IL317364A

IL317364A - Optical transponder intended to help monitor a state of at least one internal device contained in a communication container, communication container and communication system

Info

Publication number: IL317364A
Application number: IL317364A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Mbda France
Priority date: 2022-06-08
Filing date: 2023-05-25
Publication date: 2025-01-01
Also published as: EP4290787A1; WO2023237350A1

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Optical transponder intended to help monitor a state of at least one internal device contained in a communication container, communication container and communication system. TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]The present invention relates to a transponder intended to help monitor a state of at least one internal device, in particular a pyrotechnic device, contained in a communication container and a communication system. BACKGROUND [0002]It is now accepted that one of the main physical parameters determining the ageing of a pyrotechnic type device is the temperature to which the device has been subjected throughout its life. [0003]The ageing models for these pyrotechnic devices are therefore mainly based on the application of the Arrhenius' law. By applying this law, it is possible to estimate when an energetic material in a pyrotechnic device subject to a thermal variation will begin to lose significant stability. [0004]These energetic materials may take a variety of forms: propellants, primary explosives and priming materials such as boosters, fast oxidizing-reducing compositions, slow oxidizing-reducing compositions such as smoke or illuminating compositions, military-type secondary charges, etc. [0005]In a non-limited way, a pyrotechnic device may be an artillery rocket (primary charge), an artillery shell (secondary charge), a missile (primary, secondary and propellant charge), an MK80/Paveway type bomb kit (primary and secondary charge), a rocket (propellant charge), a smoke bomb (slow oxidation-reduction), a flare (slow oxidation-reduction), a distress flare (slow oxidation-reduction), a firework bomb (illuminating and propellant compounds), an anti-tank mine (ejection charge, primary and secondary charge), etc. The energetic material or materials are indicated in brackets. [0006]The instability of the energetic materials is a major safety risk for users of pyrotechnic devices that use them. This risk is all the greater if the energetic material is supplied with kinetic energy by shocks, vibrations or accelerations resulting from the handling of such pyrotechnic devices. This is why the regulations governing the use of pyrotechnic devices that include energetic materials require operators to control the ageing 35 of these materials by any useful means, so as to remove from service any pyrotechnic device that could present an increased risk to its users. [0007]To address this safety issue, and given that the main factor in the ageing of energetic materials is temperature, devices for measuring the physical parameters characteristic of ageing have been developed. [0008]Although there is currently a wide range of products on offer, these measuring devices come up against another regulatory constraint, which is the ban on all radio wave transmission in the direct vicinity of pyrotechnic devices. [0009]The pyrotechnic devices comprise, on the one hand, at least one element comprising an energetic material and, on the other hand, at least one ignition element capable of triggering the reaction of this energetic material. A significant proportion of firing elements on the market today are at least partially electronically controlled. As such, they are intrinsically sensitive to the electromagnetic radiation. The exposure of such pyrotechnic devices to electromagnetic radiation therefore presents a major safety risk for the operators of such devices. [0010]Although standards do exist to meet the safety needs of users of pyrotechnic devices in so-called distant electromagnetic fields, radioelectric transmissions in the direct vicinity (less than a few meters) of a pyrotechnic device are currently prohibited, as they are poorly known. [0011]For this reason, the operators of automatic electronic measuring devices for pyrotechnic environments currently only have wired links for collecting data from these measuring devices. As the constraints on the setting of storage sites for pyrotechnic devices impose maximum quantities of energetic materials per warehouse and a minimum distance between warehouses, such sites are generally very spread out geographically. The cost of setting up permanent wired networks between warehouses is therefore generally prohibitive, which means that the measurements taken by the data loggers on the measuring devices have to be taken manually, warehouse by warehouse. In addition, this type of work entails preparatory, documentary and normative constraints. This tedious task adds no value. Moreover, its nature limits the frequency with which data is collected, making it more complex to manage a fleet of sensors of the measuring devices. This may lead to a lack of alerts in the event of a fault and an inability to configure mass measuring devices, among other things. [0012]This complexity also means that the number of such data loggers has to be kept to a minimum in order to limit the time spent by the users unloading recorded data from warehouses. It is therefore unthinkable in practice to measure the evolution of physical 35 parameters at the level of each pyrotechnic device, which leads to the sometimes mistaken assumption that the measurement at a precise point in the warehouse is representative of the situation of each pyrotechnic device stored in said warehouse. [0013]To date, the lack of spatial and temporal granularity in the measurements means that short-lived transient events may not be identified effectively, giving an imperfect picture of the evolution of physical quantities on the scale of a pyrotechnic device. In this respect, the inaccuracy of an operator's vision of the ageing of its pyrotechnic devices means that it has to take large and costly safety margins. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014]The present invention solves this problem by proposing a communication that is compatible with an exploitation in pyrotechnic environment, allowing, among other things, such measurements to be taken without or with human intervention and without the need for major infrastructure costs. [0015]To this end, it relates to an optical transponder intended to help monitor a state of at least one internal device contained in a communication container capable of being equipped with said optical transponder, the monitoring being capable of being implemented by a monitoring system. [0016]According to the invention, the optical transponder comprises at least: - a receiving element configured to receive at least one first light signal from an optical communication system and to emit at least one first electrical signal which is representative of the first light signal or signals, the first light signal or signals being representative of at least one control command, - a emission element configured to receive at least one second electrical signal and to emit at least one second light signal which is representative of the second electrical signal or signals, the second light signal or signals being configured to be transmitted by the emission element to the optical communication system, - a control unit comprising: • a first reception module configured to receive the first electrical signal or signals from the receiving element, • a second reception module configured to receive from at least one sensor housed in the communication container at least one third electrical signal representing at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container and/or of a second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices configured to be contained in the communication container, • a first generating module configured to generate the second electrical signal or signals representative of the third electrical signal or signals as a function of the first electrical signal or signals, • a first transmission module configured to transmit the second electrical signal or signals to the emission element. [0017]Thanks to the receiving and emission elements, a bidirectional communication may be implemented between the pyrotechnic device or devices and an external user device without using radio waves, while complying with regulatory safety constraints. [0018]In addition, the control unit comprises: - a second generating module configured to generate at least a fourth electrical signal representative of the first electrical signal or signals, - a second transmission module configured to transmit the fourth electrical signal or signals to the sensor or sensors housed in the communication container. [0019]Furthermore, the receiving element corresponds to a first transducer comprising: - a collection lens arranged to receive the first light signal or signals at a predetermined aperture angle of the collection lens, - a first optical filter configured to filter the first light signal or signals received by the collection lens, the first optical filter being configured to block frequencies of the first light signal or signals outside a predetermined frequency range, - a photodiode arranged to receive the first light signal or signals filtered by the first optical filter and capable of generating the first electrical signal or signals and transmitting the first electrical signal or signals to the control unit; - the emission element corresponding to a second transducer comprising a light-emitting diode arranged to receive the second electrical signal or signals, the light-emitting diode being capable of generating and emitting the second light signal or signals which are representative of the second electrical signal or signals. [0020]In addition, the receiving element comprises a first demodulator configured to translate the first electrical signal or signals generated by the photodiode so that they may be used by the control unit, the emission element further comprising a second modulator configured to translate the second electrical signal or signals generated by the control unit so that they may be used by the light-emitting diode. id="p-21" id="p-21"

