GB2384635A

GB2384635A - Infrared CCD video camera optical communication system

Info

Publication number: GB2384635A
Application number: GB0201839A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip Andrew Haley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-28
Filing date: 2002-01-28
Publication date: 2003-07-30
Also published as: GB0201839D0

Abstract

Infrared and charged coupled device video camera data communications system.<BR> Data 1 is transmitted in the infra red range of the electromagnetic spectrum,<BR> This light 3 is picked up by a video camera 11 which consists of a lens 6, CCD chip 7, video circuitry 8 and outputs a video signal 22 whereupon a decoder 9 is used to retrieve the original data 1. The transmitter may alternatively comprise a laser or halogen lamp. Both transmitter and receiver may include matched wavelength filters.

Description

Infrared and CCD Video Camera Data Communications This invention relates to data transmission and reception using the Infrared spectrum.

There is a few forms of data transmission in use at present which all use a range of frequencies within the electromagnet band from sound through gamma, x-rays, ultra violet, infrared, microwave and high frequency radio.

This new invention uses a CCD to collect transmissions in the infrared range to facilitate an increase in distance-power-dissipation ratio seen in the present forms.

Reduces costs of long lengths of cables either optical or radio frequency.

Data can be transferred over long distances in line of sight.

Increases security of data transfer.

Can easily be integrated into existing systems to provide a backup or replacement data transfer system.

Excellent fog, Rain Glass or adverse weather conditions transfer characteristics.

Remarkably reduced distance-power dissipation ratios.

A. A long range infrared data communications system Using an arrangement of at least one infrared light emitting diode Driven by either the data directly or the data combined with a carrier using the present known Modulation techniques.

B. Electrooptical sensing means comprising a charged-coupled device CCD facing the said Infrared diode.

C. Decoder system providing for extraction of original data transmitted via the infrared spectrum by the diodes.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :- Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the basic system.

Figure 2 infra red image geometry.

Figure 3 Example of use.

Figure 4 resultant spectrum of output from CCD camera system.

Data 1 is transmitted by infra red diodes 2 modulated by the data 1, These transmissions are Picked up by a strong zoom lens 6 focused on a CCD chip 7 The output from the CCD 22 is sent to a decoder 9 to extract the original data Data 1 fed to infrared LED's 2 modulate the light 3 directed via the lens 1 4 and filter 12 and 13 towards the lens2 6, Lens2 6 directed towards lensl 4 focused on CCD plane 7, The resultant frequency spectrum output from the CCD camera 22 produces frequencies 21 comparable to original data 1, Background data 23, CCD synchronisation pulses 20 for scanning and. video information 24.

The resultant output from the CCD camera 22 is fed to a decoder 9 whereupon the original data 1 can be reproduced Referring to drawing description of example of use.

Data 1 from an existing unit 15 e. g.'computer, memory, audio device etc, Is connected to a driving amplifier 16 which increases the power output of at least one infrared led 2. These LED's face a filter 12 to match the spectral band of the LED's to improve the signal-noise ratio.

A lens 4 facing the LED's 1 to provide an appropriate infrared angle 14.

According to preferred embodiment the electrooptical sensor 7 comprise a high resolution CCD camera 11 facing the transmitting lensl 4 at a distance of 2000m, such a camera is equipped with a strong zoom lens2 6, A spectral filter 13 to match the infrared band is employed to improve the signal-noise and signal-background ratios, An auto iris 25 to regulate the amount of light received. The output from the camera 11 contains the original data 21 within its spectrum, This signal is fed to a decoder 9 which extracts a facsimile of the original data 1 for use by the existing recipient 19 e. g. computer, memory, audio amp.

A modulated array of infrared light 3 is directed at lens 1 4 focused to direct light 3 towards lens2 6. 1ens2 6 facing lensl 4 is zoomed and focused to produce as large an area coverage 24 on the CCD plane 7 as possible

Claims

claims Claiml a. A long range infrared data communications system, Using at least one infrared light emitting diode driven by the data direct or combined with a carrier modulated by any of the known modulation techniques, facing receiving system. b. An electrooptical sensing means comprising an charged coupled device and Decoder circuit faces the said infrared diode transmitter. c. Said system providing for extraction of data transmitted by at least 1 infrared diode.

Claim2 Long range infrared data communications system, As set out in Claim 1 where the transmission source is any other source of light or small emitting surface e. g. laser, halogen.

Claim3 Long range infrared data communications system, As set out in Claim 1 or 2 comprises. of an CCD video camera, a lens, an video circuit giving a composite video output and a decoder for retrieving data.

Claim4 Long range infrared data communications system, As set out in Claim 1,2 and 3 where the electrooptical transmission and reception means is equipped if necessary with matching spectral filters.