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.

Abstract: An optical wireless network includes an optical coupler for diverting received millimeter-wave signals comprised of an optical carrier and second order sidebands into multiple transmission paths; a downstream optical path being one of the multiple transmission paths and including an optical filter for filtering passing through the optical carrier with a single sideband, a converter for converting the optical carrier and single sideband to a corresponding electrical signal for amplification and broadcast transmission from an antenna; and an upstream path being one of the multiple transmission paths and having a filter for passing through the optical carrier only from the mm-wave signals and an intensity modulator driven by data received over the antenna to modulate the optical carrier for optical transmission to a receiving destination.

Abstract: Embodiments include apparatus, methods, and system including an apparatus comprising a photo receiver operable to detect a stream of light pulses transmitted from a photo transmitter paired with the photo receiver, wherein a frequency of the stream of light pulses has a harmonic relationship with a frequency of at least one other stream of light pulses transmitted by a photo transmitter not paired to the photo receiver, wherein the stream of light pulses from the transmitter paired with the photo receiver is detectable by the photo receiver even when the photo receiver is receiving one or more light pulses from the at least one other stream of light pulses.

Abstract: For use in a visible light communication (VLC) network, a method for generating high resolution visibility frames for visibility or dimming support. The method includes determining a required visibility for the high resolution frames. The method also includes generating a pattern that meets the determined required visibility, the pattern having a first quantity of first low resolution frames and a second quantity of second low resolution frames. The method further includes transmitting the pattern to achieve the required high resolution frames.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data transmission includes a first array coupled to a first subsystem and a second array coupled to a second subsystem. The first array includes a first plurality of transmitters that produce first optical signals that are transmitted through free space, and a first plurality of receivers. The second array includes a second plurality of transmitters that produce second optical signals that are transmitted through free space to the first plurality of receivers, and a second plurality of receivers that is configured to receive the first optical signals. An image-forming apparatus is operatively positioned between the first and second arrays and is configured to concurrently form an image of the first plurality of transmitters on the second plurality of receivers and an image of the second plurality of transmitters on the first plurality of receivers.

Abstract: A transmission module including an emitter device, a first reflection device, and a second reflection device is disclosed. The emitter device emits a light. The first reflection device reflects the light to generate a first reflected light. The second reflection device reflects the light to generate a second reflected light. The energy of the first reflected light is different from the energy of the second reflected light.

Abstract: A visible light communication system includes a light source emitting a first light having information, an optical filter receiving the first light and an externally provided second light and filtering the first and second light according to wavelength bands of the first and second light to output a filtered light, a photoelectric device receiving the filtered light to generate an output signal, and a data output part receiving the output signal to output data. Accordingly, the external light not having information may be substantially prevented from being provided to the photoelectric device, thereby preventing noise from occurring on the output signal. In addition, no additional operation is required to filter the output signal from the photoelectric device.

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.

Abstract: An optical transmitter for performing high-rate data communication by means of optical space transmission is provided, which can reliably perform optical axis adjustment manually and visually, and can prevent a device from being made large in size and manufacturing cost of the device from being increased by using an simply-constructed optical transmitter. Thus, the optical transmitter of the present invention comprises an incident beam restriction section operable to allow only a visible beam which is emitted by a terminal located within a range in which an infrared beam is emitted and incident thereon to pass therethrough, a reflection section operable to reflect the visible beam which has passed through the incident beam restriction section, and a light source operable to emit the infrared beam to pass through the reflection section according to a data transmission request signal from the terminal.

Abstract: A visible light communication apparatus of the present invention includes: a target signal receiver filtering only a signal having a target wavelength from a visible light received signal received from a transmitting terminal; a signal generator judging a reception quality of the visible light received signal by using characteristics of the signal having the target wavelength and generating a visible signal by using at least one light source having a wavelength different from the target wavelength in accordance with the reception quality; and an optical signal transmitter transmitting the signal having the target wavelength for transmitting data together with the visible signal and changing a light emitting color of a visible light transmitted signal.

