saturation across varying distances, reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of optical systems is configured to simultaneously direct a light incident on the optical system to the optical detector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical wireless device with a receiving device is configured to receive an optical wireless signal. The receiving device includes an optical detector for detecting the optical wireless signal and a plurality of optical systems with at least a first optical system with a first aperture size and a second optical system with a second, smaller aperture size. The optical systems are arranged side by side and essentially in the same advantageous direction. Each of the plurality of optical systems is configured to simultaneously direct a light incident on the optical system to the optical detector. The optical detector has an optical axis and the first optical system is arranged at a first distance from the optical axis and the second optical system is arranged at a greater second distance from the optical axis.