Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and system for verifying the content of items in a bin within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, a bin content verification apparatus may pass by one or more bins and capture images of those bins. The images may be processed to determine whether the content included in the bins has changed since the last time images of the bins were captured. A determination may also be made as to whether a change to the bin content was expected and, if so, if the determined change corresponds with the expected change.

Abstract: Provided are an optical transmission line monitoring apparatus, an optical transmission line monitoring system, and an optical transmission line monitoring method capable of monitoring a plurality of optical transmission lines in parallel. A monitoring light output unit outputs monitoring lights with different frequencies to optical transmission lines. A local oscillation light source outputs a local oscillation light. An interference unit, to which return lights corresponding to the monitoring lights are input, configured to output an output light generated by interference between input lights and the local oscillation light. A conversion unit converts the output light into an electrical signal. A signal processing unit extracts, from the electrical signal, an intermediate-frequency signal based on each of the monitoring lights, and generates monitoring results of the optical transmission lines from the intermediate-frequency signal.

Abstract: A localized laser-based interceptor for kites balloons and UAVs comprises a laser and a large aperture optical beam delivery system with adjustable focal distance and spot size. The spot-size is adjusted for optimal damage performance on plastic targets, as a function of the distance from the target, its velocity across the laser beam spot and where the extent of the danger zone for personnel and equipment is limited by the fast expansion of the illuminating laser beams. The optical design ensures diverging beam to minimize the hazardous range of the system.

Abstract: A modular vehicle management system is described, comprising a controller module configured to control different types of carrier modules. The controller module includes a computer system and optionally one or more sensors. The computer system is configured to perform operations comprising detecting whether a carrier module is connected to the controller module. If the carrier module is connected to the controller module, the carrier module is authenticated. If the authentication fails, operation of the vehicle is inhibited. The control module is configured to determine carrier module capabilities including information regarding a navigation processing device, and/or a radio modem. The controller adapts to the capabilities of the controller module. Using information from the sensors and the navigation processing device, the vehicle management system navigates the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical line testing device for measuring at least a cutting position of an optical line according to the present invention includes: a first wavelength tunable laser source configured to generate a first optical signal in which a plurality of wavelengths appear alternately and periodically; a second wavelength tunable laser source configured to generate a second optical signal which is identical to the first optical signal but has an adjustable delay time; and an interferometer configured to cause interference between a reflected optical signal, corresponding to the first optical signal, which is returning after having been emitted to the optical line, and the second optical signal to output an interference signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for providing timing and bandwidth management of ultra-wideband, wireless data channels (including radio frequency and wireless optical data channels). According to one embodiment, a hub apparatus is disclosed for providing out-of-band bandwidth management for a free-space-optical (FSO) data channel associated with a first device. The hub apparatus includes a processor, a memory coupled with the processor, an FSO transmitter coupled with the processor, and an FSO receiver coupled with the processor. The FSO transmitter may be configured to transmit a control signal comprising timing information and bandwidth management information.

Abstract: An exemplary system for communicating data includes a light source that emits light and a processing device that receives and encodes data into a communication signal. A modulator modulates light emitted by the light source, wherein the modulation is imperceptible to the human eye, and the modulated light includes the encoded data. The modulation of the transmitted light is imperceptible to a human eye. A receiving device receives the modulated light and processes the light to decode the encoded signal and obtain the data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes a set of servers, a set of switches within a switch fabric, and an optical device. The optical device is operatively coupled to the set of servers via a first set of optical fibers. Each server from the set of servers is associated with at least one wavelength from a set of wavelengths upon connection to the optical device. The optical device is operatively coupled to each switch from a set of switches via an optical fiber from a second set of optical fibers. The optical device, when operative, wavelength demultiplexes optical signals received from each switch from the set of switches, and sends, for each wavelength from the set of wavelengths, optical signals for that wavelength to the server from the set of servers.

Abstract: A system for transmitting routable energy packets includes an optical power source and a processing circuit. The optical power source is configured to generate an optical power packet having optical energy, generate an optical data packet comprising routing information configured to control a route of the optical power packet, and transmit the optical power packet and the optical data packet via a conduit. The processing circuit is configured to generate the routing information to be transmitted within the optical data packet, and control a transmission by the optical power source.

