Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element – Using a periodically moving element
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-10
2001-01-30
Pascal, Leslie (Department: 2733)
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
Using a periodically moving element
C359S199200, C359S199200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181452
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus for transmitting and receiving optical signals which can be used in, for example, a wireless communication network.
2. Description the Related Art
In a wired LAN (local area network), terminal devices are connected to each other via wires. The terminal devices can communicate with each other via the wires.
It is known to combine a wired LAN and a wireless communication network. For example, a wired LAN is additionally provided with an access point device (a gateway device) which can execute both wired communication and wireless communication. The access point device is connected via wires to normal terminal devices in the wired LAN. The access point device can communicate with the normal terminal devices in the wired LAN via the wires. Also, the access point device can execute wireless communication with terminal devices in a wireless communication network. In this case, the wired LAN and the wireless communication network are connected via the access point device (the gateway device). In addition, the access point device is a member of the wired LAN as well as a member of the wireless communication network.
According to an example of the wireless communication network, the access point device (the gateway device) and the terminal devices can communicate with each other by using optical signals such as infrared-light signals.
Japanese patent laid open number (Japanese published unexamined patent application) 8-139675 discloses an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus which is used in an optical communication network. The apparatus in Japanese patent laid open number 8-139675 includes a light transmitting and receiving unit which has a light transmitting mirror and a light receiving mirror coaxial with each other. The light transmitting and receiving unit can be rotated about a vertical axis and also about a horizontal axis. The rotation of the light transmitting and receiving unit enables its optical axis to be accorded with an optical axis of a communication opposite party.
Japanese patent laid open number 8-139675 also discloses a light transmitting and receiving unit which has a light transmitting mirror and a light receiving mirror arranged side by side along a vertical direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object of this invention to provide an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus which is lighter in weight than a prior-art apparatus.
It is a second object of this invention to provide an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus which is smaller in size than a prior-art apparatus.
It is a third object of this invention to provide an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus whose optical axis can be varied at a speed higher than the speed of variation of an optical axis of a prior-art apparatus.
A first aspect of this invention provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus comprising a light transmitting and receiving unit including 1) a light emitting element, 2) a light transmitting lens, 3) a light receiving lens, and 4) a photosensitive element, wherein the light emitting element outputs light, and the light outputted from the light emitting element passes through the light transmitting lens before leaving the light transmitting and receiving unit as outgoing light, and wherein the light receiving lens concentrates incoming light on the photosensitive element; a first support member for supporting the light transmitting and receiving unit, and for allowing the light transmitting and receiving unit to rotate about a first axis; a first rotary mechanism connected to the light transmitting and receiving unit and the first support member for rotating the light transmitting and receiving unit about the first axis; a second support member for supporting the light transmitting and receiving unit on a cantilever basis, and for allowing the light transmitting and receiving unit to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a second rotary mechanism connected to the light transmitting and receiving unit and the second support member for rotating the light transmitting and receiving unit about the second axis.
A second aspect of this invention provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus comprising a light transmitting and receiving unit including 1) a light emitting element, 2) a light transmitting lens, 3) a light receiving lens, and 4) a photosensitive element, wherein the light emitting element outputs light, and the light outputted from the light emitting element passes through the light transmitting lens before leaving the light transmitting and receiving unit as outgoing light, and wherein the light receiving lens concentrates incoming light on the photosensitive element; a first shaft connected to the light transmitting and receiving unit for rotation together therewith; a first support member for supporting the first shaft, and for allowing the first shaft to rotate; a first rotary mechanism connected to the first shaft and the first support member for rotating the first shaft relative to the first support member; a second shaft being perpendicular to the first shaft and being connected to a base of the first support member for rotation together with the first support member; a second support member for supporting the first support member via the second shaft, and for allowing the first support member to rotate; and a second rotary mechanism connected to the second shaft and the second support member for rotating the second shaft relative to the second support member.
A third aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus wherein the second axis is substantially horizontal.
A fourth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus wherein each of the first and second rotary mechanisms includes a worm, a wheel gear in mesh with the worm, and a pressing mechanism for pressing the worm against the wheel gear.
A fifth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus further comprising first and second arms provided on the first support member and opposing each other; a transmission-side flexible cable extending along the first arm and reaching the light emitting element; and a reception-side flexible cable leading from the photosensitive element and extending along the second arm.
A sixth aspect of this invention is based on the second aspect thereof, and provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus further comprising a first bearing supporting the first shaft and being composed of electrically-conductive members, and a second bearing supporting the second shaft and being composed of electrically-conductive members.
A seventh aspect of this invention provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus comprising a light transmitting and receiving unit including 1) a light emitting element, 2) a light transmitting lens, 3) a light receiving lens, and 4) a photosensitive element, wherein the light emitting element outputs light, and the light outputted from the light emitting element passes through the light transmitting lens before leaving the light transmitting and receiving unit as outgoing light, wherein the light receiving lens concentrates incoming light on the photosensitive element, and wherein the light transmitting lens and the light receiving lens are arranged side by side and face in equal directions; and a rotary mechanism for rotating the light transmitting and receiving unit about an axis; wherein a distance between the axis and a top of the light transmitting lens is smaller than a distance between the axis and a top of the light receiving lens.
An eighth aspect of this invention provides an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus comprising a light transmitting and receiving unit including 1) a light emitting element, 2) a light transmitting lens,
Nagashima Motoyasu
Sato Fumio
Sato Masamichi
Shou Toshiaki
Taninaka Kazumasa
Parkhurst & Wendel L.L.P
Pascal Leslie
Phan Hanh
Victor Company of Japan Ltd.
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