Optical Communication Over Freee Space Patents (Class 398/118)
  • Patent number: 7593649
    Abstract: Method and system for processing a modulated WIR input signal. A digital device includes an input receiving circuit. This circuit receives the modulated WIR input signal and detects a modulation carrier pulse burst in the WIR input signal and generates a valid pulse signal. A pulse generating circuit is operatively coupled to the input receiving circuit and generates a pulse signal of a specific duration based in part on the pulse burst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Digital Networks North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Talatinian, Daniel Pierce
  • Publication number: 20090232508
    Abstract: A communication system includes at least one optical-wireless device coupled to a longitudinal side of an optical fiber. The optical-wireless device may include an optical fiber power unit for converting optical power into electrical power, and a wireless communication unit electrically powered by the optical fiber power unit. The optical-wireless device may include a substrate mounting the optical fiber power unit and the wireless communication unit to the longitudinal side of the optical fiber. The wireless communication unit may include a radio frequency transmitter, and a signal optical grating coupling the transmitter to the longitudinal side of the optical fiber. The radio frequency transmitter in some embodiments may include an ultra-wideband transmitter. A dipole antenna may also be provided including first and second portions extending in opposite directions along the longitudinal side of the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond Charles Rumpf, Eric G. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090232509
    Abstract: Switchable retroreflector devices that are modulated via electrowetting. The devices include an electrically-conductive polar fluid and a non-polar fluid that is immiscible with the polar fluid. The polar and the non-polar fluids differ in at least one optical property. The fluids are contained in a fluid vessel, or an array of fluid vessels. The fluids are at least partially viewable. A voltage source is configured to selectively apply an electromechanical force to the polar fluid causing repositioning and/or geometrical change of the fluids such that retroreflection in created, or suppressed, by optical refraction or by optical attenuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
    Inventors: Jason Heikenfeld, Murali Kilaru, Phillip Schultz, Daniel J. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20090226178
    Abstract: A novel method and system is provided for simultaneous, non- invasive and non-contact marking for processing of targeted objects. The viewing, selection, marking, processing and feed-back is simultaneous and computerized. What is new in this invention, it is the complete automation of the remote marking process. It is completely computer controlled and made possible by laser printer type marking/pointer equipment. Also, completely new is the concept of embedding digital information into a laser beam or other coherent information vector and attaching this way data/information to any object or place. New is the idea of using a discrete information vector not only as a beacon but also as a selector for the marking of more than one target objects. New is the idea of completely software controlled computerized digital marking of places or objects for closing motion control loops. No on-site human operators/soldiers needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Zoltan Filep
  • Patent number: 7587112
    Abstract: In order to prevent a spectrum of a wavelength channel from becoming narrower, a device according to the present invention includes a light dividing section capable of dividing a wavelength spectrum in an input light beam and outputting a plurality of divided light beams, which are spatially separated and have wavelength spectrum portions different from each other, and a wavelength-to-special-position-converter capable of spatially multiplexing the wavelength spectrum portions of the plurality of divided light beams from the light dividing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Haruhiko Tabuchi
  • Publication number: 20090208221
    Abstract: There are provided a first modulation section for performing low-speed digital modulation of first data; a second modulation section for performing high-speed digital modulation of second data; a first light transmitting section for emitting/quenching visible light in accordance with an output signal of the first modulation section to transmit a visible light signal which conveys the first data; and a second light transmitting section for changing the intensity of the infrared light in accordance with an output signal of the second modulation section to transmit an infrared light signal, which conveys the second data, in parallel with the visible light signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Sasai
  • Publication number: 20090210203
    Abstract: A cell-planning method for a wireless optical communication system includes: implementing a target region for constructing a wireless optical communication system as a virtual space; disposing a virtual light source within the virtual space; checking a sequence number of a virtual light ray generated by the virtual light source; checking the number of intersection points occurring between the virtual light ray, the sequence number of which has been checked, and surfaces of virtual objects, and comparing the number of intersection points of the virtual light ray with an allowable number of intersection points; storing the virtual light ray when the number of intersection points of the virtual light ray is greater than the allowable number of intersection points; and comparing the sequence number of the virtual light ray with a set number of virtual light rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Eun-Tae Won, Dae-Seok Kim, Jong-Hoon Ann, Jae-Seung Son
  • Patent number: 7577364