[0021]In addition, the first demodulator is configured to translate and transmit the first electrical signal or signals to the control unit and to wake up the control unit if the control command comprises a predetermined preamble. [0022]In addition, the emission element comprises: - a second optical filter configured to filter the second light signal or signals, the second optical filter being configured to block frequencies of the second light signal or signals outside a predetermined frequency range, - an emission lens configured to emit the second light signal or signals filtered by the second optical filter. [0023]According to another embodiment, the transponder further comprises: - a collection lens arranged to receive the first light signal or signals, - a first optical filter configured to filter the first light signal or signals received by the collection lens, the first optical filter being configured to block frequencies of the first light signal or signals outside a predetermined frequency range, - a separator lens configured to separate the first light signal or signals into two secondary light signals; The emission element comprises: - a reflector configured to reflect a first secondary signal of the two secondary light signals, - a shutter configured to be alternately in a closed position wherein the shutter prevents the first secondary light signal from reaching the reflector and in an open position wherein the shutter allows the first secondary light signal to reach the reflector; and the receiving element comprises: - a photodiode arranged to receive a second secondary light signal from the two secondary light signals and capable of generating the first electrical signal or signals and transmitting the first electrical signal or signals to the control unit. [0024]In addition, the optical transponder comprises: - a processing unit configured to transmit the first electrical signal or signals to the control unit and to receive the second electrical signal or signals from the control unit; - a wake-up unit configured to: o receive the first electrical signal or signals, o generate an electrical wake-up signal intended to be transmitted to the processing unit if it detects a predetermined pulse sequence in the first electrical signal or signals; - a transmission unit configured to receive the first electrical signal or signals generated by the photodiode and to transmit the first electrical signal or signals; [0025]the processing unit being able to receive the first electrical signal or signals from the transmission unit if the processing unit has received the electrical wake-up signal. [0026]In addition, the processing unit is able to transmit to the shutter an electrical shutter control signal, the electrical shutter control signal being capable of controlling the shutter to be alternately in the open position and in the closed position as a function of the second electrical signal or signals so that the second light signal or signals are representative of the second electrical signal or signals. [0027]The invention also concerns a communication container capable of receiving at least one internal device. [0028]According to the invention, the communication container comprises at least one optical transponder as specified above. [0029]According to one particularity, the container further comprises: - at least one optical coordinator device comprising: o a first reception unit configured to receive at least a fifth electrical signal representative of at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container, o a second reception unit configured to receive at least a sixth electrical signal representative of at least a second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices contained in the communication container, o a first generation unit configured to generate the third electrical signal or signals from the fourth electrical signal or signals and from the fifth electrical signal or signals, o a first transmission unit configured to transmit the third electrical signal or signals to the optical transponder or transponders. [0030]In addition, the optical coordinator device or devices comprises: - a third reception unit configured to receive the fourth electrical signal or signals from the optical transponder or transponders, - a second generation unit configured to generate at least a seventh electrical signal representative of the fourth electrical signal or signals, - a second transmission unit configured to transmit the seventh electrical signal or signals to the sensor or sensors. [0031]In addition, the communication container comprises: 35 - at least one first sensor comprising: o a first measurement module configured to measure at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container, and o a first generating module configured to generate the fifth electrical signal or signals representative of the first physical parameter or parameters measured; - a second sensor comprising: o a second measurement module configured to measure at least one second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices contained in the communication container, o a second generating module configured to generate the sixth electrical signal or signals representative of the second physical parameter or parameters measured; - a monitoring device comprising: o a fourth reception unit configured to receive the fifth electrical signal or signals and the sixth electrical signal or signals, o a second transmission unit configured to transmit the fifth electrical signal or signals and the sixth electrical signal or signals to the optical coordinator device or devices, o a storage unit configured to store the first physical parameters and/or the second physical parameters from the electrical signal or signals and/or from the electrical signals, respectively, o a distribution unit configured to distribute the fifth electrical signal or signals and the sixth electrical signal or signals between the second transmission unit and the storage unit o a monitoring unit configured to detect an abnormality in the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters from the electrical signal or signals and/or from the electrical signal or signals and configured to emit an electrical alert signal SA if an abnormality is detected. [0032]In addition, the monitoring device further comprises: - a fifth reception unit configured to receive the seventh electrical signal or signals, - a third generation unit configured to generate at least one eighth electrical signal representative of the seventh electrical signal or signals, - a third transmission unit configured to transmit the eighth electrical signal or signals to the sensor or sensors. 35 id="p-33" id="p-33"

[0033]The invention also relates to an optical communication system intended to help monitor a state of at least one internal device. [0034]According to the invention, the communication system comprises: - at least one communication container as specified above, the communication container or containers being configured to contain the internal device or devices, - a monitoring system helping to the monitoring of the first physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container and/or of the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices contained in the communication container, the monitoring system comprising at least one monitoring transponder configured to receive the second light signal or signals transmitted by the optical transponder or transponders of the communication container or containers. [0035]In a first embodiment, the monitoring system comprises at least one optical base station and a concentrator, the optical base station or stations comprising the monitoring transponder or transponders, the monitoring transponder or transponders comprising at least a first monitoring transducer configured to receive at least the second light signal or signals emitted by at least one optical transponder of at least one communication container and to emit at least an eighth electrical signal which is representative of the second light signal or signals; the concentrator comprising: - a first reception unit configured to receive the eighth electrical signal or signals emitted by the optical base station or stations, - a first generation unit configured to generate at least a ninth electrical signal from the eighth electrical signal or signals, - a first transmission unit configured to transmit the ninth electrical signal or signals to a user device. [0036]In addition, the monitoring transponder or transponders of the optical base station or stations comprise: - a second monitoring transducer configured to receive at least a tenth electrical signal from the concentrator and to emit the first light signal or signals to at least one optical transponder of at least one communication container; [0037]the concentrator further comprising: - a second reception unit configured to receive at least an eleventh electrical signal from the user device, 35 - a second generation unit configured to generate the tenth electrical signal or signals from the eleventh electrical signal or signals, - a second transmission unit configured to transmit the tenth electrical signal or signals to the optical base station or stations. [0038]In a second embodiment, the monitoring transponder or transponders of the monitoring system comprise at least a first monitoring transducer configured to receive at least the second light signal or signals emitted by at least one optical transponder of at least one communication container and to emit at least an eighth electrical signal which is representative of the second light signal or signals, the monitoring system further comprising an information unit configured to inform a user of the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters from the eighth electrical signal or signals. [0039]In addition, the monitoring transponder or transponders also comprise: - a control element configured to transmit at least a tenth electrical signal representative of at least one control command, the control command corresponding to a request to transmit the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters, - a second monitoring transducer configured to receive the tenth electrical signal or signals from the control element and to emit the first light signal or signals to at least one optical transponder of at least one communication container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0040]The attached figures will make it clear how the invention may be carried out. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements. [0041][Fig.1] shows a schematic representation of an optical transponder in a first embodiment. [0042][Fig.2] shows a schematic representation of an optical communication system according to one embodiment. [0043][Fig.3] schematically shows an example of optical transponders capable of equipping a communication container, together with an optical coordinator device connected to sensors. [0044][Fig.4] shows schematic representation of a communication container equipped with optical transponders. [0045][Fig.5] shows a schematic representation of an optical coordinator device. id="p-46" id="p-46"