Abstract: A system and method for performing correlation processing for identifying an object of interest in a cloud of remote objects of different types comprises receiving RF and IR measurement data including rotational, translational bias and noise errors and determining and removing biases by minimizing a weighted distance metric. Correlation pairing metrics are then determined according to a maximum likelihood criteria. This method produces a correlation solution that minimizes the effects of biases and random noise while accounting for the statistical properties of the parameters being estimated.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmission system adapted to provide a remote passive identification of components deployed in said transmission system, wherein each component comprises an associated passive optical identification unit adapted to provide identification of a component type of the respective component on the basis of a received optical identification signature carried in an optical identification signal to said component.

Abstract: A sending/receiving system includes first and second sending/receiving apparatuses. The first sending/receiving apparatus includes a first sending section that sends link establishment information via first transmission channels. The second sending/receiving apparatus includes a second sending section, link establishing sections, and a controller. The second sending section sends link establishment information to the first sending/receiving apparatus via a second transmission channel. Each of the link establishing sections is provided for a corresponding one of the first transmission channels and establishes a link in the corresponding first transmission channel on the basis of the link establishment information.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a cable system in the field of communications are provided. An optical signal emitted by an optical source to a transmission link of the cable system is divided into two paths of optical signals, in which one path of optical signals serve as local coherent light, and the other path of optical signals are transformed by multipath frequency shift to multiple paths of detection optical signals of different frequencies. A monitoring result is obtained by performing coherent detection, with the local coherent light, on the returned optical signals of the multiple paths of detection optical signals of different frequencies. The device includes an optical source, a multipath frequency shift module, and a coherency module.

Abstract: A high data rate optical signal is inverse multiplexed into a multitude of lower-rate tributaries, each of which is coded by its unique OCDM code, and the combined coded tributaries are injected into a common phase scrambler. Coherent summation of these optically encoded tributaries pass through a shared phase or phase and frequency scrambler before exiting the secure location. The setting of the scrambler acts as the key. The authorized recipient with the correct key retrieves the ones and zeros of the several decoded signals.

Abstract: A communications link for carrying data between a transmitter and a receiver operates according to a communications protocol (such as PCI Express (PCIe)) specifying a reduced-power link operating state in which the transmitter generates a reduced-amplitude electrical output signal and the receiver is to operate in a power-save mode. The communications link includes an electro-optical link and a circuit coupling an output of the transmitter to an electrical input of the electro-optical link. The circuit is configured to detect initiation of the reduced-power operating state and to send messages to the receiver to maintain a normal amplitude of an optical signal on the electro-optical link.

Abstract: An optical measurement instrument comprises operational modules (101-107) that are interconnected via a digital communication network (110). Each operational module comprises a transceiver (111-117) connected to the digital communication network and arranged to support a pre-determined digital communication protocol employed in the digital communication network. Those operational modules that include a detector further comprise an analog-to-digital converter (118) for converting a detected signal into a digital form and a digital circuitry (119) for providing digital information based on the detected signal with address data related to a particular operational module to which the digital information is to be delivered via the digital communication network.

Abstract: An approach for saving power in a fiber ports of a network system is provided. An instance of a period of inactivity for a fiber port of the network system is determined. Power delivery to a transmit laser of an SFP (small form-factor pluggable) device of the fiber port is terminated during at least a portion of the period of inactivity. Power delivery to the SFP device is maintained while power delivery to the transmit laser is terminated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and computer program product for ensuring that a device (26) operable in a network (1) is configured to operate according to documented functional requirements for the network. Positional information comprising the coordinates of each device (26, 9, 50) in the network (1) is received via a gateway (9, 50) at a data processing apparatus (10) storing the documented functional requirements. The coordinates of each device (26, 9) in the network (1) are used to deduce the required functionality of the device based on the stored functional requirements, instructions for implementing the functionality are generated and the instructions are sent via the gateway (9, 50) to the network. The invention has particular relevance in the commissioning stage of a lighting control network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for setting a power control initial value by using an indication light in visible light communications and a transmission/reception (Tx/Rx) apparatus using the method. The method includes the steps of: radiating multiple indication lights having power levels different from one another by a visible light communication transmitter; aligning a communication position simultaneously with measuring Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of the indication light on detecting the indication light, selecting a power level whose RSSI is in a preset threshold range and which is adequate for transmission/receive among the multiple power levels different from one another, and informing the visible light communication transmitter of the adequate power level by a visible light communication receiver; and transmitting data from the visible light communication transmitter to the visible light communication receiver by using a transmitted power initial value according to a selected power level.

