U.S. patent application number 16/233415 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for scanning-type optical antenna and control method thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Industrial Technology Research Institute. Invention is credited to CHI-YU BAI, CHENG-HUAN CHEN, RUEI-BIN CHEN, MING-CHIEN TSENG.
Application Number | 20200195346 16/233415 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69582562 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200195346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEN; RUEI-BIN ; et
al. |
June 18, 2020 |
SCANNING-TYPE OPTICAL ANTENNA AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A scanning-type optical antenna is provided, which includes a
housing, a fine-tune mirror, a light signal emitter, a light signal
receiver, a scanning light receiver and a rotational mechanism. The
housing includes a window. The scanning light receiver disposed on
the housing receives an input sector scanning light from a target
antenna to generate plural light speckles. The rotational mechanism
mounts the housing and adjusts the deflection angle between the
housing and the target antenna according to the light speckles. The
fine-tune mirror is disposed outside the housing and corresponding
to the window. The light signal emitter inside the housing
transmits an output signal light to the target antenna after being
reflected by the fine-tune mirror through the window. The input
signal light of the target antenna is transmitted to the light
signal receiver inside the housing after being reflected by the
fine-tune mirror and passing through the window.
Inventors: |
CHEN; RUEI-BIN; (Hsinchu
City, TW) ; TSENG; MING-CHIEN; (Hsinchu County,
TW) ; CHEN; CHENG-HUAN; (Taoyuan County, TW) ;
BAI; CHI-YU; (Taichung City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Industrial Technology Research Institute |
Hsin-Chu |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
69582562 |
Appl. No.: |
16/233415 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 10/1125 20130101;
G02B 26/0816 20130101; H04B 10/1123 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 10/112 20060101
H04B010/112; G02B 26/08 20060101 G02B026/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 13, 2018 |
TW |
107145047 |
Claims
1. A scanning-type optical antenna, comprising: a housing,
comprising a window; a scanning light receiver, disposed on the
housing and configured to receive an input sector scanning light
emitted from a target antenna to generate plural light speckles; a
rotational mechanism, wherein the housing is mounted on the
rotational mechanism and the rotational mechanism adjusts a
deflection angle between the housing and the target antenna
according to the light speckles; a fine-tune mirror, disposed
outside the housing and corresponding to the window; a light signal
emitter, disposed inside the housing and configured to transmit an
output signal light to the target antenna after the output signal
light passes through the window and is reflected by the fine-tune
mirror; and a light signal receiver, disposed inside the housing
and configured to receive an input signal light transmitted from
the target antenna after the input signal light is reflected by the
fine-tune mirror and passes through the window.
2. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 1, further comprising
a scanning light emitter disposed on the housing and configured to
emit an output sector scanning light to the target antenna.
3. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 2, further comprising
a scanning light source and a beam forming element, wherein a beam
emitted from the scanning light source passes through the beam
forming element to generate the output sector scanning light.
4. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 3, wherein the
scanning light emitter further comprises a scanning mirror
configured to be continuously rotating to reflect the output sector
scanning light so as to change a direction of the output sector
scanning light.
5. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 1, wherein the
scanning light receiver comprises a light sensing element
configured to sense the input sector scanning light so as to
generate the light speckles.
6. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 5, wherein the
rotational mechanism rotates the housing to make a center part of
the light speckles coincide a center of the light sensing
element.
7. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 1, wherein the
rotational mechanism comprises a rotational mechanism controller
configured to compare shapes and positions of the light speckles
with a database so as to calculate the deflection angle between the
housing and the target antenna.
8. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 1, further comprising
a first beam splitter configured to reflect the output signal light
to the target antenna after the output signal light passes through
the window and is reflected by the fine-tune mirror.
9. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 8, further comprising
a second beam splitter and a position sensor, wherein the input
signal light passes through the first beam splitter and is split by
the second beam splitter into a first input signal light
transmitted to the light signal receiver and a second input signal
light transmitted to the position sensor.
10. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 9, wherein a light
transmission path of the first input signal light is perpendicular
to a light transmission path of the second input signal light.
11. The scanning-type optical antenna of claim 9, further
comprising a mirror controller, wherein the position sensor
generates an adjustment signal according to the second input signal
light and the mirror controller adjusts the fine-tune mirror
according to the adjustment signal so as to fine-tune the input
signal light.