[0046][Fig.6] schematically represents a sensor configured to measure the first physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of a communication container. [0047][Fig.7] schematically represents a sensor configured to measure the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 likely to be contained in the communication container 6. [0048][Fig.8] shows a schematic representation of a monitoring device. [0049][Fig.9] schematically represents an example of a communication container containing an internal device such as a complex munition. [0050][Fig.10] is a schematic representation of an optical communication system according to another embodiment. [0051][Fig.11] shows two configurations (a) and (b) of a communication container equipped with optical transponders. [0052][Fig.12] is a schematic representation of an optical base station. [0053][Fig.13] is a schematic representation of a concentrator. [0054][Fig.14] schematically represents a detail of the optical transponder according to the second embodiment of the optical transponder. [0055][Fig.15] schematically represents another detail of the optical transponder according to the second embodiment of the optical transponder. [0056][Fig.16] schematically represents yet another detail of the optical transponder according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0057]The optical transponder 1 is shown in [Fig.1]. It is intended to equip a communication container 6 likely to be stored in a warehouse. As shown in [Fig.11], the communication container 6 may be equipped with one or more optical transponders 1. The communication container 6 forms part of an optical communication system 16 ([Fig.10]) intended to monitor a state of at least one internal device 7, such as a pyrotechnic device, contained in the communication container 6. The optical communication system 16 may comprise one or more communication containers 6. The optical transponder or transponders 1 are configured to help monitor a state of at least one internal device 7 contained in a communication container 6. The optical transponder or transponders 1 are configured to receive at least one light signal SL1 and to emit a light signal SL2. The light signal or signals SL1 may be in the form of light pulses. Preferably, the optical transponder or transponders are configured to communicate by wireless light signals SL1 and SL2. Alternatively, the 35 optical transponder or transponders 1 are configured to receive at least one light signal SLthat is emitted wirelessly (in the environment of said optical transponder 1) and to emit a light signal SL2 wirelessly (in the environment of said optical transponder 1). [0058]Preferably, in the remainder of the description, when we speak of emitting light signals or receiving light signals, we mean emitting light signals wirelessly and receiving light signals wirelessly. This means that light signals are not transmitted by wires (or optical fibers). [0059]The optical communication system 16 comprises at least one communication container 6. The communication container or containers 6 are configured to contain at least one internal device 7. [0060]The optical communication system 16 also comprises a monitoring system helping to the monitoring of at least one first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container 6 and/or at least one second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 contained in the communication container 6. [0061]The first physical parameter or parameters may correspond to the temperature in the communication container 6 and/or the pressure in the communication container 6 and/or a humidity level in the communication container 6. [0062]The second physical parameter or parameters may correspond to physical parameters representative of the ageing of the internal device or devices 7, such as the temperature of the internal device or devices 7 and/or the humidity level of the internal device or devices 7. [0063]The monitoring system 12 comprises at least one monitoring transponder 1configured to receive at least one light signal SL2 emitted by the optical transponder or transponders 1 equipping the communication container or containers 6. [0064]The communication container or containers 6 may be placed in pyrotechnic storage warehouses for storage. Depending on the type of internal device 7 contained in the communication container or containers 6, these communication containers 6 may be arranged in different ways when there are several communication containers 6. For example, they may be stacked at a maximum rate of two to three communication containers 6 per stack. Aisles may be created between the stacks to make it easier to maneuver lifting equipment. [0065]In a first embodiment of the optical communication system 16 ([Fig.10]), the monitoring system 12 comprises at least one optical base station 13 and a concentrator 14.

[Fig.10] shows an example of the generic architecture of a storage warehouse equipped with the optical communication system 16. [0066]The optical base station or stations 13 ([Fig.12]) comprise the monitoring transponder or transponders 132. The monitoring transponder or transponders 132 of the optical base station or stations 13 comprise at least one monitoring transducer 130 configured to receive at least the light signal or signals SL2 emitted by the optical transponder or transponders 1 of the communication container or containers 6 and to emit at least one electrical signal SE8 which is representative of the light signal or signals SL2. [0067]The concentrator 14 ([Fig.13]) comprises a reception unit 140 configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SE8 emitted by the optical base station or stations 13. The concentrator 14 also comprises a generation unit 141 configured to generate at least one electrical signal SE9 from the electrical signal or signals SE8. The electrical signal or signals SE9 are representative of the electrical signal or signals SE8. The generation of a second electrical signal from a first electrical signal corresponds to a translation of the first electrical signal into the second electrical signal which is representative of the first electrical signal, i.e. which comprises the same information. This translation makes the first electrical signal generated by a first device usable by a second device that receives the second electrical signal. [0068]The concentrator 14 also comprises a transmission unit 142 configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SE9 to a user device 15. [0069]The optical base stations 13 may form a network intended to provide a controlled, permanent coverage allowing a communication between said optical base stations 13 and the communication container or containers 6. The optical base stations 13 may be synchronized with each other using the concentrator 14. The concentrator 14 may therefore be used to send information up or down from or to the communication containers 6. A pyrotechnic warehouse may therefore be equipped with one or more optical base stations depending on coverage requirements. The concentrator 14 may transmit the electrical signal or signals S9 to the user device 15 for data processing or managing the fleet of communication containers 6. [0070]A light signal SL2 from the same communication container 6 may be received simultaneously by at least two optical base stations 13 (due to wireless communication of the light signals). The concentrator 14 is configured to detect that a light signal SL2 emitted by a communication container 6 is received by at least two optical base stations 13. The concentrator 14 is then configured to take account of only one of the light signals SLemitted by the same communication container 6 and received by several optical base 35 stations 13. The monitoring transponder or transponders 132 of the optical base station or stations 13 may further comprise a monitoring transducer 131 configured to receive at least one electrical signal SE10 from the concentrator 14 and to emit the light signal or signals SL1 to at least one optical transponder 1 of at least one communication container 6. The concentrator 14 may further comprise a reception unit 143 configured to receive at least one electrical signal SE11 from the user device 15, a generation unit 144 configured to generate the electrical signal or signals SE10 from the electrical signal or signals SE11, and a transmission unit 145 configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SE10 to the optical base station or stations 13. [0071]In a second embodiment of the optical communication system 16, the monitoring system 12 may correspond to a portable maintenance device, as shown in [Fig.2]. In this second embodiment, the monitoring transponder or transponders 132 of the monitoring system 12 comprise at least one monitoring transducer 130 configured to receive at least the light signal or signals SL2 emitted by at least one optical transponder 1 of at least one communication container 6 and to emit at least one electrical signal SE8 which is representative of the light signal or signals SL2. The monitoring system 12 further comprises an information unit 133 configured to inform a user of the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters from the electrical signal or signals SE8. The information unit 133 may correspond to a display unit 133 configured to display a representation of the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters from the electrical signal or signals SE8. [0072]In this second embodiment, the monitoring transponder or transponders 132 may also comprise a control element 134 configured to transmit at least one electrical signal SE10 representative of at least one control command. The control command may correspond to a request to transmit the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters of the communication container or containers 6. [0073]The monitoring system 12 further comprises a monitoring transducer 131 configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SE10 from the control element 134 and to emit the light signal or signals SL1 to at least one optical transponder 1 of at least one communication container 6. [0074]The two embodiments of the optical communication system 16 described above may be combined. It is indeed possible to use a portable maintenance device according to the second embodiment in a warehouse equipped with the optical communication system according to the first embodiment. id="p-75" id="p-75"

