Abstract: Systems and methods of heliostat reflector cleaning via a vehicle in a heliostat field.

Abstract: Systems and methods of heliostat reflector cleaning via a vehicle in a heliostat field.

Abstract: The present invention uses data from several sources to determine lines-of-sight between nodes in a FSO network. The present invention provides a three-dimensional neighborhood modeling system that uses aerial image data, Digital Elevation Models, U.S. street map data and address data to automatically map the placement of nodes within a neighborhood or other geographical area. Method for creating the 3-Dimensional, House and Tree Maps used in the line-of-sight processing are also disclosed. A House Map in the present invention identifies houses in an area of consideration, and a Tree Map in the present invention identifies trees in an area of consideration. A 3-Dimensional Map in the present invention provides an elevation for every pixel for the area under consideration, whereby the elevation is adjusted for the height of trees, houses and other objects.

Abstract: A digital data network (100) uses network nodes (106) incorporating infrared transceivers (108). Each node (106) includes a plurality of infrared transceivers (108) having transmitter (109) and receiver (111) optics designed to facilitate line-of-sight infrared optical communications in a residential or business neighborhood. New nodes (106) are installed with at least one selected transceiver (108) having line-of-sight access to at least one existing transceiver (108). Automated tracking (370, 400, 500) and acquisition (300) processes are used to align transceivers (108) to enable data communication and to acquire newly installed nodes (108) into the network (100). Other automated tracking programs operate on an as-needed or scheduled basis to maintain good alignment and communications between adjoining node transceivers (108). Network nodes include weather-proof housings (112) and are of a size and shape to be easily mounted on existing structures so as not to disrupt the visual appeal of a neighborhood.

Abstract: A digital data network (100) uses network nodes (106) incorporating infrared transceivers (108). Each node (106) includes a plurality of infrared transceivers (108) having transmitter (109) and receiver (11) optics designed to facilitate line-of-sight infrared optical communications in a residential or business neighborhood. New nodes (106) are installed in an installation process (300) which in some cases requires at least one selected transceiver (108) to have line-of-sight access to at least one existing transceiver (108). Automated tracking (370, 400, 500) and/or acquisition (330, 530) processes are used to align transceivers (108) to enable data communication and to acquire newly installed nodes (106) into the network (100).

Abstract: The present invention uses data from several sources to determine lines-of-sight between nodes in a FSO network. The present invention provides a three-dimensional neighborhood modeling system that uses aerial image data. Digital Elevation Models, U.S. street map data and address data to automatically map the placement of nodes within a neighborhood or other geographical area.

Abstract: The present invention uses data from several sources to determine lines-of-sight between nodes in a FSO network. The present invention provides a three-dimensional neighborhood modeling system that uses aerial image data, Digital Elevation Models, U.S. street map data and address data to automatically map the placement of nodes within a neighborhood or other geographical area. Method for creating the 3-Dimensional, House and Tree Maps used in the line-of-sight processing are also disclosed. A House Map in the present invention identifies houses in an area of consideration, and a Tree Map in the present invention identifies trees in an area of consideration. A 3-Dimensional Map in the present invention provides an elevation for every pixel for the area under consideration, whereby the elevation is adjusted for the height of trees, houses and other objects.

Abstract: The present invention uses data from several sources to determine lines-of-sight between nodes in a FSO network. The present invention provides a three-dimensional neighborhood modeling system that uses aerial image data, Digital Elevation Models, U.S. street map data and address data to automatically map the placement of nodes within a neighborhood or other geographical area.