12. A control method for a scanning-type optical antenna,
comprising: receiving an input sector scanning light emitted from a
target antenna by a scanning light receiver disposed on a housing
to generate plural light speckles; rotating the housing according
to the light speckles by a rotational mechanism to adjust a
deflection angle between the housing and the target antenna;
emitting an output signal light by a light signal emitter disposed
inside the housing, wherein the output signal light is transmitted
to the target antenna after passing through a window of the housing
and being reflected by a fine-tune mirror; and receiving an input
signal light transmitted from the target antenna by a light signal
receiver disposed inside the housing, wherein the input signal
light is transmitted to the light signal receiver after being
reflected by the fine-tune mirror and passing through the
window.
13. The control method of claim 12, further comprising: emitting an
output sector scanning light to the target antenna by a scanning
light emitter.
14. The control method of claim 13, further comprising: generating
the output sector scanning light by controlling a scanning light
source of the scanning light emitter to emit a beam passing through
a beam forming element of the scanning light emitter.
15. The control method of claim 14, further comprising:
continuously rotating a scanning mirror of the scanning light
emitter to reflect the output sector scanning light so as to change
a direction of the output sector scanning light.
16. The control method of claim 12, further comprising: sensing the
input sector scanning light by a light sensing element of the
scanning light receiver so as to generate the light speckles.
17. The control method of claim 16, further comprising: rotating
the housing by the rotational mechanism to make a center part of
the light speckles coincide a center of the light sensing
element.
18. The control method of claim 12, further comprising: comparing
shapes and positions of the light speckles with a database by a
rotational mechanism controller of the rotational mechanism so as
to calculate the deflection angle between the housing and the
target antenna.
19. The control method of claim 12, further comprising: reflecting
the output signal light by a first beam splitter; and transmitting
the output signal light to the target antenna after the output
signal light passes through the window and is reflected by the
fine-tune mirror.
20. The control method of claim 19, further comprising: the input
signal light passing through the first beam splitter and being
split by a second beam splitter into a first input signal light and
a second input signal light; and transmitting the first input
signal light to the light signal receiver; and transmitting the
second input signal light to a position sensor.
21. The control method of claim 20, further comprising: generating
an adjustment signal according to the second input signal light by
the position sensor; and adjusting the fine-tune mirror according
to the adjustment signal by a mirror controller so as to fine-tune
the input signal light.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] All related applications are incorporated by reference. The
present application is based on, and claims priority from, Taiwan
Application Serial Number 107145047, filed on Dec. 13, 2018, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The technical field relates to an optical antenna, in
particular to a scanning-type optical antenna. The technical field
further relates to the control method of the scanning-type optical
antenna.
BACKGROUND
[0003] FSO (Free Space Optics) systems are a novel wireless
transmission system, which can transmit signals via light and the
transmission medium thereof is air. FSO systems can be swiftly
installed without complicated wiring and can be reused after being
recovered, so are very suitable for temporary mobile network
systems. Therefore, FSO systems have become the best solution in
the last mile of metropolitan area networks.
[0004] A currently available FSO system usually includes several
optical antennas. In general, a currently available optical antenna
includes a light signal emitter and a light signal receiver. The
optical antenna and a target antenna should be disposed at the same
plane. Besides, the light signal emitter of the optical antenna
should aim at the light signal receiver of the target antenna so as
to transmit signal lights thereto. Similarly, the light signal
receiver of the optical antenna should aim at the light signal
emitter of the target antenna so as to receive signal lights
therefrom.
SUMMARY
[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
scanning-type optical antenna, which includes a housing, a
fine-tune mirror, a light signal emitter, a light signal receiver,
a scanning light receiver, a scanning light emitter and a
rotational mechanism. The housing includes a window. The scanning
light receiver is disposed on the housing and receives an input
sector scanning light emitted from a target antenna to generate
plural light speckles. The rotational mechanism mounts the housing
and adjusts the deflection angle between the housing and the target
antenna according to the light speckles. The fine-tune mirror is
disposed outside the housing and corresponding to the window. The
light signal emitter is disposed inside the housing and transmits
an output signal light to the target antenna after being reflected
by the fine-tune mirror through the window. The light signal
receiver is disposed inside the housing; the input signal light of
the target antenna is transmitted to the light signal receiver
after being reflected by the fine-tune mirror and passing through
the window.