[0075]An example of the optical transponder or transponders 1 configured to equip the communication container or containers 6 is shown in [Fig.1]. [0076]The optical transponder or transponders 1 comprise at least one receiving element configured to receive at least one light signal SL1 from the optical communication system and to emit at least one electrical signal SE1 which is representative of the light signal or signals SL1. The light signal or signals SL1 are representative of at least one control command. The control command may correspond to a request to transmit at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container 6 and/or a second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 contained in the communication container 6. The control command may correspond to a request to change the settings of the communication system 16. [0077]According to a first embodiment of the optical transponder 1, the receiving element may correspond to a transducer. The transducer 2 may comprise a collection lens 20, an optical filter 21 and a photodiode 22. [0078]The collection lens 20 is arranged to receive the light signal or signals SL1 at a predetermined aperture angle of the collection lens 20. For example, the aperture angle is predetermined so that the light signal or signals SL1 received come from a wider area than the active surface of the photodiode 22. In this way, the aperture angle may be used to define the area of the environment of the communication container 6 wherein an optical transponder 1 of the communication container 6 may receive a emitted light signal SL1. The collection lens 20 may also be used to protect against impact. [0079]The optical filter 21 is configured to filter the light signal or signals SL1 received by the collection lens 20. The optical filter 21 is configured to block frequencies of the light signal or signals SL1 outside a predetermined frequency range. For example, the frequency range is determined so that the optical filter 21 suppresses spurious components of the light signal or signals SL1, such as the ambient and artificial light. The optical filter 21 then allows only a portion of the light spectrum of the light signal or signals SL1 corresponding to a working frequency range of the photodiode 22 to be retained. Indeed, when the light signals are transmitted wirelessly, they may be interfered with by the ambient and artificial light. [0080]By way of a non-limiting example, the photodiode 22 operates in a frequency range from the visible spectrum to the infrared spectrum, in particular between 400 nm and 1 mm. The frequency range is chosen according to the lighting conditions of the warehouse wherein the communication container or containers 6 are likely to be stored. In particular, the frequency range is chosen to lie outside the spectrum of ambient light pollution such as the artificial lighting. [0081]The photodiode 22 is arranged to receive the light signal or signals SL1 filtered by the optical filter 21. The photodiode 22 is able to generate the electrical signal or signals SE1 and to transmit the electrical signal or signals SE1 to the control unit 4. [0082]The transponder or transponders also comprise an emission element 3 configured to receive at least one electrical signal SE2 and to emit at least one light signal SL2 which is representative of the electrical signal or signals SE2. The light signal or signals SL2 are configured to be transmitted by the transducer 3 to the optical communication system 16. [0083]In the first embodiment of the optical transponder, the emission element 3 may correspond to a transducer. The transducer 3 comprises a light-emitting diode 32 arranged to receive the electrical signal or signals SE2. The light-emitting diode 32 is able to generate and emit at least one light signal SL2 which is representative of the electrical signal or signals SE2. [0084]In a second embodiment of the optical transponder 1, the emission element 3 may comprise a backscattering device configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SEand emit the light signal or signals SL2 ([Fig.14]). For example, the backscattering device comprises at least one reflector 34 configured to reflect the light signal or signals SL1 and a shutter 35 configured to be, alternately, in a position preventing the light signal or signals SL1 from reaching the reflector 34 and a position allowing the light signal or signals SL1 to reach the reflector 34. The light signal or signals SL2 correspond to the light signal or signals SL1 reflected by the reflector 34. The position of the shutter 35 depends on the electrical signal or signals SE2. This second embodiment of the optical transponder 1 is described more fully below. [0085]The optical transponder or transponders 1 also comprises a control unit 4. The control unit 4 comprises a reception module 40 configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SE1 from the receiving element 2. The optical transponder or transponders 1 also have a reception module 41 configured to receive from at least one sensor 9, 10 housed in the communication container 6 (equipped with the optical transponder or transponders 1) at least one electrical signal SE3 representing at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container 6 and/or of a second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 configured to be contained in the communication container 6. id="p-86" id="p-86"

