Optical Sighting Communication Through Modulated Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sighting devices lack the ability to facilitate communication between users remotely positioned without relying on radio-frequency transmission systems, which are often restricted or dangerous in environments with explosive atmospheres.
Innovation Solution
An optical sighting device integrated with an optical communication system, comprising an optical receiver and transmitter stage, allowing for direct optical communication through predefined modulation schemes, ensuring directivity and sensitivity to optical radiation, and featuring a reflector element to manage optical paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio-frequency transmission systems are used for communication, then communication between users is enabled, but the system becomes unreliable and dangerous in environments with explosive atmospheres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-frequency electromagnetic transmission with optical radiation transmission (visible or infrared light) for communication between users. This substitution eliminates the harmful radio-frequency emissions that could trigger explosions in hazardous environments, while maintaining reliable communication through the optical channel that passes through the sighting device.
2Ease of operation
If portable transceivers with radio spectrum frequencies are used, then communication is established, but the device complexity and authorization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication function with the existing optical sighting device by integrating an optical receiver stage and optical transmitter stage into the same housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate portable transceivers, reducing overall system complexity and removing authorization requirements while maintaining ease of operation for communication between users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If free-use transceivers are used for communication, then no authorization is needed, but the communication range is limited and easily intercepted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing optical radiation through a specific predefined path between the front lens and rear lens of the sighting device. This localized optical channel provides secure, line-of-sight communication that is difficult to intercept, while maintaining accessibility for users who both possess the sighting devices. The communication is confined to the specific geometric path defined by the optical axes of the two devices.
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 secure, direct optical communication between users at a distance, avoiding the need for radio-frequency systems and allowing use in hazardous environments, with enhanced sensitivity and directivity to optical radiation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical radiation (108) transmitted with a predefined modulation scheme from a first position to a second position along a predefined optical path between a front lens (2) and a rear lens or output lens (3)
Implementation Method 2
said optical receiver stage (199) is configured to produce, on at least a first output (10u, 10u'), a replication electrical signal (s'(t)) of a modulating signal of an optical radiation (108r)
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical sighting device (1 ) with an optical communication system (2), said optical device comprising a body provided with at least one front lens (2) adapted in use to at least receive an optical radiation (108), and at least one rear lens or output lens (3), placed in optical communication with the aforesaid front lens (2) and adapted in use to allow a user to visualize a space part or portion sighted through said optical device (1 ) along at least one main sighting direction defined by a first sighting axis (Y), wherein said optical radiation defines and/or performs a predefined optical path between said front lens (2) and said rear lens or output lens (3); said optical device (1 ) is characterized in that it comprises an optical communication system (10) integrated on or inside said body, comprising at least one optical receiver stage (199) and/or one optical transmitter stage (99), wherein: - said optical receiver stage (199) is configured to produce, on at least a first output (10u, 10u') thereof, a replication electrical signal (s'(t)) of a modulating signal of an optical radiation (108r) modulated according to a predefined modulation scheme; and - said optical receiver stage (99) is configured to produce, on at least a first output (10u, 10u") thereof, an optical radiation (108r) transmitted with a predefined modulation scheme based on an electrical data signal (s(t)), said optical communication system (10) comprising at least a first input (10i) configured to receive the data electrical signal (s(t)), where said data electrical signal (s(t)) acting as a modulating signal for said optical radiation.