US 4,063,083 A · Data communication system using light coupled interfaces

Abstract

Data communication between spaced locations is effected by interface assemblies for each location mounted in a light path. Each interface assembly includes light sensitive and/or light emitting elements for extracting and/or adding light portions to a column of light passing along the path. In one form, a typical interface unit includes back-to-back light sensitive devices and light emitting devices on opposite sides of a planar board with light transparent apertures interspersed with these transmit/receive units in a matrix configuration. The transparent apertures are arranged to pass light originating from another location and intended for still another location along the light path without disturbance. The interfacing assemblies effectively space share the coupling light column so that data communications can be established concurrently between any of the locations particularly when the light column path is formed as a closed loop. Lens systems can be included to focus the light columns on the matrix at each interface assembly and further to collimate the light emanating from the emitter matrix for transmission to downstream stations. The interfacing assemblies can be arranged to be removable from the light path without impacting data communications between remaining interface assemblies.

Claims22

Dependent claims

In a system for allowing communications between a plurality of stations through a free space light column path, apparatus for establishing a communication interface for a said station comprising:

a frame mounted in transverse relation in the light column path, said frame including a plurality of means transferring light therethrough for passing portions of the light column intended for other stations,
at least one light sensitive element attached relative to said frame for intercepting a portion of the light column intended for the associated station and for producing an electrical output signal indicative of the intercepted light level, and
means coupling said element electrical output signal to the associated station for permitting data communication therewith from another station.

A system for data communication between a plurality of locations each having data handling circuitry comprising:

a plurality of interfacing assemblies each including a frame having a plurality of light sensitive devices arrayed on one side, a plurality of light emitting devices arrayed on another side, and a plurality of light transparent appertures therethrough with said apertures being positioned in interspersed relation to said devices,
a plurality of means mounting said frames at respective locations for defining a light path with said frames being oriented in generally transverse relation in said light path, said mounting means including means positioning each said frame so that light originating from each said light emitting device is directed upon a said light sensitive device at another said frame, said frames being positioned for passing through said apertures light originating from said light emitting devices of another said frame intended for said light sensitive devices downstream in said light path, and
means at each location for electrically coupling said devices of the associated said interfacing assembly with the location data handling circuitry whereby the location handling circuitry can receive data from other locations by detecting the output signals of the associated said light sensitive devices and transmit data to other locations by selectively enabling appropriate associated said light emitting devices.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Data communication system using light coupled interfaces

Life of this patent

Data communication system using light coupled interfaces

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22