[0086]The optical transponder or transponders 1 also comprise a generating module configured to generate the electrical signal or signals SE2 representative of the electrical signal or signals SE3 as a function of the electrical signal or signals SE1. In addition, the optical transponder or transponders 1 comprise a transmission module 42 configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SE2 to the emission element 3. [0087]The control unit 4 may also comprise a generating module 44 and a transmission module 45. The generating module 44 is configured to generate at least one electrical signal SE4 representative of the electrical signal or signals SE1. The transmission module 45 is configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SE4 to the sensor or sensors 9, housed in the communication container 6. [0088]In addition, the emission element 3 may further comprise an optical filter 31 and an emission lens 30. The optical filter 31 is configured to filter the light signal or signals SL2. The optical filter 31 is configured to block frequencies of the light signal or signals SLoutside a predetermined frequency range. The emission lens 30 is configured to emit the light signal or signals SL2 filtered by the optical filter 31. The emission lens 30 may have a predetermined aperture angle. It may also protect the light-emitting diode 32 in the optical transponder 1. [0089]By way of a non-limiting example, the optical filter 31 corresponds to a bandpass filter in order to narrow the frequency spectrum of the light signal or signals SL2 emitted by the light-emitting diode 32. This also prevents the optical transponder 1 from transmitting spurious light signals that could be transmitted by the light-emitting diode 32. [0090]The receiving element 2 may also comprise a demodulator 23 configured to translate the electrical signal or signals SE1 generated by the photodiode 22 so that they may be used by the control unit 4. Advantageously, the demodulator 23 is configured to translate and transmit the translated electrical signal or signals SE1 to the control unit 4 and to wake up the control unit 4 if the control command comprises a predetermined preamble. Conditioning the transmission of the electrical signal or signals SE1 by the demodulator saves energy. The demodulator 23 may thus comprise a very low power consumption analogue detection module (not shown) capable of waking up the control unit 4 using a wake-up signal SR in order to prepare the optical transponder 1 assembly to receive an incoming communication by means of the light signal or signals SL1. This detection takes place when a light signal SL1 is received by the optical transponder 1 at a predetermined frequency and/or a predetermined preamble in the control command. A wake-up signal SR emitted by the demodulator 23 may also be emitted by the control unit 4 downstream of the optical transponder 1 with the electrical signal SE1. The preamble may correspond to a symbol line or a waiting time between two receptions of the light signal SL1. [0091]The emission element 3 may also further comprise a modulator 33 configured to translate the electrical signal or signals SE2 generated by the control unit 4 so that they may be used by the light-emitting diode 30. [0092]The monitoring transponders 132 of the optical base stations 13 may also be identical to the optical transponders 1. However, the monitoring transponders 132 may comprise different characteristics. For example, the optical filter 21 or 31, photodiode and/or the light-emitting diode 32 may operate at different light frequencies so that the light signal or signals SL1 and the light signal or signals SL2 have a different respective light frequency. This configuration allows a two-way communication. Advantageously, the light signals SL1 and SL2 may be oriented so as to look mainly towards the ceiling of the storage warehouse. [0093]According to the second embodiment of the optical transponder 1 ([Fig.14], [Fig.15] and [Fig.16]), the optical transponder 1 further comprises a collection lens 38 arranged to receive the first light signal or signals SL1, an optical filter 36 configured to filter the light signal or signals SL1 received by the collection lens 38. [0094]The optical filter 36 is configured to block frequencies of the light signal or signals SL1 outside a predetermined frequency range. [0095]In this second embodiment, the optical transponder 1 also comprises a separator lens 39 configured to separate the light signal or signals SL1 into two secondary light signals SL11 and SL12 ([Fig.15]). [0096]In this second embodiment, the emission element 3 comprises a reflector configured to reflect a secondary signal SL11 of the two secondary light signals SL11 and SL12 and a shutter 35 configured to be alternately in a closed position wherein the shutter 35 prevents the secondary light signal SL11 from reaching the reflector 34 and in an open position wherein the shutter 35 allows the secondary light signal SL11 to reach the reflector 34. The closed position and the open position of the shutter 34 may correspond, respectively, to an opaque state of the shutter 34 wherein said shutter 34 prevents the secondary light signal SL11 from reaching the reflector 34 (it is opaque to the secondary light signal SL11) and to a transparent state of the shutter 34 wherein said shutter 34 allows the secondary light signal SL11 to reach the reflector 34 (it is transparent to the secondary light signal SL11). [0097]In this second embodiment, the receiving element 2 comprises a photodiode arranged to receive a secondary light signal SL 12 from the two secondary light signals 35 SL11 and SL12. The receiving element is able to generate the electrical signal or signals SE1 and transmit the electrical signal or signals SE1 to the control unit 4. [0098]In this second embodiment, the optical transponder 1 may further comprise a processing unit 394, a wake-up unit 393 and a transmission unit 392. [0099]The processing unit 394 is configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SE1 to the control unit 4 and to receive the electrical signal or signals SE2 from the control unit 4. The processing unit 394 may be powered by a power supply device 395. [0100]The wake-up unit 393 is configured to: - receive the electrical signal or signals SE1, - generate an electrical wake-up signal SE12 intended to be transmitted to the processing unit 394 if the wake-up unit 393 detects a predetermined pulse sequence in the electrical signal or signals SE1. [0101]The predetermined pulse sequence may correspond to a series of light pulses transmitted at a predetermined frequency. [0102]The transmission unit 392 is configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SE1 generated by the photodiode 37 and transmit the electrical signal or signals SE1 to the processing unit 394. [0103]The processing unit 394 is able to receive the electrical signal or signals SE1 from the transmission unit 392 if the processing unit 394 has received the electrical wake-up signal SE12. [0104]In addition, in this second embodiment, the processing unit 394 may be able to transmit an electrical shutter control signal SE21 to the shutter 35. The electrical shutter control signal SE21 is able to control the shutter 35 to be alternately in the open position and in the closed position as a function of the electrical signal or signals SE2 so that the light signal or signals SL2 are representative of the electrical signal or signals SE2. [0105]In a variant of the second embodiment, the shutter 35 comprises a plurality of shutter elements arranged in a matrix. Each of the shutter elements may be controlled independently of each other between an open position and a closed position alternately. In this variant, the electrical shutter control signal SE21 comprises sub-controls for independently controlling each of the shutter elements. Coupled with a modulation of the aperture of pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) type, this variant allows a greater number of symbols to be encoded per unit of time, thereby allowing to increase the communication rate. [0106]The shutter 35 may comprise a liquid crystal display controlled by the shutter control electrical signal SE21. 35 id="p-107" id="p-107"

[0107]For example, this liquid crystal display may be located alternatively: - in an opaque state wherein the signal SE21 commands the liquid crystal display to be opaque to the secondary light signal SL11 (the signal SL11 may not pass through the liquid crystal display to reach the reflector 34), - in a transparent state wherein the signal SE21 commands the liquid crystal display to be transparent to the secondary light signal SL11 (the signal SL11 may pass through the liquid crystal display to reach the reflector 34). [0108]In this second embodiment, the optical transponder 1 may also comprise a bandpass filter 391 configured to filter the electrical signal or signals SE1 emitted by the photodiode 37. This filtering allows to prevent spurious electrical signals likely to be produced by the photodiode 37 from being transmitted to the transmission unit 392 and to the wake-up unit 393. [0109]The liquid crystal display may comprise a monochrome liquid crystal display or a color liquid crystal display. In the case of a color liquid crystal screen, the liquid crystal screen may be transparent or opaque depending on the wavelength of the light signal passing through it. [0110]The communication container 6 capable of receiving at least one internal device comprises at least one optical transponder 1. [0111]The communication container 6 may also comprise at least one optical coordinator device 8. The optical coordinator device 8 may form part of an optical transponder 1. [0112]In order to optimize the optical coverage between the optical transponders 1 of a communication container 6 and the surveillance system 12 of a pyrotechnic warehouse, two configurations for mounting these optical transponders 1 on the communication container may be considered. The two configurations are shown in [Fig.11]. The configuration (a) involves 4 optical transponders 1 mounted on the four faces of the communication container 6. If necessary, this configuration may involve more than one optical transponder 1 per face of the communication container 6 if its geometry so requires. The configuration (b) involves four optical transponders 1 mounted on the four side corners of the communication container 6. Depending on the geometry of the communication container 6, this configuration may involve more than one optical transponder 1 per corner. [0113]In one configuration, all the faces and the edges of a communication container may be equipped with an optical transponder 1, comprising the upper face and the lower face of the communication container 6. id="p-114" id="p-114"