Abstract: A central component of a processor based system, the central component including a processor and an optical interface to transmit data encoded as an optical signal to an optical interface of an external component of the processor based system, and to receive data encoded as an optical signal from the optical interface of the external component, the external component being one or more of an external peripheral device, a docking station, and a port replicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving high-density and misalignment tolerant short-reach free-space optical interconnects between arbitrary locations in a field, using microlenses, steering elements and a curved reflecting surface.

Abstract: A method for switching a mode by a terminal in a Location Based Service (LBS) system based on Visible Light Communication (VLC). The method includes determining whether a visible light signal is received, and if so, determining whether the visible light signal is received from a transmission device; if the visible light signal is received, receiving data using the visible light signal; acquiring identification information of the transmission device from the received data; comparing location information corresponding to the identification information of the transmission device with pre-stored map information; and displaying map data corresponding to the location information.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a first circuit board having a first optical element and a second circuit board having a second optical element positioned to electronically communicate with the first optical element over free space. The system also includes a cold plate having openings positioned to enable the optical communications over free space is positioned between the first circuit board and the second circuit board. The system further includes a condenser and a fluid conduit containing a cooling fluid configured to absorb heat through the cold plate and to convey the heat to the condenser, where the fluid conduit connects the cold plate and the condenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light-based communication, and more particularly it relates to methods for configuration of at least one remote light-sensing device, to a central light-emitting unit and to a light-sensing device. According to the invention, spatial configuration of remote light-sensing devices (e.g. peripherals such as loudspeakers or light devices), will be achieved by transmission of embedded identifiers or configuration information in light emitted in a plurality of directions from a central light-emitting unit. With a different identifier or different configuration information for each direction of transmission, the directions can be distinguished from each other. The invention enables a user to place remote light-sensing devices in a desired spatial position and the central light-emitting unit will be able to determine location and spatial function, i.e. for example whether the peripheral is an audio device and/or a lighting device.

Abstract: The electronic device includes a device housing, an emitter, a receiver, and a reflection structure. The emitter is separated from the device housing and emits an optical signal. The receiver is disposed on the device housing for receiving the optical signal. The reflection structure is formed on the device housing and neighboring to the receiver. When the emitter is disposed in front of the device housing, the optical signal transmitted from the emitter directly reaches the reflection structure and is reflected by the reflection structure, and then the optical signal travels toward the receiver.

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.

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 method and apparatus for generating a visible signal to enable a user to confirm the amount of data transmission in Visible Light Communication (VLC) are provided. The apparatus previously acquires amount information of data which is to transmit or receive, and acquires the ratio of the amount of data transmitted to a receiving-side VLC device from a transmitting VLC device or the amount of data transmitted from the transmitting-side VLC device received by the receiving VLC device to the total amount of data. The apparatus determines a visible light output pattern corresponding to the data ratio and generates visible light of the determined output pattern.

Abstract: A combat IFF system, for use in a combat exercise or on the battlefield, including a helmet-mounted passive IFF response unit and a weapon-mounted IFF interrogatory unit for each soldier. Infrared (IR) signals are employed for both challenge and response. The IR response signal is a very narrowly-targeted reflection of the relatively narrow IR transmit signal, thereby minimizing interception opportunities. The transmit and response signals are encoded in a transaction that cannot be compromised even when either or both signals are intercepted and decoded by the enemy. The combat IFF system includes biometric anti-spoofing features that prevent any use by an enemy in possession of captured units. Military radio-frequency (RF) spectrum is not required so there are no bandwidth limitations on simultaneous IFF transactions in the battlefield. A combat IFF transaction is completed in milliseconds.

Abstract: An image display device and an image display system which can establish visible light communication without interfering with an image displayed at a predetermined frame rate are provided. A controller 12 controls a spatial light modulator in accordance with an image signal to display the image, and also modulates an intensity of a visible light output from a backlight 13 with a frequency higher than the frame rate of the image signal to have the visible light output from the backlight 13 carry additional information. A light receiver 15 receives the visible light and demodulates to extract the additional information. An additional information generator 16 outputs the additional information.

