Wide-Field Sensor Array Receiver for Tracking-Free Optical Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) systems are complex, costly, bulky, and unreliable due to the need for precise tracking and wavefront correction using mechanically moving parts, which are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
An optical receiver system utilizing a sensor array with a wide field of view, image or event-based cameras, and multiplexing arrangements to simplify and enhance data capture, including beam splitting and polarization/wavelength separation, reducing the need for precise tracking and wavefront correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional FSOC systems use mechanically moving parts for precise tracking and wavefront correction, then measurement precision and tracking accuracy are improved, but device complexity, cost, and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanically moving parts (fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics) with a stationary sensor array that uses electronic beam steering and digital signal processing to achieve precise tracking and wavefront correction, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple sensor elements in the array to capture multiple copies of the incoming light beam at different positions and angles, then processes these copies digitally to achieve precise tracking and wavefront correction without mechanical movement
2Measurement precision
If traditional FSOC systems use mechanically moving parts for tracking, then tracking precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to components being prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanically moving parts by using a stationary sensor array with electronic beam steering and digital signal processing, thereby removing components that are prone to mechanical failure while maintaining tracking precision through software-based methods
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional FSOC systems use fast steering mirrors and adaptive optics, then wavefront correction is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fast steering mirrors and adaptive optics with a stationary sensor array that performs wavefront correction through digital signal processing of signals from multiple sensor elements, thereby achieving wavefront correction without complex optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures multiple copies of the wavefront information using multiple sensor elements positioned at different locations, then processes these copies digitally to reconstruct and correct the wavefront, eliminating the need for complex adaptive optics
4Measurement precision
If traditional FSOC systems use precise tracking mechanisms, then data capture accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking mechanisms with a stationary sensor array that uses electronic beam steering and digital signal processing to achieve precise data capture, thereby eliminating complex mechanical tracking while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the tracking device and the data capture device, with each sensor element contributing to both tracking information and data signal extraction, thereby simplifying the overall system
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 proposed solution provides a low-cost, simple, and robust FSOC system with increased data transfer rates and improved reliability by eliminating the need for precise tracking and mechanical components, while maintaining security and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor array having sensor elements configured to detect a light beam carrying data
Implementation Method 2
beam splitting element configured to split the light beam into a plurality of light beams
Implementation Method 3
beam splitting element configured to split the light beam into a plurality of light beams
Implementation Method 4
a focusing element configured to focus the plurality of light beams onto the sensor array
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
An optical receiver (4), a communication terminal (3) with an optical receiver (4), an optical communication system (2) with a communication terminal (3), and an apparatus (1), such as a vehicle, in particular an aircraft (1a), with a communication system (2) are described, the optical receiver (4) comprising at least one sensor array (21) having sensor elements (31) configured to detect a light beam (L) carrying data, a capturing unit (22) configured to read out light values from the sensor elements (31) based on the detected light beam (L), and a processing unit (23) configured to obtain the light values and to extract at least a part of the data carried by the detected light beam (L).