[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to
control method for scanning-type optical antenna, which includes
the following steps: receiving an input sector scanning light
emitted from a target antenna by a scanning light receiver disposed
on a housing to generate plural light speckles; rotating the
housing according to the light speckles by a rotational mechanism
to adjust a deflection angle between the housing and the target
antenna; emitting an output signal light by a light signal emitter
disposed inside the housing, where the output signal light is
transmitted to the target antenna after passing through the window
of the housing and being reflected by a fine-tune mirror; and
receiving an input signal light emitted by a target antenna by a
light signal receiver disposed inside the housing, where the input
signal light is transmitted to the light signal receiver after
being reflected by the fine-tune mirror and passing through the
window.
[0007] Further scope of applicability of the present application
will become more apparent from the detailed description given
hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed
description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration
only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and
scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present disclosure will become more fully understood
from the detailed description given herein below and the
accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only,
and thus are not limitative of the present disclosure and
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a structure of a scanning-type
optical antenna in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an operation status of a
scanning light emitter of the scanning-type optical antenna in
accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an operation status of a
scanning light receiver of the scanning-type optical antenna in
accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an operation status of a light
signal emitter and a light signal receiver of the scanning-type
optical antenna in accordance with the first embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an optical structure of a
scanning light emitter of a scanning-type optical antenna in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an optical structure of a
scanning light receiver of the scanning-type optical antenna in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8A is a first schematic view of a distribution of light
speckles of the scanning light receiver of the scanning-type
optical antenna in accordance with the second embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8B is a second schematic view of a distribution of
light speckles of the scanning light receiver of the scanning-type
optical antenna in accordance with the second embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 8C is a third schematic view of a distribution of light
speckles of the scanning light receiver of the scanning-type
optical antenna in accordance with the second embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8D is a fourth schematic view of a distribution of
light speckles of the scanning light receiver of the scanning-type
optical antenna in accordance with the second embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an optical
transmitting/receiving structure of the scanning-type optical
antenna in accordance with the second embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a first flow chart in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a second flow chart in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a third flow chart in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following detailed description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It
will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order
to simplify the drawing.
[0025] Please refer to FIG. 1, a schematic view of a structure of a
scanning-type optical antenna in accordance with a first embodiment
of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the scanning-type
optical antenna 1 includes a housing 11, a fine-tune mirror 12, a
light signal emitter 13, a light signal receiver 14, a scanning
light emitter 15, a scanning light receiver 16 and a rotational
mechanism 17.
[0026] The housing 11 includes a window 111 disposed at one side
thereof. The scanning light emitter 15 is disposed on the housing
11 and includes a scanning mirror 151. The scanning light receiver
16 is disposed on the housing 11 and receives an input sector
scanning light emitted from a target antenna. For example, the
scanning light receiver 16 may include a light sensing element,
such as charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary
metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), etc., which can sense the input
sector scanning light to generate plural light speckles. The
rotational mechanism 17 mounts the housing 11 and adjusts the
direction of the housing 11 according to the shapes and the
positions of the light speckles to aim the light signal emitter 13
and the light signal receiver 14 at the target antenna so as to
effectively transmit and receive signal lights. The fine-tune
mirror 12 is disposed outside the housing 11 and adjacent to the
window 111; besides, the position of the fine-tune mirror 12 is
corresponding to the position of the window 111. The light signal
emitter 13 is disposed inside the housing 11 and includes a light
signal source to transmit signal lights to the target antenna. For
example, the light signal source may be a laser diode or other
similar electronic components. The light signal receiver 14 is
disposed inside the housing 11 and receives the input signal light
transmitted from the target antenna.
[0027] Please refer to FIG. 2, a schematic view of an operation
status of a scanning light emitter of the scanning-type optical
antenna in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the scanning light emitter 15 emits
an output sector scanning light OC to search the target antenna and
change the direction of the output scanning light OC via the
scanning mirror 151 so as to realize wide-angle scanning. For
example, the rotational angle of the scanning mirror 151 may be
180.degree. but not limited thereto.
[0028] Please refer to FIG. 3, a schematic view of an operation
status of a scanning light receiver of the scanning-type optical
antenna in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the scanning light receiver 16
receives an input sector scanning light IC emitted from the target
antenna and senses the input sector scanning light IC to generate
plural light speckles.
