Abstract: A fiber optic control system for controlling remotely located devices. The control system includes an illumination source for producing a light beam and a plurality of optical fibers. Each fiber is arranged to receive a respective portion of a light beam at a coupling end. A planar light switch, including a plurality of light attenuating pixels, is positioned between the illumination source and the optical fiber coupling ends. Each of the pixels of the planar light switch is electronically controllable for selectively coupling portions of the light beam to respective coupling ends of the optical fibers. A plurality of light activated circuits are optically coupled to a respective illumination ends of the optical fiber. The light activated circuits are responsive to the respective portion of the light beam radiated from the respective illumination ends for providing a control signal to a remotely located device.

Abstract: A fiber optic control system for controlling remotely located devices. The control system includes an illumination source for producing a light beam and a plurality of optical fibers. Each fiber is arranged to receive a respective portion of a light beam at a coupling end. A planar light switch, including a plurality of light attenuating pixels, is positioned between the illumination source and the optical fiber coupling ends. Each of the pixels of the planar light switch is electronically controllable for selectively coupling portions of the light beam to respective coupling ends of the optical fibers. A plurality of light activated circuits are optically coupled to a respective illumination ends of the optical fiber. The light activated circuits are responsive to the respective portion of the light beam radiated from the respective illumination ends for providing a control signal to a remotely located device.

Abstract: An optical sensing system for optically detecting high density sensor inputs. The sensing system includes a sensor having a reflective portion for reflecting light in a desired direction corresponding to a condition of the sensor. The system also includes an optical fiber for receiving light from an illumination source and directing a light signal at the sensor. The light signal is reflected from the sensor according to the sensor's position and optically coupled through the optical fiber to a detector that detects an intensity of the reflected light signal transmitted through the optical fiber in response to the position of the sensor. In one form, the sensor is a switch having a reflective coating that reflects light in a desired direction corresponding to the position of the switch. In another form, the detector is a CCD for receiving many reflected light signals, each signal coupled to a respective pixel of the CCD.