US5077483A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Network topology for reduced blocking and photonic system implementation thereof
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1989-05-08
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Granted: 1991-12-31
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Expires: 2009-05-08
Abstract
Abstract A reduced-blocking system where a perfect shuffle equivalent network having a plurality of node stages successively interconnected by link stages, is advantageously combined with expansion before the node stages and/or concentration after the node stages in a manner allowing the design of a system with arbitrarily low or zero blocking probability. An illustrative photonic system implementation uses free-space optical apparatus to effect a low loss, crossover interconnection of two-dimensional arrays of switching nodes comprising, for example, symmetric self electro-optic effect devices (S-SEEDs). Several low loss beam conbination techniques are used to direct multiple arrays of beams to an S-SEED array, and to redirect a reflected output beam array to a subsequent node stage.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Cloonan
- 👤 Stephen J. Hinterlong
- 👤 Harvard S. Hinton
- 👤 Frank K. Hwang
- 👤 Jurgen Jahns
- 👤 Jack L. Jewell
- 👤 Anthony L. Lentine
- 👤 Frederick B. McCormick, Jr.
- 👤 David A. B. Miller
- 👤 Miles J. Murdocca
- 👤 Michael E. Prise
- 👤 Gaylord W. Richards
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 02:06
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/0001; H04Q11/0062; H04Q11/0005; H04Q2011/0052; H04Q2011/0079; H04Q2011/0081; H04Q2011/009
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 88
Claim 1
Independent Claim
264 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of control beams each for controlling a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said control beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
264 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of control beams each for controlling a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said control beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
281 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of preset beams each for establishing the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said preset beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
281 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of preset beams each for establishing the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said preset beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
281 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of power beams each for reading the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said power beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
281 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of power beams each for reading the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said power beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said each node stage further comprises means for receiving first and second arrays of information beams comprising information for communication through said network, said first and second arrays of information beams each corresponding to said plurality of optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each information beam of said first and second arrays to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 where each node of at least one of said node stages comprises means responsive to a control signal for broadcasting an output signal to at least two of the nodes of the succeeding one of said node stages, said output signal comprising a logical combination of signals receivable from at least two of the nodes of the preceding one of said node stages.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system in accordance with claim 5 further comprising means for controlling said preceding node stage such that at most one of said receivable signals is active at any time.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said control signal, said output signal, and said receivable signals are optical signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said output signal and said receivable signals are optical signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein at least one of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes each comprising a self electro-optic effect device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system in accordance with claim 9 wherein said device is a symmetric self electro-optic effect device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system in accordance with claim 9 wherein said at least one node stage further comprises beam splitter means for optically coupling said each optical node to two succeeding stage nodes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of said link stages comprises means for providing optical connectivity from the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
97 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of said link stages comprises an arrangement for developing two output images from one input image, with a specified spatial relationship between the two output images, said developing arrangement comprising a beam splitter responsive to said input image for developing a first beam and a second beam, means for partitioning the image contained in the second beam and reversing the spatial relationship of the image to develop a third beam containing a crossover image and means for combining the first beam and the third beam.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of said nodes comprises a switching node, said system further comprising means for controlling said network such that each of said switching nodes carries at any time at most one signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of said nodes comprises a switching node of full capacity.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of said nodes comprises a switching node that carries at any time at most a number of signals equal to the minimum of the number of inputs of said each switching node and the number of outputs of said each switching node.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each of said nodes comprises a switching node of capacity one.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
268 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical switching nodes each for providing switched, optical connectivity therethrough, means for generating an array of control beams each for controlling the optical connectivity of a corresponding one of said switching nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said control beams to the corresponding one of said switching nodes.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
268 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical switching nodes each for providing switched, optical connectivity therethrough, means for generating an array of control beams each for controlling the optical connectivity of a corresponding one of said switching nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said control beams to the corresponding one of said switching nodes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system in accordance with claim 18 wherein said array of control beams comprises an array of disable beams each for disabling communication of optical information through a corresponding one of said switching node.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system in accordance with claim 18 wherein said generating means comprises means for generating a uniform array of beams corresponding to said plurality of switching nodes and means responsive to electrical control signals for selectively transmitting ones of said uniform array of beams to form said array of control beams.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system in accordance with claim 20 wherein said transmitting means comprises a spatial light modulator.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system in accordance with claim 20 wherein said means for generating said uniform array of beams comprises means for generating a single collimated laser beam and means for splitting said single beam into an array of beams.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system in accordance with claim 22 wherein said splitting means comprises grating means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system in accordance with claim 20 further comprising means responsive to requests for connections through said system for generating said electrical control signals.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
