Methods and systems for identification and communication using free space optical systems including wearable systems

摘要

Methods and systems are provided for identifying entities and communicating using lightweight and wearable free space optical systems. A variety of optical and electronic elements are used to enable communications and identification in an environment where identification and communication must be accomplished to address a variety of constraints. Such constraints can include frequency congested environments or environments in which communication should be done using non radio frequency (RF) systems. Embodiments include converting data into optical signals that are transmitted using a laser which are received by optical receivers and converted into audio output.

主权项

1. A method of identifying and communicating comprising:
providing a first optical interrogator to a first operator configured to generate a first optical output at a first wavelength comprising a first encoded waveform signal; providing a first laser encoded receiver/optical audio transmitter (LEROAT) to a second operator configured to receive said first optical output, said first LEROAT comprising a first multifunctional optical transceiver (MOT), an electronics module, a first headset with a first speaker and a first microphone, wherein said first MOT comprises a plurality of first laser encoded receivers and a plurality of non-visible spectrum light emitting diodes (LEDs); operating and orienting said first optical interrogator within a first line of sight operating area of interest by said first operator and illuminating said first MOT with said first encoded waveform signal; detecting said first encoded waveform signal using said first MOT associated with said second operator; triggering a first response after detection of said first encoded waveform signal by said first MOT comprising activating said first plurality of non-visible spectrum LEDs to respond with a first non-visible wavelength signal comprising an infrared or thermal warning signal; detecting said first non-visible wavelength signal using a first optical imager by said first operator in said first line of sight of operating area of interest to receive said first non-visible wavelength signal; and determining an identity of said second operator based on said detecting of said first non-visible wavelength signal by associating said first non-visible wavelength signal with a predetermined list of operator identities comprising a plurality of identifiers and one of an associated plurality of non-visible wavelength signals.