Abstract: A communication system includes an optical transmitter which is differentially driven and an optical receiver that outputs a differential signal. The optical transmitter creates the differential drive signal from an input signal and delivers the differential drive signal to a laser. The differential drive signal is generated with a transformer and RF chokes for floating the laser above ground. The signal detected by the receiver is input as a differential signal to a transformer which then passes the signal through amplifiers and a filter. The optical communication system provides an increased spurious-free dynamic range which is well suited for RF signals and other analog signals.

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.

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.

Abstract: A positioning system comprising a plurality of transponder modules each located at a known location for receiving an electromagnetic signal and emitting a light signal, at least one transceiver module for emitting an electromagnetic signal and receiving the light signal, and apparatus processing the received light signal to determine a position of the at least one transceiver module.

Abstract: An autonomous in-vivo sensing device that includes a transceiver that may for example transmit wireless signals to for example an external receiver, and receive wireless signals from for example an external transmitter. In some embodiments the wireless signals received by such device may include control or command signals that may activate, de-activate or alter an operational state of one or more components of the device.

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.

Abstract: Different transfer time periods are allocated to a network node for a connection, according to different quality classes. During the allocated transfer time period, the network node can transfer data bursts and data packets on the fly. The data packet is no longer transferred when the transfer capacity is required elsewhere.

Abstract: An Infrared (IR) receiver includes a programmable decoder having a normal mode of operation and a proprietary mode of operation. When the programmable decoder is in the normal mode of operation, the programmable decoder decodes frames of an IR data transmission to produce decoded data. When the programmable decoder is in the proprietary mode of operation, the programmable decoder passes data of the IR data transmission during a time out period to produce raw data. The IR receiver also includes a pulse detection circuit that generates a pulse detection signal in response to detecting the IR data transmission. The IR receiver further includes a timer circuit that generates the timeout period in response to the pulse detection signal.

Abstract: A technique for synchronizing the servo control systems between two optical wireless links (OWLs) that are in communication with one another. This synchronization allows the alignment in time of the various tasks to be assigned in a desired time period. The synchronization is not intended to synchronize the two OWLs down to the processor clock level, but rather at the servo sampling level, preferably to within a few percent of the servo sampling time. This synchronization may be advantageous in improving processor efficiency and control loop performance, and or improving system calibrations.

Abstract: In optical wireless networks, light beams are transmitted over-the-air and maximum performance is achieved when light beams are aligned with corresponding light detectors. A feedback control system is created between transmitting and receiving units, wherein the receiving unit provides positional data about the light beam from the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit uses the data provided to make adjustments to its light beam. However, in order to use the positional data, the units must be operating with a common coordinate basis. A method is provided for determining the basis and generating the transformation needed to modify positional data from one unit into information that is useful for the other unit. Additionally, a method is presented for using the positional data to maintain proper alignment of the light beam.

Abstract: A method and system for conveying contextually relevant information to a wireless client are disclosed. More particularly, a transmitter transmits a diffuse infrared signal to a client having an IrDA compliant communication interface. The transmitter communicates with the client by making a link layer in the transmitter compliant with an IrDA link layer running on the client. To perform communication, data is received at the transmitter from a service provider. The data is formatted into an IrDA compliant diffuse infrared signal and transmitted to the client. The client receives the data and parses it to extract contextually relevant information contained therein. The client may reply to the transmitter if a user of the client is interested in a service offered by the service provider. If the service provider receives a reply from the client, the service is made available to client.

Abstract: Bi-directional laser communications system comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver for establishing two optical channels there between. The first transceiver comprises a first transmitter with a pulsed high-power laser source for transmitting a pulsed beacon laser signal into a first of said optical channels. The second transceiver comprises a receiver with an optical antenna for receiving said pulsed beacon laser signal, said second transceiver and/or a receiving optic of said second transceiver being adjustable so that it can be adjusted with respect to said pulsed beacon laser signal. The second transceiver further comprises a second transmitter with a laser for transmitting a high energy laser signal into a second of said optical channels, and means for a separation of said first optical channel and said second optical channel.

Abstract: A method and system for a device to embed a low signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) communications signal into the backscatter of an illuminating signal. The illuminating signal may be acoustic or electromagnetic (EM) such as radio frequency (RF), light, or infrared (IR). The embedded communications signal may be recovered at a desired receiver.

