Abstract: In an example embodiment, an optical communication system includes an implantable optical transmitter and an external optical receiver. The transmitter includes a housing having one or more drivers, plural light emitting sources, and an optical element arranged therein. Each driver converts a digital data signal into modulation signals to drive the sources. Each source generates a light beam in response to a corresponding modulation signal, each light beam contributing to form a single optical signal. The optical element directs the light beams to exit the housing such that a peak position of light intensity of each light beam is separated from a corresponding peak position of light intensity of an adjacent light beam by at least a first distance and less than a second distance. The optical receiver includes at least one photodiode that detects light generated by the sources and generates a reconstructed data signal.

Abstract: Improvements in secure communication using drones. The communication uses aircraft to provide a secure communication link that prevents undesirable reception. The secure link can be between two people, groups or more specific people. Optical transmission can be from laser, infrared, ultraviolet, white light or a particular wavelength of light. One or multiple of aircraft to relay information between senders and receivers. The aircraft can be drones that operate within buildings or with overhead aircraft. The aircraft can intelligently follow or lead a person to maintain a line-of-sight. Each user can have their own tracking aircraft and the aircraft can communicate between each other using light and/or wireless communication to optimize line-of-sight between the aircraft over geographic medium. The geographic medium may include one or more of terrain, air, water, and space. The object may be a soldier, vehicle, drone, or ballistic.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (100) includes: an acquisition unit (110) configured to acquire first time-series data including presence area information in a target space in subjects; a data set generation unit (120) configured to generate a plurality of data sets from presence area information regarding a specific subject; an estimation unit (130) configured to estimate an accuracy of analyzing a distribution regarding the subject in the target space based on presence area information; a determination unit (140) configured to determine a time width of an aggregation target based on the data reduction degree due to the aggregation in each data set and an accuracy of analysis; and an aggregation unit (150) configured to perform aggregation on a data set that corresponds to the determined time width to representative data.

Abstract: An apparatus embodiment includes a remote control interface unit configured to accept an appliance control code carried in a radio frequency signal transmitted from a smart phone, extract the appliance control code from the radio frequency signal, send the extracted appliance control code to an optical frequency interface, and initiate transmission of an optical frequency signal including the appliance control code to an appliance configured to receive signals from an optical remote control.

Abstract: A system for subsurface transmission includes an array of very low frequency (VLF) transmitter nodes supported by semi-autonomous maritime, airborne, or space platforms spaced at regular intervals from their nearest neighbors and phased to localize VLF coverage to some desired area on a body of water.

Abstract: An optical beacon may include a housing, an optical emitter at least partially disposed within the housing, and an optical identifier generator optically coupled to the optical emitter. Light incident on the optical identifier generator may be shaped into at least one optical identifier. The optical identifier may be associated with an action capable of being carried out by a robotic cleaner such that detection of the optical identifier by the robotic cleaner causes the robotic cleaner to carry out the action.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect the presence of a user includes, in one embodiment, an infrared sensor that passively detects infrared light radiated from an observation target, a heat source arranged proximate the infrared sensor, and a determinator that determines whether the observation target is present in response to information changing along with an operational situation of the heat source and infrared data detected by the infrared sensor. A method and a computer program product also perform functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A data-receiving circuit adapted to an electronic device is provided herein. The electronic device receives a power-saving signal to operate in a power-saving mode. The data-receiving circuit includes a first register, a second register, a decoder, a data register, and a control circuit. The first register is configured to store a target value. The second register is configured to store the length of the target value. The decoder captures control data and endpoint data from an IR signal. The data register is configured to store the control data. The control circuit empties out the data register according to the power-saving signal and the endpoint signal.

Abstract: A wavelength tunable bidirectional optical wireless communication system based on self-injection lock includes one optical node and multiple optical terminals, wherein the optical node consists of a tunable filter and a self-injection lock system to replace the conventional optical amplifier while achieving an amplified optical power, increasing the modulation bandwidth, wavelength adjustment and reducing the linewidth of each wavelength, in a low noise criteria. The optical terminal is composed by a modulated retroreflector to achieve the purpose of lightweight and low power consumption.