    Abstract: An optical wireless local area network using line of sight optical links. The base station and terminal stations are provided with optical transceivers which include a transmitter array and detector array. The transmitter array consists of an array of resonant cavity light emitting diodes integrated using flip-chip technology with a CMOS driver circuit. The driver circuit includes constant bias, current peaking and charge extraction. The driver circuitry is compact and can be confined within a region underlying the corresponding light source. The detector array consists of an array of photo diodes, provided with sense circuitry consisting of a pre-amplifier and post-amplifier. The diodes and sense circuitry are also integrated using a flip-chip technique. The light emitter and the detector may include adaptive optical elements to steer and/or focus the light beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: David John Edwards, Dominic Christopher O'Brien, Grahame Edward Faulkner, David Michael Holburn, Robert Joseph Mears
  • Publication number: 20090196622
    Abstract: A reconnection method and device for a peripheral interface using VLC provide a protocol for when a communication link between a primary device and a secondary device is disconnected. The primary device generates an R-XID message including reconnection information and a warning indication signal indicating the disconnection. The secondary device aligns the communication link with the primary device using the warning indication signal, receives the R-XID message from the primary device by the secondary device, and transmits an R-XID response message for the R-XID message to the primary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Hong-Seok Shin, Dae-Kwang Jung, Jeong-Seok Choi, Kyung-Woo Lee, Dong-Jae Shin, Sung-Bum Park, Yoo-Jeong Hyun, Seong Hoon Hyun
  • Publication number: 20090196613
    Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a lighting device, particularly to the modulation of light generated by a solid state lighting (SSL) device. The invention provides a method and device for modulating the light emission of a lighting device by keying each pulse (14) of a sequence of pulses (16) contained in the control signal (10) according to a spreading code. Thus, the light emission of a lighting device may be identified by detecting the spreading code used for modulating the light emission. The invention is particularly suitable for lighting means containing several lighting devices such as a LED lighting board with dozens of LEDs since the light emission of each lighting device may be detected by the spreading code used for modulating the light emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Paul Marie Gerard Linnartz
  • Publication number: 20090185808
    Abstract: An optical communication device contains a semiconductor chip that performs wireless communication and a wireless-signal-and-optical-signal conversion chip substrate that mounts the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes a first wireless communication circuit element and a first antenna element. The first wireless communication circuit element is connected to the first antenna element. The wireless-signal-and-optical-signal conversion chip substrate includes a second wireless communication circuit element, a second antenna element and an optical communication element. The second wireless communication circuit element is connected to the second antenna element. The optical communication element is connected to the second wireless communication circuit element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro KISHIMA
  • Patent number: 7565081
    Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of nodes and a plurality of point-to-point links that interconnect the plurality of nodes into a network. Each node includes an optical switch to controllably route a plurality of in-ports of the optical switch into a plurality of out-ports of the optical switch. Each point-to-point link includes a free space optical channel. A first free space optical channel couples to a first node through a receive path and through a transmit path. The receive path couples to a respective in-port of the optical switch of the first node, and the transmit path coupled to a respective out-port of the optical switch of the first node. In an alternative embodiment, a communication hub includes a plurality of neighborhood links, and a trunk coupled between the optical switch and a free space optical channel link to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: David M. Britz, Jeevan Prakash Dodley, Lih-Yuan Lin, Robert R. Miller
  • Patent number: 7565082
    Abstract: In a data transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment, a data transmitter, which is capable of outputting a dummy light for judging an optical axis and a signal light having a beam spread smaller than that of the dummy light on the same optical axis, outputs the dummy light for scan so as to go across a photoreceiving part of a data receiver. When the dummy light having a predetermined optical level or more is optically received, the data receiver informs the data transmitter of reception chance and prepares for receiving the data. The data transmitter outputs the data carried by the signal light to the data receiver according to the information indicating the reception chance from the data receiver. The data receiver receives the data by optically receiving the signal light from the data transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: KDDI Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Yazaki, Masashi Usami
  • Patent number: 7561039
    Abstract: A transmitting unit includes a transmitter for transmitting signals of coded information about a position close to the unit in a space substantially unreachable by a satellite-based navigating system so as to provide a receiver arranged on a moving object present in the space with the position information for determining the position of the object. The transmitter is adapted to normally be in an inactive non-transmitting state, and the unit further includes a detector adapted to detect movement of an object within a space and activate the transmitter to transmit signals only when movement of an object in the space is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Lennart Nordevall, Stefan Andersson
