A self-organizing network of nodes communicates with uncollimated optical pulses. The nodes use low-power, unmoving, broad-beam optical interfaces, low-power processors, and communication algorithms based on timeslots within a timeframe. Nodes self-organize to form the network by pulsing detectors and sources to find neighboring nodes, confirm connections, transmit and store data, and exchange partner node identities. Two- or three-dimensional networks can thereby self-organize without external awareness of network topology, and can repair themselves when nodes move or fail. Node communication may be synchronous, thereby allowing for images of the environment status, and activation of the environment is possible via node stimulators. After forming a network, a cluster of nodes may be read out to provide data from node sensors. Implementation of selected features in the nodes' processors enable formation of networks that are unidirectional, bidirectional, serial, or complex including the formation of meshed networks with adjustable link weights capable of computation.

A self-organizing network of nodes communicates with uncollimated optical pulses. The nodes use low-power, unmoving, broad-beam optical interfaces, low-power processors, and communication algorithms based on timeslots within a timeframe. Nodes self-organize to form the network by pulsing detectors and sources to find neighboring nodes, confirm connections, transmit and store data, and exchange partner node identities. Two- or three-dimensional networks can thereby self-organize without external awareness of network topology, and can repair themselves when nodes move or fail. Node communication may be synchronous, thereby allowing for images of the environment status, and activation of the environment is possible via node stimulators. After forming a network, a cluster of nodes may be read out to provide data from node sensors. Implementation of selected features in the nodes' processors enable formation of networks that are unidirectional, bidirectional, serial, or complex including the formation of meshed networks with adjustable link weights capable of computation.

A method for operating a non-track-bound convoy, the convoy having at least one vehicle traveling ahead and at least one vehicle that is contactlessly coupled to the vehicle traveling ahead and directly following the vehicle traveling ahead, in at least a largely automated manner, including: providing that the at least one vehicle directly following the vehicle traveling ahead follows the vehicle traveling ahead by at least largely automatic open-loop/closed-loop control; and effecting a car-to-car communication between the vehicle traveling ahead and the at least one vehicle directly following the vehicle traveling ahead for the automatic open-loop/closed-loop control; in which a photo-optical, an optical-waveguide-less or an optical-fiber-less car-to-car communication is effected in each case between a light wave emitter and a light wave receiver for at least part of the car-to-car communication. Also described is a related driver assistance system and non-track bound convoy.

Techniques are described herein for to improving optical wireless communications based on mobility patterns. In various embodiments, one or more mobility patterns observed in an area over time may be determined (302). The area may be illuminated by one or more lighting units (102) configured to transmit information using optical wireless communications (OWC). An applicable mobility pattern may be selected (308) from the one or more mobility patterns. Based on the selected mobility pattern, usage in the area of a plurality of OWC-based mobile apps (230) may be predicted (310). One or more OWC resources of at least one of the one or more lighting units may be allocated (312) for transmission of data to one or more of the plurality of OWC-based mobile apps operating on one or more mobile devices operated within the area. In various embodiments, the allocating may be based at least in part on the predicted usage.

The disclosure provides for a system that includes a plurality of stations equipped for free-space optical communications (FSOC) in a network and a central control system. At least one station in the plurality of stations includes a wavelength selectable switch, an OEO module, and one or more first processors. The one or more first processors are configured to control the wavelength selectable switch, process an electrical signal that is extracted using the OEO module, and communicate with the central control system. The central control system includes one or more second processors that are configured to receive data regarding FSOC communication conditions at the plurality of stations, determine a path between stations through the network based on the received data, and transmit instructions to the plurality of stations.

Described herein is method for the operation and the expansion of a network of lights, each light in the network including a control module which is assigned to a group, each control module being in communication with a group controller as well as control modules in the same group. The network can be expanded by installing new lights with their associated control modules (19), and each new control module scans its environment and transmits environmental information to a central server (20) where the environmental information is analysed and the new control modules are allocated into groups (21). After allocation to a group in which control modules may be moved from one group to another or a new group is formed, the new control modules are available for normal operation. This process is repeated for each new light and associated control module.

An intelligent street light includes a lamppost and a data transmission system provided at the bottom of the lamppost. The data transmission system includes a data transmission unit, a data exchange unit and a plurality of network devices, which are connected to each other. The data transmission system allows data transmission to be performed between itself and a remote server. This can improve utilization of public resources, reduce construction costs and shorten construction periods of base stations, and effectively enhance coverage of communication signals to improve the quality of communication.

Various of the disclosed embodiments relate to line-of-sight (LOS), e.g., optical, based networks. Systems and methods for determining where to place and how to configure nodes in an optically connected network across a geographic region are provided. Various factors concerning the region may be collected, including, e.g., building locations and height, building types, population densities, backbone connection locations, recurring weather factors, geographic elevation, etc. The algorithm may iteratively place nodes based upon the accessible range of a preceding contemplated node position.

An ultrafast omnidirectional wireless data transfer apparatus and system. The ultrafast omnidirectional wireless data transfer apparatus includes an array of laser diodes, an array of fast detectors, and a connector for connecting to a sensor, a computer, and/or a network. The array of laser diodes, and the array of fast detectors are housed in a multifaceted geometry in order to provide communication coverage in all directions. In one aspect, each laser in the array of laser diodes operates at different wavelengths. In another aspect, the ultrafast omnidirectional wireless data transfer apparatus includes field programmable gate arrays. In yet another aspect, the ultrafast omnidirectional wireless data transfer apparatus includes an array of collimators that are connected to an optical combiner. In yet another alternate aspect, an ultrafast omnidirectional wireless data transfer system includes several ultrafast omnidirectional wireless data transfer apparatuses which are optically coupled together and communicate in different wavelengths.

Customer premises equipment (CPE) includes separate outdoor and indoor data communication units between which wireless optical data communications are transferable through a window of a building. The outdoor data communication unit has an optical transceiver for transmitting and receiving the wireless optical data communications and a wireless power transfer unit for powering the optical transceiver. The indoor data communication unit has a corresponding optical transceiver for transmitting and receiving the wireless optical data communications and a wireless power transfer unit for powering or charging the wireless power transfer unit of the outdoor data communication unit by wireless power transfer.