Abstract: A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises a first wireless communication unit that performs communication with a communication apparatus using a first wireless communication method, a second wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the communication apparatus using a second wireless communication method with which energy consumption is lower than with the first wireless communication method, and a control unit that, if a processing request relating to image data is received from the communication apparatus via the first wireless communication unit, disconnect a connection with the communication apparatus via the first wireless communication unit, and transmit a completion notification after executing predetermined processing corresponding to the processing request to the communication apparatus via the second wireless communication unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a connectivity topology of local management units (LMUs) in a solar photovoltaic power generation (SPVPG) system. Each of the LMUs is connected within the SPVPG between a solar panel and a set of power lines of the SPVPG. The set of power lines connects the LMUs to form a network. The connectivity topology of LMUs in the network is determined using, for example, indirect indications of connections of an LMU and the SPVPG and indications of the physical location of the LMU with respect to other elements of the SPVPG.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling power semiconductor devices are described. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a system. The system may include a serial communication link between a controller and a power electronics module, where a continuous bit stream passes through the serial communications link.

Abstract: An optical detection device includes: an optical sensor configured to detect light from a light source of an indication lamp; an optical-detection-side communication unit configured to wirelessly transmit at least an optical detection signal of the optical sensor; and a photoelectric conversion unit configured to convert light from the light source into power and to store the power. The optical sensor and the optical-detection-side communication unit operate using the power stored in the photoelectric conversion unit.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for activating one or more operating modes of a register in a meter. The register is operated in a first mode. Light detections indicating whether the register is exposed to light or isolated from light are read. It is determined whether a condition is met based on the light detections. Upon determining that the condition is met, operating the register in a second mode.

Abstract: A mobile robot is provided for use in an operating environment. The mobile robot may include a mobile robot base, a conveyor system and a drive system. The conveyor system may be supported by the mobile robot base. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to receive an item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot. The conveyor system may be configured to support the item during movement of the mobile robot within the operating environment. The drive system may be arranged with the mobile robot base. The drive system may be configured to move the mobile robot within the operating environment and position the conveyor system such that the conveyor belt is operable to receive the item with the mobile robot and/or provide the item from the mobile robot.

Abstract: A method for controlling a subordinate electronic device by learning an IR signal is provided. An electronic control device acquires control signal induction information corresponding to an identifier of the specific IR signal upon acquiring a specific IR signal. Alternatively, the electronic control device may support an electronic control device of another space such that the electronic control device acquires the control signal induction information corresponding to the identifier of the specific IR signal. The electronic control device generates a specific IR signal by using the acquired control signal induction information, if a user of a predetermined space or another space intends to control a specific subordinate electronic device. The database acquires a plurality of IR signals in a first space to an n-th space, sorts IR signals not overlapping among the plurality of IR signals, and manages the control signal induction information corresponding to each IR signal not overlapping.

Abstract: An arrangement for temperature measurement at high-voltage potential is disclosed. The energy for measuring the temperature of an optical current transformer is provided by a single photodiode. The photodiode is supplied by light emitted by a light source and guided to the photodiode via an optical waveguide.

Abstract: A bidirectional data communications cable is disclosed. The cable includes first connector, second connector, and cable housing coupled to the first and second connectors. The first connector includes a controller configured to determine whether the first connector is connected to a data source or data sink. If connected to a data source, the controller configures a switch circuit to route a data signal from the data source to an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal for transmission from the first to the second connector via an optical fiber. If connected to a data sink, the controller configures the switch circuit to route a data signal from an optical demodulator to the data sink, the optical demodulator receiving an optical signal modulated with the data signal from the second connector via an optical fiber. The second connector is configured similar to the first connector. The cable housing encloses the optical fibers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for managing distributed data storage. A data storage device is configured to operate in at least two modes of operation, including a first mode, in which the data storage device may sync a file directory with a corresponding file directory of a separate data storage device when the data storage devices are connected over a broadcast connection in a first local area network (LAN). In a second mode of operation, the data storage device may connect to a host device over a dedicated point-to-point connection over a second LAN when the data storage device is not connected to the first LAN.