[0114]These configurations allow at least one optical transponder 1 of a communication container 6 to receive at least one optical signal emitted wirelessly in the environment of the communication container 6. [0115]The optical coordinator device 8 coordinates the optical transponders 1 when the communication container 6 is equipped with several optical transponders 1. The optical coordinator device 8 may also be configured to supply power to the optical transponder or transponders 1. [0116]The coordinator device 8 comprises a reception unit 80, a reception unit 81, a generation unit 82 and a transmission unit 83 ([Fig.3] and [Fig.4]). [0117]The reception unit 80 is configured to receive at least one electrical signal SE5 representative of the first physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container 6 ([Fig.5]). [0118]The reception unit 81 is configured to receive at least one electrical signal SErepresentative of the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 configured to be contained in the communication container 6. [0119]The reception unit 80 and the reception unit 81 may receive electrical signals SEand SE6 from several optical transponders 1 of several communication containers 6. [0120]In one embodiment, the reception unit 80 and the reception unit 81 may be a single reception unit configured, on the one hand, to receive at least one electrical signal SE5 representative of the first physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container 6 and, on the other hand, to receive at least one electrical signal SE6 representative of the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 configured to be contained in the communication container 6. [0121]The generation unit 82 is configured to generate the electrical signal or signals SEfrom the electrical signal or signals SE5 and the electrical signal or signals SE6. [0122]The transmission unit 83 is configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SEto the optical transponder or transponders 1. [0123]The optical coordinator device or devices 8 may also comprise a reception unit 84, a generation unit 85 and a transmission unit 86. [0124]The reception unit 84 is configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SEfrom the optical transponder or transponders 1. [0125]The generation unit 85 is configured to generate at least one electrical signal SErepresentative of the electrical signal or signals SE4. 35 id="p-126" id="p-126"

[0126]The transmission unit 86 is configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SEto the sensor or sensors 9, 10. [0127]In one embodiment, the reception unit 80, the reception unit 81 and the transmission unit 86 may be a single interface unit configured to: - receive at least one electrical signal SE5 representative of the first physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container 6, - receive at least one electrical signal SE6 representative of the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 configured to be contained in the communication container 6, and - transmit the electrical signal or signals SE7 to the sensor or sensors 9, 10. [0128]The communication container 6 may also comprise at least one sensor 9 and a monitoring device 11. In one embodiment, it may also comprise a sensor 10. [0129]The sensor or sensors 9 ([Fig.6]) comprise a measurement module 90 configured to measure the first physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container 6 and a generating module configured to generate the electrical signal or signals SE5 representative of the first physical parameter or parameters measured. In a non-limiting way, the sensor or sensors 9 may be a temperature sensor or sensors and/or a pressure sensor or sensors and/or a humidity sensor or sensors. [0130]In the case where the communication container 6 comprises the sensor 10, the sensor or sensors 10 ([Fig.7]) comprise a measurement module 100 configured to measure the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices 7 likely to be contained in the communication container 6 and a generating module 101 configured to generate the electrical signal or signals SE6 representative of the second physical parameter or parameters measured. [0131]The monitoring device 11 comprises at least one reception unit 110, a distribution unit 111, a transmission unit 112 and a storage unit 116. [0132]The reception unit 110 is configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SEand, if the communication container 6 comprises the sensor 10, the electrical signal or signals SE6. [0133]The distribution unit 111 is configured to distribute the electrical signal or signals SE5 and, if the communication container 6 comprises the sensor 10, the electrical signal or signals SE6. id="p-134" id="p-134"

[0134]The transmission unit 112 is configured to transmit to the optical coordinator device or devices 8 the electrical signal or signals SE5 and, in the case where the communication container 6 comprises the sensor 10, the electrical signal or signals SE6. [0135]The storage unit 116 is configured to store the first physical parameters and/or the second physical parameters from the electrical signal or signals SE5 and/or of the electrical signal or signals SE6, respectively. [0136]The distribution unit 111 is configured to distribute the electrical signal or signals SE5 and, in the case where the communication container 6 comprises the sensor 10, the electrical signal or signals SE6 between the transmission unit 112 and the storage unit 116. [0137]The monitoring device 11 may also comprise a reception unit 113, a generation unit 114 and a transmission unit 115. [0138]The reception unit 113 is configured to receive the electrical signal or signals SE7. [0139]The generation unit 114 is configured to generate at least one electrical signal SErepresentative of the electrical signal or signals SE7. [0140]The transmission unit 115 is configured to transmit the electrical signal or signals SE8 to the sensor or sensors 9, 10. [0141]The monitoring device 11 may also comprise a monitoring unit 117. This monitoring unit 117 is configured to detect an abnormality in the first physical parameters and/or the second physical parameters from the electrical signal or signals SE5 and/or from the electrical signal or signals SE6. An abnormality may correspond to an abnormal increase or decrease in temperature or pressure inside the communication container 6 and/or the internal device or devices 7. The abnormality may be detected by the monitoring unit 1by a temperature or pressure drift (temperature or pressure rising or falling too quickly in relation to a threshold). [0142]The abnormality may also correspond to a temperature that is too high or too low and/or a pressure that is too high or too low in relation to a temperature threshold. [0143]When an abnormality is detected, the monitoring unit may emit an electrical alert signal SA to the storage unit 116 capable of storing an alert message or directly to the optical transponder or transponders 1. [0144]The communication container 6 may also comprise a power supply 17 configured to power the optical coordinator device 8 and the monitoring device 11. [0145]The wake-up signal SR transmitted by the demodulator 23 is capable of waking up the monitoring device 11 and the optical coordinator device 8. id="p-146" id="p-146"

[0146]The monitoring device 11 may be a data logger, such as a monitoring system 12 for monitoring the state and usage of the internal device or devices 7, also referred to Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS). [0147]In the example shown in [Fig.4], the communication container 6 is equipped with four optical transponders 1. The four optical transponders 1 are synchronized with each other by the optical coordinator device 8, which synchronizes their operation. The optical coordinator device 8 may also supply power to the four optical transponders 1. The monitoring device 11 may make available to the optical coordinator device 8 the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters stored in the storage unit 116. The monitoring device 11 may also make the alert message or messages available to the optical coordinator device 8. In [Fig.4], the internal device is a complex munition. The complex munition is connected to the monitoring device 11 by an umbilical cord 18 and provides the monitoring device 11 with the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the complex munition. At the same time, the monitoring device 11 connected to a sensor 9 corresponding to a thermometer reads the first physical parameter or parameters of the interior of the communication container 6, in particular the temperature. [0148]In a non-limiting way, the optical protocol coding the communication using the light signals SL1 and SL2 between the optical transponder or transponders 1 and the optical base stations 13 may be designed so as to limit the frame collisions when several optical transponders 1 emit a light signal SL1 towards the same optical base station 13 at the same time (due to the wireless transmission of the light signals). As such, each light signal SLtransmitted to an optical base station 13 may result in a light signal representative of a return acknowledgement. The absence of this light acknowledgement signal may indicate that the communication was unsuccessful, including a possible frame collision. The frames may be coded with a short duty cycle to limit the collisions. The system uses frequency modulation of the light signals SL1 and SL2, and the carrier may be determined so as to be compatible with the reception rate of the optical base station or stations 13 and the different frequencies specific to the light pollution sources (primarily neon-type lighting). [0149]When a communication container 6 communicates with an optical base station 13, it will prefer to use the most efficient optical transponder 1. Advantageously, in order to save the energy available in the power supply 17, only the optical transponder 1 located at least in the light signal reception coverage SL1 of an optical base station 13 may be used for a communication. [0150]The communication system 16 may be used in a variety of applications. 35 id="p-151" id="p-151"