Abstract: A method performed by a networked device for energy efficient operation of an optical transceiver of the networked device is described herein. It is determined whether a port control of the networked device is enabled to operate in an energy efficient state. Where the port control is enabled to operate in the energy efficient state and an absence of a valid receive energy from a link partner is determined, a laser transmitter of the optical transceiver is pulsed by asserting and de-asserting a control signal.

Abstract: A system for redundancy in Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs) facilitates fast recovery from failure (less than 50 msec), path redundancy of the fiber optic network, and location redundancy of the OLTs. An optical networking unit (ONU) in a normal state monitors input communications, and when the input communications are quiet for a predetermined minimum length of time, the ONU transitions to a lenient state in which: the ONU accepts old and new security keys; upon receiving a packet: the ONU updates an ONU timestamp based on the packet's timestamp; and the ONU transitions to the normal state of operation. While the ONU is in the lenient state if a packet is not received for a predetermined given length of time the ONU transitions to a deregistered state. In this system, main and standby OLTs do not require synchronization of security parameters or synchronization for differences in fiber lengths.

Abstract: A method for remote communication using the interpretation of thermoluminescence or photoluminescence signals uses a property of photoluminescence or of thermoluminescence when it is caused by entangled trapped electrons. In this case, stimulation of deexcitation of trapped electrons by heat or radiation occurs when the deexcitation thermal energy is approximately equal to the trap-emptying energy. Stimulation by a temperature rise of a “master” sample induces luminescence of a remote “slave” “entangled” sample, which is reproduced on lowering the temperature of the “master” sample whatever the distance and the media separating the “master” sample and the “slave” sample. This teaching and its generalization to other forms of stimulation is used by the method of interpreting the quantum reception measurements so as to determine, using a correlation method, the transmission of information or commands.

Abstract: A signal detection method used in an optical receiver apparatus detects the variation of an optical input level from the presence or absence of a clock signal and appropriately controls a dispersion compensator, thereby enabling the presence or absence of an input signal to be correctly determined. The signal detection method includes: detecting the level of input light of an optical amplifier, storing the level of the detected input light, comparing the level of the stored previous input light with the level of current input light, detecting the level variation of the input light by the comparison to detect the state change of the presence or absence of an optical signal, performing a dispersion compensation on the input light, and extracting a clock from an optical input. When the level variation of the input light is detected, the presence or absence of the optical signal of the input light is determined from the presence or absence of the clock signal.

Abstract: A quantum communication system comprising a sending unit and a receiving unit, said sending unit comprising a photon source assembly configured to output a stream of pulses of light having at least two different intensities and a memory configured to store information for determining which pulses should be reference pulses and which pulses should be data pulses, the average intensity of reference pulses being different to the average intensity of data pulses, the receiving unit comprising a memory for storing information for identifying the position of reference pulses within the stream of pulses and a processor for determining the calibration of the quantum communication system from the reference pulses.

Abstract: A method for localizing an optical network termination (ONT) of a passive optical network is disclosed. The passive optical network comprises an optical line terminal (OLT) and an optical distribution network (ODN) having a plurality of optical links. The ONT is connectable to the OLT by a given optical link of the optical distribution network. The method includes the steps of detecting that the ONT has been connected to the OLT by an optical link of the optical distribution network; determining length information indicative of a length of the optical link; comparing the length information with a reference length information indicative of a length of the given optical link; and if the length information matches the reference length information, localizing the ONT by confirming that it is connected to the OLT by the given optical link.

Abstract: There is provided a wavelength division multiplexing transmission system and apparatuses used therein, in which a remote apparatus to be newly added to a station apparatus autonomously sets a wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus, thereby avoiding the need for presetting a wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus. The remote apparatus includes wavelength determining means that determines an available wavelength on the basis of an optical signal received from the station apparatus. The wavelength determining means may determine the wavelength of an unreceived optical signal as the available wavelength or may determine the wavelength of a received optical signal as the available wavelength, and may set that wavelength as a transmission and reception wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus.

