Systems and methods for ad-hoc networking in an optical narrowcasting system

• US 9,793,989 B2
• Filed: 03/10/2017
• Issued: 10/17/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aron Surefire, LLC
• Original Assignee: SureFire LLC (Surefire Holdings LLC)
• Inventors: Shatz, Narkis E., Bortz, John C
• Primary Examiner(s): Jacob, Oommen
• Application Number:
  US15/456,381
• Publication Number:
  US 20170195050A1
• Time in Patent Office: 221 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 13/0015 characterised by the lens design
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 19/0009 having refractive surfaces only
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 19/0023 at least one surface having optical power
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 19/009 for use with infrared radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 19/0095 for use with ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/14 Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0643 Graphical representation of items or shoppers
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/00 2D [Two Dimensional] image generation
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/60 Editing figures and text; Combining figures or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 19/006 Mixed reality object pose determination, tracking or camera calibration for mixed reality G06T7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2200/04 involving 3D image data
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/70 Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras camera calibration G06T7/80
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/20 in augmented reality scenes
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/11 Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/114 Indoor or close-range type systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1141 One-way transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1143 : Bidirectional transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/116 : Visible light communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/50 : Transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/516 : Details of coding or modulation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/5162 : Return-to-zero modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/541 : Digital intensity or amplitude modulation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/60 : Receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/615 : Arrangements affecting the optical part of the receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/616 : Details of the electronic signal processing in coherent optical receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/66 : Non-coherent receivers, e.g. using direct detection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/697 : Arrangements for reducing noise and distortion
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/23 : Indication means, e.g. displays, alarms, audible means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 : with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/737 : Characterised by transmission of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. infrared waves
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4126 : The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42204 : User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor constructive details of casings for the remote control device H01H9/0235; user interfaces for controlling a tuning device of a television receiver through a remote control H03J9/00; remote control of peripheral devices connected to a television receiver through the remote control device of the television receiver H04B1/205
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/62 : Control of parameters via user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/69 : Control of means for changing angle of the field of view, e.g. optical zoom objectives or electronic zooming
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/71 : Circuitry for evaluating the brightness variation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/272 : Means for inserting a foreground image in a background image, i.e. inlay, outlay
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/22 : Adaptations for optical transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/21 : for social networking applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 : Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 : Gateway arrangements

Abstract

Systems and methods for optical narrowcasting are provided for transmitting various types of content. Optical narrowcasting content indicative of the presence of additional information along with identifying information may be transmitted. The additional information (which may include meaningful amounts of advertising information, media, or any other content) may also be transmitted as optical narrowcasting content. Elements of an optical narrowcasting system may include optical transmitters and optical receivers which can be configured to be operative at distances ranging from, e.g., 400 meters to 1200 meters. Moreover, the elements can be implemented on a miniaturized scale in conjunction with small, user devices such as smartphones, thereby also realizing optical ad-hoc networking, as well as interoperability with other types of data networks. Optically narrowcast content can be used to augment a real-world experience, enhance and/or spawn new forms of social-media and media content.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

transmitting an optical beacon from an optical beacon transmitter of a first device, wherein the optical beacon is modulated with information identifying the first device as an optical narrowcasting hotspot;

receiving, at an optical signal receiver of the first device, a first optical signal from a second device, wherein the first optical signal is modulated with information to be transmitted over a radio frequency network;

extracting the information from the received first optical signal;

transmitting the information over a radio frequency network using a radio frequency connection interface of the first device;

in response to transmitting the information over the radio frequency network, receiving a response signal over the radio frequency network modulated with information;

modulating the information from the response signal onto a second optical signal; and

transmitting the second optical signal to an optical signal receiver of the second device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device is an internet gateway, and wherein the second device is a mobile device.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving, at an optical beacon receiver of the first device, an optical beacon from the second device requesting access to the optical narrowcasting hotspot; and

permitting the second device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the optical beacon received from the second device comprises a unique optical narrowcasting identification associated with the second device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein permitting the second device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot comprises determining that the second device is trusted based on the unique optical narrowcasting identification.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the first device is a mobile device, the method further comprising:

displaying on a graphical user interface of the first device a prompt that the second device is requesting access to the optical narrowcasting hotspot; and

receiving data corresponding to user input at the graphical user interface permitting the second device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device is a smartphone.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

displaying on a graphical user interface of the smartphone a control that allows the smartphone to share a radio frequency connection such that the smartphone;

modulates onto an RF carrier signal, information received over an ad-hoc optical narrowcasting network from another device;

transmits the modulated RF carrier signal over the radio frequency connection;

in response to transmitting the modulated RF carrier signal, receives over the radio frequency connection, a second RF carrier signal modulated with information; and

transmits over the ad-hoc optical narrowcasting network, an optical signal containing the information of the second RF carrier signal; and

receiving data corresponding to user input at the graphical user interface selecting the control.

20. The method of claim 2, wherein the optical beacon is transmitted over a fixed angular region by the internet gateway.

21. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

transmitting a plurality of optical beacons from the internet gateway over a respective plurality of angular regions, wherein each of the plurality of optical beacons is modulated with information identifying the internet gateway as an optical narrowcasting hotspot.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the first device converting the information from the response signal to an optical format for optical transmission to the second device;

transmitting the converted information as light from a light-emitting element to a collimator of an optical signal transmitter of the first device;

receiving the light from the light-emitting element through an entrance pupil of the collimator; and

emitting the light from an exit pupil of the collimator.