Abstract: A communication system employing optical fibers and a high data rate satellite is utilized to provide high-speed Internet access to various geographic regions. In one aspect, a first teleport station is located geographically separated from a first user. The first teleport station is connected through a network access point to the Internet. The second user communicates through a satellite to the first teleport station to access the Internet. The teleport station and the network access point use a long haul optical fiber.

Abstract: A wireless optical communication systems using two optical transceivers located at the opposite ends of an optical communication line. The optical communication system can be either two-element, when each of the said transceivers contains one optical transmitter (emitter) and one optical receiver, or it can be four-element, where each of the said transceivers contains two optical transmitters and two optical receivers. The output of each of the optical transmitters is a diverging beam of incoherent electromagnetic radiation arranged to have a cross sectional diameter which is larger than the cross sectional diameter of the respective optical receiver at that point on the communication line at which the respective optical receiver is situated. The invention reduces the probability of communication failure, higher noise resistance, and lowers operation and production costs.

Abstract: Apparatus, and a corresponding method, for spatially isolating a transmit beam and a receive beam, which, in satellite communication systems, are inherently separated by a look ahead angle. A receive beam separation mirror is positioned in the receive beam path but out of the transmit beam path, and the receive beam is reflected along a path separated from the transmit beam path. The mirror may be annular, allowing the transmit beam to be directed through the center of the mirror. In applications where a desired isolation angle is different from the look ahead angle, or where there is no look ahead angle, the receive beam separation mirror is used in conjunction with a dichroic beam splitter and at least one receive beam steering mirror, to achieve the desired angular separation.

Abstract: Optical coupling device operates over a bidirectional data link between at least first and second communicators, each communicating data along a common wire of the data link. The device includes at least first and second optical couplers, each including a photon flux source and a photon flux detector. The photon flux source of the first and second optical couplers, respectively, is commanded by the first and second communicator, respectively. The photon flux detector of the first and second optical coupler, respectively, produces a signal on the data link at the first and second communicator, respectively, in response to the photon flux source of the second and first optical coupler, respectively, from the second and first communicator, respectively. An inhibitor inhibits the photon flux source of the second and first optical coupler, respectively, in response to an activation of the photon flux source of the first and second optical coupler, respectively.

Abstract: A free space laser communication system uses subcarrier multiplexing to prepare multiple data communication channels for impressing onto a laser carrier. Sending and receiving terminals mutually track to insure acquisition of the transmitted data signals.

Abstract: An optical transceiver module having a multiplexing analog control interface. The optical transceiver module comprises a controller and integrated post-amplifier/laser driver, which are included on a printed circuit board associated with the module. Transmitting and receiving optical sub-assemblies are also included in the module. A time division multiplexing analog control signal interface interconnects the controller with the integrated post-amplifier/laser driver. Digital control signals produced by the controller are converted and combined into a multiplexed analog control signal and transmitted via the interface to the integrated post-amplifier/laser driver. After receipt by the integrated post-amplifier/laser driver, the multiplexed analog control signal is divided into discrete analog control signals and forwarded to a plurality of control devices that use the control signals to modify a plurality of operating parameters of the transceiver module.

Abstract: A steering method and system controls a plurality of infrared units with a plurality of infrared controllers. The infrared controller sets the time interval between the end of a start signal and the start of a steering signal to match a predetermined time interval specific to each infrared unit being controlled.

Abstract: The extended range of optical data communication is enabled through the use of intermediary relay stations spaced fairly far apart. IRDA communicatiOn, as is well known, uses very short duration optical pulses to send data up to 1 Mbit/sec; this has the concomitant effect of minimizing LED duty cycle and preventing excessive heating. The invention uses a number of integrated pulses to represent a single bit instead of utilizing a one-to-one correspondence between pulses and bits. Processing software causes the transmitter to “stutter” or repetitively emanate the identical pulse representing a bit of information. Sufficient photons are thereby gathered at a receiver to reach a predetermined threshold. A tradeoff of the data transmission frequency in this invention is that as signal intensity drops by a factor of 100 when distance increases by a factor of 10 yielding a distance/intensity ratio of 1/10.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a data signal for transmission to a remote device transmits at least two synchronized copies of the data signal, in optical form, in different directions. To that end, the data signal first is synchronized to a clock signal to produce a composite signal. The composite signal then is converted to an optical signal, which is referred to as an “outgoing signal.” A plurality of copies of the outgoing signal then are transmitted. At least two copies of the outgoing signal are transmitted in different directions.

