TARGETED PHOTONIC RECEIVER CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Pursuant to Paris Convention, the present document claims benefit of priority to Australia Patent Application AU 2018264086, filed on November 15, 2018, entitled “Remote Communication with Energized Devices Using a Coherent Visible Light Beam,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/586,831, filed on November 15, 2017, entitled“Chromatic Keyed System Control.” The aforementioned patent applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosed subject matter relates to the field of optics and electronics, and in particular, a system and method for remotely communicating information to electronic devices by means of photonics.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Most remote devices interact with external devices through radio frequency, infrared, or other wireless communication. IP based communication methods require configuration of the remote devices to connect with external devices. Requiring configuration causes setbacks in accessibility and setup of remote devices with external devices.

[0004] Accessibility means that the remote device may be easily replaced and may be used on different external devices. However, replacing remote devices requires a particular remote device to communicate with the external device. Additionally, remote devices are usually incompatible with other external devices. Setup means the time and steps required to initiate communication between the remote and external devices. However, the setup of many remote devices often requires a series of time-consuming and technical steps. Furthermore, a setup failure results in the inability to communicate with external devices.

[0005] Thus, a reliable remote device that is easily accessible and configurable on a variety of devices will be useful.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present document discloses remote communication with energized devices using a light beam. A remote device emits a light beam received by a sensor at a distance. The light emission may be performed by a photonic emitter. In some embodiments, the photonics emitter may be configured to having a characteristic comprising at least one characteristic selected from the following group: coherent, near collimated (having about 15 milli-radian light beam divergent, or less, for serving a legally disable person with 20/200 vision), and/or a wavelength in the visible spectrum.

[0007] Visual feedback is provided when the light beam is received by a light sensor. The sensor detects at least one characteristic of the light beam or of the photoluminescent radiation from a fluorescent medium. The characteristic may be a chromatic wavelength or a modulated signal. The chromatic wavelength or modulated signal is associated with a signal readable by the electric device. When the sensor matches the detected characteristic to a table entry, the signal is generated and sent to the electric device. Here, the term light sensor may refer to a targeted photonic receiver or, as described in various embodiments, may mean a specific component that is used for performing the sensory function.

[0008] In one example aspect, a method is disclosed comprising receiving a light beam at a sensor electrically connected to an external system, providing feedback to an operator in response to receiving the light beam at the sensor, detecting a characteristic of the light beam, and generating a signal to the external system based on the characteristic of the light beam. The operator may be a machine, e.g., a machine driven by artificial intelligence, or may be a human operator.

[0009] In another aspect, a method is disclosed for receiving a light beam (coherent or otherwise) at a sensor electrically connected to an external system, detecting a modulated signal carried by the light beam, and sending a signal to the external system based on a characteristic of the modulated signal.

[0010] In another aspect, a method is disclosed for receiving a light beam at a sensor electrically connected to an external system, emitting a photoluminescent radiation in response to the sensor receiving the light beam, detecting a characteristic of the photoluminescent radiation, and sending a signal to the external system based on the characteristic of the photoluminescent radiation.

[0011] An apparatus is disclosed including a sensor configured to receive a coherent or non-coherent light beam, the sensor being electrically connected to an external device, a characteristic detector configured to detect a characteristic from the light beam, a code table configured to match the detected characteristic to a signal, and a signal generator configured to send the signal to the external device.

[0012] A system is disclosed including at least one processor, a memory including instructions stored thereupon, the instructions upon execution by the processor causes the process to obtain photonic data from light received at a sensor, filter out background light, match a signal in a code table based on the light received at the sensor, and send the signal to an external system.

[0013] In another aspect, a system is disclosed including at least at least one processor; a memory including instructions stored thereupon, the instructions upon execution by the processor causes the process to: obtain photonic data from photoluminescent radiation received at a sensor, filter out background light, match a signal in a code table based on the photoluminescent radiation received at the sensor, and send the signal to an external system.

[0014] A system is disclosed including a beam landing zone, the beam landing zone larger than a width of a light beam and at least partially illuminating in response to receiving the light beam, at least one processor, a memory including instructions stored thereupon, the instructions upon execution by the processor causes the process to: obtain photonic data from the light beam received at the beam landing zone, match a signal in a code table based on the photonic data, and send the signal to an external system.

[0015] An apparatus is disclosed including of a layer with at least one via, and a spherical lens at least partially embedded in the layer aligned with the at least one via, the spherical lens is configured to disperse incoming light.

[0016] These, and other, aspects are disclosed in the present document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The various embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] Fig. 1 illustrates a light sensor configured to receive light beams and generate photonic data according to one implementation described herein.

[0019] Fig. 2 illustrates a light sensor configured to produce photonic data according to one implementation described herein.

[0020] Fig. 3 illustrates a signal generator capable of producing a signal readable by the external system according to one implementation described herein. [0021] Fig. 4 illustrates a stray light filter according to one implementation described herein.

[0022] Fig. 5 illustrates a light beam landing zone comprising three indicium markers according to one implementation described herein.

[0023] Fig. 6 illustrates a fluorescent medium capable of emitting a at least one distinct chromatic wavelength distinct from the chromatic wavelength of the light beam according to one implementation described herein.

[0024] Fig. 7 illustrates a fluorescent medium layout capable of emitting predetermined distinct chromatic wavelength at various emission level according to one implementation described herein.

[0025] Fig. 8 illustrates a light hood according to one implementation described herein.

[0026] Fig. 9 illustrates a feedback/collector medium capable of feedback and forwards received light beam by scattering according to one implementation described herein.

[0027] Fig. 10 illustrates another feedback/collector medium with a spherical lens according to one implementation described herein.

[0028] Fig. 11 illustrates another feedback/collector medium with integrated spherical lenses according to one implementation described herein.

[0029] Fig. 12 illustrates another feedback/collector medium with integrated spherical lenses and reflective integration layer according to one implementation described herein.

