visualization2

The Receiver Unit is used as an optoelectronic device and photodetector to receive optical signals carrying audio information transmitted from the portable acousto-optic communication system and convert them into electrical signals. The electrical signals carrying audio information are transmitted via wires to the Analog Switch and to other METIS Transmitter Units. The Energy Harvesting Unit converts the energy from natural light into electrical energy and provides power to the analog switches for their normal operation. A portion of the energy harvested by the Energy Harvesting Unit is supplied to the Identification Unit, allowing it to identify different METIS. The Control Unit, upon receiving the non-contact optical control signals, sends electrical commands to the analog switches and selects the appropriate paths to actuate the Transmitter Unit#1 or Transmitter Unit#2 on the appropriate paths to emit modulated audio-optical signals. These signals are then received and reconstructed by another handheld audio-optical communication system. The entire system is passive and requires no external power to operate, and this approach provides passive relay communication between the two Transmitter Units and a switch-selective path that can be connected wirelessly, as shown in Visualization 2.