Abstract: A bidirectional data communications cable is disclosed. The cable includes first connector, second connector, and cable housing coupled to the first and second connectors. The first connector includes a controller configured to determine whether the first connector is connected to a data source or data sink. If connected to a data source, the controller configures a switch circuit to route a data signal from the data source to an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal for transmission from the first to the second connector via an optical fiber. If connected to a data sink, the controller configures the switch circuit to route a data signal from an optical demodulator to the data sink, the optical demodulator receiving an optical signal modulated with the data signal from the second connector via an optical fiber. The second connector is configured similar to the first connector. The cable housing encloses the optical fibers.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for determining a connectivity topology of local management units (LMUs) in a solar photovoltaic power generation (SPVPG) system. Each of the LMUs is connected within the SPVPG between a solar panel and a set of power lines of the SPVPG. The set of power lines connects the LMUs to form a network. The connectivity topology of LMUs in the network is determined using, for example, indirect indications of connections of an LMU and the SPVPG and indications of the physical location of the LMU with respect to other elements of the SPVPG.

Abstract: A system includes a light emitting device on a first side of electrically isolated circuitry for transmitting an optical signal to a second side of the electrically isolated circuitry. The system also includes a driver for driving the light emitting device at an operational characteristic. The system further includes an optical receiver on the second side of the electrically isolated circuitry for receiving the optical signal from the light emitting device. The system also includes a sensor coupled with the optical receiver for sampling the intensity of the optical signal received by the optical receiver. The sensor is communicatively coupled with the driver and configured to transmit the sampled intensity of the optical signal received from the light emitting device to the driver, and the driver is configured to adjust the operational characteristic of the light emitting device based upon the sampled intensity of the optical signal.

Abstract: A smart phone device is fitted with a dual mode communications interface device having a housing wherein the housing provides access via an exterior of the smart phone device to both an infrared communications pathway and an electrical communications pathway each of which are coupled to one or more processing devices carried within the smart phone device. To this end, the communications interface device may be in the form of an audio jack having a plug receiving opening wherein the plug receiving opening is in communication with the electrical communications pathway and wherein at least a portion of the housing surrounding the plug receiving opening forms a light pipe for the infrared communications pathway.

Abstract: A wearable device is disclosed that, while being worn by a user, may allow a user to authenticate to a second device such as a smartphone without having to enter an unlock code such as a personal identification number. The wearable device may detect when the user removes it. Removal of the wearable device may cause it to be disabled and prevent it from being used to authenticate a subsequent user to the second device until it is re-enabled.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for locating a physical connector module are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein a method that includes selecting, via a locator beacon activation control function, a physical connector module to be located. The method further includes communicating, from the locator beacon activation control function, a locator beacon activation signal to a locator beacon activation client function included in the selected physical connector module and, in response to receiving the locator beacon activation signal at the locator beacon activation client function, triggering a transmission of a locator beacon from the selected physical connector module.

Abstract: A communication system includes: a remote controller having an input unit inputting user operations and a communication unit performing bidirectional communication, transmitting a remote control code in accordance with the user operation with respect to the input unit from the communication unit; and a host device having a communication unit performing bidirectional communication and a host function unit executing processing corresponding to the remote control code received in the communication unit, wherein the host device transmits a status response from the communication unit in response to a status inquiry transmitted from the communication unit of the remote controller, the remote controller repeatedly executes a status check communication procedure including the transmission of the status inquiry and waiting for receiving the status response after transmitting the remote control code at given time intervals during which the communication unit is in a dormant state.

Abstract: A display apparatus, an electronic device, an interactive system, and controlling methods thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes: a storage unit which stores peripheral device control information in which a remote control signal for controlling a peripheral device of the display apparatus matches with a control signal corresponding to a user voice; a voice collector which the user voice; a communicator which transmits the collected user voice to the display apparatus and receives the control signal corresponding to the user voice from the display apparatus; an infrared ray (IR) transmitter which transmits the remote control signal for controlling the peripheral device; and a controller which, if the control signal is received from the display apparatus, controls the IR transmitter to transmit a remote control signal corresponding to the received control signal among remote control signals stored in the storage unit, to the peripheral device.