Abstract: A wireless communication system adapted to transmit data between two locations, for example between a plurality of processors and memory. Digitally coded millimeter waves can be used to transfer data between antenna arrays. A global optical clock can provide network coherence, frequency self-tracking, and a local oscillator signal for data digital symbol coding/decoding and symbol up-down conversion to/from the millimeter wavelength carrier.

Abstract: In an IR communication network, a method is described to optimize channel performance in the presence of strong and varying IR interference. The method controls of the channel gain based on quantitative measurement of the channel noise.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system are described. This system includes an array of single-chip modules (CMs), which includes a first CM and a second CM which are coupled to each other. A given CM, which can be either the first CM or the second CM, includes a semiconductor die that is configured to communicate data signals with other CMs by capacitively coupled proximity communication and optical proximity communication using proximity connectors. These proximity connectors are proximate to a surface of the semiconductor die, and the semiconductor die includes an optical signal path configured to communicate on-chip optical signals.

Abstract: A steerable-light-path optical device includes a light transceiver having an external light path associated therewith, and a path-steering device that controls the direction of the light path relative to a steering axis. The path-steering device has a first beam-deviation optical element including a first prism structure having a first diffraction grating thereon, and a second beam-deviation optical element including a second prism structure having a second diffraction grating thereon. The steering axis passes through the first and second beam-deviation optical elements. A rotational drive is operable to rotate at least one of the first beam-deviation optical element and the second beam-deviation optical element, and preferably both of the beam-deviation optical elements, about the steering axis.

Abstract: An infrared light emitting and receiving system (10) includes an infrared light emitting device (100), and an infrared light receiving device (200). The infrared light emitting device including a heat sink (102), at least a heat pipe (104), a metallic plate (106), and at least an infrared light source (108) in thermal connections with one other in that order. The infrared light receiving device receives infrared light beams (300) emitted from the infrared light emitting device, the infrared light receiving device comprising a lens barrel (202), at least one lens (204) received in the lens barrel, an infrared passband filter (220) formed on the at least one lens, a sensor housing (212) coupled to the lens barrel, and an image sensor (230) received in the sensor housing.

Abstract: The electronic device includes a device housing, an emitter, a receiver, and a reflection structure. The emitter is separated from the device housing and emits an optical signal. The receiver is disposed on the device housing for receiving the optical signal. The reflection structure is formed on the device housing and neighboring to the receiver. When the emitter is disposed in front of the device housing, the optical signal transmitted from the emitter is reflected by the reflection structure, and then the optical signal travels toward the receiver.

Abstract: A method of aligning optical data communication channels between system functions comprises: emitting an array of light beams from a corresponding array of data emitters in response to electrical data signals generated from a first system function; emitting light beams from two control emitters in response to electrical control signals generated from the first system function; receiving light beams from the data emitters by a corresponding array of data detectors to form an array of data optical communication channels; conducting electrical data signals reproduced from the received data emitter light beams to a second system function; receiving light beams from the two control emitters by two control detector sections to form two control optical communication channels; conducting electrical control signals reproduced from the received control emitter light beams to a second system function; monitoring a multiplicity of light detectors of each of the two control detector sections to determine an offset in opti

Abstract: This disclosure concerns transceivers that include CDR bypass functionality. In one example, a 10 G XFP transceiver module includes integrated CDR functionality for reducing jitter. The 10 G XFP transceiver module also implements CDR bypass functionality so that the CDR can be bypassed at rate less than about 10 Gb/s, such as the Fibre Channel 8.5 Gb/s rate for example.