[0030] Fig. 13 illustrates another feedback/collector medium as a retroreflective material integrated into a spherical lens according to one implementation described herein

[0031] Fig. 14 illustrates another feedback/ collector medium with integrated spherical lenses layer and retroflector according to one implementation described herein.

[0032] Fig. 15 illustrates an adhesive housing for a feedback/ col lector medium according to one implementation described herein.

[0033] Fig. 16 illustrates another adhesive housing for a feedback'collector medium according to one implementation described herein.

[0034] Fig. 17 illustrates a photonic regulator configured to focus light beam as a concave standard lens type or of Fresnel type according to one implementation described herein.

[0035] Fig. 18 illustrates another photonic regulator configured to reflecting scatter according to one implementation described herein. [0036] Fig. 19 illustrates an operator interfacing with an external device using a laser beam according to one implementation described herein.

[0037] Fig. 20 illustrates the angles of operation and reflection for a beam landing zone according to one implementation described herein.

[0038] Fig. 21 illustrates a relationship between a beam landing zone and a laser beam according to one implementation described herein.

[0039] Fig. 22 illustrates a table for iod, angular variation, and distance variation according to one implementation described herein.

[0040] Fig. 23 illustrates a minimum operable angle between a beam landing zone and an operator according to one implementation described herein.

[0041] Fig. 24 illustrates a table depicting minimum operable size according to one implementation described herein.

[0042] Fig. 25 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone configured with indicium markers according to one implementation described herein.

[0043] Fig. 26 illustrates a resolvable contrast graph between two adjacent objects according to one implementation described herein.

[0044] Fig. 27 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone configured with an area indicium marker according to one implementation described herein.

[0045] Fig. 28 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone configured with border indicium marker according to one implementation described herein.

[0046] Fig. 29 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone configured with an spot indicium marker according to one implementation described herein.

[0047] Fig. 30 illustrates exemplary external system as a ceiling light fixture and a general purpose targeted photonic receiver according to one implementation described herein.

[0048] Fig. 31 illustrates another exemplary external system as a clock with two beam landing zones and two border markers, for clockwise and counter-clockwise advance, according to one implementation described herein.

[0049] Fig. 32 illustrates another exemplary external system as a balloon filled with confetti, for event such as wedding, where upon activate the balloon will explode and rain down confetti on the happy couple according to one implementation described herein. [0050] Fig. 33 illustrates another exemplary fluorescent medium in relation to a coordinate system according to one implementation described herein.

[0051] Fig. 34 illustrates another exemplary fluorescence medium layout in relation to a coordinate system according to one implementation described herein.

[0052] Fig. 35 illustrates another exemplary fluorescence medium disposed within retroreflector, whereby the fluorescence within each retroreflector have distinct emission according to one implementation described herein.

[0053] Fig. 36 illustrates another exemplary fluorescence medium showing how aiming correction can be made on the light beam by interpreting the distinct chromatic feedback from the fluorescent according to one implementation described herein.

[0054] Fig. 37 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium configured to block environmental contaminant from entering the cavity of the sensor according to one implementation described herein.

[0055] Fig. 38 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium configured to attenuate light from entering the light sensor according to one implementation described herein.

[0056] Fig. 39 - 42 illustrate examples of feedback/collector medium.

[0057] Figs. 43-58 illustrate photonic regulator examples.

[0058] Fig. 59 illustrates a table of visible wavelengths according to one implementation described herein.

[0059] Fig. 60 illustrates an exemplary light sensor according to one implementation described herein.

[0060] Fig. 61 illustrates a chart for detecting the photonic energy according to one implementation described herein.

[0061] Fig. 62 illustrates an exemplary stray light remover circuit according to one implementation described herein.

[0062] Fig. 63 illustrates an exemplary stray light remover circuit according to one implementation described herein.

[0063] Fig. 64 illustrates an exemplary method for detecting signals according to one implementation described herein.

[0064] Fig. 65 illustrates an exemplary key code table according to one implementation described herein. [0065] Fig. 66-69 illustrate examples of system status indicators.

[0066] Fig. 70 illustrates a table showing the number of sensors required in an environment according to one implementation described herein.

[0067] Fig. 71 illustrates a table of carrier frequencies according to one implementation described herein.

[0068] Fig. 72 illustrates an exemplary duty cycle controller according to one implementation described herein.

[0069] Fig. 73 illustrates an exemplary channel metadata encoder according to one implementation described herein.

[0070] Fig. 74 shows an example arrangement of a light sensor and a light emitting diode (LED).

[0071] Fig. 75 shows an example graph for time varying light intensity.

[0072] Fig. 76 shows an example of a reflector for an infrared (IR) compatible configuration.

[0073] Fig. 77 shows a top view of an example implementation of a targeted photonic receiver.

[0074] Fig. 78 shows a graph of resolvable contrast for light.

[0075] Fig. 79 is a table showing a minimum operatable size for various light wavelengths.

[0076] Fig. 80 illustrates a light sensor configured to produce photonic data according to one implementation described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form specific embodiments by way of illustration in which the disclosed subject matter can be practiced. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Any combination of the following features and elements is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosed technology.

[0078] Certain terms are used in the present document (e.g., microcontroller, processor, memory, table) are used for ease of explanation. However, the described functionality may also be implemented using discrete components.

[0079] In some disclosed embodiments, the following descriptive terms may be used. [0080] The term conic may mean circle or parabola or ellipse or hyperbola.

[0081] The term curve or curved may mean a smooth line or rounded surface. Such as, conic, partial conic, compound parabola, compound ellipse, compound hyperbola, toroidal.

[0082] The term lens may mean a lens such as concave, convex, or Fresnel characteristic.

[0083] The term photonic regulating may mean any photonic conditioning or manipulating means for the purpose of improving detection of its content. Such as, receiving, collecting, restricting, reflecting, refracting, diffracting, collimating, absorbing, filtering, scattering, expanding, diluting, diffusing, polarizing, angle positioning, focusing, forwarding, guiding. The term planar may mean a flat surface, a straight side. The term retroreflector may mean a device that reflects radiation (such as light) so that the paths of the reflected rays are characteristically parallel to those of the incident rays. Such as, comer reflector, comer-cube, prismatic, ball lens, spherical lens, microspheres, cat's eye, bead, glass bead, reflective bead, microprismatic, microspheres.

[0084] The term signal regulating may mean any signal conditioning or manipulation means for the purpose of improving detection of its content, such as, filtering, amplifying, integrating, gain, removing unwanted content.

[0085] The term spherical lens may mean round or partial round lens. Unless otherwise mentioned, the term“light” may include both visible and non-visible (e.g., infrared) portions. However, in some cases as discussed in the present document, the light beam may be predominantly or exclusively made up of visible light spectrum.

[0086] The term stray light may mean that all photonic energy or radiation, excluding the operator-signal, in the sensitive spectrum of the Operator such as, ambient, environment, background, accidental, self-created, surrounding.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

[0087] The following disclosure was created and inspired in response to adjusting several different clocks following changes in daylight savings. The inventor’s father owned many different clocks requiring manual adjustment that were inaccessible without the use of special equipment. Inventor envisioned systems utilizing remote communication could be much more accessible and easier to control with an interface responding to common handheld laser pointers, including his father’s clocks. [0088] Presently, remote control devices that control operation of consumer electronics such as televisions and DVD players, typically use a frequency range that is neither visible nor audible to users and thus provides user feedback only upon producing a desired effect in the device being controlled. Furthermore, the radio frequency signal emitted by the remote control tends to be non-coherent and spreads over a wide angle, often causing annoyances such as inadvertently changing channels on all set-top boxes within the range of the remote control. Furthermore, remote controls themselves have become bulky and complex and therefore have become expensive and custom in their use. The techniques disclosed in the present document may be incorporated in embodiments that allow for transmission or reception of control signals in the visible light spectrum, or including invisible light spectrum, providing a low complexity and intuitive tool to uses to remotely or wirelessly control devices that are hard to reach. At the same time, due to the use of visible light, such devices are robust from spoofing or hacking that may occur in radio frequency controlled device, because the light carrying control signal will be limited to a physical proximity of the device being controlled.

[0089] A method and system for remotely communicating with electric devices with a light beam are disclosed. A remote device emits a light beam received by a sensor at a distance. Visual feedback is provided when the light beam is received by the sensor. The sensor detects at least one characteristic of the light beam or of the photoluminescent radiation from a fluorescent medium. The characteristic may be a chromatic wavelength or a modulated signal. The chromatic wavelength or modulated signal is associated with a signal readable by the electric device. When the sensor matches the detected characteristic to a table entry, the signal is generated and sent to the electric device. In the present document, a light beam may be composed of two or more beams of different wavelengths that are spatially close to each other. For example, a light beam may be accompanied by an infrared or RF beam (e.g., light beam forms the corona, while IR beam forms the center) such that the“beam” (which in reality includes multiple different wavelengths) will activate either a visible light receiver or an IR receiver. Furthermore, the sheathing of IR beams by light beams also allows a user to see with naked eyes where the signal beam is going to or coming from.

[0090] In the description, common or similar features may be designated by common reference numbers. As used herein, “exemplary” may indicate an example, an implementation, or an aspect, and should not be construed as limiting or as indicating a preference or a preferred implementation.

[0091] Fig. 1 illustrates a light sensor configured to receive light beams and generate photonic data according to one implementation described herein. The system 100 includes beam landing zone 115, light sensor 135, signal generator 145, and external system 190 in at least one implementation. Other implementations include light hood 110, feedback/ coll ector medium 120, fluorescent medium 125, photonic regulator 130, stray light filter 140, system status indicator 150, or any combination thereof.

[0092] Light hood 110 is selectively coupled to beam landing zone 115. Beam landing zone 1 15 is selectively coupled to feedback/collector medium 120. F eedback/ collector medium 120 is selectively coupled to fluorescent medium 125. Fluorescent medium 125 is selectively coupled to the photonic regulator 130. Alternatively, fluorescent medium 125 and photonic regulator 130 are selectively coupled to feedback/ coll ector medium 120. Photonic regulator 130 is selectively coupled to light sensor 135. Light sensor 135 is communicatively coupled to stray light filter 140. Stray light filter 140 is communicatively coupled to signal generator 145. Signal generator 145 is communicatively coupled to system status indicator 150. Alternatively, signal generator 145 may be communicatively coupled to external system 190. Signal generator 145 is communicatively coupled to the system status indicator 150. System status indicator 150 may be communicatively coupled to external system 190.

[0093] Various variations of configuration exist for system 100. Components of system 100 may be omitted or added as necessary. In at least one implementation, beam landing zone 115 is selectively coupled to light sensor 135. Light sensor 135 is communicatively coupled to signal generator 145. Signal generator 145 is communicatively coupled to external system 190.

[0094] Light beam 105 is capable of passing through light hood 110, beam landing zone 115, feedback /collector medium 120, fluorescent medium 125, and photonic regulator 130. Upon reaching light sensor 135, at least one characteristic of light beam 105 is characterized as data. This data may be passed to additional components, including stray light filter 140, signal generator 145, and external system 190.

[0095] Photoluminescent radiation 107 may be generated by fluorescent medium 125. Photoluminescent radiation 107 is capable of passing through photonic regulator 130. Upon reaching light sensor 135, at least one characteristic of photoluminescent radiation 107 is characterized as data. This data may be passed to additional components, including stray light filter 140, signal generator 145, and external system 190.

[0096] System status indicator 150 is configured to provide visual or audio feedback to an operator. The feedback may be an illumination or sound indicating that light beam 105 was received at light sensor 135. Additionally, the feedback may be an illumination or sound indicating that a signal was sent from signal generator 145 to external system 190.

[0097] External system 190 is an energized device configured to respond to a signal or an electric potential provided by signal generator 145. The signal received by external system 190 may trigger a command or an action. In at least one implementation, the signal received by external system 190 activates an embedded system, a Bluetooth®, or a peer-to-peer device. The signal received by external system 190 may also trigger a command to adjust a value or change an input. Additionally, the external system may respond to an electric potential. In at least one embodiment, external system 190 may be a relay capable triggered by an electric potential of signal generator 145.

[0098] Fig. 2 and FIG. 80 illustrate a light sensor (200 or 8000) configured to produce photonic data according to one implementation described herein. The system 200 includes light sensor 135 configured to characterize light beam 105. Light sensor 135 includes amplifier 220, integrator 230, and photonic detector 240. Light sensor 135 is configured to characterize and produce data about light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107. Light sensor 135 may be implemented without the use of amplifier 220 or integrator 230. Light sensor 135, its subcomponents, and its processes may be integrated or implemented into logic circuitry, including an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0099] Light sensor 135 is configured to detect characteristics about light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107. In at least one implementation, the characteristic is a chromatic wavelength.

[00100] Amplifier 220 is configured to control the gain of photoluminescent radiation 107 entering light sensor 135. Amplifier 220 increases the gain of at least one wavelength of light received from light beam 105. Amplifier 220 may be configured to amplify only wavelengths on the visible spectrum. Amplifier 220 may be a hardware or software implementation. Amplifier 220 maximizes wavelength detection of photoluminescent radiation 107 despite background light, environmental conditions, or an otherwise weak emission of fluorescent medium 125. Amplifier 220 may be placed before or after photonic detector 240.

[00101] Integrator 230 is configured to improve the detection of light at a particular wavelength. Integrator 230 accumulates a wavelength input over a defined period of time. The output generated by integrator 230 is proportional to the wavelength input over time in at least one implementation. Integrator 230 maximizes wavelength detection of photoluminescent radiation 107 despite background light, environmental conditions, or an otherwise weak emission of fluorescent medium 125. Integrator 230 may be placed before or after photonic detector 240.

[00102] Photonic detector 240 detects wavelength data from light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107. Light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107 may include wavelengths on the visible spectrum between 395 nm and 750 nm. In a basic mode, light sensor may provide a signal output determining whether a particular wavelength was detected. Photonic detector 240 may also provide comprehensive data about light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107 such as number of wavelengths, intensities, wavelength peaks, and spread.

[00103] Light sensor 135 is configured to detect characteristics about light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107. In at least one implementation, the characteristic is a modulation.

[00104] Photonic detector 240 may detect modulations carried by light beam 105. In at least one implementation, light beam 105 is a carrier for an amplitude modulated signal. In other implementations, light beam 105 is a carrier for a frequency modulated signal, a phase modulated signal, a non-sinusoidal modulated signal, or other type of modulated signal. In a basic mode, light sensor 135 may provide a signal output determining whether a modulated signal was detected. Photonic detector 240 may also provide comprehensive data about the frequency of the modulated signal, the phase of the modulated signal, the means of demodulating the modulated signal (carrier demodulator 250), and data obtained from the demodulation.

[00105] Fig. 3 illustrates a signal generator capable of producing a signal readable by the external system according to one implementation described herein. System 300 includes signal generator 145 configured to read light beam 105 data and photoluminescent radiation 107 data. Signal generator 145 includes code table 310, analyzer 320, and signal producer 330. Analyzer 320 is a subroutine or subcomponent of code table 310. Code table 310 is communicatively coupled to signal producer 330. Code table 310 may include analyzer 320. Signal generator 145 is configured to produce a signal readable by the external system 390. Signal generator 145, its subcomponents, and processes may be integrated or implemented into logic circuitry, including an FPGA or an ASIC.

[00106] Code table 310 is capable of matching information about the data of light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107 to a signal. Code table 310 includes a list of entries pairing profiles or characteristics of light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107 to signals capable of being produced by signal producer 330. Code table 310 may also determine there is insufficient data to determine a match to a signal.

[00107] Code table 310 may include analyzer 320. Analyzer 320 may perform additional signal processing to determine whether data from light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107 match a signal in code table 310. Code table may be stored in a computer- readable medium. The signal processing of analyzer may be carried out by a computer program.

[00108] Analyzer 320 determines whether a distinct value exists from the received data in at least one implementation. Analyzer 320 may receive multiple signals and compare the strength of the signals to determine prevailing features of the signal in other implementations. Analyzer 320 may also determine there is insufficient information data to distinguish features of light beam 105 and photoluminescent radiation 107.

[00109] Signal producer 330 generated a signal based upon the match in code table 310. The signal generated by signal producer 330 is capable of being read by the external system 190. The signal generated by signal producer 330 may also be read by system status indicator 150. In one mode, the signal may be an electric potential. In other modes, the signal includes data indicating an action to be taken by external system 190.

[00110] Fig. 4 illustrates a stray light filter according to one implementation described herein. System 400 includes stray light filter 140 configured to read stray light data 410, incoming light data 420. Incoming light data 420 includes light beam 105 data, photoluminescent radiation 107 data, and unfiltered stray light. Stray light filter 140 also includes differential 430 and multiplier 440. Multiplier 440 is communicatively coupled to differential 430. Stray light filter 140 prevents triggering of faulty signals due to stray or ambient light. Stray light filter 140, its subcomponents, and its processes may be integrated or implemented into logic circuitry, including an FPGA or an ASIC.

[00111] Stray light data 410 may be obtained from light sensor 135. Stray light data 410 may be a value of normalized ambient light entering light sensor 135 at a given time or over a period of time. In at least one implementation, stray light data 410 is obtained from a memory.

[00112] Stray light data 410 may be obtained from an additional light sensor. Stray light data 410 coming from the additional light sensor may be representative of the ambient light entering light sensor 135. The additional light sensor may detect the same ambient light that enters light sensor 135.

