GB2226729A - Infrared communication network - Google Patents
Infrared communication network Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2226729A GB2226729A GB8924459A GB8924459A GB2226729A GB 2226729 A GB2226729 A GB 2226729A GB 8924459 A GB8924459 A GB 8924459A GB 8924459 A GB8924459 A GB 8924459A GB 2226729 A GB2226729 A GB 2226729A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- infrared
- transceivers
- transceiver
- defined area
- infrared transceivers
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
- H04B10/114—Indoor or close-range type systems
- H04B10/1149—Arrangements for indoor wireless networking of information
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
- H04B10/114—Indoor or close-range type systems
- H04B10/116—Visible light communication
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/40—Transceivers
Abstract
An infrared communications network includes a plurality of infrared transceivers (1, 2) in predetermined fixed locations such as suspended from the ceiling of an office or warehouse, and at least one movable infrared transceiver (4) eg. a computer, producing a beam of infrared radiation which is aimed at one of the fixed infrared transceivers to establish a communications link. For two-way communication, the fixed infrared transceivers illuminate the area therebelow with diverging beams of infrared radiation. To facilitate the aiming of the infrared beam from the movable transceiver, a visible light marker (9) Fig 2 is preferably projected to give an indication of the orientation of the beam. <IMAGE>
Description
INFRARED COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
This invention relates to an infrared communications network for a defined area such as an office or factory hall, a warehouse or a supermarket.
European Patent No.0054582B describes one such infrared communications system in which a plurality of satellite stations suspended from a ceiling communicate with terminals beneath them in the room. Both the satellite stations and the terminals radiate infrared radiation over a large area such that a signal sent from one terminal may be received by a plurality of satellite stations and vice versa. The European patent attempts to overcome the difficulties associated with interference between signals received by more than one station.
The present invention seeks to provide an infrared communications network in which communications between transceivers in a defined area can be quickly and effectively established.
Accordingly, there is provided an infrared communications network for a defined area, the network comprising one or more first infrared transceivers in predetermined fixed locations; and one or more second infrared transceivers being movable within the defined area, each of the one or more second infrared transceivers including means for producing a beam of infrared radiation, the beam producing means being movable to aim the beam at one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; each of the one or more first infrared transceivers further including a detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more second infrared transceivers.
In this way a one-way link may be established between the one or more second transceivers, which are mobile, and the one or more first transceivers which are in predetermined fixed locations. Such a system is, for example, suitable for the inputting of stock control information to a central computer from a variety of positions in a warehouse. With such a one-way link it is preferable to provide an indication that the beam of infrared radiation has been correctly aimed at one of the one or more first infrared transceivers. This may conceivably be provided by an indicating light which is actuated when the detector on the one or more first infrared transceivers detects the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more second infrared transceivers.
Preferably, the one or more first infrared transceivers are adapted to illuminate at least a substantial part of the defined area with infrared radiation, and each of the one or more second infrared transceivers includes a detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more first infrared transceivers. With this arrangement a two-way link is established between the first and second transceivers, by which data can be transmitted and/or received in either direction.
Signals are sent betwee the first and second transceivers by means of a modulation of the infrared radiation. The modulation is preferably effected by varying the current driving the infrared sources, but conceivably optical modulation may be employed, such as by an occluding mechanism.
It is envisaged that the one or more first infrared transceivers in predetermined fixed locations should illuminate the defined area, e.g. the downlink, in a grid pattern. The one or more first infrared transceivers conveniently each include a source adapted to produce a diverging beam of infrared radiation. Alternatively, the one or more first infrared transceivers may conceivably include diffuse infrared sources, but this may increase the power requirement for each source.
Preferably each of the one or more second infrared transceivers additionally includes a source adapted to project a visible light marker so as to give an indication of the orientation of the beam of infrared radiation formed by the beam producing means. This visible light marker allows the beam of each of the second infrared transceivers to be quickly and effectively aimed at one of the one or more first infrared transceivers. In this way, the second infrared transceivers can be moved to a variety of locations within the defined area, and a communications link can be quickly set up by aiming the beam at the nearest one of the one or more first infrared transceivers.
Preferably, the beam producing means is adapted to produce a substantially collimated beam of infrared radiation. By employing a collimated beam for the one or more second infrared transceivers, e.g. the uplink, the or each of the second infrared transceivers is in communication with a single one of the one or more first infrared transceivers. This one to one relationship effectively eliminates problems with interference of signals. Conveniently, the beam of infrared radiation is produced by one or more infrared light emitting diodes, and collimated by means of a lens, typically a fresnel lens.
It is intended that the communications network of the present invention may be used by an operator with a portable p.c. which may be carried to any point within the defined area, and a communications link established by a portable infrared transceiver associated with the personal computer. In this respect the present invention also resides in a method of transmitting data comprising the steps of providing one or more first infrared transceivers within a defined area; moving a second infrared transceiver to a first location within the defined area; aiming a beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; transmitting data between the second infrared transceiver and the selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; moving the second infrared transceiver to a second location within the defined area; aiming the beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; and transmitting data between the second infrared transceiver and the second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers.
