Device for transmitting optical-wireless signals
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102025106919
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
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Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
The present patent application relates to a device for transmitting optical wireless signals and to a system comprising such a device. The present invention relates in particular to an off-axis optical rotary transmitter utilizing a laser diode (LD) ring. The ongoing digitalization is leading to a growing number of applications where data needs to be transmitted across rotating parts. The demands placed on these rotary joints in terms of data rate, latency, and reliability are constantly increasing, making new technologies essential. Conventional slip rings have a limited lifespan due to mechanical wear. To minimize downtime and maintenance, wear-free, i.e., contactless, technologies are increasingly being used. Key requirements for slip rings arising from these applications include: data rate (>=1 Gbps), low latency, high reliability, long service life, low unit costs, and high electromagnetic compatibility. Depending on the application, the rotary joint must be positioned on the axis of rotation or, if space is limited, off-axis.Current technical solutions, especially those outside the axis of rotation, do not satisfactorily meet all technical requirements. Current solutions for off-axis rotary transmitters are typically capacitively coupled [1]. These solutions are usually limited to <=1 Gbps in data rate and are susceptible to electromagnetic interference [2]. The tolerance and assembly requirements for capacitive coupling are high for high data rates, so capacitive coupling can be costly. Inductive coupling is also possible [3], but these systems tend to be large and susceptible to EMI and can also interfere with other sensitive electrical devices in their vicinity. Furthermore, they have a very limited range of a few millimeters [4], which can lead to increased ring complexity or partially restricted applications. Data transmission could be carried out wirelessly [1, 5], however, wireless systems are susceptible to interference and have rather poor electromagnetic compatibility. For some applications, there is a safety risk due to other radio signals. Since rotary joints are frequently used in industrial environments where reliability is a key parameter, wireless solutions are not suitable for reliable rotary joints due to fluctuating data rates and variable high latencies. Optical data transmission is generally very promising due to its potentially high data rate and high electromagnetic compatibility. On the rotation axis, commercial solutions exist using optical wireless transceivers [6-8] or fiber-revolving optical joints (FROJs) [1]. Outside the rotation axis, optical rotary transmitters currently play no significant role. Helzel and Martens [9] investigate an optical slip ring outside the axis of rotation, which operates with a transmitting and a receiving element. The transmitted signal is held on the ring path by a reflective ring and directed by the receiver out of the ring onto the detector via an optical element. Problematic aspects of this approach are the limited data rate (140 Mbit / s) and the need for costly, ring-diameter-specific optics—in this case, the mirror. Therefore, there is a need to improve optical wireless communication, especially when components are moving relative to each other. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for transmitting optical wireless signals that enables reliable communication even during relative movement to a receiver of the optical wireless signals and, in particular, at high relative speeds. This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. A key concept of the present invention is the recognition that synchronizing optical wireless signals transmitted by the device with a plurality of optical transmitters allows a receiver to move relative to the transmitters. Furthermore, when the receiver switches from an optical signal of the first transmitter to an optical signal of the second transmitter, synchronizing the optical signals is advantageous because it enables uninterrupted reception or seamless transmission of optical signals. This is particularly beneficial when high data transmission rates are desired, since at data rates of gigabits per second (Gbit / s), the optical propagation delay can already lead to asynchronous output signals, even in beam-splitting devices. This is because the bit length is in the nanosecond range, and path length differences become significant even at the speed of light.According to the invention, a synchronization device is therefore used to synchronize the optical output signals with each other in order to solve the problems mentioned above. According to one embodiment, a device for transmitting optical wireless signals comprises a signal source for providing at least one signal and a plurality of spatially distributed optical transmitters for transmitting a corresponding plurality of optical wireless signals. The device further comprises a synchronization device configured to convert the at least one signal for the plurality of optical transmitters into a corresponding plurality of mutually synchronized input signals. Based on the at least one signal, the device is configured to transmit the plurality of optical wireless signals as mutually synchronized optical wireless signals to the plurality of optical transmitters, based on the plurality of mutually synchronized input signals. This enables seamless reception of the respective signal.the joining of different partial signals in the event that a receiver moves relative to the optical transmitters and the switch between one transmitter and another occurs, for example, during a data packet. According to one embodiment, the signal source is configured to provide the at least one signal as a data signal, wherein the majority of optical wireless signals are synchronized signals with matching data content. This enables reliable data transmission even at high relative movement speeds. According to one embodiment, the synchronization device is designed to passively compensate for different propagation times of the at least one signal from the signal source to the plurality of optical transmitters. This can be achieved, for example, by matching cable lengths and / or by using buffer devices to ensure that the respective signals arrive at the optical transmitters simultaneously and that simultaneous signal conversion takes place, although the embodiments are not limited to this. According to one embodiment, the synchronization device is equipped with at least one buffer or signal buffer, which has a signal input coupled to the signal source to receive the signal. The buffer has a plurality of signal outputs and is configured to output a plurality of buffer output signals based on the signal as synchronized buffer output signals. The input signals of the multiple optical transmitters coupled to the signal outputs are based on, and / or are the buffer output signals themselves. This allows the advantageous use of buffer properties such that they can provide a signal simultaneously at different signal outputs. According to one embodiment, the signal lines between the majority of signal outputs of the buffer, on the one hand, and the optical transmitters coupled to the signal outputs, on the other hand, are designed such that they have substantially identical line lengths. This enables the maintenance of substantially identical propagation delays in the line lengths and the preservation of synchronization. According to one embodiment, the positions of the optical transmitters coupled to the signal outputs are distributed within a transmitter area and / or the positions of the transmitter devices are defined. The buffer is arranged essentially centrally within the transmitter area, which advantageously allows for substantially equal conductor lengths to the edges of the transmitter area. Furthermore, the conductor tracks are distributed more evenly along the ring, and a spatial bottleneck at the signal source is avoided. Alternatively, or additionally, adjacent optical transmitters arranged along different signal paths originating from the signal source can have substantially the same spacing and / or propagation delay of the input signals. According to one embodiment, the device has a plurality of buffers, each of which is coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of buffers and a subset of the plurality of optical transmitters. This means that multiple buffers can be coupled to a respective plurality of optical transmitters. This simplifies the synchronization task, as synchronizing the signal inputs of the buffers can reduce subsequent synchronization complexity. According to one embodiment, the majority of buffers are arranged in a cascaded array. This means that, in addition to the subset of buffers, further buffers of an additional cascade stage can be set up, which advantageously makes it possible to synchronize several buffers with each other using another buffer. According to one embodiment, the subset of optical transmitters completely covers a transmitter area, and the subsets of optical transmitters essentially cover partial areas of the transmitter area of the same size. Such symmetry is advantageous for the synchronization of optical signals. According to one embodiment, the majority of optical transmitters are arranged along a circular path and are mounted on a substrate having a circular or ring-shaped geometry. This allows for advantageous adaptation to a rotational movement of the device and / or a device for receiving the optical signals, in other words, a relative movement between these devices along a circular path. According to one embodiment, the device further comprises at least one optical receiver configured to receive and convert an optical wireless signal from another device. This enables bidirectional transmission of optical wireless signals with the other device. According to one embodiment, the signal source is designed for data processing and includes a signal amplifier, and the gain of the signal amplifier can be adaptively controlled. This