Optical Receiver Self-Powering via Photoelectric Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In cable television broadcasting systems using optical fibers, subscribers cannot receive announcement broadcasting services during outages, and relying on batteries for power is costly due to frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
An announcement broadcasting system that converts optical transmission signals into electric energy using a photo-detection and photoelectric conversion section, allowing the optical receiver to operate independently of external power sources, including batteries, by converting optical signals into appropriate voltage levels for announcement broadcasting terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is provided permanently in the subscriber's facility to supply electric power to the optical receiver during outage, then the optical receiver can operate during outages, but the battery must be exchanged every two to three years involving much cost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver performs self-powering by converting the received optical transmission signal into electric energy through a photoelectric conversion section. This eliminates the need for external batteries or power sources, as the system uses its own input signal to generate the power it needs for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical battery system with an optical-to-electrical energy conversion system. Instead of using chemical energy storage (batteries), the system directly converts optical energy from the transmission signal into electrical energy to power the receiver circuitry.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the optical receiver operates during outage using a battery, then announcement broadcasting services can be received, but frequent battery replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver generates its own operating power continuously from the received optical signal through photoelectric conversion, eliminating the need for periodic battery replacements. The system sustains itself as long as an optical transmission signal is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoelectric conversion section continuously converts optical energy to electrical energy, providing uninterrupted power supply as long as the optical transmission signal is active. This eliminates the intermittent service disruption caused by battery depletion and replacement cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical transmission signal is converted into electric energy, then the optical receiver can operate without external power sources, but additional photoelectric conversion section is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transmission signal serves dual functions: it carries the information to be received and simultaneously provides the energy source for powering the receiver. The photoelectric conversion section enables the signal to fulfill both information transmission and power supply roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function with the signal reception function by integrating the photoelectric conversion section into the optical receiver. This combines what would traditionally be separate systems (external power source and signal receiver) into a single self-contained unit.
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 continuous operation of announcement broadcasting services during outages without the need for external power sources, reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion section, which is connected to the photo-detection section, for converting the optical transmission signal that the photo-detection section receives into electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
In a subscriber's facility of an announcement broadcasting system utilizing an optical fiber cable TV network, an announcement broadcasting optical receiver receiving an optical transmission signal of audio information and outputting an audio information electric signal for an announcement broadcasting terminal is provided. The announcement broadcasting optical receiver includes: a photo-detection section for converting the optical transmission signal into the audio information electric signal; a photoelectric conversion section, which is connected to the photo-detection section, for converting the optical transmission signal that the photo-detection section receives into electric energy; and an RF signal potential transformation section, to which the electric energy obtained by the photoelectric conversion section is supplied, for potential-transforming the audio information electric signal output from the photo-detection section to one at an input voltage level appropriate to the announcement broadcasting terminal and outputting it.