The present invention further resides in a method of transmitting and/or receiving data comprising the steps of illuminating a defined area with infrared radiation by means of one or more first infrared transceivers; moving a second infrared transceiver to a first location within the defined area; aiming a beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; transmitting and/or receiving data between the second infrared transceiver and the selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; moving the second infrared transceiver to a second location within the defined area; aiming the beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; and transmitting and/or receiving data between the second infrared transceiver and the second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers.
Preferably the method of the present invention also includes the step of substantially collimating the beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver.
The invention further resides in an infrared communications network for a defined area, the network comprising one or more first infrared transceivers in predetermined fixed locations; and one or more second infrared transceivers being movable within the defined area, each of the one or more second infrared transceivers including means for producing a beam of infrared radiation; each of the one or more first infrared transceivers including a detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more second infrared transceivers, the arrangement being such that the beam of infrared radiation produced by each of the one or more second infrared transceivers is respectively received only by a selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers. This may be achieved either by aiming the beam of infrared radiation produced by each of the one or more second infrared transceivers, or alternatively, where a plurality of first infrared transceivers are employed, by selecting one or both of either of the spacing of the first infrared transceivers or the area illuminated by the beam of infrared radiation such that the or each beam is received only by one of the first infrared transceivers. As before, this arrangement is conceivably in the form of a one-way link, or alternatively the one or more first infrared transceivers may themselves emit infrared radiation in order to form a two-way link.
The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
Figure 1 is a layout diagram of one form of installation in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a sketch of a portable optical regenerator forming part of the installation;
Figures 3 and 4 are respectively a front view and a median cross section of the optical transceivver unit shown in Figure 2; and
Figure 5 is an outline circuit diagram of the installation.
As seen in Figure 1, the installation comprises a number of ceiling mounted, fixed regenerators of which two are shown and are marked 1 and 2 respectively, each of which produces a downward by directed diverging beam 3, which beams together substantially cover the area to be monitored. To link a portable computer 6 at any point in the area to the fixed system, it is equipped with a portable optical transceiver 4 producing a narrow beam 5 which is aimed at the most convenient (usually the nearest) regenerator, 1.
As seen in Figure 2, the regenerator 4 provides an infrared detector 7, an infrared beam generator 8 and an optical marker generator 9, together with conventional regenerator circuitry (not shown).
As best seen in Figure 4, each of the optical units 7, 8 and 9 comprises a Fresnel lens 10, 11 and 12 respectively preferably adjustably positioned in front respectively of an infrared photodetector 13, an infrared source 14 and a visible light source 15, the spacing being appropriate to detect (in the case of the detector) or transmit (in the other cases) a narrow beam. The visible light beam provides a visible spot which is positioned on the selected fixed regenerator 1 to obtain the required alignment.
As seen in Figure 5, the fixed regenerators 1 and 2 are conventionally connected by fibre optic cables to a fibre optic hub 17, and then by appropriate cabling and connectors via a repeater 18 and transceiver 19 to a conventional local area network (such as an Ethernet) 21.
This enables any reasonable number of portable computers 6, 6' to be connected to the local area network, regardless of the positions of the individual computers, without major risk of interference between them.
Claims (12)
1. An infrared communications network for a defined area, the network comprising one or more first infrared transceivers in predetermined fixed locations; and one or more second infrared transceivers being movable within the defined area, each of the one or more second infrared transceivers including means for producing a beam of infrared radiation, the beam producing means being movable to aim the beam at one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; each of the one or more first infrared transceivers including a detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more second infrared transceivers.
2. An infrared communications network according to
Claim 1 wherein the one or more first infrared transceivers are adapted to illuminate at least a substantial part of the defined area with infrared radiation, and each of the one or more second infrared transceivers includes a detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more first infrared transceivers.
3. An infrared communications network according to
Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein each of the one or more second infrared transceivers additionally includes a source adapted to project a visible light marker so as to give an indication of the orientation of the beam of infrared radiation produced by the beam producing means.
4. An infrared communications network according to any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the beam producing means is adapted to produce a substantially collimated beam of infrared radiation.
5. An infrared communications network according to any of Claims 2 to 4 wherein each of the one or more first infrared transceivers includes a source adapted to produce a diverging beam of infrared radiation.
6. An infrared communications network substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
7. A method of transmitting data comprising the steps of providing one or more first infrared transceivers within a defined area; moving a second infrared transceiver to a first location within the defined area; aiming a beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; transmitting data between the second infrared transceiver and the selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; moving the second infrared transceiver to a second location within the defined area; aiming the beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; and transmitting data between the second infrared transceiver and the second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers.
8. A method of transmitting and/or receiving data comprising the steps of illuminating a defined area with infrared radiation by means of one or more first infrared transceivers; moving a second infrared transceiver to a first location within the defined area; aiming a beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; transmitting and/or receiving data between the second infrared transceiver and the selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; moving the second infrared transceiver to a second location within the defined area; aiming the collimated beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver at a second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers; and transmitting and/or receiving data between the second infrared transceiver and the second selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers.