Abstract: An interrogator identifies an interrogated object using a light transceiver and a dynamic optical tag associated with the interrogated object. The dynamic optical tag receives an output light beam from the light transceiver and controllably reflects the light beam back to the light transceiver as an input light beam. The dynamic optical tag includes a controllable light reflector that is controllable between a reflective state and a non-reflective state and having a modulation signal input, and a controller that provides the modulation signal input to the controllable light reflector. In operation, the interrogator transmits an interrogation light beam from the light transceiver to the dynamic optical tag, the dynamic optical tag reflects a modulated interrogation light beam back to the light transceiver as the input light beam, and the light transceiver receives and analyzes the input light beam to determine an identity of the dynamic optical tag and the interrogated object.

Abstract: An optical communication device having multiple light sources under a single lens. The optical communication device has two light sources. The optical communication device has a lens optically coupled to the two light sources. The lens is shaped to direct light from the two light sources towards an axis of the lens. The optical communication device further has a third light source located below the approximate center of the lens.

Abstract: A communication optical system having a compact structure and capable of preventing crosstalk is disclosed. The communication optical system includes a light source, a light-receiving element and a beam-splitting member. The beam-splitting member performs one of transmission and reflection towards an incident/emergent port, and performs one of reflection and transmission towards the light-receiving element of a second light beam from the incident/emergent port. The light source and the light-receiving element are arranged on the same side with respect to the beam-splitting member.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for optical communications. An optical transmit signal is generated in response to an electrical transmit signal. The optical transmit signal is coupled into a single communication link for transmission there over. An optical receive signal is received from the single communication link, and in response an electrical receive signal is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple access space laser communications optical system. According to the present invention, multiple optical signals containing a number of channels are simultaneously received and demultiplexed at a multiple access communication device. Separate communication signals may be multiplexed by the multiple access communication device, and transmitted through the same or a different telescope optical assembly used to receive communication signals. Double-pass reflection is used to selectively polarize signals and to ensure that signals are substantial normal to optical bandpass filters, to avoid large shifts in the wavelengths transmitted by the optical bandpass filters. The system is capable of providing discrete communications with a number of communication endpoints, regardless of where the communication endpoints are located within the field of view of the telescope optical assembly.

Abstract: A system according to embodiments of the invention may include a first communication path that converts an optically-modulated source signal to a radio signal based on a detected degradation in a quality of a received optical signal, and a second communication path that converts a radio-modulated source signal to an optical signal based on a detected degradation in a quality of a received radio signal. The system has the ability to automatically adapt to diverse weather conditions to improve the reliability of a communication link without user intervention while supporting multiple modulation schemes.

Abstract: An optical space communications device includes a transmitter circuit which assigns an idle code indicating that the device is transmitting no data so that the idle code differs from an idle code for another device and which, when the transmitter circuit continuously transmits such idle codes, inserts, between the idle codes, a random code having a different random pattern from a pattern of the idle codes. Thus, light from another device is distinguished from stray light based on the idle codes. A disconnection of the other device is reliably detected. The insertion of random codes reduces effect of crosstalk jitter.

Abstract: An infrared data communication module includes a substrate having a surface on which a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and an IC element are mounted. A resin package is formed on the substrate for integrally enclosing the light emitting element, the light receiving element and the IC element. A shield member is formed within the resin package for covering the IC element to prevent light-attributable noises from reaching the IC element.

Abstract: An optical communication system is provided which includes an optical signal transmitter which communicates high bandwidth, high power frequencies. The optical signal transmitter includes a high efficiency/high power optical source such as an optical magnetron or a phased array source of electromagnetic radiation, and a modulator element. The modulator element may be within a resonance cavity of the high efficiency/high power optical source (intra cavity) or external to the cavity (extra cavity). The modulator element serves to modulate output radiation of the high efficiency/high power optical source to produce a modulated high frequency optical signal which may be transmitted through the air. The optical signal transmitter is particularly useful in providing the last mile connection between cable service operators and end users.

Abstract: An optical receiver includes a first light receiving element to convert an optical signal to an electric signal and to output the electric signal from one end. A light receiving element row is connected to the other end of the first light receiving element to supply electric power to the first light receiving element. The light receiving element row includes a plurality of second light receiving elements connected in series.

Abstract: Field devices comprising a transmitter and/or receiver for wireless data communication are provided. It is proposed to evaluate the energy available for wireless data communication in data transmitting or data receiving field devices prior to activation of the transmitter and/or receiver of the field device.

Abstract: The active bulkhead transceiver includes a housing, an insert body, a keying cap, a first ferrule, a second ferrule, a transmitting optical subassembly, a receiving optical subassembly, an electrical connector, a substrate, a cover, and a panel nut. The housing includes seating surface, an aperture, a first thread form, and a second thread form. The panel nut has a thread form, and a seating surface. The thread form of the panel nut is complimentary to one of the thread forms of the housing so that the panel nut is removeably mountable on the housing.

Abstract: An optical transceiver module which includes circuitry for detecting ambient light conditions in addition to circuitry for processing received optical data.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for accelerating data transfer between networked databases. First provided are a plurality of databases coupled by a network. At least one laser unit is coupled to each database. In operation, such laser units are capable of communicating data between the databases via free space by way of a laser beam. This allows data communication at a rate faster than that which the network is capable.

Abstract: A free space optical (FSO) communications device may include a plurality of power supplies having different respective output voltages. The FSO communications device may further include an adaptive optics (AO) module including an AO housing and a deformable mirror carried thereby. The deformable mirror may include an array of actuators each operating based upon a supplied voltage. In addition, a power controller may also be included for selectively driving the array of actuators using a desired one of the power supplies to conserve electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying contextually relevant information to a wireless client (112) is disclosed. More particularly, an emitter (108) transmits a diffuse infrared signal to a client (112) having an IrDA infrared communication interface (130). Emitter (108) communicates with client (112) by making a link layer in emitter (108) compliant with an IrDA link layer running on client (112). To perform communication, data is received at emitter (108) from a service provider (102). The data is formatted into an IrDA compliant diffuse infrared signal and transmitted to client (112). Client (112) receives the data and parses it to extract contextually relevant information contained therein.

Abstract: An Improved Signal Receiver Having Wide Band Amplification Capability is disclosed. Also disclosed is a receiver that is able to receive and reliably amplify infrared and/or other wireless signals having frequency bandwidths in excess of 40 MHz. The receiver of the present invention reduces the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal to ?th of the prior systems. The preferred receiver eliminates both the shunting resistor and the feedback resistor on the input end by amplifing the signal in current form. Furthermore, the receiver includes transconductance amplification means for amplifying the current signal without the need for Cascode stages. Finally, the receiver includes staged amplification to amplify the current signal in stages prior to converting the signal into a voltage output.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of connecting a subscriber unit (12) to a fiberoptic communication network (14) via a fiberoptic interface device (30) adapted to function as an interface device (30) in a coarse wavelength division multiplex (CWDM) system. The interface device (30) comprises an electric circuit arrangement (32) and a first (34) and a second (36) receiving section adapted to receive transceiver modules (24, 70). According to the method, an opto-electric transceiver module (24) is arranged in said first receiving section (34) and connected to said fiberoptic communication network (14). A first electric transceiver module (70) is provided and arranged in said second receiving section (36). The interface device (30) is connected, via said electric transceiver module (70), to said subscriber unit (12) via electrical conduction paths (82, 86). The invention also concerns a method of testing the function of said interface device (30).

Abstract: A package to encapsulate an optical component includes a RF interface to receive high frequency signals from an external source. The RF interface pins that can be configured as one or more single-ended transmission lines or as one or more differential transmission lines. For example, the RF interface includes four pins that can be coupled in one of two configurations to provide a single-ended transmission line and in a third configuration to provide a differential transmission line. In one embodiment, the first, second, and fourth pins are coupled to ground while the second pin is coupled to receive a RF signal. Alternatively, the first, second and fourth pins are coupled to ground and the third pin is coupled to receive a RF signal. For a differential transmission line, the first and fourth pins are coupled to ground while the second and third pins are coupled to receive a differential RF signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for conveying digital signals inside a space vehicle between a transmitter and a receiver. In the invention, the link between the transmitter and the receiver comprises a first portion made of optical fiber and a second portion in which infrared radiation propagates without guidance. A particular application lies in conveying remote control and telemetry signals within a satellite between a control module and a piece of equipment.

