Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to optical wireless architecture. More particularly, certain embodiments of the invention pertain to a novel method and apparatus to generate millimeter-wave signals with simple and/or low cost architecture. Simple millimeter-wave generation and dispersion-tolerant transmission is based on photonic mixing of two free-running lightwaves and self-mixing down-conversion. More particularly, heterodyne mixing of two free run lightwaves is achieved, wherein one lightwave is modulated by an external modulator driven by electrical data as one of the side-bands of a millimeter-wave signal. Optical to electrical conversion is performed and the millimeter-wave signal is broadcasted by a high-frequency antenna to a receiving side having a local oscillator with self-mixing architecture to down-convert the radio frequency to its baseband form.

Abstract: A system including a device equipped with a reception section, a reception condition detection section and a control section. A partner device emits laser light and modulates the laser light in accordance with transfer subject information. Relative positions of the partner device and the device are adjusted to a communication-possible position, at which the laser light from the partner device is incident in a light reception region of the device. In this state, the reception section receives the transmission subject information from the partner device by detecting the incident laser light and demodulating the transmission subject information therefrom. The reception condition detection section detects a deterioration in a reception condition. If a deterioration in the reception condition is detected, the control section produces a warning or stops emissions of laser light from the partner device.

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).

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.

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.

Abstract: A Free Space Optics (FSO) connector is provided with a method for interfacing to an electronic circuit card electrical connector via the FSO connector. The method transceives electrical signals via an electronic circuit card electrical connector. Using an FSO connector, the method converts between electrical signals and optical signals, and transceives optical signals via free space. In one aspect, the optical signals are initially received via free space along a first axis, and reflected along a second axis. Further, the optical signals may be initially transmitted along the second axis and reflected into free space along the first axis. In another aspect, the optical signals are transceived in a plurality of directions in free space. For example, optical signals may be transmitted and received in four mutually-orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A visible light communication apparatus is constituted with a transmitter for illuminating and projecting visible light on which an information signal is superimposed from a lamp fitting and a receiver for receiving the visible light to take out the information signal superimposed on the visible light. The transmitter modulates a transmission information signal, driving a light projecting element of the lamp fitting so as to superimpose the transmission information signal on the visible light of the lamp fitting, thereby radiating white light containing a blue light component as visible illumination light. The receiver receives the white visible light containing the blue light component radiated from the transmitter and generates a receiving information signal from the light receiving signal on a receiving circuit. A blue light photodiode which receives blue light at the highest sensitivity to output a light receiving signal is used as a light receiving element of the light receiving unit.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-zoned lighting apparatus. In one embodiment, the multi-zoned lighting apparatus includes at least one circuit board, at least one control circuit coupled to the at least one circuit board and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) groups coupled to the at least one control circuit, wherein each LED group of the plurality of LED groups is in communication with a respective external sensor that controls a respective one of the plurality of LED groups when triggered.

Abstract: A space-time division multiple-access (STDMA) laser communications (lasercom) system and related techniques. The STDMA system includes a plurality of remote nodes and an STDMA access node which uses precise electronic beam steering and beacons to provide access to each of a plurality of remote access nodes by means of both space and time-division multiple access.

Abstract: An incoming call notifying watch is worn on a wrist of a user and includes a case unit, a receiver unit, and an alarm unit. The case unit forms an interrior space receiving a timing device threin and has a face for displaying time. The case unit has opposite sides between which a band extends. The receiver unit is received in the case unit for receiving a wireless signal. The alarm unit is provided in the watch and receives a signal issued by the receiver unit and generates, in response thereto, a corresponding alarm signal. With such an arrangement, when a mobile phones receives an incoming call, the watch provides a corresponding alarm to notify the user of the receiving of the call.

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.

Abstract: Provided is an optical space transmitter and an optical space transmission method, for wavelength-multiplexed light, capable of obtaining a wavelength-multiplexed signal by multiplexing optical signals having a plurality of wavelengths with a simple configuration and without requiring highly precise adjustment for optical axes and enhancing safety for a human body. The transmitter has a configuration for which light sources for outputting signal lights having wavelengths different from each other are arranged so as to irradiate an approximately identical portion of a diffusion plate, a diffuse light outputted from the diffusion plate is converted, by a radiation lens, into a light traveling with an angle suitable for transmission in a free space, and the converted light is passed out to the free space.

Abstract: A data signal to be transmitted is supplied to a modulator of a transmitter, and the modulator modulates the output of a blue light-excited white LED and outputs blue LED light and phosphor light. The modulated blue light enters to a photo-electric converter through an LED light transmission color filter. The modulated phosphor light on the other hand enters to another photo-electric converter through a phosphor light transmission color filter. The photo-electric converters convert incident light to electric signals. The converted signals are amplified by amplifiers. Then, equalizers emphasize the harmonic component therein according to the response characteristic of the blue light and the response characteristic of the phosphor light for reduction of the dullness of waveforms.

Abstract: A technique for simultaneously transmitting wide and narrow optical beacon signals includes generating a laser beam and splitting the laser beam into a first signal on a first path and a second signal on a second path via a wavelength-dependent beamsplitter. A wide beacon signal having a first beam divergence is generated from the first signal, and a narrow beacon signal having a second, lesser beam divergence is generated from the second signal. The wavelength of the laser beam determines an allocation of the laser energy between the wide and narrow beacon signals based on transmittance/reflectance characteristic of the beamsplitter at that wavelength. The wide and narrow beacon signals are simultaneously transmitted in a overlaid manner into free space to support acquisition and tracking in a free-space optical communication system. The beamsplitter can simultaneously transmit or reflect substantially all of a data signal at a different wavelength.

Abstract: A free-space network may include: a plurality of geographically distributed free-space sensors for sensing at least one target; a networking apparatus for combining sensed information regarding at least one target from the geographically distributed free-space sensors; a target information device for communicating to at least one user combined sensed information regarding at least one target, from the geographically distributed free-space sensors, as provided by the networking apparatus; and at least one communication link connecting in free-space the geographically distributed sensors, the networking apparatus, and the target information device.

Abstract: A device for optical remote monitoring, preferably an optically readable membrane-based microphone, and a system including such a device is provided. The device for optical remote monitoring includes a retroreflector and an acoustic membrane. The acoustic membrane suitably is a light-modulating component and modulates the reflection of an incident light beam in relation to the pressure field, from a sound source, to which the membrane is exposed. The retroreflector may be a corner cube having three sides with the membrane arranged on one of the sides. The membrane can be part of a side or one side may consist of a membrane.

Abstract: A wireless sensor network including a receiver including a photodetector, and a sensor node that includes a sensor configured to sense a property, a transmitter configured to emit outgoing optical energy, the outgoing optical energy being indicative of the property, and a photodetector configured to harvest incoming optical energy and convert the incoming optical energy into electrical energy useful by the transmitter, wherein the photodetector of the receiver is positioned to receive the outgoing optical energy.

Abstract: A non-line of sight (NLOS) communications system and method are provided that implement orthogonal frequency, division multiplexing. A data generator produces a digital data stream, which is converted into M parallel frequency sub-carrier digital data streams (where M is an integer), each sub-carrier is encoded with data and an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform operation is applied, and an output signal is converted to an analog signal, which is imposed onto an optical beam generated by a light source. The beam is transmitted skywards at an elevation angle above the horizon in at least one direction. The beam is scattered due to Mie and Raleigh effects, forming a scattered waveform. At least a part of the scattered waveform is received by a receiver outputting an electrical signal, which enters a DSP unit. The DSP unit digitizes the electrical signal, performs Fourier transformation and recovers data from M sub-carrier signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling transmission of signals and data via means of infrared (IR) light for a wind turbine includes a plurality of IR data communication elements configured to provide unidirectional and bidirectional IR data exchange between non-rotating portions of the wind turbine and the rotatable wind turbine hub.

