Loral Aerospace Corp.

John M McReynolds

Robert A Glicksman

Mandy M Fong

David E Boden

A fiber optic data distribution system for distributing image data between a data storage system and a plurality of image workstations using embedded control signals and a fiber optic link. The data storage system, a host computer, and a plurality of image workstations are all coupled together by way of a local area network. The host computer includes network software and associated files that provide control information and functions for the distribution system. The host computer controls access to the distribution system by setting up the data storage system and workstations and initiating data transfer to and from the workstations. The data distribution system includes a distribution circuit that comprises a high-speed logical switch that is capable of data transfer rates on the order of 100 megabits per second. The distribution circuit is also an electrical to optical converter which transforms electrical signals stored in the data storage system into optical signals and vice versa. The distribution circuit is coupled to an input/output port of the data storage system but is not connected to the host computer or directly to the computer workstations. Optical signals provided by the distribution circuit are carried by a plurality of optical fibers wherein each pair form a bidirectional data link to a specified workstation. An interface card is disposed in each workstation and is coupled to its backplane. The interface card is adapted to transform optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa for display or for transmission to the data storage system.

Fiber optic distribution of image data

High speed transfer of data over any distance can be easily achieved using high speed optical fibers and an optical fiber interface that couples signals transferred using the optical fibers to and from a computer. A specific implementation of the present invention is a fiber optic interface for a Macintosh brand computer that provides a direct fiber optic interface having no parts external to the computer that couples data to and from an optical image storage unit. The fiber optic interface circuit comprises an optical receiver coupled to a fiber optic cable for receiving optical signals from the image storage unit that converts them into corresponding electrical signals. An optical transmitter is coupled to a second fiber optic cable for converting electrical signals derived from the computer into optical signals and for transmitting them to the image storage unit. A plurality of data buffers are provided for buffering the electrical signals received from the optical receiver and to be transmitted by the optical transmitter. A compression circuit is provided for compressing the electrical signals generated by the optical receiver. A data buffer is provided for buffering the data signals received thereby. An interface circuit is provided for interfacing between the data buffer and a computer bus or backplane that forms a part of the computer.

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

John M McReynolds