78 words
A system in accordance with claim 18 where each of said plurality of switching nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of preset beams each for establishing the optical state of a corresponding one of said switching nodes prior to the communication of optical information therethrough and free-space optical means for directing each of said preset beams to the corresponding one of said switching nodes.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system in accordance with claim 18 where each of said plurality of switching nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of power beams each for reading the optical state of a corresponding one of said switching nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said power beams to the corresponding one of said switching nodes.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system in accordance with claim 26 wherein said each node stage further comprises free-space optical means for directing ones of said power beams reflected from said plurality of switching nodes to form an array of output beams.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system in accordance with claim 18 wherein said each node stage further comprises means for receiving first and second arrays of information beams comprising information for communication through said network, said first and second arrays of information beams each corresponding to said plurality of switching nodes and free-space optical means for directing each information beam of said first and second array to the corresponding one of said switching nodes.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system in accordance with claim 28, said plurality of optical switching nodes each having at least two optical states, wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of power beams each for reading the optical state of a corresponding one of said switching nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said power beams to the corresponding one of said switching nodes.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
58 words
A system in accordance with claim 29 further comprising means for generating an array of preset beams each for establishing the optical state of a corresponding one of said switching nodes prior to the communication of optical information therethrough and free-space optical means for directing each of said preset beams to the corresponding one of said swithcing nodes.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
309 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, where each node of at least one of said node stages comprises means responsive to a control signal for broadcasting an output signal to at least two of the nodes of the succeeding one of said node stages, said output signal comprising a logical combination of signals receivable from at least two of the nodes of the preceding one of said node stages, wherein said control signal, said output signal, and said receivable signals are optical signals, and wherein said output signal and said receivable signals have a given wavelength and said control signal has a wavelength other than said given wavelength.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
309 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, where each node of at least one of said node stages comprises means responsive to a control signal for broadcasting an output signal to at least two of the nodes of the succeeding one of said node stages, said output signal comprising a logical combination of signals receivable from at least two of the nodes of the preceding one of said node stages, wherein said control signal, said output signal, and said receivable signals are optical signals, and wherein said output signal and said receivable signals have a given wavelength and said control signal has a wavelength other than said given wavelength.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
179 words
A system in accordance with claim 31 wherein a first one of said receivable signals comprises a first data input signal and a first complementary data input signal, a second one of said receivable signals comprises a second data input signal and a second complementary data input signal, and said output signal comprises a data output signal and a complementary data output signal, said broadcasting means comprising a symmetric self electro-optic effect device comprising a first photodetector including a quantum well region and a second photodetector including a quantum well region, said first photodetector being optically coupled to both of said two preceding stage nodes for receiving said first and second data input signals, said first photodetector being optically coupled to both of said two succeeding stage nodes for transmitting said data output signal, said second photodetector being optically coupled to both of said two preceding stage nodes for receiving said first and second complementary data input signals, said second photodetector being optically coupled to both of said two succeeding stage nodes for transmitting said complementary data output signal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system in accordance with claim 32 wherein said broadcasting means further comprises beam splitter means for splitting said data output signal into two signals each for transmission to one of said two succeeding stage nodes and for splitting said complementary data output signal into two signals each for transmission to one of said two succeeding stage nodes.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
231 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said expanding means connects each of said N inlets to multiple inputs of said first node stage in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
231 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said expanding means connects each of said N inlets to multiple inputs of said first node stage in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
269 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the input of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said expanding means connects each of said N inlets to F inputs of said first node stage in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern, F being a power of two, wherein each of said plurality of node stages comprises the same number of nodes, and wherein each of the nodes of said plurality of node stages has two inputs and two outputs.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