Abstract: An radio is provided for transmit-receive isolation filtering and circular polarization (INTRIFPWA) that are sealed within a metal housing of a transmitter, which can be used in microwave communication systems, including satellite based communications systems and terrestrial based microwave communication systems.

Abstract: A data center includes a plurality of computing units that communicate with each other using wireless communication, such as high frequency RF wireless communication. The data center may organize the computing units into groups (e.g., racks). In one implementation, each group may form a three-dimensional structure, such as a column having a free-space region for accommodating intra-group communication among computing units. The data center can include a number of features to facilitate communication, including dual-use memory for handling computing and buffering tasks, failsafe routing mechanisms, provisions to address permanent interface and hidden terminal scenarios, etc.

Abstract: A light detecting apparatus receives input light branched and output by a branching device, to calculate transmittance and reflectivity from the input light, acquires a wavelength corresponding to the calculated transmittance and reflectivity to calculate a gain value corresponding to input light intensity, acquires a driving current value corresponding to a calculated gain value and an acquired wavelength, and outputs an acquired driving current value.

Abstract: A fiber optic GPS signal device and method comprising a VCSEL multimode transmitter having a gain that, together with the GPS antenna gain, is greater than the VCSEL multimode transmitter noise. When in operative communication, via a long length of multimode fiber, i.e., up to 2000 feet and greater, with a fiber optic receiver, the GPS signals are transmitted at, inter alia, L1 and L2 frequencies with minimal degradation over the length of multimode fiber. The present invention may be used in a variety of GPS transmission applications requiring long lengths of cabling. For example, the invention is particularly useful when the GPS antenna is located on top of an office building or cell phone tower and remotely from the GPS receiver and for use in high-volume commercial telephone synchronizing (DTMF) applications.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is comprised of a first EAS housing and a second EAS housing, each having electrically conducting tethers and a cover to hold the housing in place on an object to be protected. The covers have a surface with adhesive on it. Each housing is placed in a cover with the tethers extending through the cover, and the adhesive surface is pressed to the object. Switches on the bottom of the housing indicate contact with an object. The housings have apertures for receiving the ends of the tethers which are extended from the housings and inserted into the apertures of the other housing to complete circuits between the housings. Electronics within the housings monitor the circuits and switches for tampering and can generate alarms. External devices may arm and disarm the housings via wireless communication. A magnet releases a blocking mechanism to remove the housings.

Abstract: A digital camera 800 receives from lighting units 120a-120l lights temporarily changing in luminance and produces a coordinates data list 8031 of the lighting units. Decoding unit 804 reads change in luminance at each luminance-point coordinates of the lighting unit to decode information. It is judged based on the decoded information of a data format 900, whether plural luminance-point coordinates having the same guidance point ID information 902 are found. When the plural luminance-point coordinates having the same guidance point ID information are found, a location of the plural luminance-point coordinates is analyzed to draw and display a circumscribed polygon having its vertices at these coordinates on a through image in an overlapping manner. A hatched area is set inside the circumscribed polygon and the decoded information is displayed within the hatched area.

Abstract: A method of providing a visible light communication in a data link layer of a visible light communication system adopting an infrared communication link connection protocol includes: broadcasting a discovery exchange station identification (D-XID) frame; generating a visible frame to provide a visibility to a link for a specified waiting time period for responding to the broadcast D-XID frame; exchanging a set normal response mode (SNRM) frame and an unnumbered acknowledgement (UA) frame for requesting a link setting between the transmitting and receiving terminals; generating visible frames for a waiting time for receiving the SNRM frame and the UA frame; exchanging an information transfer frame (I-frame) and a receive ready (RR) frame, which is a response to the I-frame, between the transmitting and receiving terminals; and generating visible frames for a specified waiting period for receiving the I-frame and the RR frame.

Abstract: A transmitter modulates a laser beam with data and projects the laser beam. A first and second optical detector indirectly receive a first and second signal (respectively) via light scattered from a first and second segment of the laser beam at a first and second time. The first segment at the first time and the second segment at the second time are modulated with the same data. The receiver phases the first signal and/or the second signal to match their phase and sums the signals. The transmitter and/or the receiver may include a terrain database and/or an order wire for sharing terrain and/or position information. Terrain information and/or position information may be utilized to align the laser beam with the optical detector(s) and/or adjust an aperture of the optical detector(s) to minimize intersymbol interference and maximize communication channel benefits associated with spatial and temporal diversity.

Abstract: Communication devices, systems, and methods for dynamic cell bonding (DCB) for Radio-over-Fiber (RoF)-based networks and communication systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of operating an optical fiber-based wireless communication system is provided. The method includes determining a first plurality of remote units in a cloud bonded to a Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) communication session. The method also includes measuring a received signal strength from each of the first plurality of remote units. The method also includes measuring a received signal strength from each of a second plurality of remote units in the cloud not bonded to the RoF communication session. At least one of the second plurality of remote units is dynamically bonded to the RoF communication session if the measured received signal strength of the one of the second plurality of remote units is greater than the measured received signal strength of the first plurality of remote units.

Abstract: An optical beam combiner is provided, which allows efficient collection of light for various applications: non-line of sight and free space optical communications, remote sensing, optical imaging and others. A multitude of transverse scattered optical beam portions is captured by the multi-aperture array positioned perpendicular to the beam projection direction. These beam portions are combined first into a single optical waveguide with minimal loss of power. This is achieved by modulating the beam portions phase and coupling ratio of couplers in the optical beam combiner tuned to maximize the final output power. The data is recovered from the received optical beam using coherent detection.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein allow a user to communicate using a ground sensor network that is capable of both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication. In particular, the systems and methods herein described transmit and receive ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength within the solar blind region from a plurality of sensing nodes arranged both in a LOS network, which communicates via LOS communication, and in a NLOS network, which communicates via NLOS communication. The ultraviolet radiation is then transmitted from the plurality of sensing nodes to a remote receiver, via LOS communication.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward systems for conducting laser range and enabling optical communication between a plurality of entities and to the application of such systems in a secure covert combat identification system. In one embodiment, the present invention uses a novel laser system that generates high pulse rates, as required for optical communications, while concurrently generating sufficiently high power levels, as required by laser range finding operations. One application of the present invention is in enabling secure covert communications between a plurality of parties. Another application of the present invention is in tracking and identifying the movement of objects.

Abstract: A low cost, high speed, short haul, optic interconnect and data link which employs an array of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays through which several optical signals are simultaneously transmitted through collimating optics that generate multiple, multiple-wavelength optical signals. Each combined optical signal is transmitted to a receiver array comprising a plurality of optical filters and photodetector arrangements that have a number of sections, each having an optical filter to pass a specific optical wavelength, and a mating photodetector element to convert the specific optical signal to an electrical signal. The signals may be coupled between the transmitter array and the receiver array through free space or through optical fibers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A distributed antenna system (DAS) includes a multiple-input and multiple-output (“MIMO”) base station configured to output at least a first and second signal, and a hybrid coupler coupled thereto, the coupler configured to receive the first and second signal from the MIMO base station on respective first and second ports and provide an output signal on at least one output port, the output signal including at least a portion of the first signal and at least a portion of the second signal. The DAS further includes a master unit communicating with the coupler and configured to receive at least the output signal, and at least one remote unit communicating with the master unit and configured to communicate the output signal to a device.

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.