[00113] The additional light sensor may have all the same capabilities as light sensor 135. In at least one implementation, the additional light sensor is interchangeable with light sensor 135. The additional light sensor may act as a proxy for light sensor 135. In addition, the additional light sensor may receive light beam 105, and light sensor 135 may produce stray light data 410.

[00114] Differential 430 compares stray light data 410 and incoming light data 420. In at least one implementation, stray light data 410 is subtracted from incoming light data 420 by differential 430, yielding only data from photoluminescent radiation 107, light beam 105, or both. Differential 430 may also be an algorithm implemented by software to eliminate stray light.

[00115] Multiplier 440 may multiply the stray light data 410 or incoming light data 420 to balance the comparison performed by the differential 430. Other implementations may multiply stray light data 410, data from photoluminescent radiation 107, or data from light beam 105 by a constant. Additional implementations may add a delay to stray light data 410 or incoming light data 420 before differential 430 performs a comparison.

[00116] Fig. 5 illustrates a beam landing zone according to one implementation described herein. System 500 includes beam landing zone 115 configured to respond to light beam 105 and provide contrast against a background to an operator. Beam landing zone 115 includes marker 510, border 520, and sensor location indicator 530. Beam landing zone 115 may include or exclude marker 510, border 520, and sensor location indicator 530. Beam landing zone 115 allows an operator to distinguish the target area for the light beam 105 at a distance or an angle. [00117] Marker 510, border 520, and sensor location indicator 530 are proximate to each other. In at least one embodiment, marker 510, border 520, and sensor location indicator 530 include surface areas upon which light beam 105 may be received. Sensor location indicator 530 may be nested within border 520. Border 520 may be nested within marker 510. The diameter of beam landing zone 115 must be greater than the width of laser beam 105. Beam landing zone 115 has a minimum operable size of 4xlO ⁰⁶ steradians at farthest intended operation distance.

[00118] Marker 510 provides contrast against a background to visually indicate the position of the sensor. Marker 510 may include a filled coating, a pattern coating, a reflective material, a fluorescent coating, a three-dimensional protrusion, a relief, or a combination of indicators. Marker 510 may be indistinguishable to third-parties but visible to the operator.

[00119] Marker 510 may be illuminated by a light emitting device. Marker 510 may be illuminated upon receiving light beam 105. For example, marker 510 may include a light- sensing device triggering illumination of marker 510 upon receiving light beam 105. The illumination of marker 510 may be caused by the absorbed radiation from light beam 105.

[00120] Border 520 provides contrast against a background to visually indicate the position of the sensor. Border 520 may include a filled coating, a pattern coating, a reflective material, a fluorescent coating, a three-dimensional protrusion, a relief, or a combination of indicators. Border 520 may be indistinguishable to third-parties but visible to the operator.

[00121] Border 520 may be illuminated by a light emitting device. Border 520 may be illuminated upon receiving the light beam. For example, border 520 may include a light- sensing device triggering illumination of border 520 upon receiving light beam 105. The illumination of border 520 may be caused by the absorbed radiation from light beam 105.

[00122] Sensor location indicator 530 provides contrast against a background to visually indicate the position of the sensor. Sensor location indicator 530 may include a filled coating, a pattern coating, a reflective material, a fluorescent coating, a three-dimensional protrusion, a relief, or a combination of indicators. Sensor location indicator 530 may be indistinguishable to third-parties but visible to the operator.

[00123] Sensor location indicator 530 may be illuminated by a light emitting device. Sensor location indicator 530 may be illuminated upon receiving the light beam. For example, sensor location indicator 530 may include a light-sensing device triggering illumination of sensor location indicator 530 upon receiving light beam 105. The illumination of sensor location indicator 530 may be caused by the absorbed radiation from light beam 105.

[00124] Fig. 6 is a fluorescent medium capable of emitting a chromatic wavelength distinct from the chromatic wavelength of the light beam according to one implementation described herein. System 600 includes a fluorescent medium 610 capable of being energized by light beam 105, emitting a photoluminescent radiation 107 with a chromatic wavelength distinct from the chromatic wavelength of light beam 105, and optionally producing a partially reflected light beam 620 back towards the operator.

[00125] Fluorescent medium 610 absorbs radiation from light beam 105. In response to absorbing radiation from light beam 105, fluorescent medium 610 emits photoluminescent radiation 107 as light for a period of time. The emitted photoluminescent radiation 107 is a different chromatic wavelength than the chromatic wavelength of light beam 105. Light beam 105 energizes fluorescent medium 610 to change the chromatic wavelength detected by light sensor 135.

[00126] Fluorescent medium 610 allows for at least a portion of light beam 105 to pass through to the opposite side. Alternatively, fluorescent medium 610 may be opaque, blocking the passage of light beam 105. Fluorescent medium 610 may be externally energized to facilitate the emission of photolumines cent radiation 107.

[00127] Fluorescent medium 610 may have spacial coordinates relative to a point of reference. Different chromatic wavelengths may be emitted depending on where light beam 105 strikes fluorescent medium 610 relative to the point of reference. In at least one embodiment, fluorescent medium 610 emits longer wavelengths as light beam 105 moves away from the point of reference. In another embodiment, fluorescent medium 610 emits shorter wavelengths as light beam moves away from the point of reference.

[00128] In at least one embodiment, fluorescent medium 610 is made of zinc sulfide. Fluorescent medium 610 may also be made of strontium aluminate. In another embodiment, photolumines cent radiation 107 may emit light due to a chemilumines cent process.

[00129] Fluorescent medium 610 may provide feedback to indicate the chromatic wavelength emitted via partially reflected light beam 640. Partially reflected light beam 640 may provide feedback to an operator to indicate the chromatic wavelength of photoluminescent radiation 107. Partially reflected light beam 640 may be the result of a coating, a retroreflector, an irregular surface, or a combination thereof

[00130] Fig. 7 illustrates a fluorescent medium layout capable of various chromatic wavelength emissions according to one implementation described herein. System 700 includes at least one pad 710 capable of emitting a distinct chromatic wavelength and point of reference 720.