[0029] Please refer to FIG. 4, a schematic view of an operation
status of a light signal emitter and a light signal receiver of the
scanning-type optical antenna in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the light
signal emitter 13 generates an output signal light OL; the output
signal light OL is transmitted to the light signal receiver 14' of
the target antenna 1' after passing through the window 111 and
being reflected by the fine-tune mirror 12. Similarly, the input
signal light IL generated by the light signal emitter 13' of the
target antenna 1' is transmitted to the light signal receiver 14 of
the scanning-type optical antenna 1 after passing through the
window 111' and being reflected by the fine-tune mirror 12'. More
specifically, the fine-tune mirrors 12 and 12' can rotate to adjust
the transmission paths of the output signal light OL and the input
signal light IL so as to make sure that the scanning-type optical
antenna 1 can precisely transmit and receive signal lights.
[0030] As described above, the scanning-type optical antenna 1
integrates the light signal emitter 13 with the light signal
receiver 14. Both of the output signal light OL transmitted from
the light signal emitter 13 and the input signal light IL received
by the light signal receiver 14 pass through the window 111 and are
reflected by the fine-tune mirror 12. Accordingly, the transmission
path of the output signal light OL and that of the input signal
light IL can be considered common. In this way, the deflection
angle of the scanning-type optical antenna 1 can be corrected via
one rotational mechanism, which can significantly reduce the cost
thereof.
[0031] In addition, the scanning-type optical antenna 1 integrates
the light signal emitter 13 with the light signal receiver 14, so
the light signal emitter 13 with the light signal receiver 14 have
a common lens set, which can greatly decrease the complexity of the
structure of the scanning-type optical antenna 1.
[0032] Moreover, the scanning-type optical antenna 1 can receive
the input sector scanning light IC emitted from the target antenna
1' to track the target antenna 1', so the scanning-type optical
antenna 1 can automatically and precisely aim at the target antenna
1'. Thus, the scanning-type optical antenna 1 can have better
tolerance and be more conveniently to use.
[0033] The embodiment just exemplifies the present disclosure and
is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any
equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of
the present disclosure is to be also included within the scope of
the following claims and their equivalents.
[0034] Please refer to FIG. 5, a flow chart in accordance with the
first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the
control method of the scanning-type optical antenna 1 of the
embodiment includes the following steps:
[0035] Step S51: the scanning light emitter of a scanning-type
optical antenna emits an output sector scanning light to a target
antenna. Meanwhile, the scanning light emitter of the target
antenna also emits an input sector scanning light to the
scanning-type optical antenna.
[0036] Step S52: the scanning mirror of the scanning light emitter
of the scanning-type optical antenna is continuously rotating to
reflect the output sector scanning light so as to change the
direction of the output sector scanning light. Meanwhile, the
scanning mirror of the scanning light emitter of the target antenna
is also continuously rotating to reflect the input sector scanning
light so as to change the direction of the input sector scanning
light.
[0037] Step S53: the scanning light receiver of the scanning-type
optical antenna receives the input sector scanning light emitted
from the target antenna to generate plural light speckles.
Similarly, the scanning light receiver of the target antenna
receives the output sector scanning light emitted from the
scanning-type optical antenna to generate plural light
speckles.
[0038] Step S54: the rotational mechanism of the scanning-type
optical antenna rotates the housing according to the received light
speckles so as to adjust the deflection angle between the housing
and the target antenna. Similarly, the rotational mechanism of the
target antenna rotates the housing according to the received light
speckles so as to adjust the deflection angle between the housing
and the scanning-type optical antenna.
[0039] Step S55: the light signal emitter disposed inside the
housing of the scanning-type optical antenna transmits an output
signal light to the target antenna after the output signal light
passes through the window of the housing and is reflected by the
fine-tune mirror. Similarly, the light signal emitter disposed
inside the housing of the target antenna transmits an input signal
light to the scanning-type optical antenna after the input signal
light passes through the window of the housing and is reflected by
the fine-tune mirror.
[0040] Step S56: the light signal receiver disposed inside the
housing of the scanning-type optical antenna receives the input
signal light transmitted from the target antenna. Similarly, the
light signal receiver disposed inside the housing of the target
antenna receives the output signal light transmitted from the
scanning-type optical antenna.