enables advantageous adaptation of the optical wireless signals. According to one embodiment, one, several, or all of the optical transmitters are configured to include a buffer or driver circuit and an optical emitter. This allows for the provision of an optical transmitter as an integrated device. According to one embodiment, at least one of the optical transmitters comprises a lens, a reflector and / or a diffuser to optically shape light generated by the optical transmitter based on the input signal, for example collimating or scattering, which provides an additional degree of freedom for adapting the optical wireless communication. According to one embodiment, at least one of the optical transmitters comprises a multi-path lens designed to divide the light output generated by the optical transmitter based on the input signal into several partial beams of light, which advantageously makes it possible to meet requirements such as eye safety or the like, while simultaneously covering a larger spatial area with the optical wireless signals. According to one embodiment, a system is provided that is configured for transmitting optical wireless signals. For this purpose, a device in accordance with the embodiments described herein is provided as a first device, and a second device is provided for receiving at least a subset of the synchronized optical wireless signals. This subset refers to the fact that, due to the synchronized design of the optical wireless signals, it may be sufficient for the second device to receive only one of these signals, a plurality of signals, or even all of the signals, but that the reception of even one of the optical wireless signals may be sufficient to successfully transmit the energy and / or data thereby transmitted. According to one embodiment, at least the second device has a plurality of spatially distributed optical receivers. This makes it possible to further increase the reliability of the optical transmission. According to one embodiment, a first optical receiver and an adjacent second optical receiver of the second device are spaced apart at a distance that is essentially half, or an odd multiple, of half the distance between two adjacent optical transmitters of the first device, i.e., a natural number n. This advantageously ensures that sufficient wireless optical power always arrives at at least one of the optical transmitters to increase the reliability of the optical communication. According to one embodiment, the second device comprises an amplifier circuit coupled to the first and second optical receivers to amplify a first receiver signal from the first optical receiver and a second receiver signal from the second optical receiver. This enables the synergistic use of one amplifier circuit for two or more optical receivers, with the amplification being optical and / or electrical. Simultaneously, the received signals can be combined in such a circuit. According to one embodiment, an amplifier circuit of the second device is configured to amplify a first receiver signal from the first optical receiver in order to provide a first amplified signal. A second amplifier circuit of the second device is configured to amplify a second receiver signal from the second optical receiver in order to provide a second amplified signal. For this purpose, the second device includes a processing unit for combining the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal, which allows for individual function planning compared to combining them in the amplifier circuit. According to one embodiment, a variation is provided in which the two amplifier circuits receive and amplify the first and second receiver signals of the first and second optical receivers, respectively, and are configured to provide a first and second amplified signal. The second device comprises a processing unit configured to perform data processing of the amplified signals and to select one of the first and second amplified signals for data processing. This can advantageously enable any remaining propagation delay differences in the received optical wireless signals to be compensated for, for example, by switching between the respective processed amplified signal based on signal amplitudes, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), or the like.The switch can occur, for example, at times when a re-initialization of a corresponding work step is performed, such as between two consecutive data packets or the like. According to one embodiment, a system is provided in which a path of motion for a relative movement between the first device and the second device is arranged such that, in each relative position of the relative movement, at least one optical transmitter of the first device is located within the receiving range of an optical receiver of the second device. This enables seamless transmission of optical wireless signals. According to one embodiment, the individual reception areas of the spatially distributed receivers of the second device, taken together, define a total reception area. In other words, the total reception area can be understood as a summary of the individual reception areas. The majority of optical transmitters are designed to illuminate the total area with gaps. Due to the synchronized optical wireless signals, it is possible, but not necessary, to achieve complete coverage. Rather, a reduced number of transmitters can be used to save weight, material, and costs, since it may be sufficient for at least one of the receivers to always receive one of the synchronized signals. According to one embodiment, the first device and the second device are arranged to rotate about a common axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the second device is movable within an area illuminated by a plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals. According to one embodiment, the devices are arranged around a common axis of rotation, and a coverage area generated by the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals essentially coincides with a movement path of the second device in the system. This ensures that one of the optical receivers is always located within the coverage area. According to one embodiment, the second device has an amplifier unit coupled to an optical receiver and arranged close to the optical receiver. This enables a low propagation delay between the optical receiver and the amplifier unit and a low-noise, space-saving design. According to one embodiment, the second device of the system is arranged to detect at least one of the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals depending on a relative position between the first device and the second device, which makes it possible to provide a seamless transmission of optical wireless signals. According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals is designed to illuminate a sub-area of a total area, with the sub-areas overlapping at the second device. This can be extended to obtain a continuous coverage area, but as described above, this is not necessary, and two or more sub-areas can also be obtained. According to one embodiment, the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals constitutes a first plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals of a first optical wireless communication channel. The first and / or the second device includes a further plurality of synchronized optical transmitters to provide another optical wireless communication channel, either as a return channel or as an additional channel along the same direction. Additional communication channels can be readily provided, allowing for additional degrees of freedom in the design of the communication system. According to one embodiment, the first plurality and the further plurality are arranged on different concentric paths and / or configured for different wavelength ranges. This enables error-free separation of the channels. According to one embodiment, the system is set up for bidirectional transmission of optical wireless signals. According to one embodiment, a system described herein for the transmission of electrical energy is based on at least one optical wireless energy signal and is configured from the first device to the second device or from the second device to the first device. This means that the synchronized property of the signals described above can be advantageously implemented for data signals, but is also readily possible for the transmission of optical energy for subsequent conversion into electrical energy to operate electrical components and / or charge energy storage devices. According to one embodiment, the system has optical emitters for transmitting the at least one optical wireless energy signal, wherein the optical emitters are arranged along a path of motion of a relative movement between the first device and the second device, and the coverage areas of the optical emitters together cover the entire path of motion. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of further dependent patent claims. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of a device according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a system according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic top view of a device according to one embodiment with a plurality of optical transmitters; Fig. 4a a schematic top view of the device according to Fig. 3, wherein the emission regions of the optical transmitters are circular; Fig. 4b a schematic top view of the device according to Fig. 3, wherein the emission regions of the optical transmitters are elliptical; Fig. 5 a schematic top view of an optical device according to one embodiment, which has several modifications compared to the device from Fig. 3; Fig.6 a schematic block diagram of at least part of a system arrangement of embodiments described herein; Fig. 7 a schematic top view of a device according to an embodiment, with an arrangement of at least two optical receivers; Fig. 8a a schematic top view of such a transmitting ring of the rotary transmitter with optical wireless power transmission; and Fig. 8b a schematic top view of a receiving ring of the rotary transmitter with optical wireless power transmission. Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings, it should be noted that identical, functionally equivalent or equivalent elements, objects and / or structures in the different figures are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of these elements shown in different exemplary embodiments is interchangeable or can be applied to one another. The following exemplary implementations are described in conjunction with a multitude of details. However, these implementations can also be implemented without these detailed features. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, block diagrams are used to describe these implementations instead of detailed representations. Additionally, details and / or features of individual implementations can be readily combined unless explicitly stated otherwise. The following embodiments refer to optical wireless signal transmission or data transmission, also known as optical-wireless transmission. Within the context of the embodiments described herein, this can also be referred to as LiFi (Light Fidelity). Optical wireless transmissions can be understood to include terms such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association) or OWC (Optical Wireless Communication). This means that the terms "optical-wireless data transmission," "optical-wireless data transmission," and "LiFi" are used synonymously. Optical wireless data transmission, in this context, refers to the transmission of an electromagnetic signal through a free transmission medium, such as air, another gas, or a fluid.For this purpose, wavelengths in the ultraviolet (UV) range of at least 53 nm and the infrared range, for example, up to 1550 nm, can be used. Other wavelengths are also possible, differing from those used in radio standards. Optical wireless data transmission must also be distinguished from fiber-optic optical data transmission, which is implemented, for example, using optical fibers or fiber optic cables. The terms transmitter and sender are used synonymously. The same applies to the terms receiver and receiver. Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The device 10 is configured to transmit optical wireless signals 121, 122 and possibly other optical wireless signals. For this purpose, the device 10 comprises a signal source 14 for providing at least one signal 16. The signal 16 can be an electrical signal, an optical signal, or be provided with another form of energy. It is possible, but not necessary, for the signal source 14 to provide the signal 16 at only one signal output; it can also be provided at multiple signal outputs in multiple instances. The signal 16 can be a data signal or an energy signal; the present invention can be implemented with both types of signals.In accordance with the embodiments described herein, a data signal is understood to be a signal for transmitting information, even if a signal power ≠ 0, i.e., different from zero, is used. This signal power is, however, significantly lower compared to an energy signal, the purpose of which may be to enable the conversion of the optical wireless signal into electrical energy at the receiver. This energy can then be used to power components and / or charge energy storage devices. For this purpose, the aim is generally to transmit the highest possible signal power, whereas this is usually unnecessary for data signals. The device 10 comprises a plurality, that is, at least two, at least three, or more spatially distributed optical transmitters 181, 182, configured to provide and transmit the respective optical wireless signal 121 or 122 based on a respective input signal 221 or 222. For this purpose, the optical transmitters 181 and / or 182 may, for example, include light-generating elements, such as LEDs, laser diodes, or the like, to convert electrical input signals 221 and 222. Such conversion may be unnecessary if the input signals 221 and 222 are already optical in nature. Furthermore, the device 10 includes a synchronization device 24 configured to convert the signal 16 for the plurality of optical transmitters 181, 182 into a corresponding plurality of input signals 221 and 222, these input signals being synchronized with each other, at least with respect to the location of the transmitters 181 and 182. In other words, due to the synchronization device 24, the input signals 221 and 222 reach the optical transmitters 181 and 182 in such a way that the optical wireless signals 121 and 122 are transmitted synchronously. Considering an embodiment of the present invention in which the optical transmitters 181 and 182 are identical in construction and implemented with essentially the same electro-optical properties, this embodiment may aim to provide the input signals 221 and 222 arriving at the optical transmitters 181 and 182 simultaneously and synchronously. Such synchronization can include a time delay to compensate for different propagation times to the optical transmitters 181 and 182 and / or can include an implementation of different propagation times to compensate for different distances between the signal source 14 and the optical transmitters 181 and / or 182 or parts thereof. In such a configuration, it is made possible that the device, based on the at least one signal 16 with the plurality of optical transmitters 181 and 182, based on the plurality of mutually synchronized input signals 221 and 222, transmits the plurality of optical wireless signals 121 and 122 spatially distributed as mutually synchronized optical wireless signals 121 and 122. The majority of transmitters 181, 182 and further transmitters can be understood as a contiguous transmitter area 28, which is shown to be larger than the sum of the optical transmitters 181, 182 for the sake of clarity and can be understood, for example, as the smallest possible polygonal area that is spanned by the optical transmitters 181, 182 connected to the synchronization device 24 and / or signal source 14 on a carrier substrate 32 of the device 10 formed in one piece or in more pieces. The described arrangement and operation of the components enables a relative movement of a receiver device 34 along a direction of movement 36 across several illumination areas 381, 382 of the respective optical transmitters 181 and 182, which together can define a coverage area 42 illuminated by the synchronized optical wireless signals 121 and 122, to be accompanied by seamless reception of optical signals. Since the optical signals 121 and 122 are synchronized, a signal jump or a temporal shift within the received signal, or the like, can be avoided when the receiver 34 moves from illumination area 381 to illumination area 382 or vice versa, which is advantageous. It is possible, but not necessary, for the direction of movement 34 to follow a linear path; curved and especially circular paths are also possible. The device 10 of Fig. 1 enables the transmission of electrical energy and / or data to the receiver 34. This channel, which may be configured as a single channel, can be extended by additional channels to the receiver 34 for transmitting the other option of data and energy, and / or additional channels can be arranged for transmitting further data or additional energy. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device 10 has optical receivers for receiving optical-wireless signals from the device 34. The synchronization device 24 can be configured to actively compensate for different propagation times of the signal, or in comparison between signals 221 and 222, to the optical transmitters 181, 182, for example, by transmitting them at different times. Alternatively or additionally, the synchronization device 24 can be configured to passively compensate for different distances between the signal source 14 and the plurality of optical transmitters 181, 182, for example, by additional propagation delays over a comparatively shorter direct path. Such propagation delays can be achieved, for example, by additional cable lengths and / or by using buffers whose output side maintains a matching propagation delay to the connected optical transmitters. By adjusting the line length and / or by choosing a suitable, approximately central location for a buffer, it can be achieved that signal lines between the majority of signal outputs of the signal source or the buffer on the one hand and the optical transmitters coupled to the signal outputs on the other hand have an essentially identical line length.Essentially identical can, for example, encompass a relative relationship to each other, such as within a tolerance range of, for example, a maximum deviation of 100%, a maximum deviation of 90%, or a maximum deviation of 80%, but can also refer to a deviation with reference to a bit length in an optical wireless data signal, such that, for example, the deviation in the line length leads to a deviation in the time course between the optical wireless signals, which causes a maximum of 5% of a bit length, a maximum of 10% of a bit length, or a maximum of 35% of a bit length, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, adjacent optical transmitters arranged along different signal paths emanating from the signal source, such as transmitters 1503 and 1513 of Fig. 3, can have substantially the same distance and / or propagation delay of the input signals. Both variants prevent signal hops experienced by a receiver moving relative to the device, for example, when the receiver switches from the signal of transmitter 1503 to the signal of transmitter 1513 or vice versa. Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a system 200 according to an embodiment with two devices 20 and 25 according to embodiments, which are designed in accordance with device 10. The devices 20 and 25 are arranged to be movable about a common axis of rotation 112, which can mean that either device 20 is mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation 112 relative to device 25, or device 25 is mounted to move about the axis of rotation 112 relative to device 20, or both devices 20 and 25 are mounted to move about the axis of rotation 112, which can include a common direction of rotation or inverse directions of rotation relative to each other, so that a direction of movement 36 of Fig. 1 is shown here as an arrow path 161. For example, the device 20 comprises a control unit 120 configured as a data source and data sink, which may be in accordance with the signal source 14. A corresponding signal or individual signals can be transmitted to optical transmitters 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, and 1513, for example, by arranging a respective signal line on a, for example, ring-shaped substrate 110a, which may be formed in accordance with the carrier substrate 32. Transmitters 150 and 151 can be formed in accordance with the optical transmitters 181, 182,... from Fig. 1. The synchronization device 24 of Fig. 1 can, for example, be part of the control device 120, and further possibilities that can be used alternatively or additionally are also described within the scope of the present disclosure. By arranging the transmitters 150, 151 on the ring 110a in a possibly, but not necessarily, equidistant manner, uniform illumination of a coverage area 421 can be achieved, in which the ring 110b of the device 25 is located, in particular an optical receiver 160 of the device 25. Thus, with complete coverage of the coverage area 421 such that the ring 110b is fully illuminated, it can be ensured that, in any rotational position of the devices 20 and 25 relative to each other, the optical receiver 160 receives at least one of the signals from the optical transmitters 1501-1503 and / or 1511-1513, and a seamless transition from one illumination area to another can occur. The arrangement of the optical transmitters 150 and 151 is shown without restriction and merely as an example positioning of the optical transmitters in each half of the ring 110a for better understanding. Device 25 can be constructed equivalently to device 20 and, corresponding to optical transmitters 1501-1503 and 1511-1513, may include optical transmitters 1901-1903 and 1911-1913, which may also be designed in accordance with the optical transmitters 18 of device 10. By means of an arrangement identical or similar to device 20, it is possible for an optical receiver 170 of device 20 to receive at least one of the optical wireless signals of transmitters 190, 191 in any rotational position of devices 20 and 25 relative to each other. The device 25 can include a control unit 180, which may be configured in accordance with the signal source 14 of Fig. 1. The synchronization device 24 of Fig. 1 can, for example, be part of the control unit 180, and further possibilities that can be used alternatively or additionally are also described within the scope of this disclosure. A possible, optional, but not necessary, free inner area or inner diameter 111a or 111b of the device 20 or 25 may allow the device 20 or 25 to be arranged around a rotatably mounted device. If, alternatively or additionally, rotating surfaces face each other, the inner area 111 may also be unnecessary or not required. In the case of a bidirectional combination, signal sources 120 and 180 can each also be configured as data sinks and designed for data processing. For energy transmission, a corresponding adaptation of the device 120 and / or 180 can be made. Here, the signal sources or signal sinks 120 and 180 are also referred to as controllers, and in the described configuration of system 200, the devices 20 and 25 can be referred to as rotary transmitters. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention enable a contactless, optical-wireless rotary transmitter for high-speed communication. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 2, the rotary transmitter, i.e., the system 200, comprises two opposing devices 20 and 25, for example, comprising ring structures 110a and 110b. The rings have an optional free inner diameter 111a and 111b. Both free inner diameters can be the same size, although this is not required. One ring, both rings, or neither ring can rotate about the axis of rotation 112. The relative rotation of the rings is shown by the arrow 161. Both rings have a data source 120 and a data sink 180, respectively. Each data source / data sink can be or include an interface or a controller. In a unidirectional embodiment, at least one of the rings 110a, 110b has a transmitting ring in accordance with exemplary embodiments comprising transmitting blocks 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513 or 1901, 1902, 1903, 1911, 1912, 1913, depending on whether a forward or a return direction is selected for transmitting optical wireless signals from the device 20 to the device 25. Bidirectional transmission can be readily implemented if transmitters and at least one receiver are arranged on each side, as shown in Fig. 2. An optical receiver 160 or 170 is arranged on the other ring to ensure position-independent communication within the specification, i.e., the operating arrangement. In an embodiment for bidirectional communication, as shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, both rings have a transmitter function and a receiver function, that is, a transmitter part and a receiver part. In other words, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an optical wireless rotary transmitter, i.e., a transmission system comprising two rings 110a, 110b with a free inner diameter 111a and 111b. One of the rings, both, or neither of the rings can rotate about the axis of rotation 112. Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of a device 30 according to an embodiment, which can, for example, implement the device 20 or 25 of the system 200. In the top view, the optical transmitters 1501-1503 and 1511-1513 are shown, which can move along the circular path 161 at least as a relative movement of an opposing device, as shown by the axis of rotation 112. Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows the advantageous use of a buffer or signal buffer 130 as at least part of the synchronization device, for example, the synchronization device 24 of the device 10. The buffer 130 can have a signal input to receive a signal 131 from the signal source 120 at the signal input. For this purpose, the signal input of the buffer 130 is coupled to the signal source 120. The buffer also has a plurality of signal outputs. The buffer 130 is configured to output a plurality of buffer output signals via corresponding lines 1401, 1402, 1403, 1411, 1412, and 1413 to the transmitters 1501-1503 and 1511-1513, based on the signal 131. The corresponding signals can represent input signals 22 of Fig. 1.The advantage of using buffers is that the output signals can be provided synchronously; that is, the corresponding signals on lines 140 and 141 can be synchronized with each other. This makes it possible to achieve synchronization without compromising the propagation delays, even in structures and data rates that may result in different propagation delays due to varying lengths of lines 140 and / or 141. Buffer banks that can be used in the embodiments described herein may have a gain of approximately 1 between the received signal and the supplied signals. However, in some embodiments, it is advantageous to use a buffer configured for signal amplification, i.e., with a gain greater than 1, e.g., at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, or at least 10, and / or for signal conditioning, e.g., in the form of pre-distortion, equalization, post-emphasis, and / or pre-emphasis. In other words, if other devices such as microcontrollers or similar were to provide corresponding signals at different times on different outputs, the synchronization device, and in this example the intermediate buffer, would still make it possible to output the corresponding signals synchronously on lines 140 and 141. As will be described below, if the propagation delay differences due to line lengths also need to be compensated, further measures can be implemented, such as the use of additional buffers and / or an advantageous positioning of the buffer. With the described design of the device 30, it is possible for an optical receiver 160 of an oppositely arranged device, see Fig. 2, to always receive the optical signal of at least one of the optical transmitters 1501 to 1503, 1511 to 1513, based on the light shaping of the optical transmitters 150, 151 and the operating distance possibly set thereby. In other words, Fig. 3 schematically shows a bidirectional embodiment from a top view. Essentially, the components of ring 110a are depicted, along with the receiver 160 of the second ring. All ring components are located on the carrier / substrate / circuit board 110a, 110b, which has a ring structure, with the free inner diameter 111, 111a, 111b being particularly characteristic. The controller block 120 acts as a data source and sink. The data signal is distributed directly to the sub-transmitters 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513 via the signal lines 1401, 1402, 1403, 1411, 1412, 1413. When many sub-transmitters are being controlled, it is advisable to use an additional buffer 130, which is connected via signal line 131. This buffer is characterized by particularly low jitter (<<500 ps) between the channels.The data lines 1401, 1402, 1403, 1411, 1412, and 1413 are coordinated in terms of their length so that the data arrives at and is transmitted simultaneously by the sub-transmitters. The signal transmitted by the sub-transmitters reaches a receiver 160, which is located on the second, possibly opposite, ring. Both rings can be rotatable relative to each other. It is conceivable that the transmitter rotates while the receiver remains stationary. It is also conceivable that the transmitter remains stationary while the receiver rotates. It is also conceivable that the transmitter and receiver rotate at the same or different speeds, either in opposite directions or at all. Arrow 161 indicates the exemplary rotational movement of the receiver. In this design example, the axis of rotation 112 is located in the center of the system. For a bidirectional data link, ring 110a also has a receiver 170, which is positioned along the ring. It is advantageous, but not strictly necessary, to place the receiver 170 near the controller 120 in order to keep data lines as short as possible. The receiver 170 receives its signal from the subtransmitters 1901, 1902, 1903, 1911, 1912, and 1913, which are located on ring 110b. The number of sub-transmitters shown is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, significantly more sub-transmitters