Pulsed-Laser Detector Sun and Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsed-laser detectors face challenges in detecting weak pulsed-laser signals, especially in outdoor environments and under varying sun exposure and temperature conditions, due to limited sensitivity and noise interference from sunlight, which affects their ability to detect distant or reflected laser beams effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed-laser beam detection circuit with a microcontroller that adjusts the amplifier gain based on pre-stored values for different sun exposure levels and temperatures, using a database and algorithm to optimize signal amplification and reduce noise, incorporating multiple photo-detectors and gain-controlled amplifiers to enhance sensitivity and immunity to sunlight and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If amplifier gain is increased to improve sensitivity for detecting weak pulsed-laser signals, then detection sensitivity is improved, but noise from sunlight and temperature variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller continuously monitors environmental conditions (sunlight exposure via photodiodes and temperature via thermistor) and dynamically adjusts the amplifier gain accordingly. This closed-loop control system reduces noise by lowering gain when environmental interference is detected while maintaining high sensitivity when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the amplifier gain parameter based on environmental conditions. The microcontroller adjusts the gain control voltage to the amplifier based on readings from sunlight sensors and temperature sensors, optimizing the detection sensitivity while minimizing noise amplification in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If fixed high gain is used to detect weak signals, then sensitivity is improved, but the detector becomes less adaptable to varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static amplifier gain into a dynamic parameter that automatically adapts to environmental conditions. The microcontroller continuously adjusts the gain based on real-time sunlight and temperature measurements, enabling the system to maintain optimal sensitivity across varying outdoor and indoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by using its own sensors (photodiodes for sunlight, thermistor for temperature) to monitor environmental conditions and automatically modify the amplifier gain without external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous optimal performance across different operating conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wavelength filters are used to block sunlight, then sunlight interference is reduced, but the filter cannot distinguish sunlight from laser signals at the same wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary sensors (photodiodes and thermistor) that measure environmental conditions without blocking the laser signal. These intermediaries provide information to the microcontroller, which then adjusts the amplifier gain to compensate for sunlight and temperature effects, achieving noise reduction without wavelength filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the passive optical filtering mechanism (wavelength filters) with an active electronic compensation mechanism. Instead of physically blocking sunlight through optical filters, the system uses electronic gain adjustment based on environmental sensing to compensate for sunlight interference, maintaining signal discrimination capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If environmental sensing and dynamic gain control are implemented, then adaptability and noise reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microcontroller that performs multiple functions: it reads sunlight sensor data, reads temperature sensor data, processes this information, and controls the amplifier gain. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex circuits into a single integrated control unit, managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by dynamically changing only one critical parameter (amplifier gain voltage) based on environmental conditions. Rather than redesigning multiple circuit components, the microcontroller adjusts the gain parameter in response to sensor inputs, achieving environmental adaptation with minimal additional hardware complexity.
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
The solution significantly improves the detection range and sensitivity of pulsed-laser signals, enabling the detection of low-powered beams and reflected signals, even in challenging environmental conditions, by simultaneously compensating for sun exposure and temperature effects, thereby enhancing the performance of laser range finders and counter-measure devices.
Implementation Method 1
the optical signal is converted to an electrical signal in plurality of photodiodes
Implementation Method 2
The microcontroller has been connected with the ambient sensors; i.e. with the sun exposure sensor and the temperature sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses the pulsed-laser beam detector with the improved sun and temperature compensation. The detector consists of plurality of the photo detectors 101, the ambient temperature sensor 105, the sun exposure filter and mirroring circuit 103, microcontroller unit 104 that comprises pre- stored values in the database and the algorithm - decision logic, the time base circuit 106 that feed microcontroller 104, the amplifier 102 with the adjustable gain, the threshold setting circuit 107, the peak detector circuit 108, the comparator circuit 109, and the noise cancellation circuit 110. The core of invention is the amplifier 102 with the gain adjustable in real time to predetermined values, and where said gain depends of the measured values from the detectors 101, and temperature sensor 105, that are pre-processed if necessary, and compared with the values already stored in the microcontroller unit 104 and subjected to the program logic stored in said microcontroller 104 that finally decide about the gain of the said amplifier 102. The invention prevents false triggering of the device and provides the gain of the signal that is close to the maximum possible gain and optimally separated from the noise induced by the optical and temperature sources.