[0041] Please refer to FIG. 6, a schematic view of an optical
structure of a scanning light emitter of a scanning-type optical
antenna in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
disclosure (please also refer to FIG. 1.about.FIG. 4). FIG. 6
illustrates the optical structure of the scanning light emitter 15
of the previous embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the scanning light
emitter 15 includes a scanning mirror 151, a scanning light source
152, a beam forming element 153 and a lens L1.
[0042] The beam B emitted from the scanning light source 152 passes
through the lens L1 and the beam forming element 153 to generate an
output sector scanning light OC; the lens L1 can provide light
condensing effect. For example, the scanning light source 152 may
be an infrared light source or other similar components. For
example, the beam forming element 153 may be an optical grating or
other similar components. Via the diffraction characteristic of the
grating, the beam B, with single wavelength, emitted from the
scanning light source 152 can form the output sector scanning light
OC. Therefore, the target antenna 1' receiving the output sector
scanning light OC can track the position of the scanning-type
optical antenna 1, as shown in Equation (1):
n 2 sin .theta. 2 - n 1 sin .theta. 1 = M .lamda. d = M .lamda. T (
1 ) ##EQU00001##
[0043] In Equation (1), n.sub.1 stands for the environment
refractive index before the beam incidents into the grating;
n.sub.2 stands for the environment refractive index after the beam
passes through the grating; .theta..sub.1 stands for the incidence
angle of the beam incident to the grating; .theta..sub.2 stands for
the diffraction angle of the beam in relative to a certain order of
the grating; M stands for the diffraction order; d stands for the
width of one period of the structure of the grating; T stands for
the period of the structure of the grating; .lamda. stands for the
wavelength of the beam.
[0044] The scanning mirror 151 is connected to the mirror
controller C of the scanning-type optical antenna 1. The mirror
controller C controls the scanning mirror 151 to rotate, so the
output sector scanning light OC can provide the desired scanning
range.
[0045] Please refer to FIG. 7, a schematic view of an optical
structure of a scanning light receiver of the scanning-type optical
antenna in accordance with the second embodiment of the present
disclosure (please also refer to FIG. 1.about.FIG. 4). FIG. 7
illustrates the optical structure of the scanning light receiver 16
of the previous embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the scanning light
receiver 16 includes a light sensing element 161, a lens L2 and an
optical filter F1.
[0046] The input sector scanning light IC emitted from the target
antenna 1' is received by the light sensing element 161 after
passing through the optical filter F1 and the lens L2. The light
sensing element 161 senses the input sector scanning light IC to
generate plural light speckles LS1, LS2, LS3; the lens L2 can
provide light condensing effect and the optical filter F1 can
filter out noise. For example, the lens L2 may be a wide-angle
optical lens and its range of receiving the input sector scanning
light IC can be up to 180.degree..
[0047] Next, the rotational mechanism controller (not shown in the
drawings) of the rotational mechanism 17 compares the shapes and
the positions of the light speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 with a database
so as to obtain the relation between which and the deflection angle
of the housing 11 relative to the target antenna 1'. Afterward, the
rotational mechanism 17 rotates the housing 11 to make the light
speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 be symmetric at the center of the light
sensing element 161. Consequently, the light signal emitter 13 and
the light signal receiver 14 can aim the target antenna 1' so as to
effectively transmit and receive signal lights.
[0048] Please refer to FIG. 8A, a first schematic view of a
distribution of light speckles of the scanning light receiver of
the scanning-type optical antenna in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment, the
scanning-type optical antenna 1 is installed on a moving train; the
target antennas 1' are fixed on the ground and distributed along
the moving path of the train. As shown in FIG. 8A, 3 light speckles
LS1, LS2, LS3 are formed after the light sensing element 161 senses
3 beams of the input sector scanning light IC of one of the target
antennas 1'. Then, the rotational mechanism controller (not shown
in the drawings) compares the shapes and the positions of the light
speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 with the database so as to calculate the
deflection angel between the housing 11 and the target antenna 1'.
In the embodiment, the deflection angel is left deflected
25.degree. and upper deflected 20.degree..