  • Patent number: 7558484
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of ultra-wide band wireless system, which changes the previous electronic structure for ultra-wide band pulse generator, and uses light to generate pulse signal, transformed by microwave differentiator to Gaussian monocycle pulse transmission signal, the derived pulse signal can provide several GHz bandwidth to transmit fast speed information, and further complete the new ultra-wide band wireless system. It reduces the complexity of electronic system and enhances output signal quality by means of light property, with considerable leading advantage. And the signal generated by this system has broader band and no infringe property, its 10 dB band falls within the range prescribed by the Federal Communication Committee of United States (FCC), successfully realizing the ultra wide band fiberoptic wireless collection network system, and further attaining the goal of seamless communication collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Chang Gung Memorial University
    Inventors: Wen-Piao Lin, Jun-Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20090169215
    Abstract: The invention relates to A method for a lighting device, in particular for a display device such as a LCD-TV, projector etc., generating radiation including at least visible light for illumination with at least one light-emitting element (1) being a LED (1) or an OLED, emitting radiation comprising an average light intensity for illumination purpose, a controller (2) coupled to the light-emitting element (1) modulating said radiation for a data transfer simultaneously to the illumination purpose, wherein the controller (2) is configured in such a way, that simultaneously data signals are transmitted via the generated radiation of said light-emitting element (1) and said modulation is not visible by an observer, wherein the data signals are transmitted to a detecting unit (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Georg Sauerlander, Bart Andre Salters
  • Patent number: 7551856
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of infrared devices (ICDs) is provided herein. A remote controller is used to generate an optical signal for controlling a plurality of ICDs. The optical signal generated by the remote controller is converted into an electrical signal by an infrared repeater device. An implementation of such a system includes a rotary mechanical switch to direct the electrical signal generated by the infrared repeater device to a light emitting diode (LED) located near one of the plurality of ICDs. The LED converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and re-transmits the optical signal to the one of the plurality of ICDs. The system allows controlling the plurality of ICDs located in a remote location without having the user commute closer to such ICDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Siu
  • Patent number: 7546038
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless optical data transmission system and a method for wireless optical transmission of data. The system comprises a data stream generator for generating at least two parallel data streams (18.1, 18.2, 18.3). The parallel data streams are transmitted by a number of separate optical transmitting devices (8, 9, 10) separately by emitting first optical signals. The system further comprises a corresponding number of detectors (19, 20, 21) for detecting the first optical signals and converting them into respective second signals (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) and an error correction unit (31) for correcting the amended second signals. Within a predistortion (29) unit each second signal (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) is amended individually with respect to a transmission channel used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Zhaocheng Wang, Kao-Cheng Huang, Masahiro Uno
  • Publication number: 20090103924
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical modulating system for generating a signal of a frequency (f0+2fm) and a signal of a frequency (f0?2fm) and suppressing a signal of a frequency (f0) by a DSB-SC modulator. A fourth harmonic generating system for solving the above problem comprises a first DSB-SC modulator (2) a second DSB-SC modulator (3) and a signal control section (5) for controlling a modulating signal from a signal source (4) for generating modulating signals applied to the first and second DSB-SC modulators (2,3) so that a lower side-band signal (f0) generated by modulating the upper side-band signal of the DSB-SC modulator (2) by the DSB-SC modulator (3) and an upper side-band signal (f0) generated by modulating the lower side-band signal of the DSB-SC modulator (2) by the DSB-SC modulator (3) cancel each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kawanishi, Masayuki Izutsu, Takahide Sakamoto, Masahiro Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20090090847
    Abstract: An optical semiconductor device converts a light signal into an electric signal and amplifies the converted electric signal, and includes: a photodiode which converts a light signal into a current signal; another photodiode which converts a light signal into a current signal; a current amplifying circuit which includes an operational amplifier which amplifies an output current from the photodiode; and a current-voltage conversion circuit which converts an output current from the other photodiode into a voltage, wherein an output terminal of the current amplifying circuit is connected to an input terminal of the current-voltage conversion circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo FUKUDA, Hiroshi YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20090074422
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for target identification are disclosed. An example method for target identification disclosed herein comprises establishing an optical communication link with a potential target, transmitting a first signal encoded with a first code to the potential target using the optical communication link, receiving a second signal from the potential target using the optical communication link, extracting a second code from the second signal, and identifying the potential target as a friendly asset based on the second code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090052902
    Abstract: A communication system (1) is provided with: a first communication apparatus (100a); and a second communicating apparatus (100b), the first communicating apparatus is provided with: (i) a displaying device (110) which can perform high-speed modulation; (ii) a display dividing device (112) for dividing a display surface of the displaying device into a plurality of display blocks; and (iii) a controlling device (115) for controlling the displaying device to display a display pattern in each of the divided plurality of display blocks, the second communicating apparatus is provided with: (i) a light receiving device (120) for light-receiving the display pattern which is displayed on the displaying device; and (ii) an obtaining device (121) for obtaining the predetermined data on the basis of the light-received display pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kiichiro Shinokura
  • Patent number: 7493046
    Abstract: Light emitting diodes are placed side by side at a front end of the remote control transmitter in a manner that their maximum radiation directions, i.e. radiation directions each giving a maximum radiation intensity, are each inclined at an angle within a range no larger than 5 degrees outwardly of the remote control transmitter 1 and symmetrically with respect to a bisector of a line segment which connects center points of the light emitting diodes. The inclination, within a range no larger than 5 degrees, of each of the light emitting diodes used as light sources for remote control does not cause significant reduction in the radiation intensity. Accordingly, it is possible to widen the transmittable angle within a range no larger than 10 degrees without significantly reducing the radiation intensity at a central portion of the radiation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Funai Eletric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Kyoto
  • Patent number: 7486893
    Abstract: The disclosed technology provides a dynamic interconnection system which allows to couple a pair of optical beams carrying modulation information. In accordance with the disclosed technology, two optical beams emanate from transceivers at two different locations. Each beam may not see the other beam point of origin (non-line-of-sight link), but both beams can see a third platform that contains the system of the disclosed technology. Each beam incident on the interconnection system is directed into the reverse direction of the other, so that each transceiver will detect the beam which emanated from the other transceiver. The system dynamically compensates for propagation distortions preferably using closed-loop optical devices, while preserving the information encoded on each beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Pepper, Richard P. Berg
  • Publication number: 20090028572
    Abstract: A free-space optical receiving apparatus in one embodiment of the invention is provided with: a signal receiving light-sensitive element that converts an infrared signal to an electric current signal; a current-voltage conversion circuit that converts the electric current signal to a voltage signal; a shared processing circuit that amplifies this voltage signal, performs digital conversion on the voltage signal, and outputs a digital signal; and a mode conversion circuit that switches the shared processing circuit to a remote control mode when an infrared signal is received, and switches the shared processing circuit to an IrSimple mode when an IrSimple signal is received. The shared processing circuit converts the remote control signal to a digital signal when in the remote control mode, and converts the IrSimple signal to a digital signal when in the IrSimple mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Nobuhisa WATANABE
  • Patent number: 7483638
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical transceiver that enables to reduce the crosstalk from the optical transmitter to the optical receiver. The regenerator of the optical transceiver includes two main amplifiers, a selector, a selector control, and a re-shaper for shaping the receiving signal selected by the selector. The first main amplifier provides a first amplifier and a delay circuit connected in upstream to the first amplifier. The second main amplifier provides a second amplifier and a delay circuit connected in downstream to the second amplifier. The selector selects, based on the phase difference between the receiving signal Rx and the transmitting signal Tx, the output from the first main amplifier or that from the second main amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeo Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20090022496
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for arranging communication links in visible light communication increases the user visibility of the system. The method includes the steps of: (a) synchronizing, by a visible light communication (VLC) exchange identification (XID) frame, (b) transmission timing of a primary device and a secondary device in an allocated time slot, and securing time so as to allow the primary device and the secondary device to perform an operation required for transmitting data; (c) transmitting an XID command frame from the primary to the secondary device and (d) transmitting an XID response frame from the secondary receiving the XID command frame to the primary; and (e) filling remaining space of the allocated time slot with a visibility field so as to increase visibility of the remaining space of the allocated time slot after receiving the XID command frame or the XID response frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Dong-Jae SHIN, Dae-Kwang Jung, Jeong-Seok Choi, Hong-Seok Shin, Kyung-Woo Lee, Sung-Bum Park, Yoo-Jeong Hyun, Seong Hoon Hyun
  • Publication number: 20090016718
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are described for wirelessly distributing data from a Passive Optical Network (PON). The system includes a PON for transmitting an optical signal. The system further includes a distribution terminal coupled with the PON. The distribution terminal is to receive the optical signal, convert the optical signal to a set of data, and transmit the set of data via a wireless signal. The system further includes a first customer endpoint in communication with the distribution terminal. The first customer endpoint is to receive the wireless signal, demodulate and process a first subset of the set of data from the wireless signal, and then forward a second subset of the set of data via a second wireless signal. The system includes additional customer endpoints in communication with the first customer endpoint. The additional customer endpoints are configured to receive the second wireless signal and process the second subset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lorre Lubin, Mark J. Vanderaar
  • Patent number: 7477846
    Abstract: A method that does not rely on signal strength for detecting the presence of a broken optical wireless link. The method controls the packet transfer rate in a manner that minimizes both network overhead and computational requirements. Upon completion of the acquisition process, the control packet transfer rate is significantly reduced, since a high control packet transmission rate is only necessary during the acquisition process in order to expedite the acquisition process. The need for reacquisition is based, for example, on the number of consecutive missing packets, or the rate of missing versus received packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric G. Oettinger, Karl K. Northrup
  • Patent number: 7474855
    Abstract: A battery-less terminal (1) has means (21) for photoelectrically converting an optical signal from an information transmission device (2), means (12) for outputting the electric signal generated by the photoelectric conversion means (21) as sound, means (13) for reflecting infrared light for position emitted by a position detection device (3), a light source (14) for infrared light for ID, means (15) for storing ID data, and means (16) for modulating the infrared light for ID in accordance with the ID data. The information transmission device (2) has a light source (21) for an optical signal and means (22) for modulating the strength of the optical signal in accordance with the electric signals of sound information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takuichi Nishimura, Yoshiyuki Nakamura, Hideo Itoh, Hideyuki Nakashima, Takeshi Kurata
  • Patent number: 7474856
    Abstract: A method and device produce an optical link with laser pulses between an emitter of the pulses and a receiver of the pulses. The optical link is used by a locating device for locating a body moving at constant speed away from the locating device. The locating device delays the start of emission of the laser pulses with respect to the departure of the moving body and varies the energy of the successive laser pulses in proportion to the square of the time elapsed since the start of emission of the pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: MBDA France
    Inventors: Bernard Teneze, Frank Bernoux
  • Publication number: 20080298809
    Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) includes a Digital Subscriber Line interface unit for processing Physical Layer and Data Link Layer of the Digital Subscriber Line (DSL); at least two virtual DSLAM units adapted to simulate DSLAM to process a packet from the DSL interface unit; and a backhaul interface unit adapted to receive a packet processed by the DSLAM unit, and to send a packet from an access edge node or carrier equipment to the virtual DSLAM unit for processing. The disclosure further provides an Optical Network Unit, an Optical Line Terminal and a Base Station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Ruobin Zheng
  • Patent number: 7457337
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical transponder includes a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA). In one embodiment, the electrical ground of the TOSA may be DC-isolated from chassis ground of the transponder using a blocking capacitor that couples the AC signal path to VDD and that allows the case of the TOSA to float. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical ground of the TOSA may be DC-isolated from chassis ground of the transponder using a blocking capacitor that couples the AC signal path to VDD and a resistor that couples the DC bias level path to internal electrical ground or transponder case ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jiaxi Kan, Yen-Ping Ho, Tianshu Wan
  • Publication number: 20080279559
    Abstract: A method includes generating an optical millimeter wave signal for modulation of a first data signal, and deriving from the generated optical millimeter wave signal a subsequent light source for modulation of a second data signal. More specifically the generating includes modulating a light wave to a multiple of a frequency of an oscillating signal. Alternatively, the generating includes modulating a data signal mixed with an oscillating signal to a multiple of a frequency of the oscillating signal. The deriving includes modulating a frequency component filtered from a data modulation of the generated optical millimeter wave signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jianjun Yu, Dayou Qian, Lei Xu, Ting Wang
  • Publication number: 20080279558
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for clearing an optical channel for transmitting data through free space between a first and second location includes a light beam, wherein the light beam has a spatially and/or time-dependent modulated intensity profile, and is substantially collimated so that the intensity profile is conserved over a specified distance of operation. The light beam includes a cross-sectional profile having regions of low and high intensity, portions of which are provided for the transmission of an optical data signal. A light source wavelength and intensity are selected for types of obscurant particles having optical properties whereby the radiation pressure acts on the particles, and the particles may then be either attracted into or repelled from portions of the spatially modulated optical beam, leaving certain portions of the optical channel beam absent of obscurant particles, thereby enabling transmission of optical data through the cleared optical channel with low attenuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Barbara A. Capron, William A. McNeely, Kishan Dholakia, Antonia Erika Carruthers
  • Patent number: 7450854
    Abstract: A high-speed wireless LAN system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Hun Lee, Yun-Je Oh, Do-In Choi
  • Patent number: 7450855
    Abstract: There is provided an optical detection apparatus, comprising a light-receiving element, an optical system which forms a spot of light flux on a light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element by externally incident light flux, and an information generating section which generates information with respect to a position of the spot based on the output from the light-receiving element. The optical system includes an optical element array having a plurality of optical element portions, and a plurality of spots formed by the plurality of optical element portions substantially overlap to each other on the light-receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuji Ohmuro
  • Patent number: 7447437
    Abstract: An interface arrangement for opto-electronic data transfer which has an electrical plug connection part which includes at least one electrical contact used by a connected plug-in transceiver to provide information related to the data transfer rate at which the connected plug-in transceiver is able to transmit optical signals. An electrical control apparatus connected to this contact is used to set the data transfer rate of signals transferred from an electrical chip to a connected plug-in transceiver, the control apparatus taking several specified data transfer rates and setting that data transfer rate on the electrical chip which is the maximum at which a connected plug-in transceiver is able to transfer, provided that this data transfer rate is lower than the data transfer rate which has been set internally on the electrical chip. An opto-electronic transceiver which can be connected to an interface arrangement in plug-in fashion is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Fiber Optics GmbH
    Inventor: Nikolaus Schunk
  • Publication number: 20080247759
    Abstract: The current options for wireless communication have changed the way people work and the way in which networks can be deployed. However, there remains unresolved problems in the setup and configuration of wireless communication links. Both known cellular and ad hoc wireless networking protocols and systems are deficient in that the ability for users to communicate without a priori knowledge of MAC addresses (represented by phone numbers, IP addresses and the like) is limited or may be compromised in a hostile environment. In contrast, provided by aspects of the present invention are devices, systems and methods for establishing ad hoc wireless communication between users that do not necessarily have MAC addresses and the like for one another. In some embodiments, a first user visually selects a second user and points a coherent light beam at an electronic device employed by the second user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ajang Bahar
  • Publication number: 20080232799
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling cost-effective duplex communication by diplexing one of down stream signals for frequency up-conversion in a hybrid fiber-radio system includes diplexing an unmodulated mode signal among beating signals between a master laser and an injection-locked slave laser and using the diplexed signal for down-conversion in upstream transmission, thereby eliminating the need for expensive high-frequency local oscillators for frequency conversion. Higher radio frequency signals can be generated using beating between basic modes and satellite modes such as FWM conjugates of the master laser and slave laser. Cost-effective systems, stabilization of a light source and improved transmission performance may be achieved by using a diplexer instead of an expensive high-frequency local oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: A-Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 7424225
    Abstract: A first node (205) in a network includes a non-optical transceiver (415) and an optical subsystem (410). The non-optical transceiver (415) sends a request message to establish an optical link from the first node (205) to a second node via electrical signals over an electrically transmissive medium. The optical subsystem (410) establishes an optical link between the first node and the second node based on the receipt of the request granted message and transmits data between the first node and the second node via optical signals over the optical link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Brig Barnum Elliott
  • Publication number: 20080212970
    Abstract: A non-line of sight (NLOS) communications system and method are provided. An ensemble of photodetectors is used to collect the light, scattered in the sky being illuminated by initial pulsed laser beam carrying information. Each detector collects scattered light from one area in free space along the initial light propagation line. The same bit of information is detected multiple times on multiple detectors during the pulse transmission along its propagation path. Signals received by multiple detectors are synchronized and processed in a digital signal processing unit. Improved system sensitivity and reliability is achieved by multiple registration of the same bit of information. Special selection of the areas in free space ensures detection of a single bit of information during the time equal to a bit period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Isaac Shpantzer
  • Patent number: 7421212
    Abstract: Detecting a pulse of a signal includes receiving the signal and a light beam. The signal drives a spatial light modulator to modulate the light beam, where the complex amplitude of the modulated light beam is proportional to the signal current. The modulated light beam passes through an optical system and is detected by an optical detector array. A processor identifies a portion of the signal comprising the pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John B. Allen
  • Patent number: 7421203
    Abstract: A method for transmitting a packet in a wireless access network based on a wavelength identification code scheme. The method comprises the steps of connecting n number of RNCs (Radio Network Controllers) to one sub-ring where the “n” is a positive integer, and assigning a unique wavelength to each RNC; identifying a packet to be transmitted between the RNCs located within a same sub-ring using the assigned unique wavelength, and transmitting the packet through an SRC (Sub-Ring Controller); connecting m number of SRCs to one main-ring where the “m” is a positive integer, and assigning a unique wavelength to each SRC; and detaching a wavelength identification code from the packet to be transmitted between the RNCs located within different sub-rings, and transmitting the packet having the encapsulated wavelength identification code through an MRC (Main-Ring Controller).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Byoung Whi Kim, Jea Hoon Yu, Min Ho Kang
  • Patent number: 7415212
    Abstract: A transmitter formed of two or more light-emitting sections such as LEDs, which are physically arranged in a predetermined manner, is disposed in the real world object, and each light-emitting section transmits data by flashing at a flashing pattern representing the transmission data of a predetermined bit length. A receiver, on the other hand, includes a photoreceiving section formed from a two-dimensional photoreceiving surface, decodes the transmission data on the basis of the photoreceived flashing pattern, and recognizes the spatial information of an object on the basis of the flashing position on the two-dimensional photoreceiving surface. Therefore, information, such as an ID, can be obtained from the object in the real world, and also, the spatial position of the object can be recognized at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsushita, Junichi Rekimoto, Shigeru Tajima, Yuji Ayatsuka, Michimune Kohno
  • Patent number: 7406263
    Abstract: In an adaptive optics module, wavefront sensing and data detection are implemented in a single device. For example, an optical-to-electrical converter converts a data-encoded optical beam to an intermediate electrical signal, which contains both the data encoded in the beam and also wavefront information about the beam. The data and wavefront information are later separated, for example by frequency filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: AOptix Technologies
    Inventors: J. Elon Graves, Malcolm J Northcott, J. Christopher Shelton
  • Patent number: 7403715
    Abstract: A free space optical bus system and method are provided for connecting two units of circuitry across a free space gap. A first unit of circuitry includes a multiplexer that combines a plurality of bus signals to obtain an electronic combined signal and a laser that is driven by the electronic combined signal to transmit an optical signal. A second unit of circuitry is separated from the first unit of circuitry by a free space gap. The second unit of circuitry includes a photodetector that receives the optical signal and transforms it into an electronic composite signal and a demultiplexer that divides the composite signal into a plurality of constituent signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Bjorndahl, John Joseph Berenz
  • Patent number: 7400834
    Abstract: An optical space transmission apparatus which performs a first communication, in which a light beam propagating through a space is used, with a remote apparatus includes a communication section and an identification section. Here, the communication section performs a second communication, which is different from the first communication, with a plurality of remote apparatuses and the identification section identifies the remote apparatus, which performs the first communication, from among the plurality of remote apparatuses by performing the second communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junji Shigeta
  • Patent number: 7397018
    Abstract: An adaptive optics system is provided. The system includes a light source, a pair of deformable mirrors and a detection module. The light source is configured to provide an outgoing beam. The outgoing beam has an amplitude and a phase. The first deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam and adjust its associated amplitude. The second deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam reflected from the first deformable mirror and adjust its associated phase. The detection module is configured to detect an incoming beam and the reflected outgoing beam from the second deformable mirror and generate certain signals. The signals are used to control the first and second deformable mirrors such that the amplitude of the outgoing beam is the same as that of the incoming beam and the phase of the outgoing beam is opposite that of the incoming beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Ich V. Pham, Gopal Vasudevan
  • Publication number: 20080145058
    Abstract: A communications device includes: an IrDA frame detecting section 202, an IrSimple frame detecting section 201, and a transfer rate control section 230. The IrDA frame detecting section 202 detects a first predetermined frame based on pulses detected in an incoming response signal at first predetermined intervals. The IrSimple frame detecting section 201 detects a second predetermined frame based on pulses detected in the incoming response signal at second predetermined intervals. The transfer rate control section 230 determines that the transfer rate of the response is equal to the first transfer rate if the IrDA frame detecting section 202 detects the first predetermined frame and determines that the transfer rate of the response is equal to the second transfer rate if the IrSimple frame detecting section 201 detects the second predetermined frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Fumihiro FUKAE, Hitoshi Naoe, Koji Sakai, Takashi Nakajima, Kenji Mameda