Optical Waveguide Disturbance Positioning via Overlap Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide-based disturbance detection methods lack sufficient spatial resolution, particularly in large areas, making it difficult to accurately determine the position of disturbances with high precision.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical waveguide with a plurality of overlap regions and a sensing signal comprising pairs of pulses with temporal offsets, where the receiving stage re-aligns the returned signal copies to identify the origin of disturbances based on the time of return of first and second disturbance features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensing portion is used in a waveguide system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of disturbance position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide path is divided into multiple sensing portions (first sensing portions and second sensing portions) that overlap to create multiple overlap regions. Each sensing portion independently monitors disturbances, and by analyzing which overlap region contains a disturbance based on return time characteristics, the system achieves higher positional precision without requiring a single complex sensing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a temporal dimension by using pairs of pulses with temporal offsets and analyzing the return times of disturbance features. This time-based differentiation allows the system to distinguish which overlap region contains a disturbance, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the spatial detection problem and improving measurement precision
2Area of stationary object
If the sensing region coverage is expanded to cover large areas, then the area of detection is improved, but the measurement precision of disturbance position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The large detection area is segmented into multiple overlap regions created by the intersection of first and second sensing portions. Each overlap region acts as a discrete detection zone, allowing the system to maintain high positional resolution across large areas by identifying which specific overlap region contains the disturbance rather than treating the entire area as a single zone
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing temporal offsets between pulse pairs and measuring the return time of disturbance features, the system adds a time dimension to distinguish between overlapping spatial regions. This allows multiple sensing portions to cover large areas while maintaining precision through temporal discrimination of disturbance origins
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 approach allows for more accurate determination of the overlap region where a disturbance occurs, enhancing spatial resolution beyond the limitations of traditional waveguide systems by utilizing the temporal characteristics of the disturbance features.
Implementation Method 1
The core is surrounded by a cladding layer, the core and cladding layer together forming an optical waveguide. The waveguide is arranged along a path having a plurality of overlap regions...
Implementation Method 2
a returned sensing signal from said optical waveguide, which returned sensing signal is a time distributed signal derived from backscattered components of the sensing signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for evaluating the position of a disturbance, in particular using a waveguide having a plurality of overlap regions. A position sensor is provided including: an optical waveguide; a transmission stage for launching a sensing signal into the waveguide; a receiving stage arranged to receive a returned sensing signal, which returned sensing signal is a time distributed signal derived from backscattered components of the sensing signal, the waveguide being arranged along a path having a plurality of overlap regions such that a disturbance in an overlap region causes a first disturbance feature and a second disturbance feature in the returned sensing signal; and, monitoring means for monitoring the returned signal, such that a respective time of return can be associated with the first and second disturbance feature. Both return features can then be used to evaluate the position of the disturbance so as to enhance the resolution of the position sensor.