269 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the input of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said expanding means connects each of said N inlets to F inputs of said first node stage in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern, F being a power of two, wherein each of said plurality of node stages comprises the same number of nodes, and wherein each of the nodes of said plurality of node stages has two inputs and two outputs.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system in accordance with claim 34 or 35 wherein said expanding means comprises electrical means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system in accordance with claim 34 or 35 wherein said expanding means comprises optical means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system in accordance with claim 35 wherein said expanding means comprises log 2 F stages each comprising a plurality of nodes each having one input and two outputs.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
23 words
A system in accordance with claims 34 or 35 wherein said expanding means comprises at least one stage comprising a plurality of nodes.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
231 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said concentrating means connects multiple outputs of said last node stage to each of said M outlets in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
231 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said concentrating means connects multiple outputs of said last node stage to each of said M outlets in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
269 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said concentrating means connects F outputs of said last node stage to each of said M outlets in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern, F being a power of two, wherein each of said plurality of node stages comprises the same number of nodes, and wherein each of the nodes of said plurality of node stages has two inputs and two outputs.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
269 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said concentrating means connects F outputs of said last node stage to each of said M outlets in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern, F being a power of two, wherein each of said plurality of node stages comprises the same number of nodes, and wherein each of the nodes of said plurality of node stages has two inputs and two outputs.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system in accordance with claim 41 wherein said concentrating means comprises log 2 F stages each comprising a plurality of nodes each having two inputs and one output.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
23 words
A system in accordance with claims 40 or 41 wherein said concentrating means comprises at least one stage comprising a plurality of nodes.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system in accordance with claim 40 or 41 wherein said concentrating means comprises electrical means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system in accordance with claim 40 or 41 wherein said concentrating means comprises optical means.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
216 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said system is a point-to-point, strictly nonblocking network.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
216 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein said system is a point-to-point, strictly nonblocking network.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
213 words
A system having M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each input of the first one of said node stages and each of said M outlets and wherein said concentrating means connects multiple outputs of said last node stage to each of said M outlets in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
213 words
A system having M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network, and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each input of the first one of said node stages and each of said M outlets and wherein said concentrating means connects multiple outputs of said last node stage to each of said M outlets in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system in accordance with claim 47 wherein said concentrating means comprises electrical means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system in accordance with claim 47 wherein said concentrating means comprises optical means.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
23 words
A system in accordance with claims 48 or 49 wherein said concentrating means comprises at least one stage comprising a plurality of nodes.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
212 words
A system having N inlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of the last one of said node stages and wherein said expanding means connects each of said N inlets to multiple inputs of said first node stage in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
212 words
A system having N inlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages, said plurality of node stages and said plurality of link stages collectively comprising a perfect shuffle equivalent network means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of the last one of said node stages and wherein said expanding means connects each of said N inlets to multiple inputs of said first node stage in a perfect shuffle sustaining pattern.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system in accordance with claim 51 wherein said expanding means comprises electrical means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system in accordance with claim 51 wherein said expanding means comprises optical means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system in accordance with claim 52 or 53 wherein said expanding means comprises at least one stage comprising a plurality of nodes.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
267 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages in accordance with a crossover interconnection pattern having 2 r partitions, where r is an integer which varies with link stage, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of control beams each for controlling a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said control beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
267 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages in accordance with a crossover interconnection pattern having 2 r partitions, where r is an integer which varies with link stage, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of control beams each for controlling a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said control beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
284 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages in accordance with a crossover interconnection pattern having 2 r partitions, where r is an integer which varies with link stage, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of preset beams each for establishing the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said preset beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
284 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages in accordance with a crossover interconnection pattern having 2 r partitions, where r is an integer which varies with link stage, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of preset beams each for establishing the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said preset beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
284 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages in accordance with a crossover interconnection pattern having 2 r partitions, where r is an integer which varies with link stage, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of power beams each for reading the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said power beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