[0151]In a first example, it may be used in the case of a communication container 6 used as a container for a test bench with an automated logbook, such as an electronic logbook ("e-Logbook"). The communication container 6 may correspond to that shown in [Fig.9]. The internal device 7 corresponds to a complex munition installed in the communication container 6. In this example, the communication system 16 is capable of regularly sending back diagnostic data to identify any drift in the operational performance of the complex munition or simply to automatically fill in a logbook for the complex munition. This type of scenario may arise in the case of complex munitions carried on board an aircraft. The identification of impacts on the complex munition caused by aircraft movements such as a landing may be a determining factor in the mechanical fatigue of the complex munition. Once installed in a communication container 6 and stored, the complex munition may be connected to the monitoring device 11 of the communication container 6 by an umbilical cord 18. The optical transponder or transponders 1 communicate with the monitoring system 12, which transmits the information, in particular the recorded impacts, recorded in flight by the complex munition to the user device 15. [0152]In a second example, the communication system 16 may be used in the case of communication containers 6 capable of warning of leaks. In order to better protect certain internal devices 7 such as complex munitions from their storage conditions, the communication containers 6 are pressurized so as to prevent moisture and particles from entering the communication container 6. This pressure tends to decrease over time due to the slight structural leak in the communication container 6, which leads operators to top up occasionally. A leak that occurs without the operator's knowledge could expose the product to storage conditions that are rarely ideal and could compromise the operational performance of the communicating munition 6. In this example, the communication container 6 is configured according to [Fig.4] wherein the sensor 9 corresponds to a pressure sensor. The pressure data is recorded by the monitoring device 11 (in the storage unit 116). An alert signal SA is transmitted as soon as the monitoring unit 117 determines that the pressure level measured by the pressure sensor 9 falls below a certain threshold. The optical transponder or transponders 1 communicate with the monitoring system 12, which sends the alert signal SA to the user device 15. [0153]In a third example, the communication system 16 may be used to quickly find a communication container 6 among several communication containers 6. In this example, the communication container 6 is equipped with at least one light-emitting diode configured to emit light in the visible spectrum, in a color that is highly visible to the eye (for example a hue selected from the greens). The operator wishing to quickly identify a 35 communication container 6 selects it via an information system of the user device 15 which, via the relay of the monitoring system 12, will inform the communication container concerned of this identification request. The communication container 6 then flashes its visible light-emitting diode or diodes 19 to rapidly indicate its position to the user. [0154]The use of light signals makes it possible to avoid the induction of electric currents by radio frequency in a portion of a pyrotechnic device, such as a detonator.

Claims

1. CLAIMS 1)An optical transponder intended to help monitor a state of at least one internal device contained in a communication container capable of being equipped with said optical transponder, the monitoring being capable of being implemented by a monitoring system, characterized in that it comprises at least: - a receiving element (2) configured to receive at least one first light signal (SL1) from an optical communication system (16) and to emit at least one first electrical signal (SE1) which is representative of the first light signal or signals (SL1), the first light signal or signals (SL1) being representative of at least one control command, - an emission element (3) configured to receive at least one second electrical signal (SE2) and to emit at least one second light signal (SL2) which is representative of the second electrical signal or signals (SE2), the second light signal or signals (SL2) being configured to be transmitted by the emission element (3) to the optical communication system (16), - a control unit (4) comprising: o a first reception module (40) configured to receive the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) from the receiving element (2), o a second reception module (41) configured to receive from at least one sensor (9, 10) housed in the communication container (6) at least one third electrical signal (SE3) representative of at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container (6) and/or a second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices (7) configured to be contained in the communication container (6), o a first generating module (43) configured to generate the second electrical signal or signals (SE2) representative of the third electrical signal or signals (SE3) as a function of the first electrical signal or signals (SE1), o a first transmission module (42) configured to transmit the second electrical signal or signals (SE2) to the transmission element (3). 2)The transponder according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (4) further comprises: - a second generating module (44) configured to generate at least a fourth electrical signal (SE4) representative of the first electrical signal or signals (SE1), 35 - a second transmission module (45) configured to transmit the fourth electrical signal or signals (SE4) to the sensor or sensors (9, 10) housed in the communication container (6). 3)The transponder according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the receiving element (2) corresponds to a first transducer comprising: - a collection lens (20) arranged to receive the first light signal or signals (SL1) at a predetermined aperture angle of the collection lens (20), - a first optical filter (21) configured to filter the first light signal or signals (SL1) received by the collection lens (20), the first optical filter (21) being configured to block frequencies of the first light signal or signals (SL1) outside a predetermined frequency range, - a photodiode (22) arranged to receive the first light signal or signals (SL1) filtered by the first optical filter (21) and capable of generating the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) and transmitting the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) to the control unit (4); the emission element (3) corresponding to a second transducer comprising a light-emitting diode (32) arranged to receive the second electrical signal or signals (SE2), the light-emitting diode (32) being capable of generating and emitting the second light signal or signals (SL2) which are representative of the second electrical signal or signals (SE2). 4)The transponder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving element (

2. further comprises a first demodulator (23) configured to translate the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) generated by the photodiode (22) so that they may be used by the control unit (4), the emission element (

3. further comprising a second modulator (33) configured to translate the second electrical signal or signals (SE2) generated by the control unit (

4. so that they may be used by the light-emitting diode (30).

5. The transponder according to claim 4, characterized in that the first demodulator (23) is configured to translate and transmit the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) to the control unit (4) and to wake up the control unit (4) if the control command comprises a predetermined preamble.

6. The transponder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the emission element (3) further comprises: - a second optical filter (31) configured to filter the second light signal or signals (SL2), the second optical filter (31) being configured to block frequencies of the second light signal or signals (SL2) outside a predetermined frequency range, - an emission lens (30) configured to emit the second light signal or signals (SL2) filtered by the second optical filter (31).

7. The transponder according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises: - a collection lens (38) arranged to receive the first light signal or signals (SL1), - a first optical filter (36) configured to filter the first light signal or signals (SL1) received by the collection lens (38), the first optical filter (36) being configured to block frequencies of the first light signal or signals (SL1) outside a predetermined frequency range, - a separator lens (39) configured to separate the first light signal or signals (SL1) into two secondary light signals (SL11, SL12); in that the emission element (3) comprises: - a reflector (34) configured to reflect a first secondary signal (SL11) of the two secondary light signals (SL11, SL12), - a shutter (35) configured to be alternately in a closed position wherein the shutter (35) prevents the first secondary light signal (SL11) from reaching the reflector (34) and in an open position wherein the shutter (35) allows the first secondary light signal (SL11) to reach the reflector (34); and in that the receiving element (2) comprises: - a photodiode (37) arranged to receive a second secondary light signal (SL12) from the two secondary light signals (SL11, SL12) and capable of generating the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) and transmitting the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) to the control unit (4).