Abstract: A health monitoring system is provided for a vehicle with an identity configured to travel on a surface. The system includes a body positioned on the surface and configured to stimulate a dynamic response from the vehicle as the vehicle travels over the body; a response sensor associated with the body and configured to measure the dynamic response from the vehicle; and an identification sensor associated with the body and configured to collect data corresponding to the identity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modulating corner-cube retroreflector for remote communications is disclosed. The modulating corner-cube retroreflector includes a solid retroreflector with a front surface and three mutually perpendicular surfaces: a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. A first thin membrane is disposed relative to at least one of the three mutually perpendicular surfaces and covers at least a portion of the surface. A modulator is included that is adapted to cause the thin membrane to vibrate. The corner-cube retroreflector is configured to receive an incident beam of light from a source along a first path and is configured to return a reflected beam of light back towards the source along a second path that is substantially parallel to the first path. The first thin membrane is configured to substantially frustrate total internal reflection of the incident beam of light when the first thin membrane is moved relative to at least one surface of the retroreflector.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention provide for improved underwater communication systems. In particular, the systems and methods of the invention provide for improved underwater optical modems including optical transmitters and optical receivers that allow omni-directional transmission and reception of optical signals underwater and having a range of about 100 m and allowing data rates greater than 1 Mbit/s. The systems and methods of the invention also provide for underwater communication networks having a plurality of optical modems communicating with each other.

Abstract: Various approaches for a traffic control preemption system that includes a receiver, a light emitter, and control circuitry. The receiver includes a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse, and a threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. The control circuitry is coupled to the light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and a frequency of light pulses in each burst and a frequency of the bursts cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.

Abstract: Photonic signals are tagged with a pre-selected modification, such as a polarization signature to carry data across an obstructed path between sender and receiver. Communication authentication through polarization variation allows for Yuen-Kumar or entangled photon quantum communication protocols to propagate through environmental scattering media such as air, smoke, fog, rain, and water. While ultraviolet light photons are well suited as a carrier for quantum communication signals scattered in air, it is appreciated that visible wavelengths have longer propagation paths in water to convey non-line-of-sight data. A secure signal is scattered by the media and simultaneously communicated to a single recipient or multiple recipients exposed to scattered signal portions. A process of solving the scattering processes through a random scattering media is provided to reconstruct a quantum keyed message at a receiver.

Abstract: A visible-light wireless communication system includes a plurality of light transmitters for generating light signals modulated at different frequencies and at least one terminal for wirelessly communicating with the plurality of light transmitters using the light signals.

Abstract: A method for producing an electromagnetic carrier wave in the frequency range between 0.1 and 10 terahertz that is suitable for the wireless transmission of data includes generating, by an electromagnetic pump wave, at least two mixing waves with a defined frequency difference, the pump wave being configured to constitute one of the mixing waves; and producing an electromagnetic carrier wave by frequency mixing the mixing waves.

Abstract: A system can include a transmitter that produces an optical signal having a plurality of carrier frequencies and a receiver separated from the transmitter by free space through which the optical signal propagates. The receiver includes an array of detectors of multiple types, with the types being capable of detecting light respectively having the carrier frequencies. A location of an incident area where the optical signal is incident on the detector array generally depends on a misalignment of the receiver relative to the transmitter, but the detectors in the detector array are arranged so that at least one detector of each of the types detects light from the optical signal regardless of where the incident area is on the detector array.

Abstract: A satellite or spacecraft in low Earth orbit, when in eclipse and not illuminated by sunlight, represents a low-bandwidth datastream through modulation of a source of uncollimated light, such as a set of light emitting diodes. Transmission modes include generating patterns in the color, intensity or polarization of a light source, or precise timing control of a strobe signal. A ground station tracks the satellite in a telescope, stewing the telescope to follow the satellite as it moves across the sky, recording light generated by the satellite with a light sensor such as a video camera. The datastream is regenerated through analysis of recorded video. Satellite downlink is initiated by detection of eclipse, by command via radio uplink, or in response to a periodic automatic timer. In an alternative embodiment, the satellite represents the datastream through modulation of its effective albedo or reflective flux during periods of solar illumination.

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.