284 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets, said system comprising a plurality of stages of nodes, each node having at least one input and at least one output and where the sum of the number of inputs and the number of outputs for a node is greater than two, the number of said plurality of node stages being at least four, said plurality of node stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, a plurality of stages of links, said plurality of link stages being arranged in an ordered sequence, each link stage being interposed between successive ones of said ordered sequence of node stages, each link stage for connecting the outputs of one of said node stages to the inputs of the successive one of said node stages in accordance with a crossover interconnection pattern having 2 r partitions, where r is an integer which varies with link stage, means for expanding said N inlets to more than N inputs of the first one of said node stages and means for concentrating more than M outputs of the last one of said node stages to said M outlets, said system having at least two paths between each of said N inlets and each output of said last node stage, wherein each of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes and wherein each of said optical nodes has at least two optical states and wherein said each node stage further comprises means for generating an array of power beams each for reading the optical state of a corresponding one of said optical nodes and free-space optical means for directing each of said power beams to the corresponding one of said optical nodes.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system in accordance with claim 55, 56 or 57 where each node of at least one of said node stages comprises means responsive to a control signal for broadcasting an output signal to at least two of the nodes of the succeeding one of said node stages, said output signal comprising a logical combination of signals receivable from at least two of the nodes of the preceding one of said node stages.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system in accordance with claim 55, 56 or 57 wherein at least one of said node stages comprises a plurality of optical nodes each comprising a self electro-optic effect device.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
97 words
A system in accordance with claim 55, 56 or 57 wherein each of said link stages comprises an arrangement for developing two output images from one input image, with a specified spatial relationship between the two output images, said developing arrangement comprising a beam splitter responsive to said input image for developing a first beam and a second beam, means for partitioning the image contained in the second beam and reversing the spatial relationship of the image to develop a third beam containing a crossover image and means for combining the first beam and the third beam.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system in accordance with claim 55, 56 or 57 wherein said expanding means comprises electrical means.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system in accordance with claim 55, 56 or 57 wherein said expanding means comprises optical means.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claims 55, 56 or 57 wherein said expanding means connects each of said N inlets to multiple inputs of said first node stage.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system in accordance with claim 55, 56 or 57 wherein said concentrating means comprises electrical means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system in accordance with claim 55, 56 or 57 wherein said concentrating means comprises optical means.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claims 55, 56 or 57 wherein said concentrating means connects multiple outputs of said last node stage to each of said M outlets.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
261 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets comprising S stages of nodes numbered from one through S inclusive and S-1 means numbered from one through S-1 inclusive for interconnecting successive ones of said S stages, where for all integer values of i between one and S inclusive (1) there are r i nodes in stage i and (2) every node in stage i has n i inputs that are included in paths of said system from said N inlets and every node in stage i has m i outputs that are included in paths of said system to said M outlets, with n i ≧1, m i ≧1, and n i +m i >2, where N=n 1 r 1 , M=m S r S , each of said N inlets is connected to an associated one of the n 1 r 1 inputs of stage 1, and each of said M outlets is connected to an associated one of the m S r S outputs of stage S, where, for all integer values of i between one and S-1 inclusive, r i m i =r i+1 n i+1 , where said S node stages and said S-1 interconnecting means collectively comprise a perfect shuffle equivalent network, where S≧4 and ##EQU87## and where at least one of the following conditions obtains: (3) there are two different integers p and q between one and S inclusive where n p ≠n q , (4) there are two different integers u and v between one and S inclusive where m u ≠m v .
Claim 83
Independent Claim
261 words
A system having N inlets and M outlets comprising S stages of nodes numbered from one through S inclusive and S-1 means numbered from one through S-1 inclusive for interconnecting successive ones of said S stages, where for all integer values of i between one and S inclusive (1) there are r i nodes in stage i and (2) every node in stage i has n i inputs that are included in paths of said system from said N inlets and every node in stage i has m i outputs that are included in paths of said system to said M outlets, with n i ≧1, m i ≧1, and n i +m i >2, where N=n 1 r 1 , M=m S r S , each of said N inlets is connected to an associated one of the n 1 r 1 inputs of stage 1, and each of said M outlets is connected to an associated one of the m S r S outputs of stage S, where, for all integer values of i between one and S-1 inclusive, r i m i =r i+1 n i+1 , where said S node stages and said S-1 interconnecting means collectively comprise a perfect shuffle equivalent network, where S≧4 and ##EQU87## and where at least one of the following conditions obtains: (3) there are two different integers p and q between one and S inclusive where n p ≠n q , (4) there are two different integers u and v between one and S inclusive where m u ≠m v .
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
32 words
A network in accordance with claim 67 where at least one of the following conditions obtains: (5) n 1 =1 and m 1 ≧2, (6) n S ≧2 and m S =1.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
29 words
A network in accordance with claim 67 where, for all integer values of i between one and S-1 inclusive, N<r i m i and M<r i m i .
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
17 words
A network in accordance with claim 67 where said nodes are full capacity nodes and where ##EQU88##
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
55 words
A network in accordance with claim 67 where said nodes are full capacity nodes, where ##EQU89## divides N for ##EQU90## divides M for ##EQU91## and in which ##EQU92## and where t is the largest value of i such that ##EQU93## and where u is the smallest value of i such that ##EQU94## and where ##EQU95##
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
69 words
A network in accordance with claim 67 where ##EQU96## divides N for ##EQU97## divides M for ##EQU98## and in which ##EQU99## and where t is the largest value of i such that ##EQU100## and where u is the smallest value of i such that ##EQU101## and where ##EQU102## where α=1 for full capacity nodes, α=0 for capacity one nodes with selectivity, and α=-1 for capacity one nodes without selectivity.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-12-30 | 1995-07-01 | 1995-12-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-07-01 | 1999-12-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-12-30 | 2003-07-01 | 2003-12-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |