Underwater optical communications system and method
First Claim
1. A communications system comprising a control station for transmitting control data to a plurality of light beacons, comprisingthe plurality of beacons dispersed about a communications zone, at least some of the beacons comprising one or a plurality of light-emitting elements positioned so that each beacon emits light in a plurality of directions, andat least one submersible craft comprising a plurality of light receiving elements positioned so that the craft receives light from a plurality of directions,whereby when the submersible craft is in the communications zone the submersible craft is in optical communication with at least one beacon for receiving control data from the at least one beacon via light signals emitted by the at least one beacon.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An underwater optical communications system and method particularly suitable for use in communications with automated equipment. A series of light beacons are dispersed throughout a communications zone. The light beacons are each provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements and light receiving elements which are positioned so that each beacon within the communications zone emits light in a plurality of directions and receives light from a plurality of directions. A submersible craft is similarly provided with light emitting elements and light receiving elements. The submersible craft is thus always in optical communication with one or more beacons when in the communications zone, regardless of the orientation of the craft and regardless of the position of the craft within the communications zone.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A communications system comprising a control station for transmitting control data to a plurality of light beacons, comprising
the plurality of beacons dispersed about a communications zone, at least some of the beacons comprising one or a plurality of light-emitting elements positioned so that each beacon emits light in a plurality of directions, and at least one submersible craft comprising a plurality of light receiving elements positioned so that the craft receives light from a plurality of directions, whereby when the submersible craft is in the communications zone the submersible craft is in optical communication with at least one beacon for receiving control data from the at least one beacon via light signals emitted by the at least one beacon.
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15. A communications method, comprising
a. converting an electrical data signal into a light signal, b. transmitting the light signal in a plurality of directions from a plurality of beacons dispersed about a communications zone to at least one submersible craft comprising a plurality of light receiving elements positioned so that the craft can receive the light signal from a plurality of directions, and c. converting the light signal back to an electrical data signal for controlling the at least one submersible craft.
Specification