Optical Switch Sharing for Multi-Head Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication devices require multiple sets of optical output units, optical sensors, and head parts for multiple optical wireless transmission/reception units, leading to increased weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
The optical communication device employs a configuration where multiple head parts share a single transmitting optical output unit and receiving optical sensor using an optical switch and splitter, allowing for efficient switching and guiding of light between the head parts and the optical switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sets of optical output units, optical sensors, and head parts are used for multiple optical wireless transmission/reception units, then the communication capability and reliability are improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical transmission/reception units into a single integrated device by combining multiple head parts with a shared optical output unit and optical sensor. The control unit coordinates switching between head parts to achieve multi-directional communication capability without requiring separate complete units for each direction, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical output unit and optical sensor serve multiple functions by being shared across different head parts. A single optical output unit can transmit signals through any of the multiple head parts, and a single optical sensor can receive signals from any head part, making these components universal and eliminating the need for dedicated units for each transmission/reception path.
2Reliability
If multiple sets of optical output units, optical sensors, and head parts are used for multiple optical wireless transmission/reception units, then the communication capability and reliability are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical transmission/reception units into a single integrated device by combining multiple head parts with a shared optical output unit and optical sensor. The control unit coordinates switching between head parts to achieve multi-directional communication capability without requiring separate complete units for each direction, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical output unit and optical sensor serve multiple functions by being shared across different head parts. A single optical output unit can transmit signals through any of the multiple head parts, and a single optical sensor can receive signals from any head part, making these components universal and eliminating the need for dedicated units for each transmission/reception path.
3Weight of moving object
If a single optical output unit and optical sensor are shared by multiple head parts using an optical switch, then the weight and cost are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical switch as an intermediary component that manages the sharing of the optical output unit and optical sensor among multiple head parts. The optical switch routes optical signals between the single optical output unit/sensor and the appropriate head part based on control signals from the control unit, enabling weight reduction while managing the increased complexity through automated switching control.
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 configuration reduces the overall weight and cost of the optical communication device while enabling multiple optical wireless transmission/reception units with a single optical output unit and optical sensor.
Implementation Method 1
an optical switch that is connected to the transmitting optical output unit and the receiving optical sensor via an optical splitter
Implementation Method 2
an optical switch that is connected to the transmitting optical output unit and the receiving optical sensor via an optical splitter
Implementation Method 3
a lens part including an end face lens that is arranged at one end of an optical fiber in which the other end is connected to the above-described optical switch, and a focusing lens for adjusting a focus
Implementation Method 4
a mirror for direction adjustment that is arranged with respect to the above-described lens part, for adjusting a direction of a light emitted from the above-described lens part and adjusting a direction of a light from the outside with respect to the above-described lens part
Implementation Method 5
the above-described plurality of head parts may have a measuring optical sensor for measuring an intensity of the light from the outside
Implementation Method 6
transmit information by emitting a laser from each of the plurality of head parts
Implementation Method 7
a receiving optical sensor for receiving information by optical communication
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an optical communication device including a transmitting optical output unit for transmitting information by optical communication, a receiving optical sensor for receiving information by optical communication, an optical switch that is connected to the transmitting optical output unit and the receiving optical sensor via an optical splitter, a plurality of head parts that are connected to the optical switch, and a control unit for performing control so as to transmit information by emitting a laser from each of the plurality of head parts by switching and guiding a light output by the transmitting optical output unit to the plurality of head parts with the optical switch, and receive information by switching a light received by the plurality of head parts with the optical switch and guiding the light to the receiving optical sensor.