Wireless Optical Sensing via Diffraction Grating Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current training and simulation systems are complex and costly due to their reliance on wired electronic components, making them inflexible and difficult to disassemble and reassemble, which limits their mobility and increases expenses as actual systems become more complex.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensing system using optical detection, where actuation devices with diffraction gratings on a control panel are manipulated, illuminated, and imaged to convert into discrete values, allowing a processor with a learning network to determine which devices are actuated and how, eliminating the need for electrical wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired electronic components are used in training systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical/electrical connection system with an optical sensing system. Diffraction gratings on actuation devices modulate light patterns that are captured by an imaging device, eliminating the need for physical wiring between controls and subsystems. This substitution maintains reliable signal transmission while dramatically reducing device complexity and enabling mobility.
2Reliability
If wired electronic components are used in training systems, then system reliability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing wired connections with optical communication through diffraction gratings, the system eliminates complex wiring harnesses that require careful assembly and disassembly. The actuation devices can be independently assembled and disassembled without worrying about wire management, significantly improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
3Reliability
If wired electronic components are used in training systems, then system reliability is improved, but mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system with diffraction gratings eliminates the weight and entanglement of wiring harnesses, enabling the training system to be moved between locations without requiring disassembly of electrical connections. The system maintains reliable operation while achieving true mobility and adaptability for different deployment scenarios.
4Reliability
If fully wired training systems are used, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive wired electronic components and wiring harnesses with a more cost-effective optical sensing system. The diffraction gratings and imaging device provide reliable actuation detection at lower cost, especially beneficial for portable and rapidly deployable training systems.
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of training systems by enabling rapid assembly and disassembly, improving mobility, and providing a more efficient and cost-effective means of tracking user interactions without the need for wires, enhancing the flexibility and realism of training environments.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of diffraction gratings are located on a back side of a control panel... each respective diffraction grating is configured to be in communication with at least one actuation device... so that the respective diffraction grating is moved from a first position to at least one other position
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device configured to capture an image of the plurality of diffraction gratings located on the back side of the control panel
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a plurality of actuation devices with each individual actuation device configured to be manipulatable, a control panel, a plurality of diffraction gratings located on a back side of the control panel, each respective diffraction grating is configured to be in communication with at least one actuation device so that the respective diffraction grating is moved from a first position to at least one other position when the at least one actuation device is manipulated, a lighting device configured to illuminate the plurality of diffraction gratings, an imaging device configured to capture an image of the plurality of diffraction gratings, and a processor configured to convert the image into a discrete value, the discrete value being evaluated to determine which of the at least one actuation device is manipulated, how the manipulation reflects operation of the control panel, or to provide a response indicative of the manipulation.