Abstract: A circuit and method for reducing power consumption in an I/R receiver system includes determining a duty cycle of a command cycle comprising a series of command pulses separated by nulls and enabling and disabling selective active components of an I/R receiver system in accordance with the duty cycle. In an embodiment, the enabling of the active components commences during a null prior to the arrival of a new command pulse. In a further example embodiment, the enabling includes first enabling a first set of active components having a first settling time, waiting for at least the first settling time, and then second enabling a second set of active components having a second settling time.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for controlling a plurality of remote controllable appliances includes a housing, an infrared signal receiving window and an infrared signal transmitting window defined in the housing. The remote apparatus determines the selected appliance and the selected function based upon a wireless signal carrying an identification transmitted by the mobile terminal, determines an infrared remote control code, and emits an infrared signal carrying the infrared remote control code. A light directing element received in the housing directs the infrared signal emitting by the infrared transmitting unit and the infrared remote control signal from the attached remote control to exit the housing through the infrared signal transmitting window, thereby controlling the selected appliance to execute the selected function.

Abstract: A remote control system and method for controlling and interacting with a variety of devices and systems is disclosed. The system comprises at least one command server which is operable to receive control commands from a handheld communications device and to generate and transmit command signals in response to the received control commands, the transmitted command signals interacting with one or more devices controlled by the system. In one embodiment, the handheld communications device is operable to exchange data with an account server that maintains data and configuration information for the system and the devices to be controlled by it over a first communications modality. The handheld communications device transfers control commands and other data with the command server via a second communications modality and the handheld communications device can transfer data between the account server and the command server as needed.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: A code sequence relayed to an infrared blaster is monitored. If the code sequence approaches a violating sequence, the infrared blaster is controlled to emit infrared light with a corrected sequence that does not express the violating sequence. If the code sequence does not approach the violating sequence, the infrared blaster is controlled to emit infrared light with the code sequence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a remote controller with a device are provided. The systems and methods generally relate to receiving a request from a remote controlled to pair the remote controller to a device at several devices and determining at each of the several devices the strength of the wireless pairing request signal received by that device. If a device determines that its received signal is the strongest, the device may be paired with the remote controller. If instead a device determines that its received signal is not the strongest, it may ignore subsequent communications received from the remote controller.

Abstract: A control device includes a housing. The control device also includes a wireless communicator interior the housing. The wireless communicator wirelessly sends commands for controlling an electronic device, such as a game console. The control device also includes a reflector positioned to reflect light directed at the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light-based communication, and more particularly it relates to methods for configuration of at least one remote light-sensing device, to a central light-emitting unit and to a light-sensing device. According to the invention, spatial configuration of remote light-sensing devices (e.g. peripherals such as loudspeakers or light devices), will be achieved by transmission of embedded identifiers or configuration information in light emitted in a plurality of directions from a central light-emitting unit. With a different identifier or different configuration information for each direction of transmission, the directions can be distinguished from each other. The invention enables a user to place remote light-sensing devices in a desired spatial position and the central light-emitting unit will be able to determine location and spatial function, i.e. for example whether the peripheral is an audio device and/or a lighting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to embedding data into a luminance output generated by an illumination system comprising a light source and a controller. The controller is configured to embed data by modulating a drive signal applied to the light source with an information signal comprising a shifted base code and a synchronization code. The synchronization code serves to provide synchronization for the receiver, while the shifted base code serves to carry the embedded data. A cyclic phase shift that is applied to a base code to generate the shifted base code corresponds to particular data, such as, for example, light source identification, that needs to be embedded into the luminance output of the illumination system. In this manner, data may be embedded into the luminance output generated by a light source without requiring synchronization of this light source with other light sources.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, a method according to the present application includes remotely controlling wirelessly networked devices via a mobile unit. The method includes receiving, at a mobile unit and from a user, an input, analyzing the input to identify a networked device associated with the input, determining whether the networked device is presently accessible via a wireless network; determining whether to establish a connection with the networked device based on whether the networked device is determined to be presently accessible via the wireless network. The method also includes establishing a connection with the networked device if it is determined that the networked device is accessible via the wireless network and enabling the user to interact with the networked device through the mobile unit to remotely control the networked device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to detect infrared (IR) signals at a media device. Exemplary embodiments include a media device configured to receive media content; at least one IR detector residing in the media device, and configured to receive a portion of IR signals emitted from a remote control; and a cover lens disposed in a portion of an enclosure of the media device. The cover lens has a first cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signals emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a first portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is horizontally oriented, and has a second cover lens portion configured to receive the IR signal emitted from the remote control and is configured to transmit a second portion of the received IR signal to the IR detector when the media device is vertically oriented.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including: a light-receiving section capable of receiving an optical signal emitted from another apparatus; a controller capable of acquiring identification information for identifying the another apparatus on a network based on the received optical signal; and a communication section capable of establishing a connection with the another apparatus based on the acquired identification information.

Abstract: Infrared control signals are communicated between an infrared remote control unit (16) and an infrared controlled device (18) via network gateways (14). A sub-network of a backbone network (10) is automatically set up prior to transmission of messages. The sub-network comprises a selection of devices coupled to a backbone network (10). The setting up of the sub-network comprises automatically sending out a request from the first one of the network gateways (14) to detect network gateways (14) that indicate ability to transmit infrared control messages prior to transmission of the message and storing information defining the sub-network in the first one of the network gateways dependent to a response to the request.

Abstract: The communication method and the subsidiary transmission apparatus for a point-to-multipoint communication system in which the subsidiary transmission apparatus autonomously establishes point-to-multipoint communication between one main transmission apparatus and multiple subsidiary transmission apparatuses, without manually operating switches of the subsidiary transmission apparatuses.

Abstract: A universal infrared receiving apparatus is provided. The universal infrared receiving apparatus includes a slicer, a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory and a comparison apparatus. The slicer slices a remote control command waveform into digital waveform data. The non-volatile memory pre-stores target waveform data. The volatile memory stores the digital waveform data and the target waveform data. The comparison apparatus, coupled to the volatile memory, compares the digital waveform data and the target waveform data to generate a comparison result.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: A universal remote controller having a radio frequency (RF) control mode for generating RF signals for controlling an RF based home automation system and having an infrared (IR) control mode for controlling an infrared based electronic device using IR control signals. Control information input via a user interface is used to generate the IR control signals in the IR mode of operation and is used to generate the RF signals in the RF mode of operation. A control unit controls overall operation of the universal remote controller including the generation of IR signals to control electronic devices with the IR signals. A home automation module is connected to the control unit via a communication interface to generate RF signals to control the RF based home automation system. A display displays feedback information to the user regarding operations for controlling the home automation system.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, a method according to the present application includes remotely controlling wirelessly networked devices via a mobile unit. The method includes receiving, at a mobile unit and from a user, an input, analyzing the input to identify a networked device associated with the input, determining whether the networked device is presently accessible via a wireless network; determining whether to establish a connection with the networked device based on whether the networked device is determined to be presently accessible via the wireless network. The method also includes establishing a connection with the networked device if it is determined that the networked device is accessible via the wireless network and enabling the user to interact with the networked device through the mobile unit to remotely control the networked device.

Abstract: Optical or electrical attenuation is provided at the infrared (IR) receiver of a first device, such as a remote control, together with a commensurate increase in output of the IR transmitter of an appliance, such as a set top box, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of IR communications with respect to any background infrared radiation, such as radiation from a plasma display screen.

Abstract: The present application relates to a communication system for a bathroom product such as a toilet. The communication system includes a remote control device and a host device that directly controls the bathroom product. The remote control device includes an infrared module, a first RF communication module, and a first microcontroller connected to the infrared module and the first RF communication module. The host device includes a second RF communication module and a host microcontroller. The first microcontroller uses the infrared module to detect whether a person has entered the proximity of the remote control device. The first microcontroller is configured to cause the first RF communication module to activate, from a deactivated state, in response to the infrared module and the first microcontroller detecting that a person has entered the proximity of the remote control device.

Abstract: A method of translating raw formatted IR codes to discrete formatted IR codes. A raw formatted IR message representing an IR code can be detected. The IR message can include a raw formatted device ID including a first series of IR pulses and a raw formatted command ID including a second series of IR pulses. The IR message can be encoded into a definition that defines the first and second series of pulses contained in the IR message. Encoded data corresponding to the device ID and the command ID can be identified. The encoded data corresponding to the device ID can be matched to a particular device to identify a discrete formatted device ID. The encoded data corresponding to the command ID can be matched to a particular command to identify a discrete formatted command ID. The discrete formatted device ID and the discrete formatted command ID can be stored.