Patent ID: 6097858
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
A fiber optical control system for use in optically connecting a first fiber end of a first optical fiber with a second fiber end of a second optical fiber relative to an optical pathway between said first fiber end and said second fiber end so as to permit optical communication between said first and second optical fibers, said control system comprising:source means, disposed in known spatial relationship to said first fiber end relative to said optical pathway, for transmitting a control signal on a first control signal pathway in general alignment with said optical pathway in an area between said first fiber end and said second fiber end;sensor means, disposed in known spatial relationship to said second fiber end relative to said optical pathway, for receiving said control signal and providing an output signal related to said received control signal; andprocessing means, associated with said sensor means, for receiving said output signal and determining a correction relative to said optical path based on said output signal;wherein said correction can be used to direct a communication signal between the first and second fiber ends relative to said optical pathway to establish an optical connection.