Underwater Optical Communication Unit With Omnidirectional Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater monitoring devices face challenges in providing accurate, long-term, self-powered, and energy-efficient wireless communication in deep sea environments, where acoustic communication is band-limited and prone to high latency and multipath effects.
Innovation Solution
An underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) unit with omnidirectional optical transmitters and receivers, utilizing silicon photomultiplier sensors and conical mirrors for robust alignment, enables high-resolution, low-latency communication and inter-unit ranging, supported by a processor for distance determination and three-dimensional positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If acoustic communication is used in underwater environment, then communication can be established, but data latency is high and transmission speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic communication (mechanical wave propagation through water) with optical communication (electromagnetic wave propagation). Optical signals travel at the speed of light in water, which is approximately 100 times faster than acoustic signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and latency.
2Reliability
If acoustic communication is used, then communication can be maintained, but multipath effects severely degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic waves with optical waves for communication. Optical signals in water experience minimal multipath effects compared to acoustic signals, as light travels in straight lines and is less affected by water column variations, thereby improving communication reliability while eliminating multipath degradation.
3Speed
If optical communication is used, then data transmission speed increases, but communication range is limited compared to acoustic communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional omnidirectional optical communication architecture where multiple optical transmitters and receivers are positioned at different spatial locations. This multi-dimensional spatial arrangement enables optical signals to reach receivers from multiple paths, effectively extending communication range while maintaining high data transmission speeds.
4Measurement precision
If omnidirectional optical receivers are used, then reception sensitivity along azimuthal plane is high, but reception sensitivity at elevation angles above or below the plane decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the omnidirectional reception space into multiple azimuthal planes, each with its own optimized receiver. By segmenting the reception architecture into multiple specialized receivers positioned at different orientations, the system achieves high sensitivity in each azimuthal plane while collectively providing comprehensive omnidirectional coverage.
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 UWOC unit provides fast update rates, high sensitivity, and accurate distance measurement, forming a versatile underwater network for monitoring tasks with improved accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The optical receiver includes an optical detector, which is omnidirectionally sensitive and configured to receive a further optical signal approaching substantially along a first azimuthal plane
Implementation Method 2
The first reflector optics includes a conical mirror with a top directed towards the optical detector. The conical mirror is centered on an axis of revolution that extends through the sensor region and is substantially parallel with the nominal axis
Implementation Method 3
The optical detector comprises a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) sensor
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
An underwater wireless optical communication, UWOC, unit (30) for underwater deployment on a submerged earth layer (12) or structure (14, 16). The UWOC unit is configured for wireless optical communication in an underwater environment, and comprises an optical transmitter (36), an anidolic optical receiver (38), and a processor (44). The optical transmitter is configured to transmit data by emitting an optical signal (80) into the surroundings. The optical receiver includes an optical detector (62), which is omnidirectionally sensitive and configured to receive further optical signals approaching substantially along an azimuthal plane orthogonal to a nominal axis (A) through the UWOC unit. The processor is coupled to the optical receiver, and configured to process received further optical signals. The unit may be configured to determine an inter-unit distance between this unit and a second unit, by sending an optical interrogation signal to the second unit, and receiving an optical response signal from the second unit.