Abstract: One apparatus embodiment includes a target tracking apparatus. The apparatus includes a reference camera, a processor to receive image data from the reference camera, and memory connected to the processor. The apparatus includes instructions storable in the memory and executable by the processor to process the image data to determine a target region within a first frame of the image data. The device also includes instructions that can be executed to compare image data of the first frame with image data of a second frame to locate the target region in the second frame.

Abstract: An optical network system, including multiple nodes, an optical switch, and a switch controller, is configured to achieve communication in the optical domain. Each node is configured to receive both high frequency and low frequency inputs, generally utilized for handling data and addressing information, respectively. The two types of information are combined to create an amplitude modulated optical signal. Subsequently, the two types of information are separated by examining the optical power average of the signal being transmitted. Using one portion of the signal for addressing information, the switch controller can perform necessary routing and arbitration functions. Appropriate communications can then be sent back to the nodes and the optical switch to achieve the necessary configuration. The protocol utilized allows for subsequent arbitration and data transmission cycles, allowing the system and switch controller to configure transmission paths and arbitrate any communication issues.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, device, and methods of providing optical sensing. Various embodiment include an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus that can include an optical fiber bundle having an end located proximate to a lens and an aperture through which optical energy is received by the optical fiber bundle, and a sensor array, where the optical fiber bundle receives optical energy and passes the optical energy through the bundle to the sensor array, and where the sensor array is located remotely from the lens.

Abstract: An encryption technique that creates a unique encryption key or fingerprint based on unique physical and electrical characteristics of a target electronic assembly to be protected. The encryption key can be constructed by exploiting the manufacturing variances present in all electronic elements including active elements and passive elements. Active elements include, for example: oscillators/clocks, internal I/O controllers, external I/O controllers, memory, processors, and digital power converters. Passive elements include, for example: internal I/O interconnects, external I/O interconnects, memory buses, and power buses. The encryption key can also include one or more environmental condition thresholds.

Abstract: A functional optical device for use in an optical backplane system is provided that includes one or more input fibers, one or more output fibers, and a functional portion configured to operate on an optical input received via the one or more input fibers to provide an optical output via the one or more output fibers. The one or more input fibers and the one or more output fibers of the functional optical device are terminated in a fixed configuration based on a fixed termination layout of at least one group of multiple fibers of an optical backplane interconnect.

Abstract: A multiplexing technique for optical communications used to create a pseudo-random communications signal in the optical domain such that only the sender and/or receiver can decode the signal. The multiplexing technique may include one or more information-bearing optical signals combined with one or more dynamic pseudo-randomly-generated optical signals to create a combined dynamic subcarrier multiplexed privacy-protected output signal. The information-bearing signal is protocol-independent and can be of mixed type, such as RF, analog, and/or digital. Only the receiver of the privacy-protected signal may decode the pseudo-random signal so as to disclose the information-bearing signal. The present invention may use dynamic subcarrier multiplexing selection based on standard digital encryption and the use of optical range time to ensure synchronization.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices, systems, and methods. For example, one device embodiment of a thermally conductive shelf for operation with a conduction-cooled electronic module includes an expandable member defining a fluid passage between a first end and a second end, where the expandable member includes a first outer surface to contact a first conduction-cooled electronic module, an inlet located at a first end to receive a conductive fluid, and an outlet located at the second end to exhaust the conductive fluid.

Abstract: A communications arrangement that provides multiple levels of security is described. In one embodiment, a plurality of seedable code generators is configured to generate different sets of codes. A plurality of CDMA encoders are respectively coupled to the code generators, and each encodes input data using the set of codes generated by the coupled code generator. A plurality of CDMA decoders are similarly arranged for decoding input data. A node controller provides respective input seeds to the code generators and provides respective sets of codes from the code generators to paired encoders and decoders. An interconnect combines encoded data from the encoders into an output signal and transmits the output signal. An input signal received by the interconnect interface is provided to each decoder.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a connector for an optical pathway. The connector includes a body formed, at least in part, with a temperature sensitive material having one or more light transmission characteristics that change based upon the temperature of the material.

Abstract: A ferrule embodiment includes a ferrule having a number of optical fibers each having an end and an optoelectric power source to convert light traveling through at least one of the optical fibers into electricity to provide power to a component.

Abstract: One apparatus embodiment includes an optical emitter and a photodetector. At least a portion of the optical emitter extends a radial distance from a center point. The photodetector provided around at least a portion of the optical emitter and positioned outside the radial distance of the portion of the optical emitter.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical device including a circuit board, an optical network and a lens kit. The circuit board has a mounting surface, and the optical fiber network is coupled to the circuit board opposite the mounting surface. The optical network includes two or more optical waveguides arranged in layers. A via extends through the mounting surface and into the optical network. The lens kit includes at least two lens pucks. At least one lens puck has a reflective element. The lens pucks are arranged to correspond with at least some of the optical waveguides. The lens kit is adapted to be inserted within the via and to reflect light traveling along an axis of the via into the optical network. The present disclosure is also directed to the lens kit and methods of making the lens kit and the optical device.

Abstract: One device embodiment includes a device for filtering radiation from a target region in multiple spectral bands. The device includes a number of optical quantum dot filters, each having a particular pass-through wavelength range, positioned on a rotatable disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling and decoupling optical leads while preventing twists or kinks in the optical leas as well as back reflections with the apparatus including an a rotatable optical coupler and a non-rotatable optical coupler.

Abstract: A parallel mounted MEMs optical diagnostic switch disposed within an optical connector for directing optical signals from one or a plurality of light sources to one or a plurality of light collectors by activating a feedback loop through the use of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). The present invention includes one or more mirrors mounted parallel to the path of optical transmission through the tool. The mirrors and can be automatically activated at power up or selectively thereafter for detecting faults in any upstream fiber optic component. When in the passive mode, the present invention retracts away from the optical path so as not to interfere with normal system operations.

Abstract: Optical routers or optical interconnection devices that include an optical coupling method and optical coupling apparatus wherein a plurality of layers that contain optical devices that require optical coupling can be optically coupled by inserting optical coupling elements therein to transfer a light signal from one location on one layer to another location on a different layer. The optical coupling elements can include various light directing members such as reflectors, beam splitters/combiners or other components that can act on a light signal to modify, or control the light signal in a desired manner. In addition, an optical coupling elements can be transparent to the light signal so as not affect the direction or the integrity of the light signal as it passes through the optical coupling element.

Abstract: An interface system and a method of making an interface assembly or connection between a first device having a number of optical leads and a second device having a number of optical leads. In the preferred process one forms an optical fabric assembly having a number of free or unattached optical leads without any coupler attached thereto. To transfer a signal from the free or unattached optical leads one forms an optical coupler by connecting one end of an optical lead to a connector. The other end of the optical lead is maintained in a free or unattached condition. One can then test the optical coupler to determine if the connections is properly formed so that a signal can pass into the optical lead through the connector or vice versa.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical apparatus suitable for coupling to an optical network. The optical apparatus is adapted to transmit multiplexed optical signals on the optical network and/or de-multiplex optical transmissions from the network. The optical apparatus includes an optical waveguide and an optoelectronic device. The optical waveguide has a set of diffractive elements in the form of a scribed volume hologram, which provides an optical transfer function. The optical waveguide also includes a first optical port and a second optical port. The second optical port is adapted to be optically coupled to the optical network. The optoelectronic device includes a plurality of optical portions. The optoelectronic device is adapted to convert optical signals at the optical portions into electric signals and/or convert electric signals into optical signals at the optical portions.

Abstract: An optical coupling and a method of making an optical coupling where the alignment of the optical beam between two optical ports is completed after the optical coupling is assembled or packaged for shipment through the repositioning of a collecting mirror which is interposed to intercept an optical beam from an optical beam transmitter and then reflect the optical beam onto an optical beam receptor without an operator having to move or align either the optical beam transmitter or the optical beam receptor.

Abstract: An optical sensing device uses a set of source mirrors directing light from a set of light sources to a movable collector mirror. Each of the light sources has a unique wavelength. The collector mirror is coupled to a MEMS actuator that moves the collector mirror in response to a physical phenomena. A light collector gathers light from the collector mirror and the physical phenomena can be measured by determining the relative intensity associated with each of the light sources in the light gathered at the collector.