Patent ID: 8611758

Claim:
A system for bi-directional data transmission, comprising: a first array coupled to a first subsystem, the first array including i) a first plurality of transmitters that produce first optical signals that are transmitted through free space, and ii) a first plurality of receivers; a second array coupled to a second subsystem, the second array including i) a second plurality of transmitters that produce second optical signals that are transmitted through free space to the first plurality of receivers, and ii) a second plurality of receivers that is configured to receive the first optical signals; and an image-forming apparatus operatively positioned between the first and second arrays and configured to concurrently form an image of the first plurality of transmitters on the second plurality of receivers and an image of the second plurality of transmitters on the first plurality of receivers wherein: the image-forming apparatus is a telecentric lens consisting of a first lens and a second lens, the first lens being operatively connected to the first subsystem, and the second lens being operatively connected to the second subsystem; the first and second lenses are independently and controllably configured to enable the concurrent bi-directional transmission; and the telecentric lens is both image side and object side telecentric.