US4772799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical communication system
Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
•
Filing: 1986-12-01
•
Granted: 1988-09-20
•
Expires: 2006-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A steering wheel equipped with an optical communication mechanism for allowing optical communication between the interior of the steering wheel or the steering wheel and a vehicle column with at least two light emitting elements for forming a redundant system by simultaneously emitting common optical signals and at least one light receiving element for receiving the optical signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Syuji Inui
- 👤 Makoto Kanai
- 👤 Toshinori Takahashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:00
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/3604; B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
An optical communication system which allows optical communication even if an obstruction is present comprising: means for emitting a first optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication even if said obstruction prohibits the direct passage of said first optical signal; means for emitting a second optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication only if said obstruction does not prohibit the direct passage of said second optical signal; means for allowing the indirect transmission of said optical signals; and means for detecting said optical signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
An optical communication system which allows optical communication even if an obstruction is present comprising: means for emitting a first optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication even if said obstruction prohibits the direct passage of said first optical signal; means for emitting a second optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication only if said obstruction does not prohibit the direct passage of said second optical signal; means for allowing the indirect transmission of said optical signals; and means for detecting said optical signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 1 further including: a microprocessor for outputting electrical signals which control said first and second optical signal emitting means; and a switch matrix for inputting switch position signals to said microprocessor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
128 words
An optical communications system for use in a steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel with a center pad covering a steering wheel interior, moving mandrels and a stationary steering wheel column comprising: means disposed in said interior of said steering wheel for emitting a first optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication even if said mandrels prohibit the direct passage of said first optical signal; means disposed in said interior of said steering wheel for emitting a second optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication only when said mandrels do not prohibit the direct passage of said second optical signal; means for allowing indirect transmission of said optical signals; and means diposed in said stationary steering wheel column for detecting said optical signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
128 words
An optical communications system for use in a steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel with a center pad covering a steering wheel interior, moving mandrels and a stationary steering wheel column comprising: means disposed in said interior of said steering wheel for emitting a first optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication even if said mandrels prohibit the direct passage of said first optical signal; means disposed in said interior of said steering wheel for emitting a second optical signal having a magnitude which allows optical communication only when said mandrels do not prohibit the direct passage of said second optical signal; means for allowing indirect transmission of said optical signals; and means diposed in said stationary steering wheel column for detecting said optical signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device according to claim 3 further including: a microprocessor disposed in said interior of said steering wheel for outputting electrical signals which control said first and second optical signal emitting means; and a switch matrix disposed in said interior of said steering wheel for inputting switch position signals to said microprocessor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first and second optical signal emitting means are arranged close to each other.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-09-20 | 1992-03-21 | 1992-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-03-21 | 1996-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-20 | 2000-03-21 | 2000-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |