Optical Communication Over Freee Space Patents (Class 398/118)
  • Patent number: 8598833
    Abstract: An electronically commutated motor (ECM) includes windings, a power switch, an infrared transceiver and an electromagnetic shield. The power switch is configured to provide pulse width modulated (PWM) power signals to the windings and to generate a substantial level of electromagnetic noises at PWM frequencies during its switching operation. The infrared transceiver is configured to communicate with an external device using infrared signals and convert electrical signals from and to infrared signals that carry data. The electromagnetic shield is configured to substantially shield the infrared transceiver from the electromagnetic noises of PWM frequencies from the power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sntech Inc.
    Inventor: Young Chun Jeung
  • Patent number: 8594509
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Jae Shin, Dae-Kwang Jung, Jeong-Seok Choi, Hong-Seok Shin, Kyung-Woo Lee, Sung-Bum Park, Seong Hoon Hyun
  • Patent number: 8593299
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver, the optical transceiver including a light support and a processor. The light support has a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector, where the processor is constructed and arranged to illuminate at least one of the light emitting diodes to generate a light signal which in turn includes at least one embedded data packet. The at least one embedded data packet communicates global positioning system (GPS) location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Federal Law Enforcement Development Services, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 8594510
    Abstract: Proposed is a light module (110) comprising at least two primary light sources (111,112,113) capable of emitting a primary color light. This allows the light module to emit light having intensity (Y) and color coordinates (x,y) through additive color mixing of the constituent primary colors. The light module further comprises an modulator (115) capable of modulating the primary light sources enabling embedment of data in the light emitted. The modulator (115) is arranged to modulate the color coordinates of the light emitted for embedding the data. This is especially advantageous as the sensitivity of the human eye to changes in color is lower than to changes in intensity. The invention thus advantageously allows embedding the data into the light emitted from the light modules (110) of an illumination system (100) without reducing the performance of its primary function as an aid to human vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Tim Corneel Wilhelmus Schenk, Lorenzo Feri, Paulus Henricus Antonius Damink, Martin Maurice Vernhout, Dragan Sekulovski
  • Publication number: 20130308955
    Abstract: A coding scheme for a colour-shift-keying constellation in a visible-light communication system is provided, whereby a minimum number of flipped bits between symbols assigned to neighbouring symbol points in the constellation is aimed. Improved assignments of symbol values to symbol points of the constellation may be provided, which may be capable of reducing a total Hamming distance between all symbol points in the constellation, thereby leading to a reduction of a bit-error ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Joachim Walewski
  • Publication number: 20130308954
    Abstract: An apparatus and method using error correcting for visible light communication are provided. The error correction includes generating an encoded message from an original message by using a predetermined coding method, puncturing the encoded message based on a determined dimming value or rate, and/or puncturing rate, generating a scrambled message by scrambling the punctured message, and providing the scrambled message to a visible light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Hyun LEE
  • Patent number: 8588616
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for the optical transmission of data by a pulse-width modulated light source (LED), in which a set dimming factor (N) is replaced with a cycle-dependent dimming factor (NI), the cycle-dependent dimming factor is modulated for encoding the data to be transmitted and corresponds to the set dimming factor over a time interval which is resolvable for the human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Fraunhofer Gesellscaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Langer, Joachim Walewski
  • Patent number: 8582973
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus comprises a storage unit that stores network connection information required for establishing a connection via a network with an external device, a light emission element that emits light, a light emission control unit that converts the network connection information into an optical signal and emits the optical signal from the light emission element by controlling an operation of the light emission element based upon the network connection information stored in the storage unit, and a reception unit that receives data transmitted from the external device via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Takahashi, Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130287403
    Abstract: A light transmitter receives a low-rate data signal having a low data rate and a high-rate data signal having a high data rate that is greater than the low data rate. The transmitter includes a light source and a light modulator to modulate the light source based on logic levels of the high-rate data signal and logic levels of the low-rate data signal, to produce modulated light that concurrently conveys the logic levels of the low-rate data signal and the logic levels of the high-rate data signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Richard D. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130279917
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting mobility of a mobile terminal in a Visible Light Communication (VLC) system. The method includes activating only necessary light sources for VLC considering the mobility of the mobile terminal, instead of using total light sources for VLC. Consequently, power consumption can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jae-Seung SON, Do-Young Kim, Eun-Tae Won, Tae-Han Bae, Young-Kwon Cho, Sun-Gi Gu
  • Patent number: 8559825
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a digital communication method and system for use in telephone exchanges, wireless and wired communication systems. The communication system uses hybrid wireless switches where communication links are established and data is transferred via modulated electron beams. The electron beams are controlled by electromagnetic field to target a specific output channel according to a unique identifying signature. The switch can concurrently process data from multiple users and supports half-duplex or full-duplex allowing receiving and transmitting data at the same time. The switch can concurrently communicate with other switches, stationary stations, and with mobile stations. The wireless switch can also act as a multiplexer and demultiplexer to connect users in a communication system or to transfer data, video and audio signals to subscribers from wireless, satellite, or local area networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: M. Hassan Hassan
  • Patent number: 8554084
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting Visible Light Communication (VLC) data, in which a data processor processes data to be transmitted, a modulator modulates data received from the data processor into a signal for VLC, a light output unit outputs light of a predetermined color and includes in the light a signal of any selected one characteristic among signals of two different characteristics, and a light output controller selects at least one of the signals of different characteristics, and controls the light output unit so that a signal from the modulator is output through the signal of the selected characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Seung Song, Tae-Han Bae, Eun-Tae Won, Do-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8548332
    Abstract: An indirect optical free-space communications system provides broadband transmission of high-speed data in transportation vehicles such as aircraft. The system includes a transmitter with a light source that can be modulated and a receiver with a photo detector, adapted to receive light that is emitted from the transmitter and to convert it into an electric signal. The transmitter and the receiver are directed onto at least one common surface, which reflects the light emitted from the transmitter before it reaches the receiver. The free space communications system is cellular and includes several cells, each of which has a transmitter and at least one corresponding receiver. The cells are configured in such a way that crosstalk with a respective adjoining cell is prevented. The cells are thus independent of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Nikolaus-Peter Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130251375
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a receiver includes an image sensor, a synchronization controller, and a data generator. The image sensor detects a visible ray having a lattice-shaped emission pattern. The synchronization controller determines whether it is necessary to generate data based on a first synchronized visible ray located at a first lattice corner of the emission pattern and a second synchronized visible ray located at a second lattice corner. The second lattice corner is an opposite corner to the first lattice corner. The data generator generates the data corresponding to a data visible ray located at a lattice point other than the first lattice corner and the second lattice corner when the synchronization controller determines that it is necessary to generate the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Nau Ozaki, Jun Deguchi, Hideaki Majima, Toshiyuki Yamagishi
  • Publication number: 20130251374
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a light communication system comprises a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus. The transmitting apparatus generates one or more patterns of light to decide at least one reference area, and transmits signals by emitting light in the at least one reference area decided by the one or more patterns. The receiving apparatus takes measurements fewer than a total amount of pixels over a sensed image to detect the one or more patterns of light, and decides at least one ROI according to one or more detected one or more patterns; then takes all signals of light in the at least one ROI for processing of the light communication, and takes measurements fewer than a total amount of pixels over at least one tracking area for tracking the one or more patterns of light emitted by the transmitting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chia-Pin CHEN, Chang-Lung HSIAO, Ren-Jr CHEN
  • Patent number: 8538276
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a visible-light communication apparatus includes an image input unit, a calculation unit, a preamble detection unit, a bit train detection unit, and a reception unit. The image input unit is configured to input image data generated by photographing a source of visible light carrying data. The calculation unit is configured to generate, from the image data, luminance data about an image at a designated position. The preamble detection unit is configured to detect a preamble at the head of the data, on the basis of the luminance data. The bit train detection unit is configured to detect the data bit train from the image data, in accordance with the preamble. The reception unit is configured to reproduce the data from the data bit train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehito Shimada, Hideki Ueno, Minoru Fujita, Atsushi Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8538269
    Abstract: The present invention is an adapter for providing wireless communication between a digital multimeter (DMM) and a computer. The adapter has a processor as well as a transmitter operable for transmitting signals to the (DMM) from the processor. The adapter also includes a receiver operable for receiving signals from the DMM, the processor is able to receive the signals from the receiver. The adapter of the present invention also includes at least one radio transmitter operable for providing wireless communication between the processor and the computer. The data measurements obtained through communication with the DMM via the receiver and transmitter are transferred wirelessly to the adapter. The data measurements obtained by the adapter are then transferred wirelessly from the adapter to the computer through the radio transmitter. The radio transmitter is operable to communicate wirelessly with the computer in one or more communication protocols, such as Zigbee and WiFi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Dearborn Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Blanton, Roger Leon Van Elslander, Anthony B. Vink, Mark P. Zachos
  • Patent number: 8532497
    Abstract: A system for delivering optical power over an optical conduit includes at least one than one optical power source delivering multiple optical power forms at least partially over a free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8532493
    Abstract: An optical communication apparatus is disclosed. The optical communication apparatus includes a light transmission section, a light reception section, and a control section. The light transmission section causes a light emitting portion which outputs light in a visual line direction of a user to transmit information. The light reception section causes a light receiving portion which receives light from the visual line direction of the user to receive information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Asukai, Kan Ebisawa, Yoichiro Sako, Masaaki Tsuruta, Taiji Ito
  • Publication number: 20130223846
    Abstract: High power, high speed VCSEL arrays are employed in unique configurations of arrays and sub-arrays. Placement of a VCSEL array behind a lens allows spatial separation and directivity. Diffusion may be employed to increase alignment tolerance. Intensity modulation may be performed by operating groups of VCSEL emitters at maximum bias. Optical communications networks with high bandwidth may employ angular, spatial, and/or wavelength multiplexing. A variety of network topologies and bandwidths suitable for the data center may be implemented. Eye safe networks may employ VCSEL emitters may be paired with optical elements to reduce optical power density to eye safe levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: TRILUMINA CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Joseph, Kevin L. Lear, David Abell
  • Patent number: 8521028
    Abstract: A GPS system for obtaining data from a GPS signal received at a plurality of antenna stations, each antenna station being connected to a common receiver station through an optical fiber link. The system includes a light generating module at the receiver station generating an optical reference signal, and an antenna station module at each antenna station. The antenna station modules modulate the optical reference signal according to the GPS signal received, obtaining a twice modulated optical signal, and sending this signal to the receiver station. Finally, an output module is provided at the receiver station, this module being used for extracting the GPS signal and the oscillating reference signal, calibrating in real time the optical fiber links based on a phase comparison, and processing the GPS signal from the antenna stations, taking into account the real time calibration of the optical fiber links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Daniel Macias-Valadez, Rock Santerre, Sophie Larochelle
  • Patent number: 8521035
    Abstract: Systems and methods for visible light communication are disclosed. In part, illumination devices and related systems and methods are disclosed that can be used for general illumination, lighting control systems, or other applications. The illumination devices synchronize preferentially to the AC mains to produce time division multiplexed channels in which control information can be communicated optically by the same light source that is producing illumination. Such illumination devices preferentially comprise LEDs for producing illumination, transmitting data, detecting ambient light, and receiving data, however, other light sources and detectors can be used. The physical layer can be used with a variety of protocols, such as ZigBee, from the Media ACcess (MAC) layer and higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ketra, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Knapp, Horace C. Ho
  • Publication number: 20130216234
    Abstract: A data center for executing a data processing application includes processing units, sub-units or servers. Each of the processing units, sub-units or servers can execute a part or all of the data processing application. The processing units, sub-units or servers are electrical disjoint with respect to data communications, but can communicate with each other over free space optical links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SEARETE LLC
    Inventor: Searete LLC
  • Patent number: 8515289
    Abstract: A wavelength sensing lighting system may include a light source, a sensor and a controller. One or more light sources and sensors may be included in an array. The light source may emit an illuminating light and the sensor may sense an environmental light. The illuminating light may include data light. The lighting system may include a plurality of nodes connected in a network. The nodes may communicate by emitting and receiving the data light, which may be analyzed by the controller. The light source and the sensor may be provided by a light emitting semiconductor device that is capable of emitting illuminating light and receiving environmental light. A conversion material may convert the wavelength of a source light into a converted light. The conversion material may increase the wavelength range of light emittable and detectable by the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Environmental Light Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, David E. Bartine, Pedro Medelius
  • Patent number: 8509623
    Abstract: An optical LNB capable of fast position-adjusting is employed in an LNBF. The optical LNB includes a down-converting device coupled to an OMT of the LNBF for down-converting a polarized signal for generating a first intermediate frequency signal, a branching device for branching the first intermediate frequency signal for generating a second and a third intermediate frequency signals, an electrical/optical converting device coupled to the branching device for converting the second intermediate frequency signal into an optical signal, and a power end for receiving power from a power supply and outputting the third intermediate frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Che-Ming Wang, Chih-Chang Ko
  • Patent number: 8503886
    Abstract: Systems and methods for visual light communication are provided. The system can include a gateway arranged to convert radio frequency communications into visual light communication signals and an active light relay arranged to exchange visual light communication signals with the gateway. The system also includes a passive light relay arranged to exchange visual light communication signals with the active light relay and a communication device arranged to exchange visual light communication signals with one of the active light relay of the passive light relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Don Gunasekara, Tom Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130195468
    Abstract: A visible light wireless communication receiver includes: a source code recognizing unit that receives a source bit stream and recognizes the source bit stream as source codes of a unit of a first number of bits; and a line coding unit that encodes each of the source codes into an encoding code of a unit of a second number of bits, the second number being larger than the first number. In particular, in the encoding code, the number of bits corresponding to 1 is the same as the number of bits corresponding to 0. Therefore, the change in brightness of lighting may be minimized in the visible light wireless communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
  • Patent number: 8494370
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and method for determining the location of components in a data center. In one embodiment, a component locating system includes a lattice formed of interconnected hubs and rods. Each hub in the lattice computes its address relative to the address of a reference location, such as the location of an adjacent hub or of an origin hub defining the origin of a reference coordinate system. A plurality of optical transmitters is distributed along the lattice to transmit location information. Optical receivers mounted on top of the racks receive the location information and communicate the location information to rack-mounted components. The racks and rack-mounted components determine their locations from the location information and optionally transmit the location information to a central management server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Piazza
  • Patent number: 8494367
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Paul Marie Gerard Linnartz
  • Patent number: 8488971
    Abstract: It is presented a method for transmitting lighting device data. The method comprises the steps of obtaining, in a lighting device, a subset of lighting device data, the lighting device data containing information of the lighting device, transmitting, from the lighting device, using light, the subset of lighting device data, and repeating the above steps until all subsets jointly corresponding to the complete lighting device data have been transmitted. A corresponding lighting device and lighting system are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Paul Marie Gerard Linnartz, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, Lorenzo Feri, Sel Brian Colak, Paulus Henricus Antonius Damink
  • Patent number: 8483567
    Abstract: A communication system and method utilizing an infrared signal emitter communicating a predefined signal, and an infrared signal receiver capable of receiving such predefined signal, distinguishing such predefined signal within a field of view of the infrared signal receiver, and providing output indicating the location of the infrared signal emitter within the field of view of the infrared signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Immediate Response Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Douglas B. Armentrout, Thomas R. Boyer
  • Patent number: 8478126
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a platform, an optical transmitter associated with the platform, an optical detector associated with the platform, a sensor associated with the platform, a phase-locked loop circuit, and a processor unit associated with the platform. The optical transmitter is configured to transmit first optical signals. The optical detector is configured to receive optical signals. The phase-locked loop circuit is configured to indicate a presence of second optical signals in the optical signals indicating a time interval to transmit information in the first optical signals. The processor unit is electrically connected to the optical detector, the optical transmitter, and the sensor. The processor unit is associated with the phase-locked loop circuit. The processor unit is configured to transmit the information in the first optical signals using the optical transmitter during the time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel N. Harres
  • Patent number: 8463134
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data in a visible light communication system, the apparatus including a visible light communication (VLC) transceiver for converting a visible light signal received from a counterpart into an electrical signal and outputting the electrical signal, by using a light receiving device during a reception operation, and converting an electrical signal containing information into a visible light signal and transmitting the visible light signal to the counterpart, by using a light emitting device during a transmission operation, a VLC controller comprising a visible frame engine (VFE) for generating a visible frame and outputting the visible frame to the VLC transceiver, in which the VFE generates the visible frame for transmission to a counterpart during non-transmission of respective frames for communication at a sender and a receiver in order to provide visibility to a communication link, and a host controller for controlling the VLC controller and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jeong-Seok Choi, Yun-Je Oh, Dae-Kwang Jung, Hong-Seok Shin, Kyung-Woo Lee, Dong-Jae Shin, Sung-Bum Park
  • Patent number: 8457498
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Jerry Stewart
  • Publication number: 20130136457
    Abstract: A wireless light communication system and method using a plurality of light transmitting units driven by a same alternating current (AC) power, and a light receiving unit for receiving optical signals transmitted by the plurality of light transmitting units are provided. The wireless light communication method includes setting a channel for each of the plurality of light transmitting units such that light transmitting units having an overlapping area that is reachable by optical signals use different channels, detecting zero crossing of the AC power, synchronizing channels by using the detected zero crossing, and transmitting an optical signal through the set channel by using the plurality of light transmitting units, and receiving the optical signal transmitted by each of the plurality of light transmitting units by using the light receiving unit, and analyzing information included in the received optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-man Park, Young-jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20130136456
    Abstract: A mobile terminal capable of localization, a localization server, and a method for localizing the mobile terminal using the localization server are disclosed. The disclosed localization server includes a control unit configured to control transmissions of visible-light signals from a multiple number of visible-light transmitting devices; and a position computing unit configured to compute a position of a mobile terminal based on time information regarding when the visible-light signals transmitted respectively from the plurality of visible-light transmitting devices were received at the mobile terminal, where the control unit controls the transmissions such that each of the plurality of visible-light transmitting devices sequentially transmits the visible-light signal for a particular first time period with no overlapping of transmission times of the visible-light signals transmitted respectively from the plurality of visible-light transmitting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Foundation of Soongsil University-Industry Cooperation
    Inventor: Foundation of Soongsil University-Industry Coorperation
  • Patent number: 8437640
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing, a bearing member, and a transmission system. The housing has a channel in communication with an opening at a first end of the housing and a first surface at a second end of the housing. The first surface is substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis through the channel. The bearing member is capable of rotating in the channel around the rotation axis. The bearing member has a second surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and substantially parallel to the first surface. The transmission system is coupled to the first surface and the second surface. The transmission system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmission system is capable of emitting an electromagnetic radiation in a beam that is capable of being received by the receiver, while a rotation occurs between the transmitter and the receiver about the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David W. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 8433198
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for enabling detection of a modulated optical source involve one or more modulated optical signals shifted, i.e., demodulated optically, to one or more base band signals that are detectable by one or more low-frequency detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. McFadden
  • Patent number: 8433203
    Abstract: Disclosed is a visible light communication system including a transmission device, including multiple light emitting units emitting light of different colors and mapping transmission data to a chromaticity point, calculating luminescence of each of the light emitting units, generating a preamble signal for channel matrix estimation, and emitting light based on the preamble signal and calculated luminescence amount. A reception device of the visible light communication system includes multiple light receiving units and estimates a channel matrix based on a corresponding optical signal when an optical signal corresponding to the preamble signal is received in each light receiving unit, compensates the optical signal corresponding to the chromaticity point for a propagation path based on the estimated channel matrix, detects a chromaticity point on the chromaticity coordinates based on a signal after the propagation path compensation, and demodulates the transmission data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Atsuya Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8433199
    Abstract: A system and method for filtering and enhancing signals from a noise background based on the nonlinear interaction of waves. The system and method amplify low-level signals, hide information in the signals, and then nonlinearly recover the signals. With the present invention, this can be performed for both spatial beams and temporal pulses. The signal self-filters and self-amplifies at the expense of the surrounding noise via the nonlinear medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Princeton University
    Inventors: Jason W. Fleischer, Dmitry V. Dylov
  • Patent number: 8417120
    Abstract: Both ends of an interface may each be configured by an interface device including a light emitting unit that emits light into a textile, a light diffusion unit that widely diffuses the emitted light onto the textile and extends a light receiving range of a light receiving unit, and a light receiving unit for receiving an optical signal of the other party unlike the existing method using electromagnetic inductive coupling in the wearable computing system and a method of performing communication by using light such as infrared rays, visible light, laser, or the like as a medium is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Bae-Sun Kim, Yong-Ki Son, Dong-Woo Lee, Jeong-Mook Lim, Hee-Sook Shin, Il-Yeon Cho
  • Patent number: 8412053
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a light modulating communication device comprising a housing comprising at least one inner chamber, and an opening, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the at least one inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the at least one inner chamber, a modulator positioned proximal to the opening of the housing, and optionally, at least one reflector positioned within the at least one inner chamber. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with high-energy particles such that light is produced from the at least one quantum dot, and modulating the light produced from the at least one quantum dot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Maurice P. Bianchi, David A. Deamer, Timothy R. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 8401394
    Abstract: In a method for transmission of digital data in an optical free-space transmission system in which a binary code sequence produced from the digital data is used to transmit amplitude-modulated light waves across an optical free space between a transmitter and a receiver, according to a first aspect, the binary code sequence is produced such that a modulation frequency of the light waves determined by the binary code sequence has a value of 70 Hertz. According to a second aspect, ‘t’ light waves are modulated with the binary code sequence and binary data are transmitted in blocks during a first time period, and non-modulated light waves are emitted during second time periods, wherein the light intensities of the time periods are selected so that the quantities of light transmitted in two periods correspond to predetermined quantities of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Joachim Walewski
  • Patent number: 8401395
    Abstract: A system comprises a transmitter including a laser configured to generate a laser beam directed at a spot on a surface, and a laser driver connected to the laser and configured to modulate input data onto the laser beam. The system may further comprise a receiver including an optical detector configured to decode received light into raw data, a signal processor configured to decode the raw data into the original input data, and telescope optics configured to receive light reflected from the spot on the surface, collimate the light and converge the light onto the optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Tiejun Xia, Glenn A. Wellbrock
  • Patent number: 8391719
    Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting communication between mobile devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of achieving communications between first and second mobile devices that are in proximity with one another includes transmitting a first signal from the first mobile device and receiving a first reflected signal at that mobile device, the first reflected signal being the first signal reflected by an object in proximity to that mobile device. The method also includes transmitting a second signal from the first mobile device for receipt by the second mobile device upon being reflected by the object, and receiving a confirmation signal from the second mobile device in response to the second signal. The method further includes achieving a paired relationship of the first mobile device relative to the second mobile device, whereby because of the paired relationship the first and second mobile devices are capable of additional communications therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Rachid Alameh, William S. Hede, Louis J. Vannatta, Michael W. Schellinger, Kenneth A. Paitl
  • Patent number: 8391720
    Abstract: There is disclosed a visible light communication technology capable of intuitively recognizing a transmission speed, an alignment status, a communication status, or a transmission rate. A visible light communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source selecting unit selecting at least one light source of a plurality of light sources generating lights having different wavelengths by considering intuitive information distinguished depending on a wavelength in a visible light band; and a visible light communication unit performing visible light communication by at least one selected light source to allow the intuitive information to be recognized by a color corresponding to at least one selected light source. Accordingly, a user using the visible light communication can intuitively know an optimal communication status or transmission speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Il-Soon Jang, Dae-Ho Kim, Sang-Kyu Lim, Tae-Gyu Kang
  • Publication number: 20130051807
    Abstract: A photonic millimeter-wave generator capable of combining wired and wireless communication facilities to further elongate the transmission distance comprises a laser generator for generating a first optical signal; an optical frequency comb generator coupled with the laser generator; and a pulse shaper coupled with the optical frequency comb generator. The optical frequency comb generator receives the first optical signal generated by the laser generator and outputs a second optical signal. The second optical signal contains multiple frequency components and is sent to the pulse shaper. The pulse shaper adjusts the amplitude and phase of the second optical signal and then outputs the signal as a third optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Chen-Bin Huang, Jin-Wei Shi, Ci-Ling Pan
  • Patent number: 8373921
    Abstract: A system comprises an optical processor comprising a sideband generator, an optical filter, and a phase-shift-keying (PSK) modulator, wherein: the sideband generator generates optical frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of an optical signal; the optical filter discriminates between the optical frequency sidebands and the optical carrier frequency such that optical sidebands of interest can be used to generate an optical millimeter-wave signal; the PSK modulator comprises an optical splitter, an optical phase delay unit, two or more optical gates, and an optical combiner; the optical splitter divides the optical millimeter-wave signal into two or more intermediate signals; the optical phase delay unit delays one or more of the intermediate signals to create distinct phase relationship between them; the optical gates modulate each intermediate signal individually, based on a control input; and the optical combiner combines the gated intermediate signals into a single, PSK-modulated optical millimeter-
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Richard W. Ridgway
  • Publication number: 20130028607
    Abstract: A method for optically transmitting data into and from a casing of a projectile. The method including: transmitting, from an outside of the casing to an inside of the casing, a first optical signal containing first data through a first optical window disposed on the casing; manipulating the first data inside the casing of the projectile into second data; and transmitting, from the inside of the casing to the outside of the casing, a second optical signal containing the second data through a second optical window. The first and second optical windows can be the same optical window or different optical windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Patent number: 8358935
    Abstract: A method for generating a visible signal for a data transmission frame in a visible-light communication system includes: receiving specific data constituted by a plurality of frames from a sender; checking and converting a received signal strength indication (RSSI) signal measured from the sender; whenever each frame of the specific data is consecutively received, checking the converted RSSI, determining a level of a visible signal for distinctively displaying a state of a corresponding communication channel, and transmitting the level of the visible signal to the sender; and when reception of the specific data has finished, transmitting a corresponding response message to the sender, according to whether the specific data has been successfully received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Seok Choi, Dae-Kwang Jung, Hong-Seok Shin, Kyung-Woo Lee, Dong-Jae Shin, Sung-Bum Park, Seong Hoon Hyun