Abstract: A number of light sensitive/generating devices are arranged in rows and columns to thereby form an X-Y pixel matrix. All devices are interconnected to a source of operating voltage such that the first device to turn on, i.e., the first device to receive an actuating intensity of light is actuated to thereafter emit light. The current flow through this one activated device causes a voltage drop that prevents any other light sensitive/generating device from turning on. In this way, the pixel that receives the maximum light intensity is identified by its position in the X-Y matrix. Both optical and electrical means are provided to locate the X-Y matrix position of the activated light sensitive/generating device. In an optical embodiment, two orthogonal cylindrical lenses are placed in front of two linear CCDs in order to find the X-Y coordinates of the active light sensitive/generating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical switch which will generate and emit a beam of light when an optical signal is directed therein, but includes means to inhibit the generation of the beam of light when a second optical signal is directed therein. The switch includes a light emitter formed of a plurality of layers of alternating opposite conductivity type which is adapted to generate the beam of light when an optical signal is directed therein. A photovoltaic inhibitor is connected to the emitter so that any current generated by the inhibitor is applied across the emitter in a manner to prevent the generation of the light in the emitter. The photovoltaic inhibitor generates the current when a second optical signal is directed therein. Depending on the external circuit, the device can be operated in either a digital (bistable) or analog mode.