US 11,115,123 B2 · Miniature embedded self-organized optical network

Abstract

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.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A node configured for broad-beam optical communication with other nodes forming a wireless optical network, comprising:

a substrate having a main surface;
first and second broad-beam optical interfaces disposed on the main surface of the substrate, and each configured to receive and transmit broad-beam optical signals for optical communication with the other nodes;
a processor communicatively connected to the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces and configured to process the optical signals received and transmitted via the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces;
third and fourth broad-beam optical interfaces mounted to a second surface of the substrate opposite to the main surface, and each configured to receive and transmit broad-beam optical signals for optical communication with the other nodes;
an energy harvester disposed on the main surface of the substrate and configured to harvest energy for operation of the node;
and
a reflective coating disposed on portions of the main surface of the substrate other than the energy harvester and the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces, and configured to reflect light and optical signals incident thereon, wherein each of the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces includes an optical emitter configured to transmit broad-beam uncollimated optical signals therefrom, and an optical receiver configured to receive broad-beam uncollimated optical signals therethrough.

4 more elements

A node configured for broad-beam optical communication with other nodes forming a wireless optical network, comprising:

a substrate having a main surface;
first and second broad-beam optical interfaces disposed on the main surface of the substrate, and each configured to receive and transmit broad-beam optical signals for optical communication with the other nodes;
a processor communicatively connected to the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces and configured to process the optical signals received and transmitted via the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces;
first and second microlenses disposed on the main surface of the substrate at locations aligned with the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces, respectively, and each configured to reflect broad-beam optical signals transmitted by the other nodes towards the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces and to reflect broad-beam optical signals transmitted by the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces towards the other nodes, an energy harvester disposed on the main surface of the substrate and configured to harvest energy for operation of the node;
and
a reflective coating disposed on portions of the main surface of the substrate other than the energy harvester and the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces, and configured to reflect light and optical signals incident thereon, wherein each of the first and second broad-beam optical interfaces includes an optical emitter configured to transmit broad-beam uncollimated optical signals therefrom, and an optical receiver configured to receive broad-beam uncollimated optical signals therethrough.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Miniature embedded self-organized optical network

Life of this patent

Miniature embedded self-organized optical network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17