8. The transponder according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: - a processing unit (394) configured to transmit the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) to the control unit (4) and to receive the second electrical signal or signals (SE2) from the control unit (4), - a wake-up unit (393) configured to: o receive the first electrical signal or signals (SE1), 35 o generate an electrical wake-up signal (SE12) intended to be transmitted to the processing unit (394) if it detects a predetermined pulse sequence in the first electrical signal or signals (SE1), - a transmission unit (392) configured to receive the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) generated by the photodiode (37) and to transmit the first electrical signal or signals (SE1); the processing unit (394) being able to receive the first electrical signal or signals (SE1) from the transmission unit (392) if the processing unit (394) has received the electrical wake-up signal (SE12).

9. The transponder according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the processing unit (394) is able to transmit to the shutter (35) an electrical shutter control signal (SE21), the electrical shutter control signal (SE21) being capable of controlling the shutter (35) to be alternately in the open position and in the closed position as a function of the second electrical signal or signals (SE2) so that the second light signal or signals (SL2) are representative of the second electrical signal or signals (SE2).

10. A communication container capable of receiving at least one internal device, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical transponder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The container according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises: - at least one optical coordinator device (8) comprising: o a first reception unit (80) configured to receive at least a fifth electrical signal (SE5) representative of at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container (6), o a second reception unit (81) configured to receive at least a sixth electrical signal (SE6) representative of at least a second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices (7) contained in the communication container (6), o a first generation unit (82) configured to generate the third electrical signal or signals (SE3) from the fourth electrical signal or signals (SE4) and from the fifth electrical signal or signals (SE5), o a first transmission unit (83) configured to transmit the third electrical signal or signals (SE3) to the transponder or transponders (1).

12. The container according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the optical coordinator device or devices (8) further comprise: - a third reception unit (84) configured to receive the fourth electrical signal or signals (SE4) from the optical transponder or transponders (1), - a second generation unit (85) configured to generate at least a seventh electrical signal (SE7) representative of the fourth electrical signal or signals (SE4), - a second transmission unit (86) configured to transmit the seventh electrical signal or signals (SE7) to the sensor or sensors (9, 10).

13. The container according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises: - at least one first sensor (9) comprising: o a first measurement module (90) configured to measure at least a first physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container (6), and o a first generating module (91) configured to generate the fifth electrical signal or signals (SE5) representative of the first physical parameter or parameters measured; - a second sensor (10) comprising: o a second measurement module (100) configured to measure at least one second physical parameter characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices (7) contained in the communication container (6), o a second generating module (101) configured to generate the sixth electrical signal or signals (SE6) representative of the second physical parameter or parameters measured; - a monitoring device (11) comprising: o a fourth reception unit (110) configured to receive the fifth electrical signal or signals (SE5) and the sixth electrical signal or signals (SE6), o a second transmission unit (112) configured to transmit the fifth electrical signal or signals (SE5) and the sixth electrical signal or signals (SE6) to the optical coordinator device or devices (8), o a storage unit (116) configured to store the first physical parameters and/or the second physical parameters from the electrical signal or signals (SE5) and/or from the electrical signals (SE6), respectively, o a distribution unit (111) configured to distribute the fifth electrical signal or signals (SE5) and the sixth electrical signal or signals (SE6) between the second transmission unit (112) and the storage unit (116), o a monitoring unit (117) configured to detect an abnormality in the first physical parameters and/or the second physical parameters from the electrical signal or signals (SE5) and/or from the electrical signal or signals (SE6) and configured to transmit an electrical alert signal (SA) if an abnormality is detected.

14. The container according to claim 13, characterized in that the monitoring device (11) further comprises: - a fifth reception unit (113) configured to receive the seventh electrical signal or signals (SE7), - a third generation unit (114) configured to generate at least one eighth electrical signal (SE8) representative of the seventh electrical signal or signals (SE7), - a third transmission unit (115) configured to transmit the eighth electrical signal or signals (SE8) to the sensor or sensors (9, 10).

15. A communication system intended to help monitor the state of at least one internal device, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one communication container (6) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, the communication container or containers (6) being configured to contain the internal device or devices (7), - a monitoring system (12) helping to the monitoring of the first physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the interior of the communication container (6) and/or of the second physical parameter or parameters characterizing an instantaneous physical state of the internal device or devices (7) contained in the communication container (6), the monitoring system (12) comprising at least one monitoring transponder (132) configured to receive the second light signal or signals (SL2) emitted by the optical transponder or transponders (1) of the communication container or containers (6). 35

16. The system as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the monitoring system (12) comprises at least one optical base station (13) and a concentrator (14), the optical base station or stations (13) comprising the monitoring transponder or transponders (132), the monitoring transponder or transponders (132) comprising at least a first monitoring transducer (130) configured to receive at least the second light signal or signals (SL2) emitted by at least one optical transponder (1) of at least one communication container (6) and to emit at least an eighth electrical signal (SE8) which is representative of the second light signal or signals (SL2); the concentrator (14) comprising: - a first reception unit (140) configured to receive the eighth electrical signal or signals (SE8) emitted by the optical base station or stations (13), - a first generation unit (141) configured to generate at least a ninth electrical signal (SE9) from the eighth electrical signal or signals (SE8), - a first transmission unit (142) configured to transmit the ninth electrical signal or signals (SE9) to a user device (15).

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the monitoring transponder or transponders (132) of the optical base station or stations (13) further comprise: - a second monitoring transducer (131) configured to receive at least a tenth electrical signal (SE10) from the concentrator (14) and to emit the first light signal or signals (SL1) to at least one optical transponder (1) of at least one communication container (6); the concentrator (14) further comprising: - a second reception unit (143) configured to receive at least an eleventh electrical signal (SE11) from the user device (15), - a second generation unit (144) configured to generate the tenth electrical signal or signals (SE10) from the eleventh electrical signal or signals (SE11), - a second transmission unit (145) configured to transmit the tenth electrical signal or signals (SE10) to the optical base station or stations (13).

18. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the monitoring transponder or transponders (132) of the monitoring system (12) comprise at least a first monitoring transducer (130) configured to receive at least the second light signal or signals (SL2) emitted by at least one optical transponder (1) of at least one communication container (6) and to emit at least an eighth electrical signal (SE8) which is representative of the second light signal or signals (SL2), the monitoring system (12) further comprising an information unit (133) configured to inform a user of the first physical parameter or parameters and/or of the second physical parameter or parameters from the eighth electrical signal or signals (SE8).

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that the monitoring transponder or transponders (132) further comprise: - a control element (134) configured to transmit at least a tenth electrical signal (SE10) representative of at least one control command, the control command corresponding to a request to transmit the first physical parameter or parameters and/or the second physical parameter or parameters, - a second monitoring transducer (131) configured to receive the tenth electrical signal or signals (SE10) from the control element (134) and to emit the first light signal or signals (SL1) to at least one optical transponder (1) of at least one communication container (6).