Abstract: An optical transceiver is equipped with at least one coupling lens which condenses reception signal light from an optical medium and condenses transmission signal light to the optical medium, an optical plate which passes the reception signal light and reflects the transmission signal light, a light receiving element which receives the reception signal light passed through the optical plate, and a light emitting element which transmits the transmission signal light so as to be reflected by the optical plate, wherein an emission port of the transmission signal light of the light emitting element is arranged at a position to enable the transmission signal light from the light emitting element to form an image in the optical medium via the optical plate and the coupling lens, and wherein the emission port of the transmission signal light of the light emitting element is arranged in a direction that makes the incident angle formed on the optical plate by the beam center line of the transmission signal light trans

Abstract: An adaptive free-space laser communication system and a method of communication between laser communication transceivers of the system. Communication channel condition information communicated via laser beams transmitted between a first laser communication transceiver and a second laser communication transceiver is monitored and the information is shared between the transceivers. A wave-front phase of the laser beams is shaped with wave-front correctors of the first and second laser communication transceivers.

Abstract: An interference resistant infrared receiver and extension system is disclosed. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one infrared photodetector configured to detect impinging infrared light of a desired wavelength, an amplifier, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, for amplifying an electrical signal generated by the at least one infrared photodetector, and a bandpass filter, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the desired impinging infrared light passes through the bandpass filter before impinging on the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the bandpass filter is configured to pass desired impinging infrared light and block undesired impinging wavelengths of light.

Abstract: An Improved Circuit Design and Optics System for Infrared Signal Transceivers is disclosed. The preferred system includes an IR transceiver assembly that is easily grasped by assemblers. Furthermore, the primary and secondary lenses associated with the transceiver system are easier to manufacture than current lens designs. Also, the heretofore critical lens separation between the infrared emitting and infrared detection devices and the primary lens is rendered a flexible dimension, dependent only upon the particular appliance in which the system is installed. The present invention permits the stand for infrared emitting and infrared detection devices to be eliminated as a result of exchanging a non-imaging transceiver system with the current imaging transceiver system. The present invention further comprises assembling or otherwise combining infrared emitting and infrared detection devices into a single infrared emitting/infrared detection device stack.

Abstract: An optical head is provided for a free space optical communications system. The optical head is utilized for transmitting and receiving modulated infrared laser beams. The optical head includes an optical amplifier, a circulator, an ultrafine-steering element, a fine-steering element, a course-steering element, and a fine track sensor. Additionally, a method is provided for facilitating airborne free space optical communications between an airborne host platform and a link platform. Each platform has an optical head which transmits and receives data via modulated infrared laser beams, wherein the host includes at least an optical head having a fine, coarse, and ultrafine steering element configured in a cascaded three-tier steering element architecture.

Abstract: An optical transceiver having a transmitter section and a receiver section formed on a substrate to be close to each other is provided, which suppresses the electrical and optical crosstalk between the transmitter section and the receiver section. The transceiver comprises: (a) a substrate; (b) a transmitter section formed on the substrate and including a light-emitting element; (c) a receiver section formed on the substrate to be close to the transmitter section and including a light-receiving element; (d) a conductive first connection member fixed near the substrate; and (e) a transparent second connection member fixed near the first member in such a way as to block the first opening and the second opening of the first member from a front of the first member. The first member has a first opening that allows a first light beam to penetrate the first member and a second opening that allows a second light beam to penetrate the first member.

Abstract: Internal communication signals in a stored program controlled system comprising a plurality of units configured to process signals are provided by an optical beam line which is proximal to all of the plurality of units. The system of this invention uses Space Division Multiplexing techniques to provide a plurality of logically independent subchannels over a single, shared free space optical beamline.

Abstract: A transceiver for a through-air optical communications system and the related method for transmitting signals through air by utilizing coherent light beams. The transceiver according to the invention comprises a receiving reflecting surface to properly reflect the coherent light received from another transceiver, said receive surface defining an outer edge. The transceiver is characterized by further comprising a single aperture in the shape of an annulus to pass the coherent light to be transmitted, said aperture substantially extending close to the outer edge of the receiving surface. Conveniently the annulus-shaped aperture is formed in the same main disk in which the receive reflecting surface is realized. The problem of scintillation and alignment between receiving and transmitting parts of the transceiver is reduced.