[0049] Please refer to FIG. 8B, a second schematic view of a
distribution of light speckles of the scanning light receiver of
the scanning-type optical antenna in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present disclosure. Similarly, 3 light speckles
LS1, LS2, LS3 are, as shown in FIG. 8B, formed after the light
sensing element 161 senses 3 beams of the input sector scanning
light IC of one of the target antennas 1'. Then, the rotational
mechanism controller compares the shapes and the positions of the
light speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 with the database so as to calculate
the deflection angel between the housing 11 and the target antenna
1'. In the embodiment, the deflection angel is upper deflected
20.degree..
[0050] Please refer to FIG. 8C, a third schematic view of a
distribution of light speckles of the scanning light receiver of
the scanning-type optical antenna in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8C, the
rotational mechanism 17 rotates the housing 11 to make the light
speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 be symmetric at the center CP of the light
sensing element 161. Then, the light signal emitter 13 and the
light signal receiver 14 can aim at the target antenna 1', so can
effectively transmit and receive signal lights. After the light
speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 is symmetric at the center CP of the light
sensing element 161, the deformation of the light speckle LS1 is
equal to that of the light speckle LS3 and the light speckle LS2
coincides the center CP of the light sensing element 161.
Similarly, if the quantity of the light speckles is more than 3,
the rotational mechanism 17 can also use the same process to make
the light speckles be symmetric at the center CP of the light
sensing element 161.
[0051] Please refer to FIG. 8D, a fourth schematic view of a
distribution of light speckles of the scanning light receiver of
the scanning-type optical antenna in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the
scanning-type optical antenna 1 is installed on a moving train; the
target antennas 1' are fixed on the ground and distributed along
the moving path of the train. Thus, when the train moves to the
position between two target antennas 1', the scanning light
receiver 16 of the scanning-type optical antenna 1 may receive the
input sector scanning lights IC emitted from these target antennas
1' at the same time, and sense two sets of light speckles. As shown
in FIG. 8D, 6 light speckles LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, LS5, LS6 are
formed after the light sensing element 161 senses 6 beams of the
input sector scanning lights IC emitted from 2 target antennas 1',
where the light speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 are corresponding to one
target antennas 1' and the light speckles LS4, LS5, LS6 are
corresponding to the other. In the meanwhile, the rotational
mechanism controller compares the total strength and the total
fullness (deformation) of the light speckles LS1, LS2, LS3 with
those of the light speckles LS4, LS5, LS6, and then makes the
adjustment according to the comparison result. For example, if the
total strength and the total fullness of the light speckles LS4,
LS5, LS6 are greater than those of the light speckles LS1, LS2,
LS3, the rotational mechanism controller makes the adjustment
according to the light speckles LS4, LS5, LS6 and controls the
rotational mechanism 17 to rotate the housing 11 so as to make the
light speckles LS4, LS5, LS6 be symmetric at the center CP of the
light sensing element 161. In this way, the scanning-type optical
antenna 1 can switch the target antennas 1' according to the
characteristics of the sensed light speckles so as to avoid that
the signal transmission is interrupted.
[0052] Please refer to FIG. 9, a schematic view of an optical
transmitting/receiving structure of the scanning-type optical
antenna in accordance with the second embodiment of the present
disclosure (please also refer to FIG. 1.about.FIG. 4). FIG. 9
illustrates the optical transmitting/receiving structure of the
scanning-type optical antenna 1 of the previous embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 9, the light transmission path of the light signal
emitter 13 includes a fiber head H1, a lens L3, an optical filter
F2 and a first beam splitter BS1.
[0053] The output signal light OL emitted from the light signal
emitter 13 is outputted from the filter head H1. Then, the output
signal light OL passes through the lens L3, the optical filter F2
to the first beam splitter BS1. The output signal light OL reaches
the fine-tune mirror 12 after being reflected by the first beam
splitter BS1 and is reflected by the fine-tune mirror 12 to the
target antenna 1'; the lens L3 can provide light condensing effect
and the optical filter F2 can filter out noise.
[0054] The light transmission path of the light signal receiver 14
includes the first beam splitter BS1, a lens L4, a second beam
splitter BS2, an optical filter F3, a concave lens R1, a lens L5, a
fiber head H2, an optical filter F4, a lens L6 and a position
sensor PS. In addition, the scanning-type optical antenna 1 further
includes a mirror controller C.
[0055] After passing through the first beam splitter BS1, the input
signal light IL passes through the lens L4 to the second beam
splitter BS2. Then, the input signal light IL is split by the
second beam splitter BS2 into a first input signal light IL1 and a
second input signal light IL2. And, the first input signal light
IL1 passes through the optical filter F3, the concave lens R1 and
the lens L5 to the fiber head H2 of the optical signal receiver 14.