can be used, for example, >10, >20, >50, or >100 sub-transmitters. Exemplary embodiments are not limited to the number of 2 optical transmitters according to Fig. 1 or 6 optical transmitters according to Fig. 2 or Fig. 3. Other numbers, such as at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 8, at least 10 or more optical transmitters, are readily possible. In other words, 161 sub-transmitters 1501-1513 are arranged along the ring orbit and an optical receiver, receiver 160, is arranged on an opposite ring not shown. To minimize signal jitter between the sub-transmitters, it is advantageous to match the signal line as closely as possible with respect to line length and impedance. This means that the effects of the line length and impedance should be as equal as possible and, in exemplary embodiments, balanced against each other. The line length determines the propagation delay required for the signal to travel the distance. The impedance determines the extent to which reflections occur, which can lead to signal distortion. The signal lines 1401, 1402, 1403, 1411, 1412, and 1413 can be implemented as single wires or differentially. Differential signal transmission allows for greater immunity to external interference, thus improving electromagnetic compatibility. Electromagnetic compatibility can be further improved by shielding the signal lines 1401, 1402, 1403, 1411, 1412, and 1413.This can be achieved using a dedicated shield, or by routing the signal lines on the intermediate layers of the printed circuit board (i.e., the outer copper layers potentially serve as an area-wide ESD and EMI shield). A further advantage of routing signal lines within the printed circuit board of substrates 110a and 110b is the more precise manufacturing tolerances of inner layers. Controller block 120, as its name suggests, includes, for example, a microcontroller or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a comparable computing unit for data processing and generation, as well as potentially subsequent signal amplifiers. The signal amplifiers on the transmit side can be adaptively controlled by the signal source or controller 120 or 180 to save power when the data channel is under low load or to extend the lifespan of the components. The receiver-side amplifier 170 is located close to block 120, as shown in Fig. 6 with amplifier 432 and controller block 400. The choice of controller block 120 influences the possible data rate and the scope of other optional functions, such as the adaptive transmitter. In an advantageous but not restrictive embodiment, the sub-transmitters 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513 are positioned such that a receiver 160 opposite them always detects the signal from at least one sub-transmitter 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513, regardless of its position. Optically, each sub-transmitter covers a portion of the ring. Fig. 4a shows an embodiment in which each sub-transmitter 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513 covers a circular area 2101, 2102, 2103, 2111, 2112, 2113, which is adjustable via the radiation pattern. The individual areas 2101, 2102, 2103, 2111, 2112, 2113 of the sub-transmitters may overlap to ensure a reliable transition of the opposite receiver 160, 430 from sub-transmitter to sub-transmitter. As shown in Fig. 4b, the coverage area of the sub-transmitter can also be differently shaped, for example elliptical; see illumination areas 2101b, 2102b, 2103b, 2111b, 2112b, 2113b. The shape of the illumination areas, or synonymously coverage areas, is determined, for example, by optical emitters 4121, 4122, 4123, ... shown in Fig. 6, in the transmitter itself, or by additional lenses, multi-path lenses, or mirrors 4131, 4132, 4133, ...and / or other optically effective elements such as a reflector and / or a diffuser, which may be part of at least one optical transmitter, to optically shape the light generated by the optical transmitter based on the input signal, for example, to collimate and / or scatter it. There may be various motivations for this, such as better illuminating the ring area or the path of movement; collimating the beams, for example, to minimize optical time-of-flight differences or to avoid differences that would arise due to the beam spreading from a center to a periphery; and / or increasing eye safety by increasing the optical power per transmitter to cover a larger area.In such an embodiment, at least one of the optical transmitters can comprise a multi-path lens configured to divide the light output generated by the optical transmitter into several partial beams based on the input signal. Such a multi-path optic is described, for example, in DE 10 2020 206 180 A1. It is particularly advantageous if the coverage area closely matches the circular arrangement of the opposing receiver 160, 420 / 430. A lens or mirror that increases the apparent source area of each light emitter, as is the case with a multi-path lens, is suitable for this purpose. This allows for an increase in the power output per sub-transmitter 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513, thus enabling a sub-transmitter with a larger coverage area, thereby reducing the number of sub-transmitters required and saving costs. Fig. 4a shows a schematic top view of the device 30 according to Fig. 3, wherein the emission areas 2101-2103 and 2111-2113 of the optical transmitters 1501-1503 and 1513-1513, approximately the cover areas 38 of the device 10, are circularly formed, which is an optional but not required configuration. The areas 210 and 211 are shown, for example, at the location of the opposite receiver device, for example, the device 25 relative to the device 20 or the device 20 relative to the device 25, and particularly for a scenario in which the optical receiver 160 of the opposite device can receive light from at least one of the optical transmitters 150, 151 at any given time during the relative movement along the circular path 161. In other words, Fig. 4a shows an embodiment of a transmitter ring, wherein each sub-transmitter 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512 and 1513 covers a circular area 2101, 2102, 2103, 2111, 2112 and 2113 in which the opposite receiver 160 can receive a signal. Figure 4b shows an embodiment in which, using the possibilities described above, each sub-transmitter 1504, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512 and 1513 covers an exemplary elliptical area 2101,b, 2102,b, 2103,b, 2111,b, 2112, and 2113,b, within which the opposite receiver can receive a signal. Other shapes of the coverage areas 210, 211 are readily possible. It is also possible to design optical transmitters with different geometries of the coverage areas. Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of an optical device 50 according to an embodiment which has several modifications compared to the device 30, which can be implemented individually, in groups or jointly, but are not dependent on each other. For example, the signal source 120 is configured to provide the signal 16 described in Fig. 1 on two or more data lines 3201 and 3202. Furthermore, instead of just one buffer 130, the device 30 provides a plurality or even multiple buffers, for example buffers 3301 and 3302, which can be configured in accordance with buffer 130. Each of the buffers 3301 and 3302 is coupled to a subset of the total number of optical transmitters 1501-1503 and 1511-1513, respectively, which makes it possible to keep the length of the data lines between the buffer and the optical transmitter comparatively short. As an alternative to dividing, for example, six optical transmitters into two groups of three, another division is also possible, such as three buffers, each coupled to two optical transmitters, or different from this configuration, also taking into account a possible different total number of optical transmitters. It is also possible to provide further, additional buffers and use them, for example, in a cascaded arrangement. For instance, another buffer (not shown) could be coupled to the signal line 131 of Fig. 3 or to one of the signal lines 3201 or 3202 of Fig. 3.5 and then in turn supply two or more buffers with input signals. The subsets of optical transmitters shown in Fig. 5, for example optical transmitters 150 on the one hand and 151 on the other, can together completely cover a transmitter area, such as, for example, a base area of the substrate or ring 110a, and the respective subsets 150 and 151 can essentially cover portions of the transmitter area of the same size. In the illustration of Fig. 5, these could, for example, be halves of the ring 110a. In other words, as Fig. 5 illustrates, the signal from controller block 120 can also be distributed via multiple data lines 3201, 3202 to multiple buffers 3301, 3302. By using multiple buffers 3301, 3302, ..., more sub-transmitters 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513 can be addressed, or a greater distance between the sub-transmitters can be achieved. With a large number of sub-transmitters (> 10, > 20, > 50, > 100), it is conceivable to cascade the buffers and connect them in series. To reduce the absolute line lengths and jitter, it proves advantageous to always place the buffer 130, 3301, 3302, ... in the middle of the section that the buffer is intended to cover. In Fig. 3, this means that the buffer 130 is located in the middle and covers one half of the ring in each direction. In Fig. 5, a buffer 3301, 3302, ..., 330n, for example, cuts off one ring half or an equally sized n-fold portion of the ring and is advantageously placed in the center of the corresponding ring half or the n-fold portion. In an embodiment where the buffers are cascaded multiple times, the buffers can be arranged in the center of the sub-transmitters that are to be contacted. In this way, an almost identical total line length can be achieved for each sub-transmitter, and an equivalent data signal can be obtained through the use of the buffers. As a rule, installation space is also limited for cable routing. Nevertheless, exemplary embodiments do provide for the implementation of additional cable lengths in order to further reduce, for example, the propagation delay deviation between a buffer 3301 and the optical transmitter 1511 on the one hand, and between the buffer 3301 and the optical transmitter 1513 on the other. In other words, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the transmitter ring with one buffer 3301 and 3302 for each half of the ring. Fig. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of at least part of a system arrangement of embodiments described herein. The system 600 comprises, for example, a device 401 which, using the optical transmitters 1501, 1502 and 1503, emits several mutually synchronized optical signals 2101, 2102 and 2103, wherein the optical signals 2101-2103 can be in accordance with the optical wireless signals 12. In other words, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a transmitter ring with one buffer for each half of the ring. Fig. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of a system 600 according to an embodiment, in which a device 401, for example as a transmitter ring 20, 25, 30 and / or 50 as described herein, is configured with a buffer 3301 and 3302 for each half of the ring. Fig. 6 shows the combined block diagram of a partial transmitter section within the scope of the embodiments. It shows an exemplary transmitter section 401 with receiver 402, for example a device with the optical receiver 160, which can readily be identical to or mirrored to the device 401, for example to establish bidirectional transmission. Controller block 120 may have an input interface for receiving an input signal 403, through which controller block 120 can receive data, for example, using a memory of controller 120. Controller block 120 sends the signal to an optional buffer 130, which distributes the electrical signal via signal lines 1401, 1402, 1403 to subtransmitters 1501, 1502, 1503. The sub-transmitters 1501, 1502, 1503 consist of an optional buffer / driver circuit 4111, 4112, 4113 and an optical emitter 4121, 4122, 4123, for example a light-emitting diode (LED), or a laser (for example a laser diode, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, or VCSEL) and each an optional lens 4131, 4132, 4133 and generate the coverage areas 2101, 2102, 2103, 2101b, 2102b, 2103b. The receiver 402 includes an optional lens 420 configured to focus the incident signal onto the receiver 430. The receiver includes a photodetector 431 and an optional amplifier 432. The amplifier 432 is, for example, a transimpedance amplifier or a voltage amplifier. The signal is then sent to a controller block 440, such as controller block 180, configured to decode the signal or forward it via an optional interface 450. In other words, Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an exemplary transmitter 401 and receiver 402. It is advantageous for signal quality, error rate, reliability, aging behavior, and cost if the received signal level varies as little as possible over a full rotation. However, the coverage areas 2101, 2102, 2103, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2101b, 2102b, 2103b, 2111b, 2112b, 2113ballerdeg are not usually homogeneously illuminated. Consequently, for example, the signal level is very high when receiver 160 is facing a sub-transmitter and very low when the receiver is located midway between two sub-transmitters. Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view of a device 70 according to an embodiment, demonstrating that this problem can also be addressed by using two receivers 5601, 5602 or 5701, 5702, respectively, similar to the optical receiver 34, 20, 25 and / or 402. In other words, Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a rotary transmitter with two receivers 5601, 5602. It is also conceivable to increase the number of receivers even further. It is particularly advantageous for the reception level if the receivers 5601 and 5602, corresponding to the optical receivers 160 and / or 170 and / or 430, are positioned exactly or substantially, i.e., within a tolerance range of at most 20%, at most 10%, or less (e.g., at most 5%), at half the distance between two sub-transmitters, or at least an odd integer multiple of half the distance between two transmitters. This ensures that one of the two receivers 5601 and 5602 always detects a sufficiently strong signal, even if the other is in an unfavorable position with a low reception level. In this way, it is even possible for the sub-transmitters not to illuminate the entire ring, but to have gaps. If multiple receivers 5601, 5602 are used, the number of sub-transmitters can potentially be reduced to lower costs and power consumption. In such an embodiment, when using multiple optical receivers, a system according to one exemplary embodiment can have a first optical receiver and an adjacent second optical receiver spaced at a distance that is substantially half the distance between two adjacent optical transmitters of the first device. The receiving device can include an amplifier circuit, such as the amplifier 432, which is coupled to the first optical receiver and the second optical receiver to amplify a first receiver signal of the first optical receiver and a second receiver signal of the second optical receiver.Alternatively or additionally, a separate amplifier circuit can be provided for each individual optical receiver of the device, wherein a first amplifier circuit is configured to amplify a first receiver signal of the first optical receiver to provide a first amplified signal; and a second amplifier circuit is configured to amplify a second receiver signal of the second optical receiver to provide a second amplified signal. A processing unit, such as the controller 440, 120, 180, or the signal source 14, can be configured in such an embodiment to combine the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal. Thus, a combination can take place in the controller and after the amplifier circuit (e.g., by adding the signals). Alternatively or additionally, two or more optical receivers can be equipped with an individual first amplifier circuit or a second amplifier circuit.The receiver device may be equipped with a second amplifier circuit configured to amplify a first receiver signal from the first optical receiver to provide a first amplified signal; and with a second amplifier circuit configured to amplify a second receiver signal from the second optical receiver to provide a second amplified signal. The receiver device may include a processing unit, such as the controller 440, 120, 180, or the signal source 14, configured to perform data processing of the amplified signals and to select one of the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal for data processing. For example, the selection of the signal to be further processed may be based on a signal quality or the exceeding of a minimum signal quality for a subsequent optical signal, or the like.Switching can occur at a suitable and predetermined time, for example between data packets. It is conceivable to use a time-sensitive networking (TSN) standard for this purpose. In other words, receivers 5601, 5602, ... could be two or more independent receivers, each with its own photodetector, amplifier circuit, and controller. It is also conceivable that two or more photodetectors are connected to the same amplifier, and the combined signal is then processed by the controller. It is also possible that each photodetector has a separate transimpedance amplifier, and their output signals are subsequently added together. This latter option is advantageous for the bandwidth of the transimpedance amplifier stage. While this increases the noise in the signal, the benefit compared to the highly variable received signal level is significantly greater. Another alternative involves using an optical system (e.g., fiber optic or beam optics) to create the two input apertures for receivers 5601 and 5602. The signal strikes the optical system and is then directed to a single photodetector for receivers 5601 and 5602, located, for example, between the two apertures. The signal is subsequently amplified and processed by a controller. The advantage of this concept is that only one photodetector, amplifier, and controller are required. Especially when more than two receivers are used, the concepts can also be combined. Modifications to the embodiments described herein are also possible, either as an alternative or in addition to other modifications regarding the transmitter-receiver arrangement. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4a, 4b, 5, and / or 7, the sub-transmitters 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1911, 1912, 1913 and the receivers 160, 170 can be arranged at a similar or even the same distance from the axis of rotation 112, that is, the radial distance is essentially the same. This is advantageous, for example, for small installation spaces or multi-channel rotary transmitters. Of course, the system can also be designed differently, meaning that the distance of the sub-transmitters and the receivers to the axis of rotation 112 can be arbitrary. One possible variation of the embodiments described herein is the provision of at least one additional channel for power or data transmission to maintain a multi-channel system. To enable even higher data rates or separate communication channels, it is conceivable to design the rotary transformer as a multi-channel rotary transformer. In this configuration, several rings can be arranged radially adjacent to one another; that is, the further a channel is from the axis of rotation 112, the larger its ring diameter. If necessary, the number of sub-transmitters or receivers in such a system must be increased towards the outside. For such an arrangement, it is advantageous if the sub-transmitters 1501, 1502, 1503, 1511, 1512, 1513, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1911, 1912, 1913 and the receivers 160, 170 have the same or a similar radial spacing. It is also conceivable that adjacent channels differ in their wavelength to avoid optical crosstalk. To further reduce crosstalk, a shading element, such as a ring / wall / filter, can also be inserted between the channels. According to one embodiment, in a system described herein, at least the receiver device and / or the transmitter device of the second device has a further plurality of synchronized optical transmitters to provide a second optical wireless communication channel. The number of channels can also be increased, for example by stacking rotary transmitters along the axis of rotation 112. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, and / or 5, data transmission can occur parallel to the axis of rotation. It is also conceivable to communicate perpendicular to the axis of rotation, for example, radially outwards or inwards. In such cases, the sub-transmitters might have a smaller ring diameter than the corresponding receiver, or vice versa. To implement a bidirectional channel in this case, two of these unidirectional rings could be stacked. Alternatively, they could be placed radially next to each other, meaning the forward channel would have a different radial distance from the axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally to data transmission, a system described herein can be configured to transmit electrical energy based on at least one optical wireless energy signal from a first to a second device or from the second to the first device; that is, energy transmission can be implemented optically wirelessly. Optical energy transmission has the advantage of being immune to interference from both external sources and external sources. Furthermore, optical wireless energy transmission enables galvanic isolation, i.e., electrical isolation. In contrast to optical wireless data transmission, optical wireless energy transmission is typically unidirectional. The direction in which energy is transmitted is arbitrary. Fig. 8a shows a schematic top view of such a transmitting ring of the rotary transmitter with optical wireless power transmission. In addition to the optional optical transmitters 150 and 151 shown here, this ring has additional optical emitters 6501, 6502, 6503, 6504, 6505, 6506. These can be, for example, LEDs, laser diodes (e.g., VCSELs), or similar components. The additional emitters can be arranged along the ring, preferably such that their coverage areas 6101, 6102, 6103, 6104, 6105, 6106 cover the entire circumference of the ring. In other words, Fig. 8a shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a transmitting ring of a rotary transmitter with additional energy transmission via the optical emitters 6501, 6502, 6503, 6504, 6505, 6506. Fig. 8b shows a schematic top view of a receiving ring of the rotary transformer with optical wireless power transmission. For example, one or more additional detectors 710 can be arranged around the area used for data transmission to detect the optical power of the optical emitters 6501, 6502, 6503, 6504, 6505, 6506 and convert it into electrical power. The detector 710 can, for example, be one or more photovoltaic cells. The shape of the detector is only exemplary and can be arbitrary. The detectors can also be distributed between the transmitting and receiving elements. In other words, Fig. 8b shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a receiving ring of a rotary transformer with the additional detector 710. Although some embodiments are described as having the optical transmitters and receivers arranged in a circular path, an ellipse, a straight line, or another shape is also perfectly possible. The statement that the buffers are preferably placed in the center of the sub-transmitters they cover remains valid. Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is understood that these aspects also constitute a description of the corresponding process, so that a block or component of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding process step or as a feature of a process step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a process step also constitute a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device. Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be carried out using a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, DVD, Blu-ray disc, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, hard disk, or other magnetic or optical storage medium, on which electronically readable control signals are stored. These control signals can interact with, or interact with, a programmable computer system in such a way as to execute the respective method. Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer-readable.Some embodiments according to the invention therefore include a data carrier which has electronically readable control signals which are able to interact with a programmable computer system in such a way that one of the methods described herein is carried out. In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with program code, wherein the program code is effective in carrying out one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code can, for example, also be stored on a machine-readable medium. Other embodiments include the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein, wherein the computer program is stored on a machine-readable medium. In other words, an embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus a computer program that includes program code for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program is executed on a computer. Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is recorded. Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus a data stream or a sequence of signals that represents the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein. The data stream or sequence of signals can be configured, for example, to be transferred via a data communication connection, such as the Internet. Another embodiment comprises a processing device, for example a computer or a programmable logic device, which is configured or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein. Another embodiment comprises a computer on which the computer program for performing one of the procedures described herein is installed. In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (for example, a field-programmable gate array, an FPGA) can be used to perform some or all of the functionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array can interact with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, in some embodiments, the methods are performed by any hardware device. This can be general-purpose hardware such as a computer processor (CPU) or method-specific hardware such as an ASIC. The embodiments described above merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be obvious to other people skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of protection set forth in the following claims and not by the specific details presented herein by way of description and explanation of the embodiments. literature [1] A. Doleschel and M. Lege, „Contactless solutions for radar rotary joint systems,“ in 2015 16th International Radar Symposium (IRS), Dresden, Germany, 2015, pp. 451-456 .[2] F. Yuanshuang, H. Hongsheng, S. Yue, H. Han, and W. Sihan, „A Simultaneous Wireless Power and Coil Inductance Insensitive Data Transfer System for Rotary Structures,“ IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, 2024 .[3] C. Panhans and R. Stolle, „High Bandwidth Contactless Rotary Transmitter Design Optimized for Baseband Transmission,“ in 2019 11th International Conference on Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ICITEE), Pattaya, Thailand, 2019, pp. 1-6 .[4] X. He, W. Shu, B. Yu, and X. Ma, Wireless Power Transfer System for Rotary Parts Telemetry of Gas Turbine Engine. [Online]. Available: https: / / www.mdpi.com / 2079-9292 / 7 / 5 / 58 (accessed: Feb. 3 2025 ).[5] Anton Patyuchenko, „60 GHz Wireless Data Interconnect for Slip Ring Applications,“ Analog Devices, 2019 .[6] M. Faulwaßer, R. Kirrbach, T.Schneider, and A. Noack, „10 Gbit / s bidirectional transceiver with monolithic optic for rotary connector replacements,“ in 2018 Global LIFI Congress, 2018, pp. 95-102 .[7] M. Faulwaßer, R. Kirrbach, S. Tobias, A. Noack, and F. Deicke, „Solderable Multi-Gigabit Optical Wireless Transceiver for Rotary Communication Setups,“ in Optical Wireless Communication Conference 2021 .[8] R. Kirrbach, M. Faulwaßer, T. Schneider, P. Meißner, A. Noack, and F. Deicke, „Monolitic Hybrid Transmitter-Receiver Lens for Rotary On-Axis Communications,“ Applied Sciences, vol. 10, no. 4, p. 1540, 2020, doi: 10.3390 / app10041540 .[9] T. Helzel and G. Martens, „Optical slip ring for off-axis high-bit-rate data transmission,“ Applied optics, vol. 25, no . ZITATE ENTHALTEN IN DER BESCHREIBUNG This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature DE 10 2020 206 180 A1
[0087] Cited non-patent literature A. Doleschel and M. Lege, „Contactless solutions for radar rotary joint systems,“ in 2015 16th International Radar Symposium (IRS), Dresden, Germany, 2015, pp. 451-456
[0130] F. Yuanshuang, H. Hongsheng, S. Yue, H. Han, and W. Sihan, „A Simultaneous Wireless Power and Coil Inductance Insensitive Data Transfer System for Rotary Structures,“ IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, 2024
[0130] C. Panhans and R. Stolle, „High Bandwidth Contactless Rotary Transmitter Design Optimized for Baseband Transmission,“ in 2019 11th International Conference on Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ICITEE), Pattaya, Thailand, 2019, pp. 1-6
[0130] X. He, W. Shu, B. Yu, and X. Ma, Wireless Power Transfer System for Rotary Parts Telemetry of Gas Turbine Engine. [Online]. Available: https: / / www.mdpi.com / 2079-9292 / 7 / 5 / 58 (accessed: Feb. 3 2025
[0130] Anton Patyuchenko, „60 GHz Wireless Data Interconnect for Slip Ring Applications,“ Analog Devices, 2019
[0130] M. Faulwaßer, R. Kirrbach, T.Schneider, and A. Noack, „10 Gbit / s bidirectional transceiver with monolithic optic for rotary connector replacements,“ in 2018 Global LIFI Congress, 2018, pp. 95-102
[0130] M. Faulwaßer, R. Kirrbach, S. Tobias, A. Noack, and F. Deicke, „Solderable Multi-Gigabit Optical Wireless Transceiver for Rotary Communication Setups,“ in Optical Wireless Communication Conference 2021
[0130] R. Kirrbach, M. Faulwaßer, T. Schneider, P. Meißner, A. Noack, and F. Deicke, „Monolitic Hybrid Transmitter-Receiver Lens for Rotary On-Axis Communications,“ Applied Sciences, vol. 10, no. 4, p. 1540, 2020, doi: 10.3390 / app10041540
[0130] T. Helzel and G. Martens, „Optical slip ring for off-axis high-bit-rate data transmission,“ Applied optics, vol. 25, no
[0130] .
