Abstract: Described are a vehicle optical communications system and network to exchange high bandwidth optical data between vehicles or between a vehicle and a stationary host. The vehicle optical communications system includes a communications module and a sensor having pixels for detecting an image in a field of view. Each pixel can generate a pixel data signal responsive to an incident optical data signal that includes vehicle data transmitted from a remote optical transmitter. The communications module provides remote data in response to the pixel data signals. The vehicular communications system optionally includes an optical transmitter to enable bi-directional communication. Data can be transmitted through a multi-node network of vehicular communication systems deployed in vehicles or on stationary hosts located between or around the data transmitter and intended data receiver.

Abstract: Described are a self-protecting storage device and method that can be used to monitor attempts to access protected information. Access is allowed for authorized host systems and devices while unauthorized access is prevented. Authorization use includes inserting a watermark into access commands, such as I/O requests, sent to the storage device. The access commands are verified before access is permitted. In one embodiment, block addresses in I/O requests are encrypted at the host device and decrypted at the self-protecting storage device. Decrypted block addresses are compared to an expected referencing pattern. If a sufficient match is determined, access to the stored information is provided. Self-protection can be provided to a range of storage devices including, for example, SD flash memory, USB thumb drives, computer hard drives and network storage devices. A variety of host devices can be used with the self-protecting storage devices, such as cell phones and digital cameras.

Abstract: Described are a self-protecting memory device and a method for protecting information stored in a memory device. The self-protecting memory device includes a storage module, an access control module and a pattern memory module. The access control module communicates with the storage module and is configured to receive memory references from a host system. The pattern memory module communicates with the access control module and stores an expected pattern of memory references. The access control module compares the expected pattern of memory references and memory references received from the host system. Access to the information stored in the storage module is provided or denied by the access control module according to the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Described are a method and optical communications processor for receiving communications data in an image formed on a plurality of pixels. The method includes receiving active pixel information identifying which of the pixels are receiving communications data and retrieving communications data from each of the pixels identified by the active pixel information. A list of active data communication channels is generated in response to the active pixel information. The active pixel information can be in the form of active pixel flag bits. Optionally, the method also includes receiving video data from the pixels.

Abstract: Described are a method and a photodetector system for determining a wavelength of light. A current generated in a photodetector in response to incident light is determined. The incident light is terminated and a decay current generated by the photodetector is determined. The wavelength of the light is determined according to the current, the decay current and a predetermined correspondence between the current and decay current as a function of wavelength and time. In one embodiment, the decay current is compared to reference decay currents to determine a matched reference decay current and the wavelength of the light is determined according to a wavelength associated with the matched reference decay current.

Abstract: Described are a device and a method for determining a wavelength of light incident on a device having an upper photodiode vertically disposed on a lower photodiode. Currents generated by the upper and lower photodiodes in response to the incident light are measured. The wavelength of the light is determined in response to the measured currents and a predetermined correspondence between the currents from the photodiodes as a function of wavelength. In one embodiment, bias voltages applied to the photodiodes are changed and modified currents are measured. The wavelength is determined in response to the measured currents and a predetermined correspondence between the currents from the two photodiodes as a function of wavelength and bias voltage.

Abstract: Described are a method and a photodetector system for determining a wavelength of light. A current generated in a photodetector in response to incident light is determined. The incident light is terminated and a decay current generated by the photodetector is determined. The wavelength of the light is determined according to the current, the decay current and a predetermined correspondence between the current and decay current as a function of wavelength and time. In one embodiment, the decay current is compared to reference decay currents to determine a matched reference decay current and the wavelength of the light is determined according to a wavelength associated with the matched reference decay current.

Abstract: Described are a vehicle optical communications system and network to exchange high bandwidth optical data between vehicles or between a vehicle and a stationary host. The vehicle optical communications system includes a communications module and a sensor having pixels for detecting an image in a field of view. Each pixel can generate a pixel data signal responsive to an incident optical data signal that includes vehicle data transmitted from a remote optical transmitter. The communications module provides remote data in response to the pixel data signals. The vehicular communications system optionally includes an optical transmitter to enable bi-directional communication. Data can be transmitted through a multi-node network of vehicular communication systems deployed in vehicles or on stationary hosts located between or around the data transmitter and intended data receiver.

Abstract: Described are a method and system for providing information into a video record from an object in a monitored area. A video image of the monitored area is generated and information is received in a signal transmitted from the object. An image is displayed which shows the information superimposed on the video image. Optionally, the displayed image shows the information at a location in a display that corresponds to a location of the object in the display. The displayed image can include an automatic scrolling of the information overlaid on the video image or an automatic or manual scrolling of the information in a region adjacent to a region showing the video image.

Abstract: Described are a system and a method for optical tracking of assets. The system includes a sensor having a plurality of pixels. Each pixel is adapted to produce an electrical signal responsive to an incident optical data signal emitted by an optical tag attached to an asset. The system also includes a sensor processor in communication with the sensor and configured to generate an electrical data signal based on optical data signals incident on the pixels. The sensor processor also generates asset data in response to the electrical data signals from the pixels. The sensor and sensor processor can be implemented as an optical communications imager in which each pixel generates a communication data signal based on incident light. Alternatively, the sensor can include a digital video camera or an analog video camera for lower bandwidth communications.

Abstract: Described are a method and system that combine the features of wireless telephone service and landline telephones through a wired telephone network. The system includes a landline phone and a cell phone coupled to the wired telephone network through a landline interface module and a cell interface module, respectively. The landline interface module generates data for transmission over the wired telephone network to the cell interface module and generates a phone signal at the landline phone in response to data received over the wired telephone network from the cell interface module. The cell interface module generates data for transmission to the landline interface module and generates a phone signal at the cell phone in response to data received from the landline interface module. The cell phone enables communication between the landline phone and a remote cell phone over a wireless link.

Abstract: Described are an optical sensor and method for receiving communications data in an image. The sensor includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes an optical detector for receiving light in a portion of an image and generating an electrical signal in response to the light. The sensor also included a data communications signal detector in communication with the optical detector to detect communications data in the electrical signal. The data communications signal detector includes a data threshold module for detecting a communications bit when the electrical signal exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Described are a method and optical communications processor for receiving communications data in an image formed on a plurality of pixels. The method includes receiving active pixel information identifying which of the pixels are receiving communications data and retrieving communications data from each of the pixels identified by the active pixel information. A list of active data communication channels is generated in response to the active pixel information. The active pixel information can be in the form of active pixel flag bits. Optionally, the method also includes receiving video data from the pixels.