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: 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: A communication system has lighting equipment that has transmitter comprising multiple light-emitting elements that each emit light of different wavelengths and terminal equipment that has light-receiver comprising multiple light-receiving elements that receive optical signals for each of the different wavelengths.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that achieve physical separation of sound sources by pointing directly a beam of coherent electromagnetic waves (i.e. laser). Analyzing the physical properties of a beam reflected from the vibrations generating sound source enable the reconstruction of the sound signal generated by the sound source, eliminating the noise component added to the original sound signal. In addition, the use of multiple electromagnetic waves beams or a beam that rapidly skips from one sound source to another allows the physical separation of these sound sources. Aiming each beam to a different sound source ensures the independence of the sound signals sources and therefore provides full sources separation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel free space optical communication system comprising an optical amplifier configured to amplify an optical signal received from a fiber optic cable, a transmitter coupled to the optical amplifier and configured to transmit the amplified optical signal across a free space medium. The system also includes a receiver configured to receive the attenuated optical signal and a second optical amplifier coupled to the receiver configured to amplify the attenuated optical signal before transmitting the optical signal on to a fiber optic cable. The optical amplifier is preferably a Raman optical amplifier, but may also be any other optical amplifier, or combination of optical amplifiers, known in the art.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a display device of an electronic device. A data field may be displayed on the display device. An editing process may be executed that provides for editing of the data field displayed on the display device. The data field on the display device may be magnified relative to other portions of the display device when selected for editing according to the editing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting at least one first input signal superimposed on at least one second signal, the method comprising the steps of providing said at least one first input signal superimposed on at least one second signal to at least one half-wave rectifier; transforming, in said at least one half-wave rectifier, said at least one first input signal superimposed on at least one second signal into a half-wave rectified signal; providing said half-wave rectified signal to an envelope detector; and transforming, in said envelope detector, said half-wave rectified signal into an envelope signal and wherein the at least one half-wave rectifier comprises at least one optoelectronic device. In this way, a simpler and cheaper method and/or device are provided for e.g. detecting a transmitted information signal superimposed on a high frequency carrier signal.

Abstract: The current options for wireless communication have changed the way people work and the way in which networks can be deployed. However, there remains unresolved problems in the setup and configuration of wireless communication links. Both known cellular and ad hoc wireless networking protocols and systems are deficient in that the ability for users to communicate without a priori knowledge of MAC addresses (represented by phone numbers, IP addresses and the like) is limited or may be compromised in a hostile environment. In contrast, provided by aspects of the present invention are devices, systems and methods for establishing ad hoc wireless communication between users that do not necessarily have MAC addresses and the like for one another. In some embodiments, a first user visually selects a second user and points a coherent light beam at an electronic device employed by the second user.

Abstract: The visible light communication apparatus includes: a luminance signal generator that calculates a duty cycle of an illumination driving signal corresponding to input luminance request information and generates clock frequency information on luminance signals based on the calculated duty cycle; a transmission data generator that generates transmission data; an illumination driver that generates and outputs an illumination driving signal in a pulse waveform based on the clock frequency information of the luminance signals and the transmission data and controls a pulse position of a turn on section for each bit unit time in the waveform of the illumination driving signal based on the transmission data; and an illumination that is operated according to the illumination driving signal from the illumination driver.

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: In an optical module in which a transmitter and a receiver that respectively outputs and receives optical signals are stored in a casing, the transmitter and the receiver are connected to a common power line and to a common ground line, and a ferrite bead is arranged on the ground line in the receiver. The ferrite bead absorbs a high-frequency current component out of components in an electric signal passing through the ground line on which the ferrite bead is arranged. An inductance component that evolves on a ground line and a power line of a light receiving element and oscillation of a series resonance circuit that is formed of a capacitance component of the light receiving element are suppressed to reduce crosstalk.

Abstract: An illuminating light communication device, which is for establishing a communication system capable of controlling fluctuation in intensity of illuminating light when transmitting data using a power line and illuminating light, and satisfactorily carrying out communication using the power line and communication using the illuminating light, is provided. When data is transmitted through the power line, a signal component is extracted by a filter unit 12, and the demodulated by a power line modulator-demodulator 13, thereby retrieving the data. The retrieved data is temporarily stored in a protocol converter 14. Afterward, the data is converted to the optical communication protocol, and blinking or amount of light of a semiconductor light emitting element 16 is controlled according to the data transmitted from a light source control unit 15, thereby modulating the illuminating light. This allows transmission of data utilizing the illuminating light.

Abstract: Example embodiments may include a coaxial Free Space Optical (FSO) telescope providing a simplified and more precise structure. Example embodiment telescopes include a prism structure having at least two parallel surfaces associated with a filter and mirror. The filter may reflect or transmit optical signals based on their electromagnetic characteristics. Example embodiment systems include example embodiment coaxial FSO telescopes and transmitters and receivers for receiving and transmitting optical signals. A V-groove and/or lens array may be included in example embodiment FSO systems.

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 are 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: A system that facilitates high-speed data transfer between integrated circuit chips. The system contains a first integrated circuit chip, which includes a capacitive receiver and an electrical-to-optical transceiver. The capacitive receiver receives a capacitively coupled voltage signal transmitted from a corresponding capacitive transmitter located on a second integrated circuit chip and converts the capacitively coupled voltage signal into an electrical signal. The electrical-to-optical transceiver converts the electrical signal to an optical signal and transmits the optical signal to an optical device through optical coupling.

Abstract: A Cable Television (CATV) digital return link system that provides dedicated, high-speed, full-duplex and point-to-point connections between users and the head end system is disclosed. The CATV digital return link system includes return path transmitters, intermediate hubs and a head end hub coupled to each other via a network of fiber optic cables. The return path transmitters are each coupled to a relatively large number of users via a local CATV-subtree. Signals from cable modems are transmitted via the local CATV-subtree to the return path transmitters for transmission to the head end. The return path transmitters include circuitry for digitally processing the RF data from the subtree prior to transmitting the RF data to the head end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of using light-emitting elements for illumination as well as communication of data, wherein potential flicker due to sub-fusion frequency data correlations can be reduced compared to prior art techniques, while reducing redundancy in the data transmission. The intensity of the illumination from the light-emitting elements is controlled by a dimming signal such as a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal or a pulse code modulation (PCM) signal, for example. An amplitude-modulated data signal is then superimposed on the dimming signal for communication of data. The dimming signal thus acts as a carrier signal for the data signal. A sensing means is then used to receive the data signal by detecting all or part of the illumination from the light-emitting elements. The data signal can subsequently be extracted from the detected illumination.

Abstract: A communication system for communicating spoken speech, based on switching on and off a visible or infrared light source in a pattern corresponding to the spoken speech. The communication system provides for rapid retransmission/rebroadcast of messages received from other communication systems, to allow communication over a longer range than would otherwise be possible, or between two points not along a line of sight. The system may include a light source also used (at the same time) for providing illumination, such as a light source that is part of a lightbar mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a visible-light communications system in which bidirectional visible-light communication is performed between a visible-light communications device and a mobile terminal. The device has one light source. The mobile terminal has a retroflection unit. The mobile terminal further has first and second optical filters. The first optical filter extracts a visible light beam modulated with the data transmitted from the visible-light communications device. The second optical filter extracts a visible light beam that will be used as a retroflection light beam that is not modulated.

Abstract: A transfer circuit that transmits a signal includes an electrical signal sending section that sends a sending signal, a current to light converting section that converts the sending signal to an optical signal, an optical signal transmitting section that transmits the optical signal, a photo-electric converting circuit that converts the optical signal to an electrical signal, and an electrical signal receiving section that detects a data value of the electrical signal. The photo-electric converting circuit includes a level measuring section that compares the intensity of the electrical signal and a predetermined reference level to detect a data value of the electrical signal, and a measurement controlling section that controls the reference level. The electrical signal receiving section includes a receiving circuit that detects a data value of the electrical signal, and a timing controlling section that controls latch timing at which the receiving circuit detects the data value.

Abstract: A visible light communication system, includes a data storage apparatus, a data transmitter and a data receiver, the data transmitter includes data receiving module for receiving data from the data storage apparatus, modulating module for modulating the data received by the data receiving module, and transmitting module for transmitting the data modulated by the modulating module to the data receiver as a carrier of illumination light, the data receiver includes illumination light detecting module for detecting the illumination light received by the transmitting module in accordance with an output variation of power converting module, demodulating module for demodulating the illumination light detected by the illumination light detecting module, and displaying module for displaying the data demodulated by the demodulating module.