Spatial Light Modulator Optical Guidance Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical guidance systems using mechanical masks are cumbersome, limited in versatility, and suffer from poor temporal encoding due to mechanical constraints, making them unsuitable for agile platforms and requiring extensive components, which restricts their portability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system utilizing a spatial light modulator (SLM) to encode guidance information on an optical beam, enabling versatile digital encoding of spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal patterns, reducing the need for mechanical stabilizers and allowing dynamic pattern adjustment for improved accuracy and high data rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical masks are used for optical encoding, then the system structure is well-defined, but the device complexity increases and portability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical masks and mechanical stabilizers with a spatial light modulator (SLM) that uses electronic control to modulate the optical beam. The SLM can dynamically change the spatial pattern of the beam without moving parts, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical mask systems and their associated stabilizers, reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through the SLM, which can rapidly change the spatial and temporal characteristics of the optical beam electronically. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt patterns in real-time without mechanical movement, providing both structural stability and operational flexibility while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical masks are used for encoding, then the system is simpler to implement, but the temporal encoding accuracy deteriorates due to mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mask systems with an electronically controlled spatial light modulator that can achieve precise temporal encoding through electronic switching. The SLM can modulate the beam pattern at high speeds with precise timing control, achieving superior temporal encoding accuracy compared to mechanical systems while remaining relatively simple to implement and manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical guidance systems are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal guidance system using an SLM that can generate multiple different spatial and temporal patterns through electronic control. The same hardware platform can adapt to different encoding schemes and guidance requirements by simply changing the control signals to the SLM, providing multi-functionality and versatility while maintaining ease of implementation through a unified system architecture.
4Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical stabilizers are used, then the beam stability is improved, but the device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilizers with an electronically controlled SLM system that can compensate for beam instability through digital signal processing and electronic pattern adjustment. The SLM can dynamically adapt the beam pattern to maintain stability without requiring heavy mechanical stabilization equipment, thereby improving beam stability while reducing device complexity and enhancing portability.
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 system provides a compact, versatile, and accurate guidance solution capable of navigating multiple platforms simultaneously with high precision, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems by enabling fast pattern switching and high data rates, thus suitable for agile platforms and environments.
Implementation Method 1
A guidance system utilizes a spatial light modulator (SLM) to encode guidance information on an optical beam
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance system for remote guidance of a remote platform(s) towards a target destination is disclosed. The guidance system includes a light module including a light source operable for beam to illuminating the remote platform, and a spatial light modulator (SLM) placed in the optical path of the light beam emitted from the light source. The guidance system includes a controller operable for obtaining data indicative of guidance information for navigating the remote platform towards the target destination. The controller operates the SLM to encode the guidance information in the light beam. The guidance information may be encoded in light pattern including at least one of the following: a spatial light pattern formed in a cross-section of the light beam, a temporal light pattern in the light beam, and a spatiotemporal light pattern. The guidance information is encoded in the light beam such that the remote platform can navigate towards the target by detecting at least a cross-sectional region of the light beam, decoding a portion of the guidance information encoded in the detected cross-sectional region and thereby determining guidance instructions for navigating the remote platform(s) towards the target destination.