Claims
Device for transmitting optical wireless signals (12) comprising: a signal source (14; 120, 180) for providing at least one signal (16); a plurality of spatially distributed optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) for transmitting a corresponding plurality of optical wireless signals (12); a synchronization device (24) configured to convert the at least one signal (16) for the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) into a corresponding plurality of mutually synchronized input signals (22); wherein the device is configured to transmit the plurality of optical wireless signals (12) spatially distributed as mutually synchronized optical wireless signals (12) based on the plurality of mutually synchronized input signals (22) with the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151). Device according to claim 1, wherein the signal source (14; 120, 180) is configured to provide the at least one signal (16) as a data signal; wherein the plurality of optical wireless signals (12) are synchronized signals of matching data content. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the synchronization device (24) is configured to actively compensate for different propagation times of the at least one signal (16) from the signal source (14; 120, 180) to the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151); and / or is configured to electrically passively compensate for different distances between the signal source (14; 120, 180) and the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the synchronization device (24) has a buffer (130; 330) having a signal input coupled to the signal source (14; 120, 180) to receive the signal (16, 131); wherein the buffer (130; 330) has a plurality of signal outputs and is configured to output a plurality of buffer output signals based on the signal (16) as synchronized buffer output signals; wherein at least a subset of the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) is coupled to the signal outputs and their input signals are based on or are the buffer output signals. Device according to claim 4, wherein signal lines between the plurality of signal outputs on the one hand and the optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) coupled to the signal outputs on the other hand have a substantially identical line length. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the positions of the optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) coupled to the signal outputs define a transmitter area of the device and the buffer (130; 330) is arranged substantially centrally in the transmitter area; or adjacent optical transmitters arranged along different signal paths originating from the signal source have a substantially equal distance and / or propagation delay of the input signals. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a plurality of buffers (130; 330), wherein each of at least a subset of the plurality of buffers (130; 330) is coupled to a subset of the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151). Device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of buffers (130; 330) form a cascaded arrangement of buffers (130; 330). Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the subsets of the optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) completely cover a transmitter area (28) and the subsets of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) substantially cover subareas of the transmitter area of the same size. Device according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the buffer is configured for signal amplification and / or signal conditioning. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) is arranged along a circular path (161); wherein the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) is arranged on or in a carrier substrate (32) having a ring-shaped geometry and the plurality of optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) is arranged in a ring shape. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one optical receiver (160, 170) configured to receive and convert an optical wireless signal from another device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal source (14; 120, 180) is configured for data processing and has a signal amplifier, and the gain of the signal amplifier is controllable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one, several or all of the optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) comprise a buffer circuit and / or driver circuit (411) and an optical emitter (412). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) comprises a lens, a reflector and / or a diffuser to optically shape light generated by the optical transmitter (18; 150, 151) based on the input signal (22). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the optical transmitters (18; 150, 151) comprises a multi-path lens configured to divide the light output from the optical transmitter (18; 150, 151) based on the input signal into several partial beams of light. System for transmitting optical wireless signals (12), comprising: a device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401) according to one of the preceding claims as a first device; and a second device (34; 402) for receiving at least a subset of the synchronized optical wireless signals (12). System according to claim 17, wherein at least the second device (34; 402) has a plurality of spatially distributed optical receivers. System according to claim 18, wherein the second device (34; 402) comprises an amplifier device coupled to at least one of the plurality of optical receivers and arranged close to the optical receiver. System according to claim 18 or 19, wherein a first optical receiver and an adjacent second optical receiver are spaced apart by a distance which is substantially half the distance between two adjacent optical transmitters of the first device or an odd multiple thereof. System according to one of claims 18 to 20, comprising an amplifier circuit (432) coupled to the first optical receiver and the second optical receiver to amplify a first receiver signal of the first optical receiver and a second receiver signal of the second optical receiver. System according to any one of claims 18 to 20, comprising a first amplifier circuit (432) configured to amplify a first receiver signal of the first optical receiver to provide a first amplified signal; and comprising a second amplifier circuit (432) configured to amplify a second receiver signal of the second optical receiver to provide a second amplified signal; wherein the second device (34; 402) comprises a processing device (440) for combining the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal. System according to any one of claims 18 to 20, comprising a first amplifier circuit (432) configured to amplify a first receiver signal of the first optical receiver in order to provide a first amplified signal; and comprising a second amplifier circuit (432) configured to amplify a second receiver signal of the second optical receiver in order to provide a second amplified signal; wherein the second device (34; 402) comprised a processing unit (440) configured to perform data processing of amplified signals and to select for data processing one of the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal. System according to one of claims 18 to 23, wherein a motion path (161) of a relative motion is arranged between the first device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401) and the second device (34; 402) in order to arrange at least one optical transmitter of the first device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401) in a receiving area of an optical receiver of the second device (34; 402) in each relative position of the relative motion. System according to claim 24, wherein individual reception areas of the plurality of spatially distributed receivers of the second device (34; 402) combined define a total reception area of the second device (34; 402), and the plurality of optical transmitters is configured to illuminate the total reception area with gaps. System according to one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the first device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401) and the second device (34; 402) are arranged to be rotatable about a common axis of rotation (112); or wherein the second device (34; 402) is movable in a coverage area illuminated by the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals (12). System according to claim 26, wherein the first device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401) and the second device (34; 402) are arranged to rotate about a common axis of rotation (112) and a coverage area generated by the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals substantially coincides with a path of movement of the second device (34; 402) in the system. System according to one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the second device (34; 402) is arranged to detect at least one of the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals (12) independently of a relative position between the first device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401) and the second device (34; 402). System according to one of claims 17 to 28, which is configured to illuminate a partial area of a total area with each of the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals (12), wherein the partial areas overlap at the second device (34; 402). System according to one of claims 17 to 29, wherein the plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals is a first plurality of synchronized optical wireless signals of a first optical wireless communication channel and the first and / or second device (34; 402) comprises at least a second plurality of synchronized optical transmitters to provide a second optical wireless communication channel. System according to claim 30, wherein the first plurality and the second plurality are arranged on different concentric orbits; and / or are configured for different wavelength ranges. System according to one of claims 17 to 31, which is configured for bidirectional transmission of optical wireless signals (12). System according to one of claims 17 to 32, which is configured for the transmission of electrical energy based on at least one optical wireless energy signal and from the first to the second device (34; 402) or from the second to the first device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401). System according to claim 33, comprising optical emitters for transmitting the at least one optical wireless energy signal, wherein the optical emitters are arranged along a path of motion of a relative movement between the first device (10; 20; 25; 30; 50; 401) and the second device (34; 402) and the coverage areas of the optical emitters together cover the entire path of motion.
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