Abstract: A transceiver assembly is provided for use in an optical telecommunications network. The circuitry arrangement in the transceiver of the present invention generates a ranging signal that is transmitted along the fibers attached thereto and then filters the return signal in an manner that eliminates virtually all of the noise effects found on the fiber to provide a highly reliable timing signal for an accurate delay calculation. A band pass filter is supplied in line before the input signal is allowed to pass to the ranging signal detector and comparator thereby allowing only a signal at the fundamental frequency of the input signal to pass, thereby eliminating false signal detect triggers.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a casing having a laser light reception region on its outer surface, a receiver that receives transmission data from a partner device, and a suppression member that suppresses leakage of the laser light between the partner device and the electronic device. The partner device includes a laser light emission component and a laser light modulator. The receiver detects, in a state where the partner device and the electronic device are positioned in to communicable positions where the laser light from the partner device is made incident inside the light reception region of the electronic device, the laser light incident inside the light reception region and demodulates the transmission data from the laser light detection result. The suppression member is disposed in at least an area surrounding the light reception region.

Abstract: A system and a method for quantum key distribution between a transmitter and a receiver over wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) link are disclosed. The method includes providing one or more quantum channels and one or more conventional channels over the WDM link; assigning a different wavelength to each of the one or more quantum channels and each of the one or more conventional channels; transmitting single photon signals on each of the one or more quantum channels; and transmitting data on each of the one or more conventional channels. The data comprises either conventional data or trigger signals for synchronizing the transmission of the single photon signals on the quantum channels. All channels have wavelengths around 1550 nm. The WDM link can be a 3-channel WDM link comprising two quantum channels for transmitting single photon signals and one conventional channel for transmitting conventional data or triggering signals.

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: An instrumented fastener (e.g., a “tack” fastener) includes one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) configured to produce a light beacon that includes encoded information regarding the instrumented fastener (e.g., part number), wherein the direction of the light beacon can be used to align external and/or internal assembly systems to the instrumented fasteners. The light beacon may be activated automatically, or via an instruction received from an external system. Once aligned, the assembly system may, for example, proceed with installing permanent fasteners between neighboring tack fasteners.

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: A wireless, automatic door obstruction detection system for protecting a motorized door or gate by signaling various hazardous conditions and reacting to said conditions by signaling control means. The invention utilizes wireless infrared emitter, receiver and controller apparatus. Infrared pulse timing data is sent as pulse repetition rate changes depending upon battery condition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the photoelectric transmitter emits timed pulse groups to present control information differentiating between a good battery and a low battery condition in the wireless transmitter. A wireless photoelectric transmitter extends the time period between pulse groups to indicate a low battery condition. A low battery condition signaling thereby presents a low power drain condition allowing for an extended period of low battery condition signaling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for obtaining status information from a given location along an optical transmission path. The method begins by generating a cw probe signal having a prescribed frequency that is swept over a prescribed frequency range. The cw probe signal is transmitted over the optical path and a returned COTDR signal in which status information concerning the optical path is embodied is received over the optical path. A receiving frequency within the prescribed frequency range of the returned COTDR signal is detected to obtain the status information. The detecting step includes the step of sweeping the receiving frequency at a rate equal to that of the prescribed frequency. A period associated with the receiving frequency is temporally offset from a period associated with the prescribed frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validating a data link between two communication modules, such as optical transceiver modules configured for bidirectional optical communication, are disclosed. In one embodiment a method according to the invention includes a first optical transceiver module transmitting a first validation optical signal to a second optical transceiver module via an optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, that physically interconnects both transceivers. The first validation optical signal is received by the second optical transceiver module, which lights an indicator light on its housing and returns a second validation optical signal to the first optical transceiver module. Upon receipt of the signal, the first transceiver lights its indicator light and enables data transfer to occur between both transceivers.

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: A system and a method for quantum key distribution over a multi-user wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network are disclosed. The system comprises a tunable or multi-wavelength transmitter; a plurality of receivers, each assigned a receiving-wavelength; and a multi-user WDM network linking the transmitter to the receivers. The transmitter can select a receiver among the receivers to be communicated therewith and transmit quantum signals to the selected receiver over the WDM network. The quantum signals are at a wavelength equal to a receiving-wavelength of the receiver. Therefore the WDM network allows quantum signals to be communicated between the transmitter and the receivers by wavelength routing.

Abstract: The Fibre Channel Credit Extender (FCCE) (600) is a network device that is disposed between and connected to an end node (210) and an optical repeater (220). The FCCE (600) contains as many buffer credits as necessary, to solve bandwidth problems in a network. In a situation where maximum bandwidth is required in both directions of a link, the FCCE (600) breaks a single logical link into three physically separated “linklets.” The short-distance linklets attain maximum bandwidth by use of the existing buffer credits of the end nodes. The long-distance linklet attains maximum bandwidth by use of very high receive buffer credits in the FCCEs (600). In this way, only those links that need maximum bandwidth over distances not covered by end-node credit counts need be attached to an FCCE (600). The FCCE (600) contains the optical repeater to gain distance on that link, and contains high credit count receive buffers to gain bandwidth on the link.

Abstract: Various approaches for activating a traffic control preemption system. The traffic control preemption system has a receiver with 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. A threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. Control circuitry is coupled to a light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and the control circuitry controls the frequency of light pulses in each burst and the frequency of the bursts to cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.

Abstract: A method for integrating an Optical Service Channel (OSC) with a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) channel across a DWDM network having a single mode optical fiber is provided. An optical signal is received. An OSC is coupled with the optical signal. A QKD channel is integrated with the OSC on the single mode optical fiber.

Abstract: A security system comprises a system control panel for monitoring at least one device on a network. An infrared (IF) sensor located on the network has an IR transmitter and an IR receiver. The IR transmitter transmits control data packets and the IR receiver detects received data packets and IR data. A processor provides the control data packets to be transmitted by the IR transmitter. The processor determines that an external communication device is initiating communication with a target device over the network based on at least the received data packet received by the IR receiver. The processor establishes bi-directional communication over the network between the external communication device and the target device which is one of the processor, the system control panel and the at least one device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching at least one wavelength component of an optical signal beam from a first state to a second state. The phase characterizing the optical signal component is incremented by interaction with one or more escort beams in a non-linear medium thereby switching the state of the optical signal component on the basis of its incremented phase. Multiple escort beams may also be employed to switch different wavelength components of the signal. The method may be employed to achieve high speed, and substantially transparent, switching of phase, intensity or polarization of a signal.

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: There is provided a wavelength division multiplexing transmission system and apparatuses used therein, in which a remote apparatus to be newly added to a station apparatus autonomously sets a wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus, thereby avoiding the need for presetting a wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus. The remote apparatus includes wavelength determining means that determines an available wavelength on the basis of an optical signal received from the station apparatus. The wavelength determining means may determine the wavelength of an unreceived optical signal as the available wavelength or may determine the wavelength of a received optical signal as the available wavelength, and may set that wavelength as a transmission and reception wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus.

Abstract: A system and a method for quantum key distribution between a transmitter and a receiver over wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) link are disclosed. The method includes providing one or more quantum channels and one or more conventional channels over the WDM link; assigning a different wavelength to each of the one or more quantum channels and each of the one or more conventional channels; transmitting single photon signals on each of the one or more quantum channels; and transmitting data on each of the one or more conventional channels. The data comprises either conventional data or trigger signals for synchronizing the transmission of the single photon signals on the quantum channels. All channels have wavelengths around 1550 nm. The WDM link can be a 3-channel WDM link comprising two quantum channels for transmitting single photon signals and one conventional channel for transmitting conventional data or triggering signals.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for implementing optical interconnects between high speed electrical interconnects by determining if an optical link exists between two optical transceivers, and if so, connecting input termination on the transmit input portion of each optical transceiver.

Abstract: A method for starting lasers in a network is provided. According to the method, a restart phase in automatic mode is initiated after the laser is disconnected. During the restart phase in automatic mode, which is accompanied by a delay time for the new laser connection, the automatic mode is switched to a different mode in which the new connection of the laser takes place faster than in automatic mode. This can be achieved by switching to manual mode as per ITU-T G.664. Furthermore, safety measures are defined before activating switching from the network management or a network element control so that safety is ensured during the fast, new connection of the laser.

Abstract: A transmitting unit includes a transmitter for transmitting signals of coded information about a position close to the unit in a space substantially unreachable by a satellite-based navigating system so as to provide a receiver arranged on a moving object present in the space with the position information for determining the position of the object. The transmitter is adapted to normally be in an inactive non-transmitting state, and the unit further includes a detector adapted to detect movement of an object within a space and activate the transmitter to transmit signals only when movement of an object in the space is detected.

Abstract: A high-throughput inspection system and method.

Abstract: An instrumented fastener (e.g., a “tack” fastener) includes one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) configured to produce a light beacon that includes encoded information regarding the instrumented fastener (e.g., part number), wherein the direction of the light beacon can be used to align external and/or internal assembly systems to the instrumented fasteners. The light beacon may be activated automatically, or via an instruction received from an external system. Once aligned, the assembly system may, for example, proceed with installing permanent fasteners between neighboring tack fasteners.