7. A system, comprising:

an optical beacon transmitter, the optical beacon transmitter configured to transmit a first optical beam modulated with information identifying the system as an optical narrowcasting hotspot;

an optical signal receiver, the optical signal receiver configured to receive a first optical signal from a mobile device, wherein the first optical signal is modulated with information to be transmitted over a radio frequency network;

a radio frequency connection interface; and

one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums operatively coupled to one or more processors, and having instructions stored thereon, that when executed by the one or more processors causes the system to;

extract the information from the first optical signal received from the mobile device;

transmit the extracted information over a radio frequency network using the radio frequency connection interface;

in response to transmitting the information over the radio frequency network, receive a response signal over the radio frequency network modulated with information;

modulate the information from the response signal onto a second optical signal; and

transmit the second optical signal from the optical signal transmitter to an optical signal receiver of the mobile device.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the system is an internet gateway.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising:

an optical beacon receiver, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further causes the system to;

receive, at the optical beacon receiver, an optical beacon from the mobile device requesting access to the optical narrowcasting hotspot; and

permitting the mobile device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the optical beacon received from the mobile device comprises a unique optical narrowcasting identification associated with the mobile device.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein permitting the mobile device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot comprises determining that the mobile device is trusted based on the unique optical narrowcasting identification.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the system is a mobile device.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further causes the system to:

display on a graphical user interface a prompt that the mobile device is requesting access to the optical narrowcasting hotspot; and

receive data corresponding to user input at the graphical user interface permitting the mobile device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot.

23. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is a smartphone.

24. The system of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further causes the system to:

display on a graphical user interface a control that allows the system to share a radio frequency connection such that the system;

modulates onto an RF carrier signal, information received over an ad-hoc optical narrowcasting network from another device;

transmits the modulated RF carrier signal over the radio frequency connection;

in response to transmitting the modulated RF carrier signal, receives over the radio frequency connection, a second RF carrier signal modulated with information; and

transmits over the ad-hoc optical narrowcasting network, an optical signal containing the information of the second RF carrier signal; and

receive data corresponding to user input at the graphical user interface selecting the control.

25. The system of claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further causes the system to:

transmit a plurality of optical beacons from the internet gateway over a respective plurality of angular regions, wherein each of the plurality of optical beacons is modulated with information identifying the internet gateway as an optical narrowcasting hotspot.

26. The system of claim 8, wherein the optical signal receiver comprises:

a lenslet array comprising a plurality of lenslets configured to receive the optical signal;

an optical detector array including a plurality of optical detectors, each of the lenslets positioned to concentrate collected flux onto at least one optical detector of the plurality of optical detectors; and

a signal amplifier coupled to the optical detector array and configured to amplify signals received from the optical detector array to create an amplified signal.

27. The system of claim 8, wherein the optical signal receiver comprises a plurality of optical detectors, each of the plurality of optical detectors comprising an optical detector array.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the optical signal receiver comprises a plurality of lenses, each one of the plurality of lenses being optically aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of optical detectors.

14. A system, comprising:

one or more processors; and

one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums operatively coupled to the one or more processors, and having instructions stored thereon, that when executed by the one or more processors causes the system to;

transmit an optical beacon from an optical beacon transmitter, wherein the optical beacon is modulated with information identifying the system as an optical narrowcasting hotspot;

receive, at an optical signal receiver, a first optical signal from a mobile device, wherein the first optical signal is modulated with information to be transmitted over a radio frequency network;

extract the information from the received first optical signal;

transmit the information over a radio frequency network using a radio frequency connection interface;

in response to transmitting the information over the radio frequency network, receive a response signal over the radio frequency network modulated with information;

modulate the information from the response signal onto a second optical signal; and

transmit the second optical signal from an optical signal transmitter to an optical signal receiver of the mobile device.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further causes the system to:

receive, at an optical beacon receiver, an optical beacon from the mobile device requesting access to the optical narrowcasting hotspot; and

permitting the mobile device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the optical beacon received from the mobile device comprises a unique optical narrowcasting identification associated with the mobile device.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein permitting the mobile device to access the optical narrowcasting hotspot comprises determining that the mobile device is trusted based on the unique optical narrowcasting identification.

29. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further causes the system to:

display on a graphical user interface a control that allows the system to share a radio frequency connection such that the system;

modulates onto an RF carrier signal, information received over an ad-hoc optical narrowcasting network from another device;

transmits the modulated RF carrier signal over the radio frequency connection;

in response to transmitting the modulated RF carrier signal, receives over the radio frequency connection, a second RF carrier signal modulated with information; and

transmits over the ad-hoc optical narrowcasting network, an optical signal containing the information of the second RF carrier signal; and

receive data corresponding to user input at the graphical user interface selecting the control.

30. The system of claim 14, wherein the system is an internet gateway, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the system to:

transmit a plurality of optical beacons from the internet gateway over a respective plurality of angular regions, wherein each of the plurality of optical beacons is modulated with information identifying the internet gateway as an optical narrowcasting hotspot.