The combination of the concave lens R1 and the lens L5 can provide
light condensing effect to further concentrate the first input
signal light IL1 and the optical filter F3 can filter out noise. In
another embodiment, the concave lens R1 can be omitted from the
light transmission path of the light signal receiver 14, so the
light condensing effect is provided by only the lens L5.
[0056] The second input signal light IL2 passes through the optical
filter F4 and the lens L6 to the position sensor PS. The position
sensor PS generates an adjustment signal AS according to the second
input signal light IL2 and transmits the adjustment signal AS to
the mirror controller C. Wherein, the lens L6 can provide light
condensing effect and the optical filter F4 can filter out noise.
Next, the mirror controller C adjusts the fine-tune mirror 12
according to the adjustment signal AS so as to fine-tune the input
signal light IL, such that the first input signal light IL1 can
more precisely aim at the fiber head H2 of the light signal
receiver 14.
[0057] In the embodiment, the light transmission path of the first
input signal light IL1 is perpendicular to the light transmission
path of the second input signal light IL2. In other words, the
straight line connecting the center of the second beam splitter BS2
to the fiber head H2 is perpendicular to the straight line
connecting the center of the second beam splitter BS2 to the
position sensor PS.
[0058] Via the above specially-designed optical structure, the
light signal receiver 14 and the position sensor PS can be coupled
to and corresponding to each other, so the light signal receiver 14
and the position sensor PS can be considered at the same optical
axis. Therefore, the mirror controller C can more effectively
fine-tune the input signal light IL to more precisely aim the first
input signal light IL1 at the fiber head H2 of the light signal
receiver 14.
[0059] The embodiment just exemplifies the present disclosure and
is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any
equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of
the present disclosure is to be also included within the scope of
the following claims and their equivalents.
[0060] It is worthy to point out that both of the light signal
emitter and the light signal receiver of the currently available
optical antenna need a rotational mechanism so as to aim at the
light signal receiver and the light signal emitter of a target
antenna, which significantly increases the cost thereof. On the
contrary, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,
the scanning-type optical antenna integrates the light signal
emitter with the light signal receiver, so the light signal emitter
and the light signal receiver have a common light transmission
path. Therefore, the deflection angle of the scanning-type optical
antenna can be corrected by only one rotational mechanism, which
can reduce the cost thereof.
[0061] Besides, both of the light signal emitter and the light
signal receivers of the currently available optical antenna need a
dedicated lens set, so the structure of the currently available
optical antenna is of high complexity. On the contrary, according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scanning-type
optical antenna integrates the light signal emitter with the light
signal receiver, so the light signal emitter and the light signal
receiver have a common lens set. Thus, the complexity of the
structure of the scanning-type optical antenna can be significantly
reduced.
[0062] Further, the currently available optical antenna can emit
signals in only one direction, so cannot accurately aim at the
target antenna without manual manipulation or additional assistant
tools (e.g. visible laser or scope). Accordingly, the currently
available optical antenna is of low tolerance, inconvenient to use
and inefficient. On the contrary, according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure, the scanning-type optical antenna can emit
the sector scanning light to the target antenna, so the target
antenna can track the scanning-type optical antenna. In addition,
the scanning-type optical antenna can further receive the sector
scanning light emitted from the target antenna to track the target
antenna. In this way, the scanning-type optical antenna can
automatically and accurately aim at the target antenna without
manual manipulation or additional assistant tools. Therefore, the
scanning-type optical antenna is of high tolerance, convenient to
use and efficient.
[0063] Moreover, the currently available optical antenna cannot be
applied to mobile vehicles and transportation systems, such as MRT
systems, railway systems, HSR systems, LRT systems, automobiles,
aircrafts, etc., so the application thereof is limited. On the
contrary, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,
the scanning-type optical antenna can automatically and accurately
aim at the target antenna, so is very suitable for various mobile
vehicles and transportation systems.
[0064] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure, the optical transmitting/receiving structure of the
scanning-type optical antenna is specially designed to make the
light signal receiver and the position sensor be coupled to and
corresponding to each other. In this way, the light signal receiver
and the position sensor can be considered at the same optical axis,
so the mirror controller can more effectively fine-tune the input
signal light to precisely aim the input signal light at the light
signal receiver. Accordingly, the signal quality of the
scanning-type optical antenna can be improved.