[00131] Each pad 710 is a fluorescent medium. Each pad 710 is capable of emitting a distinct chromatic wavelength. Each pad 710 may be organized in a circular shape around point of reference 720. Alternatively, each pad 710 may be vertically or horizontally stacked. Each pad 710 may be organized at different edges of a polygon, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc. Each pad 710 may be organized at different corners of a polygon, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc. The ordering of each pad 710 may be organized from longer chromatic wavelengths to shorter chromatic wavelength or shorter chromatic wavelengths to longer chromatic wavelengths. The ordering of each pad 710 may follow the ordering of chromatic wavelengths of a prism spectrum or a rainbow.

[00132] Point of reference 720 indicates to the operator the light beam position on the fluorescent medium layout. Point of reference 720 may allow the light beam to pass through unchanged. Alternatively, point of reference 720 may be a fluorescent medium capable of emitting a distinct chromatic wavelength.

[00133] Fig. 8 illustrates a light hood according to one implementation described herein. System 800 includes light hood 110 configured to provide a background for light beam 105. Light hood 110 includes shoulder 810, throat 820, reflected light beam 830, activation zone 840, and activation zone angle 850. Shoulder 810 is selectively coupled to throat 820. Light hood 110 provides a reflective background to indicate the position of the light beam at a distance to the operator. Additionally, light hood 110 may limit the angle of light received from activation zone 840.

[00134] Shoulder 810 provides a surface for reflecting a portion of light beam 105 to an operator. Shoulder 810 may include a coating to facilitate reflection. This coating may be retroreflective to generate reflected light beam 830 towards the operator. This coating may be retroreflective to generate reflected light beam 830 towards activation zone 840. [00135] The width of shoulder 810 is greater than or equal to the width of beam landing zone 115. Shoulder 810 may be a polygon or a circular shape. Shoulder 810 may be flat or curved. In at least one implementation, shoulder 810 is in the shape of a parabolic dish.

[00136] Shoulder 810 may include a fluorescent coating. The fluorescent coating indicates to the operator the position of the light beam in relation to the beam landing zone via reflected light beam 830. Reflected light beam 830 may be photoluminescent radiation energized by light beam 105. Reflected light beam 830 may be a chromatic wavelength different than the chromatic wavelength of light beam 105. The different chromatic wavelength of reflected light beam 830 indicates the position of light beam 105 in relation to beam landing zone 115. In at least one implementation, the chromatic wavelength of reflected light beam 830 becomes longer when light beam 105 moves further away from throat 820. In another implementation, the chromatic wavelength of reflected light beam 830 becomes shorter when light beam 105 moves further away from throat 820.

[00137] Throat 820 restricts the access of light beam 105 to the beam landing zone 115. The length of the width of throat 820 directly relates to the activation zone 840.

[00138] Activation zone 840 is the area in which light beam 105 may reach the beam landing zone 115. The length and width of throat 820 directly correspond to activation zone angle 850 and area of activation zone 840.

[00139] Fig. 9 illustrates a feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. System 900 includes feedback/ collector medium 120 configured to configured to disperse and partially reflect light beam 105 or, optionally, photoluminescent radiation 107. Feedback/collector medium 120 includes feedback/collector apparatus 910, dispersed light 920, and reflected feedback light 930. Feedback/collector apparatus 910 spreads received light as dispersed light 920. Feedback/collector apparatus 910 partially reflect as reflected feedback light 930.

[00140] Feedback/collector apparatus 910 may be configured to block environmental contaminants. Environmental contaminants include dust, gas, fog, moisture, oxygen, nitrogen, or other airborne particles. F eedback/collector apparatus 910 may be configured to block background light. Background light, or stray light, is any light not part of light beam 105 or photoluminescent radiation 107. Examples of background light include naturally occurring light and ambient light. In at least one implementation, wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum are filtered out by the feedback/collector apparatus 910. In other implementations, certain wavelengths on the visible spectrum are filtered via feedback/collector apparatus 910. In at least one implementation, infrared wavelengths and ultraviolet wavelengths are not filtered by feedback/collector apparatus 910.

[00141] Feedback'collector apparatus 910 may comprise of a lens producing dispersed light 920 at a predetermined angle. Example lenses include convex lenses, prisms, spherical lens, and other dispersive lenses. Dispersed light 920 ensures detection by light sensor 135.

[00142] Feedback/collector apparatus 910 may comprise of an alternating checkered surface comprising of reflective areas and transparent areas. Reflective areas reflect incoming light in the opposite direction to provide feedback to the operator. Alternatively, the reflective areas may be capable of emitting photoluminescent radiation. Transparent areas allow light to pass in a forward direction. F eedback/ collector apparatus 910 surfaces may be curved such that reflected feedback light 930 is reflected back towards the direction of the incoming light. In other implementations, reflected feedback light 930 may be photoluminescent radiation energized by light beam 105.

[00143] Reflected feedback light 930 may be produced by a retroreflective material on the feedback/ collector apparatus 910.

[00144] Fig. 10 illustrates another feedback/ coll ector medium with a spherical lens according to one implementation described herein. System 1000 includes spherical lens 1010 and dispersed light 1020. Dispersed light 1020 ensures incoming light is detected by light sensor 135.

[00145] Spherical lens 1010 may be a half-ball lens or a full ball lens. The effective focal length, back focal length, and index of refraction may all be adjusted to provide an optimal output diameter of dispersed light 1020. In some cases, the spherical lens may be a Fresnel lens.

[00146] Fig. 11 illustrates another feedback/ collector medium with integrated spherical lenses according to one implementation described herein. System 1100 includes integration layer 1110 containing or partially containing plurality of spherical lenses 1120. The integration layer 1110 may be made up of a depositable material such as a semiconductor or an insulator. In some embodiments, the integration layer 1 1 10 may be a circuit board layer. The plurality of spherical lenses 1120 is selectively coupled to integration layer 1110. The backside of integration layer 1110 may contain a plurality of vias 1130. During operation, the frontside of the integration layer 1110 may be facing a direction from which a user is expected to shine a light beam onto the system 1100. The frontside may also be equipped with the reflective and/or fluorescent layers as described in the present document.

[00147] Integration layer 1110 is a mount for supporting plurality of spherical lenses 1120. Integration layer 1110 may be transparent, partially transparent, or opaque. The backside of integration layer may be transparent or contain plurality of vias 1130. The mounting of plurality of spherical lenses 1120 maximizes the area incoming light will be dispersed. In turn, the area which dispersed light 1020 spreads to is maximized. The vias 1130 and the spherical lenses 1120 may be aligned such that a light beam impinging upon a spherical lens 1120 from the frontside of the integration layer 1110 may be dispersed towards the backside of the integration layer 1110 and through the via 1130 that is aligned with the spherical lens 1120. The dispersed light coming out of the via 1130 may then be used to activate or deactivate a transistor circuit, causing a desired effect in the device being controlled. For example, the dispersed light may activate the transistor circuit to generate a control signal that is used to control a functional parameter of the electronic device, as described in the present document. In various embodiments, the relative sizes of the opening diameter of the via, the focal length of the lenses and the aperture or the surface area covered by each lens may be designed depending on target design parameters such as the operational range of the light beam control function (e.g., from what distance a user can control a device or the angles of incidence from which the user can control the device). Furthermore, the relative sizes of the opening of the lens and the dimensions of the via may be selected to allow substantially all of the dispersed light in the backside direction to escape through the via. For example, the via opening may be selected to allow 80 to 100 percent of the dispersed light to escape through the via.

[00148] In some embodiments, e.g., as depicted in FIG. 77, a targeted photonic receiver may include the feedback/collector medium, along with a visual marker in the vicinity of the lens. For example, the visual marker (e.g., reference numeral 1122 in FIG. 11) may be placed on the integration layer and may be within 0.2 to 2 cm of the lens. The visual marker may be passive or active. An active marker may use electric energy to emit a visual indication such that a user may be able to locate the targeted photonic receiver from a distance. In some embodiments, a passive visual marker may not consume any energy or electric energy and may be, for example, a reflective dot or a symbol or some other type of a visually distinct sign (e.g., 1 124 in FIG. 11 or 7704 in FIG. 77). The reflective dots and other similar feedback mechanism may be useful in guiding a human user’s“shaky” hands towards the center of the sensor through visual feedback to the user.

[00149] As further depicted in FIG. 77, the targeted photonic receiver may also include a number of reflective structures at least partially surrounding the via, wherein the one or more reflective structures are curved to reflect at least some of the incoming light beam back towards a source of the incoming light beam. The reflective structures may provide a feedback mechanism to a user, thereby enhancing user experience when using the targeted photonic receiver for controlling other equipment. The structures may be of different sizes and shapes. The structures may be arranged and shaped so as to direct photonic energy of the incoming light beam towards the spherical lens even when the user is not accurately pointing the light beam at the spherical lens. The structures may comprise shallow concave cavities formed within the integration layer. In some embodiments, the structures may be raised or convex dimples that may be curved to point light towards the center of the formation of structures.

[00150] Fig. 12 illustrates another feedback/ collector medium with integrated spherical lenses and reflective integration layer according to one implementation described herein. System 1200 includes reflective integration layer 1210 containing or partially containing plurality of spherical lenses 1120. Plurality of spherical lenses 1120 is selectively coupled to reflective integration layer 1210. The backside of reflective integration layer 1210 may contain a plurality of vias 1130.

[00151] Reflective integration layer 1210 comprises a mount for supporting plurality of spherical lenses 1120 and a reflective layer capable of reflecting light forward. Reflected forward light 1220 is projected in the direction of light sensor 135. Reflected forward light maximizes the light received by light sensor 135. The reflecting apparatus may be a reflective coating or mirror on the backside of reflective integration layer 1210.

[00152] Reflective integration layer 1210 may include a housing. The housing includes a sealed portion to prevent interference between the feedback/collector medium and environmental contaminants. The housing may provide a sealed gap such that environmental contaminants do not obstruct light from reaching light sensor 135. [00153] Fig. 13 illustrates another feedback/collector medium as a retroreflective material integrated into a spherical lens according to one implementation described herein. System 1300 includes lens 1310, retroreflector 1315, and retroreflected light 1320. Lens 1310 is coupled to retroreflector 1315. Lens 1310 is an optional feature.

[00154] Lens 1310 may be a plastic or glass covering over retroreflector 1315. Lens 1310 may be a half-ball spherical lens or a full ball spherical lens. The effective focal length, back focal length, and index of refraction may all be adjusted to provide an optimal output diameter of retroreflected light 1320. Lens 1310 matches the shape of retroreflector 1315 in one implementation.

[00155] Retroreflector 1315 reflects light back towards the direction of incoming light regardless of the angle of incident. Retroreflector 1315 may be a comer reflector, comprising three mutually perpendicular reflective surfaces. Retroreflector 1315 may be a cat’s eye with the focal surface of the refractive elements coinciding with the reflective surface. In this configuration, the reflective surfaces of retroreflector 1315 are on the back half of spherical lens.

[00156] Retroreflected light 1320 travels in the same pathway as the angle of incidence of incoming light. Retroreflector 1315 may also comprise of a retroreflective material to produce reflected feedback light 930.

[00157] Fig. 14 illustrates another feedback/ collector medium with integrated spherical lenses layer and retroflector according to one implementation described herein. System 1400 is a variation of system 1200 including a retroreflector. System 1400 includes reflective integration layer 1210 containing or partially containing plurality of spherical lenses 1120. Plurality of spherical lenses 1120 is selectively coupled to reflective integration layer 1210. The backside of reflective integration layer 1210 may contain a plurality of vias 1130.

