Tool Operation Traceability via Free-Space Optical Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
The extensive use of RF communication in industrial environments leads to interference issues, occupied frequency channels, and potential health risks due to increased signal strength, necessitating a non-RF based data communication solution for traceability and control in manufacturing facilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Free Space Optical (FSO) communication system using a Modulating Retro-Reflector (MRR) structure and directional light sources to establish a secure, high-bandwidth link between tools and base stations, enabling data exchange only under specific conditions, thereby reducing interference and ensuring accurate traceability and control of tool operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF communication is used for data exchange between tools and control devices, then data transfer can be achieved wirelessly, but interference issues and frequency channel occupation problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RF electromagnetic communication system with an optical communication system using light-based FSO (Free Space Optical) technology. This substitution eliminates the interference and frequency channel occupation problems inherent in RF systems while maintaining wireless data transfer capability between tools and control devices.
2Productivity
If the number of RF communicating devices is increased to enhance productivity, then more tools can communicate simultaneously, but signal interference and frequency channel occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes RF electromagnetic waves with optical light waves for communication between multiple devices. This allows a larger number of tools to communicate simultaneously without the signal interference and frequency channel occupation problems that plague RF systems, thereby supporting enhanced productivity with multiple concurrent communications.
3Speed
If higher RF communication frequencies are used to increase data transfer speed, then bandwidth is improved, but signal strength increases which may affect human operators negatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-frequency RF electromagnetic waves with optical light waves for data transmission. This substitution achieves high data transfer speeds through optical bandwidth while eliminating the harmful high-frequency signal strength effects on human operators, as optical light does not have the same biological impacts as ionizing or high-power RF radiation.
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 FSO communication system provides low susceptibility to interference, high data transfer rates, and license-free operation, enhancing traceability and control of tool operations while minimizing environmental and health risks associated with RF communication.
Implementation Method 1
a Free Space Optical (FSO) communication system using a Modulating Retro-Reflector (MRR) structure and directional light sources
Implementation Method 2
Modulating Retro-Reflector (MRR) structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2e
AI summary
A method for achieving control and/or data traceability of an operation performed by a tool on an operation point on a workpiece in a working site is disclosed. Said method is achieved by communicating production related operational data via an asymmetrical free space optical (FSO) data communication link between a base station and said tool. Said base station is also connected to an upper level production system via a network. Said base station, and its directional light source, is the interrogating part of said FSO com link. A structure of modulating retro-reflectors (MRR), integrated and controlled by processing means in the tool, is the other part. The location and orientation of said MRR structure is measured by said base station. The location of the operation end of the tool is calculated by a known direction and distance relation between said operation end and said MRR structure.