9. A method according to Claim 7 or Claim 8 including the step of substantially collimating the beam of infrared radiation produced by the second infrared transceiver.
10. An infrared communications.network for a defined area, the network comprising one or more first infrared transceivers in predetermined fixed locations; and one or more second infrared transceivers being movable within the defined area, each of the one or more second infrared transceivers including means for producing a beam of infrared radiation; each of the one or more first infrared transceivers including a detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more second infrared transceivers, the arrangement being such that the beam of infrared radiation produced by each of the one or more second infrared transceivers is respectively received only by a selected one of the one or more first infrared transceivers.
11. An infrared communications network according to
Claim 10 wherein the one or more first infrared transceivers are adapted to illuminate at least a substantial part of the defined area with infrared radiation, and each of the one or more second infrared transceivers includes a detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more first infrared transceivers.
12. An infrared communications network or a, method of transmitting and/or receiving data substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB888825498A GB8825498D0 (en) | 1988-11-01 | 1988-11-01 | Infrared communications network |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8924459D0 GB8924459D0 (en) | 1989-12-20 |
| GB2226729A true GB2226729A (en) | 1990-07-04 |
Family
ID=10646088
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB888825498A Pending GB8825498D0 (en) | 1988-11-01 | 1988-11-01 | Infrared communications network |
| GB8924459A Withdrawn GB2226729A (en) | 1988-11-01 | 1989-10-31 | Infrared communication network |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB888825498A Pending GB8825498D0 (en) | 1988-11-01 | 1988-11-01 | Infrared communications network |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB8825498D0 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0483549A2 (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1992-05-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | Control method and apparatus for a wireless data link |
| EP0508470A2 (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1992-10-14 | Helmut Brähler | Infrared radiator |
| US5812371A (en) * | 1995-07-25 | 1998-09-22 | Compal Electronics, Inc. | Orientation-adjustable infrared transceiver used in a notebook type computer |
| GB2355432A (en) * | 1999-10-22 | 2001-04-25 | Roland Man Druckmasch | Device for wireless transfer of signals between a control system of a printing press and a mobile computer unit |
| US6624916B1 (en) | 1997-02-11 | 2003-09-23 | Quantumbeam Limited | Signalling system |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0052306A1 (en) * | 1980-11-19 | 1982-05-26 | Pharmazent Industriebeteiligungs- und Datenverarbeitungs-Aktiengesellschaft | Device for sensing, transferring and processing data presented in code form, preferably in bar code |
| GB2108801A (en) * | 1981-10-09 | 1983-05-18 | Canon Kk | Image transmission apparatus |
| GB2180116A (en) * | 1985-08-29 | 1987-03-18 | Johnson Service Co | Data telemetry system using diffused infrared light |
| US4856090A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1989-08-08 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Light communication equipment |
-
1988
- 1988-11-01 GB GB888825498A patent/GB8825498D0/en active Pending
-
1989
- 1989-10-31 GB GB8924459A patent/GB2226729A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0052306A1 (en) * | 1980-11-19 | 1982-05-26 | Pharmazent Industriebeteiligungs- und Datenverarbeitungs-Aktiengesellschaft | Device for sensing, transferring and processing data presented in code form, preferably in bar code |
| GB2108801A (en) * | 1981-10-09 | 1983-05-18 | Canon Kk | Image transmission apparatus |
| US4856090A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1989-08-08 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Light communication equipment |
| GB2180116A (en) * | 1985-08-29 | 1987-03-18 | Johnson Service Co | Data telemetry system using diffused infrared light |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0483549A2 (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1992-05-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | Control method and apparatus for a wireless data link |
| EP0483549A3 (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1993-01-20 | International Business Machines Corporation | Control method and apparatus for a wireless data link |
| US5321542A (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1994-06-14 | International Business Machines Corporation | Control method and apparatus for wireless data link |
| EP0508470A2 (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1992-10-14 | Helmut Brähler | Infrared radiator |
| EP0508470A3 (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1993-06-09 | Helmut Braehler | Infrared radiator |
| US5812371A (en) * | 1995-07-25 | 1998-09-22 | Compal Electronics, Inc. | Orientation-adjustable infrared transceiver used in a notebook type computer |
| US6624916B1 (en) | 1997-02-11 | 2003-09-23 | Quantumbeam Limited | Signalling system |
| GB2355432A (en) * | 1999-10-22 | 2001-04-25 | Roland Man Druckmasch | Device for wireless transfer of signals between a control system of a printing press and a mobile computer unit |
| GB2355432B (en) * | 1999-10-22 | 2001-12-19 | Roland Man Druckmasch | Device for wireless transfer of signals between a control system of a printing press and a mobile computer unit |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8825498D0 (en) | 1988-12-07 |
| GB8924459D0 (en) | 1989-12-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |