Optical switch array capable of bidirectional signal transfer between a plurality of terminals

Claim 2

An optical switch array comprising: a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, said shutter array being arranged in a matrix form of M rows×N columns, where M is an integer of 2 or more and N is an integer of 2 or more, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side or said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources for respectively illuminating each row of said shutter array; second light-emitting means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources for respectively illuminating each column of said shutter array; first light receiving means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through a respective row of said shutter array; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through a respective column of said shutter array.

Claim 3

An optical switch array according to claim 1, wherein each light source of said first light-emitting means corresponds to a plurality of shutters constituting each respective row of said shutter array, and each light source of said second light-emitting means corresponds to a plurality of shutter constituting each respective column of said shutter array.

Claim 4

An optical switch array according to claim 1, wherein each photodetector of said first light receiving means corresponds to a plurality of shutters constituting each respective row of said shutter array, and each photodetector of said second light receiving means corresponds to a plurality of shutters constituting each respective column of said shutter array.

Claim 5

An optical switch array according to claim 1 further comprising: first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means to said shutter array; second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means to said shutter array; and a beam splitter for synthesizing the light emitted from said first light-emitting means and the light emitted from said second light-emitting means.

Claim 6

An optical switch array according to claim 4, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical systems comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, respectively.

Claim 7

An optical switch array according to claim 4, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a polarized state of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 8

An optical switch array according to claim 4, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a wavelength of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 9

An optical switch array according to claim 1, further comprising: a beam splitter for splitting a light passed through said shutter array; first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and passed through said shutter array to said second light receiving means; and second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and passed through said shutter array to said first light receiving means.

Claim 10

An optical switch array according to claim 8, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical systems comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, respectively.

Claim 11

An optical switch array according to claim 8, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a polarized state of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 12

An optical switch array according to claim 8, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a wavelength of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 13

An optical signal transmitting system comprising: a first terminal group comprising M terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, where M is an integer of 2 or more; a second terminal group comprising N terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, wherein N is an integer of 2 or more; a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix of M rows×N columns, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources which are driven according to signals inputted from said M terminals of said first terminal group, said M light sources respectively illuminating each row of said shutter array; second light-emitting means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources which are driven according to signals inputted from said N terminals of said second terminal group, said N light sources respectively illuminating each column of said shutter array; first light receiving means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and passed through a respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said M terminals of said first terminal group; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and passed through a respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said N terminals of said second terminal groups.

Claim 14

An optical signal transmitting system comprising: a first terminal group comprising M terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, where M is an integer of 2 or more; a second terminal group comprising N terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, wherein N is an integer of 2 or more; a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix of M rows×N columns, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources which are driven according to signals inputted from said M terminals of said first terminal group, said M light sources respectively illuminating each row of said shutter array; second light-emitting means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources which are driven according to signals inputted from said N terminals of said second terminal group, said N light sources respectively illuminating each column of said shutter array; first light receiving means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and passed through a respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said M terminals of said first terminal group; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and passed through a respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said N terminals of said second terminal groups.

Claim 15

A system according to claim 12, wherein each light source of said first light-emitting means corresponds to a plurality of shutters constituting each respective row of said shutter array, and each light source of said second light-emitting means corresponds to a plurality of shutters constituting each respective each respective column of said shutter array.

Claim 16

A system according to claim 12, wherein each photodetector of said first light receiving means corresponds to a plurality of shutters constituting each row of said shutter array, and each photodetector of said second light receiving means corresponds to a plurality of shutters constituting each respective column of said shutter array.

Claim 17

A system according to claim 12, further comprising: a first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means to said shutter array; a second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means to said shutter array; and a beam splitter for synthesizing the light emitted from said first light-emitting means and the light emitted from said second light-emitting means.

Claim 18

A system according to claim 15, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical system comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, respectively.

Claim 19

A system according to claim 15, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a polarized state of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 20

A system according to claim 15, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a wavelength of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 21

A system according to claim 12, further comprising; a beam splitter for splitting a light passed through said shutter array; first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and passed through said shutter array to said second light receiving means; and second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and passed through said shutter array to said first light receiving means.

Claim 22

A system according to claim 19, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical systems comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical leans, respectively.

Claim 23

A system according to claim 19, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a polarized state of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 24

A system according to claim 19, wherein said first light-emitting means emits light, a wavelength of which is different from that of light emitted from said second light-emitting means, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 25

An optical switch array comprising: a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix form of M rows×N columns, where M is an integer of 2 or more and N is an integer of 2 or more, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side or said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a half region of a respective column of said shutter array; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a half region of a respective row of said shutter array; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, said first light which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective row of said shutter array; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective column of said shutter array.

Claim 26

An optical switch array comprising: a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix form of M rows×N columns, where M is an integer of 2 or more and N is an integer of 2 or more, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side or said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a half region of a respective column of said shutter array; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a half region of a respective row of said shutter array; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, said first light which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective row of said shutter array; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective column of said shutter array.

Claim 27

An optical switch array according to claim 23, wherein the opening or closing of said shutters is conducted such that a plurality of shutters are opened or closed as one unit, and said optical switch array further comprises a mask on which a predetermined pattern of light transmitting or reflecting regions is repeatedly formed every said unit.

Claim 28

An optical switch array according to claim 23 further comprising: a first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said first light receiving means; and a second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said second light receiving means.

Claim 29

An optical switch array according to claim 25, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical systems comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, respectively.

Claim 30

An optical switch array according to claim 23, wherein said first light-emitting means and said first light receiving means are disposed close in contact with each other at the first side of said shutter array and have the same size as said shutter array, and said second light-emitting means and said second light receiving means are provided tightly in contact with each other at the second side of said shutter array and have the same size as said shutter array.

Claim 31

An optical signal transmitting system comprising: a first terminal group comprising M terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, where m is an integer of 2 or more; a second terminal group comprising N terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, wherein N is an integer of 2 or more; a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix of M rows×N columns, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a half region of each respective row of said shutter array, said M light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said M terminals of said first terminal group; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a half region of a respective row of said shutter array, said N light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said N terminals of said second terminal group; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, said first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said M terminals of said first terminal group; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said N terminals of said second terminal group.

Claim 32

An optical signal transmitting system comprising: a first terminal group comprising M terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, where m is an integer of 2 or more; a second terminal group comprising N terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, wherein N is an integer of 2 or more; a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix of M rows×N columns, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a half region of each respective row of said shutter array, said M light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said M terminals of said first terminal group; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a half region of a respective row of said shutter array, said N light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said N terminals of said second terminal group; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, said first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said M terminals of said first terminal group; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through the other half region of each respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said N terminals of said second terminal group.

Claim 33

A system according to claim 28, wherein the opening or closing of said shutters is conducted such that a plurality of shutters are opened or closed as one unit, and said optical switch array further comprises a mask on which a predetermined pattern of light transmitting or reflecting regions is repeatedly formed every said unit.

Claim 34

A system according to claim 28, further comprising: a first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said first light receiving means; and a second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said second light receiving means.

Claim 35

A system according to claim 30, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical systems comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, respectively.

Claim 36

A system according to claim 31, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical systems comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, respectively.

Claim 37

A system according to claim 28, wherein said first light-emitting means and said first light receiving means are disposed in close contact with each other at the first side of said shutter array and have the same size as said shutter array, and second light-emitting means and said second light receiving means are provided tightly in contact with each other and have the same size as said shutter array.

Claim 38

An optical switch array comprising: a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix of M rows×N columns, where M is an integer of 2 or more and N is an integer of 2 or more, said shutter array having first and second sides; a first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a respective row of said shutter array; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a respective column of said shutter array; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, and first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors and said M light sources of said first light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors and said N light sources of said second light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array.

Claim 39

An optical switch array comprising: a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix of M rows×N columns, where M is an integer of 2 or more and N is an integer of 2 or more, said shutter array having first and second sides; a first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a respective row of said shutter array; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a respective column of said shutter array; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, and first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors and said M light sources of said first light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors and said N light sources of said second light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array.

Claim 40

An optical switch array according to claim 34, wherein the opening or closing of said shutters is conducted such that a plurality of shutters are opened or closed as one unit, and said optical switch array further comprises a mask on which a predetermined pattern of light transmitting or reflecting regions is repeatedly formed every said unit.

Claim 41

An optical switch array according to claim 34 further comprising: a first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said first light receiving means; and a second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said second light receiving means.

Claim 42

An optical switch array according to claim 36, wherein said first and second anamorphic optical systems comprise a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, respectively.

Claim 43

An optical signal transmitting system comprising: a first terminal group comprising M terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, where M is an integer of 2 or more; a second terminal group comprising N terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, wherein N is an integer of 2 or more; a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix form of M rows×N columns, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a respective row of said shutter array, said M light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said M terminals group; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a respective column of said shutter array, said N light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said N terminals of said second terminal group; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, and first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors and said M light sources of said first light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array, said M photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said M terminals of said first terminal group; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors and said N light sources of said second light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array, said N photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said N of terminals of said second terminal group.

Claim 44

An optical signal transmitting system comprising: a first terminal group comprising M terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, where M is an integer of 2 or more; a second terminal group comprising N terminals capable of receiving and transmitting signals, wherein N is an integer of 2 or more; a shutter array comprising M×N shutters capable of being individually opened and closed, arranged in a matrix form of M rows×N columns, said shutter array having first and second sides; first light-emitting means disposed at a first side of said shutter array, said first light-emitting means comprising M light sources each of which illuminates a respective row of said shutter array, said M light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said M terminals group; second light-emitting means disposed at a second side of said shutter array, said second light-emitting means comprising N light sources each of which illuminates a respective column of said shutter array, said N light sources being driven according to signals inputted from said N terminals of said second terminal group; first light receiving means disposed at the first side of said shutter array, and first light receiving means comprising M photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective row of said shutter array, said M photodetectors and said M light sources of said first light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array, said M photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said M terminals of said first terminal group; and second light receiving means disposed at the second side of said shutter array, said second light receiving means comprising N photodetectors each of which receives a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through each respective column of said shutter array, said N photodetectors and said N light sources of said second light-emitting means being arranged parallel to each other at a position optically shifted with respect to said shutter array, said N photodetectors respectively outputting signals to said N of terminals of said second terminal group.

Claim 45

A system according to claim 38, wherein the opening or closing of said shutters is conducted such that a plurality of shutters are opened or closed as one unit, and said optical switch array further comprises a mask on which a predetermined pattern of light transmitting or reflecting regions is repeatedly formed every said unit.

Claim 46

A system according to claim 38, further comprising: a first anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said first light receiving means; and a second anamorphic optical system for guiding a light emitted from said second light-emitting means to said shutter array and also for guiding a light emitted from said first light-emitting means and transmitted through said shutter array to said second light receiving means.

Claim 47

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said first beams splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 48

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said first beams splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 49

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams having different wavelengths, and said first beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 50

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams having different wavelengths, and said first beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 51

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said beam splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 52

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said beam splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 53

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 54

An optical switch array for connecting a first group of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a second group of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, comprising: first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from said first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to signals input from said second group of terminals; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of M photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 55

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said first beams splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 56

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said first beams splitter comprises a polarizing beam splitter.

Claim 57

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different wavelengths, and said first beams splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 58

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; first optical means for guiding beams from said first and second light-emitting means to said shutter array; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a front focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the second direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a front focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the first direction; and a first beam splitter for synthesizing the beam emitted from said first light-emitting means with the beam emitted from said second light-emitting means and guiding a synthesized beam to said shutter array, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different wavelengths, and said first beams splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 59

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said beam splitter comprises a polarized beam splitter.

Claim 60

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different directions, and said beam splitter comprises a polarized beam splitter.

Claim 61

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different wavelengths, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.

Claim 62

An optical signal transmission system comprising: a first group consisting of M terminals, wherein M is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a second group consisting of N terminals, wherein N is an integer of not less than 1, capable of transmitting and receiving signals; first light-emitting means arranged in a first direction and consisting of M light sources driven in response to the signals input from the first group of terminals; second light-emitting means arranged in the first direction and consisting of N light sources driven in response to the signals input from the terminals of second group; first light-receiving means arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and consisting of m photodetectors for outputting the signals to said first group of terminals, said first light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said second light-emitting means; second light-receiving means arranged in the second direction and consisting of N photodetectors for outputting the signals to said second group of terminals, said second light-receiving means receiving a beam emitted from said first light-emitting means; a shutter array arranged in optical paths extending from said first and second light-emitting means to said first and second light-emitting means, said shutter array comprising M×N openable shutters arranged in a matrix form; optical means for guiding beams from said shutter array to said first and second light-receiving means; a first anamorphic optical system for keeping said second light-receiving means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the second direction and for locating said second light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said first anamorphic optical system in the first direction; a second anamorphic optical system for keeping said first light-emitting means and said shutter array in a conjugate relationship in the first direction and for locating said first light-emitting means at a rear focal position of said second anamorphic optical system in the second direction; and a beam splitter for splitting the beam having passed through said shutter array and guiding split beams to said first and second light-receiving means, wherein said first and second light-emitting means emit beams polarized in different wavelengths, and said beam splitter comprises a spectral beam splitter.