초록 ▼

Disclosed is optical data signal apparatus for optically coupling a plurality of data channels between stationary and rotating systems. The optical data signal apparatus is useful in a rotary head scanner for coupling a plurality of data channels between a rotating head wheel, having a plurality of

Disclosed is optical data signal apparatus for optically coupling a plurality of data channels between stationary and rotating systems. The optical data signal apparatus is useful in a rotary head scanner for coupling a plurality of data channels between a rotating head wheel, having a plurality of magnetic record/reproduce heads, and stationary signal processing circuitry. Each data channel of the apparatus includes an optical data signal transmitter, an optical data signal receiver and an optical coupling element for causing an optical data signal transmitted by the transmitter to be focused on the receiver. The plurality of optical coupling elements are preferably annular and arranged concentrically in a plane. Each optical coupling element focuses the optical data from a transmitter to a respective receiver which is positioned off axis with respect to the central axis of the concentric optical elements. Preferably the optical elements are holographic optical elements.

대표청구항 ▼

Optical data signal apparatus comprising: an optical data signal transmitter, an optical data signal receiver, and means for mounting said transmitter and said receiver for relative rotation with respect to one another about a rotational axis in a plane which is perpendicular to said rotational axis

Optical data signal apparatus comprising: an optical data signal transmitter, an optical data signal receiver, and means for mounting said transmitter and said receiver for relative rotation with respect to one another about a rotational axis in a plane which is perpendicular to said rotational axis, wherein said transmitter and said receiver are axially spaced from one another and each of which is radially spaced from said axis; and an annular, substantially planar, optical coupling element which has a central axis coincident with said rotational axis, which is spaced from and located between said transmitter and receiver and which causes a collimated optical data signal, which is transmitted by said transmitter along a path perpendicular to said element, to be focused along a path to said receiver.