[0065] Please refer to FIG. 10, a first flow chart in accordance
with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The control
method of the scanning light emitter 15 of the scanning-type
optical antenna 1 of the embodiment includes the following
steps:
[0066] Step S101: the beam emitted from the scanning light source
of the scanning light emitter passes through the beam forming
element of the scanning light emitter to generate an output sector
scanning light.
[0067] Step S102: the scanning mirror of the scanning light emitter
is continuously rotating to reflect the output sector scanning
light so as to change the direction of the output sector scanning
light and transmit the output sector scanning light to a target
antenna.
[0068] Please refer to FIG. 11, a second flow chart in accordance
with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The control
method of the scanning light receiver 16 of the scanning-type
optical antenna 1 of the embodiment includes the following
steps:
[0069] Step S111: the light sensing element of the scanning light
receiver senses an input sector scanning light emitted from the
target antenna to generate plural light speckles.
[0070] Step S112: the rotational mechanism controller of the
rotational mechanism compares the shapes and the positions of the
light speckles with a database to calculate the deflection angle
between the housing and the target antenna.
[0071] Step S113: the rotational mechanism rotates the housing to
make the light speckles be symmetric at the center of the light
sensing element so as to correct the deflection angle between the
housing and the target antenna.
[0072] Please refer to FIG. 12, a third flow chart in accordance
with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The control
method of the optical transmitting/receiving structure of the
scanning-type optical antenna 1 of the embodiment includes the
following steps:
[0073] Step S121: the light signal emitter disposed inside the
housing emits an output signal light.
[0074] Step S122: the output signal light is reflected by a first
beam splitter.
[0075] Step S123: the output signal light is transmitted to the
target antenna after passing through the window of the housing and
being reflected by a fine-tune mirror.
[0076] Step S124: an input signal light is reflected by the
fine-tune mirror disposed outside the housing and passing through
the window of the housing; then, the input signal light is passing
through the first beam splitter and then the input signal light is
split by a second beam splitter into a first input signal light and
a second input signal light.
[0077] Step S125: the first input signal light is transmitted to a
light signal receiver disposed inside the housing.
[0078] Step S126: the second input signal light is transmitted to a
position sensor disposed inside the housing.
[0079] Step S127: the position sensor generates an adjustment
signal according to the second input signal light.
[0080] Step S128: a mirror controller disposed inside the housing
adjusts the fine-tune mirror according to the adjustment signal so
as to fine-tune the input signal light.
[0081] In summation of the description above, according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure, the scanning-type optical
antenna integrates the light signal emitter with the light signal
receiver, so the light signal emitter and the light signal receiver
have a common light transmission path. Therefore, the deflection
angle of the scanning-type optical antenna can be corrected by only
one rotational mechanism, which can reduce the cost thereof.
[0082] Besides, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure, the scanning-type optical antenna integrates the light
signal emitter with the light signal receiver, so the light signal
emitter and the light signal receiver have a common lens set. Thus,
the complexity of the structure of the scanning-type optical
antenna can be significantly reduced.
[0083] Further, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure, the scanning-type optical antenna can emit the sector
scanning light to the target antenna, so the target antenna can
track the scanning-type optical antenna. In addition, the
scanning-type optical antenna can further receive the sector
scanning light emitted from the target antenna to track the target
antenna. In this way, the scanning-type optical antenna can
automatically and accurately aim at the target antenna without
manual manipulation or additional assistant tools. Therefore, the
scanning-type optical antenna is of high tolerance, convenient to
use and efficient.
[0084] Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure, the scanning-type optical antenna can automatically and
accurately aim at the target antenna, so is very suitable for
various mobile vehicles and transportation systems.
[0085] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure, the optical transmitting/receiving structure of the
scanning-type optical antenna is specially designed to make the
light signal receiver and the position sensor be coupled to and
corresponding to each other. In this way, the light signal receiver
and the position sensor can be considered at the same optical axis,
so the mirror controller can more effectively fine-tune the input
signal light to precisely aim the input signal light at the light
signal receiver. Accordingly, the signal quality of the
scanning-type optical antenna can be improved.
[0086] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed
embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be
considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure
being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *