SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GIMBAL MOUNTED OPTICAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical communication system and a method that are operable to communicate optical signals across a gimbal system.

SOLUTION: An exemplary embodiment has a first optical rotary joint (202) with a rotor (304) and a stator (306); a second optical rotary joint (204) with a rotor (304) and a stator (306); and an optical connector (402) coupled to the stator (306) of the first and the second optical rotary joints. The stator (306) of the first optical rotary joint (202) is affixed to a first rotational member of the gimbal system. The stator (306) of the second optical rotary joint (204) is affixed to a second rotational member of the gimbal system. A first optical connection coupled to the rotor of the first optical rotary joint and a second optical connection coupled to the rotor of the second optical rotary joint remain substantially stationary as the gimbal system orients an optical communication device in a desired position.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT