Base station performance enhancements for infrared-linked telephone and communications systems

摘要

Enhancements to the base station of an infrared-linked communication system include tubular reflective concentrator apparatus for reflecting IR signals entering an inlet end onto a photodetector located at an outlet end. Signal-to-noise ratio is improved, signal gain in attained, and unwanted light signals are excluded thereby. The tubular reflective concentrator apparatus can also be employed with IR emitters to focus and direct emitted light from an LED or the like towards a predefined field of view. Multiple tubular reflective concentrator apparatus is shown implemented in a unitary, molded plastic shell. The photodetectors and emitters can also be mounted at the bottom of an associated tubular reflective concentrator apparatus with a plug attached thereto so that they can be plugged into a support structure to provide custom installations where necessary. The tubular reflective concentrator apparatus can be shaped to cover different fields of view with a rectangular shape being the preferred shape for reducing redundant overlapping which is required with circular fields of view and the like.