Synchronization of optical signaling beacons
First Claim
1. A system of signaling beacons, a signaling beacon of said system including a timer providing timing signals, a controller for receiving said timing signals and controlling periodic energization of a signaling means for providing a perceptible signal, and means responsive to receipt of a periodic modulated synchronization signal from another signaling beacon for synchronizing said periodic energization of said signaling means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An arbitrary number of signaling beacons are synchronized simultaneously and automatically by a received modulated control signal in accordance with an arbitrary communication protocol over a communication link which may be separate from or superimposed upon a perceptible signal periodically provided from signaling beacons. The periodic perceptible signal may be stabilized using a crystal oscillator or an external transmitted signal such as a global positioning system (GPS) signal and synchronization thus maintained for extended periods of time even when the synchronization communication link is not available. Interference is substantially prevented by the communication protocol while supporting the provision of any desired beacon control functions.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system of signaling beacons, a signaling beacon of said system including
a timer providing timing signals, a controller for receiving said timing signals and controlling periodic energization of a signaling means for providing a perceptible signal, and means responsive to receipt of a periodic modulated synchronization signal from another signaling beacon for synchronizing said periodic energization of said signaling means.
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11. A method for synchronizing a system of signaling beacons, said method including steps of
providing periodic energization of a source of a perceptible signal at respective signaling beacons of said system, transmitting a control signal in accordance with a communication protocol from a first signaling beacon of said system, bringing a second signaling beacon of said system within synchronization range of said control signal, and altering timing of said periodic energization of said second signaling beacon responsive to said control signal and said periodic energization of said first signaling beacon.
Specification