[00158] Reflective integration layer 1210 comprises a mount for supporting plurality of spherical lenses 1120 and a reflective layer capable of reflecting light forward. Reflecting light forward prevents loss of intensity of light beam 105 and maximizes the light received by light sensor 135. The reflecting apparatus may be a reflective coating or mirror on the backside of reflective integration layer 1210.

[00159] At least one of the plurality of spherical lenses 1120 includes retroreflector 1315. Retroreflector 1315 reflects light back towards incoming light regardless of the angle of incident. The effective focal length, back focal length, and index of refraction may all be adjusted to provide an optimal output diameter of retroreflected light 1320. Retroreflector 1315 may also comprise of a retroreflective material to produce reflected feedback light 930.

[00160] Reflective integration layer 1210 may include a housing. The housing includes a sealed portion to prevent interference between the feedback/collector medium and environmental contaminants. The housing may provide a sealed gap such that environmental contaminants do not obstruct light from reaching light sensor 210.

[00161] Fig. 15 illustrates a housing for a feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. System 1500 includes reflective integration layer 1210, face film 1510, adhesive layer 1520, coupling material 1525, release layer 1530, and liner 1540. Face film 1510 is selectively coupled to reflective integration layer 1210. Reflective integration layer 1210 is selectively coupled to adhesive layer 1520. Adhesive layer 1520 is selectively coupled to release layer 1530. Release layer 1530 is selectively coupled to liner 1540. Face film 1510 is a clear protective film to protect the surfaces of the plurality of spherical lenses 1120.

[00162] Adhesive layer 1520 facilitates coupling of reflective integration layer 1210 to different surfaces. On one side, adhesive layer 1520 includes adhesive material (e.g., tape, glue) for application to the backside of reflective integration layer 1210. On the other side, adhesive layer 1520 includes coupling material for application to the release material. The coupling material may be velcro, hook and loop strips, fasteners, or other restickable material. Adhesive layer 1520 may be transparent or have holes corresponding to vias 1230 of reflective integration layer 1210.

[00163] Release layer 1530 facilitates coupling of reflective integration layer 1210 to different surfaces. On one side, release layer 1530 includes coupling material. On the other side, release layer 1530 includes adhesive material (e.g., tape, glue) for application to liner 1540. Release layer 1530 may be transparent or have holes corresponding to vias 1130 of reflective integration layer 1210.

[00164] Liner 1540 facilitates the application of adhesive layer 1520 and release layer 1530. Liner 1540 may be removed from release layer 1530 upon coupling to a surface.

[00165] Fig. 16 illustrates another housing for a feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. System 1600 includes reflective integration layer 1210, face film 1510, adhesive layer 1520, coupling material 1525, release layer 1530, liner 1540, bridge 1610, and air gap 1620. Face film 1510 is selectively coupled to bridge 1610. Bridge 1610 is selectively coupled to reflective integration layer 1210. Reflective integration layer 1210 is selectively coupled to adhesive layer 1520. Adhesive layer 1520 is selectively coupled release layer 1530. Release layer 1530 is selectively coupled to liner 1540.

[00166] Bridge 1610 provides additional protection (e.g., contaminants, moisture, smoke, obstructions) to plurality of spherical lenses 1120. Bridge 1610 also prevents background light from reaching the plurality of spherical lenses 1120. The width of bridge 1610 may be adjusted to provide optimal forward reflection and retroreflected light 1320.

[00167] Air gap 1620 is a sealed environment from the outside conditions. In at least one implementation, air gap 1620 is a vacuum.

[00168] Fig. 17 illustrates a photonic regulator according to one implementation described herein. System 1700 includes photonic regulator 130 configured to concentrate or channel light. Photonic regulator 130 includes photonic regulating apparatus 1710 and concentrated light 1720.

[00169] Photonic regulating apparatus 1710 is configured to concentrate and channel light towards light sensor 135. In at least one implementation, a concave refractive lens is used to guide, concentrate, or collimate light to concentrated light 1720. Photonic regulating apparatus 1710 may also be a rigid rod, a planar sheet, a frustum, a prism, a peculiar prism, or a flexible strand. Photonic regulating apparatus 1710 may be surrounded by an obscure material such that total internal reflection is achieved. Sides of photonic regulating apparatus 1710 may be planar, non-planar, conic, or curved such that total internal reflection phenomenon is achieved. Photonic regulator may be a planar reflecting surface or a concave reflecting surface for concentrating incoming light towards light sensor 135.

[00170] Fig. 18 illustrates another photonic regulator according to one implementation described herein. System 1800 includes scattering photonic regulator 1810 and scattered light 1820.

[00171] Scattering photonic regulator 1810 may be a scattering reflective surface that scatters incoming light to scattered light 1820 Scattered light 1820 allows a portion of the light beam to reach light sensor 135 regardless of the incident angle. Alternatively, scattering photonic regulator may comprise of a reflecting surface with an array of reliefs. The reliefs expand incoming light towards light sensor 135 Scattered light 1820 produces an expanded angle by which a portion of the incoming light will reach light sensor 135 [00172] Photonic regulating apparatus 1710 and scattering photonic regulator 1810 may be combined to concentrate and channel incoming light towards the light sensor 135 In at least one implementation, a concave reflecting surface may be combined with a reflective surface with an array of reliefs. A frustum may be combined with a rigid rod in another embodiment. These combinations serve to guide, concentrate or scatter incoming light toward light sensor 135

[00173] Fig. 19 illustrates an operator interfacing with an external device using a laser beam according to one implementation described herein. An operator outside reaching distance of the clock may adjust the time of the clock using a laser beam.

[00174] Fig. 20 illustrates the angles of operation and reflection for a beam landing zone according to one implementation described herein. Partial photonic energy may be reflected back to an operator inside of an observable angle. Each receiving point on the beam landing zone, where the light beam may strike, has an activating angle. The aggregate of the activating angles is an activating solid angle. It is possible that an observable angle and an activating angle do not overlay or overlap, or they may partially overlap. The forwarding angle is on the right-hand side of the beam landing zone. The aggregate of the forwarding angle is the forwarding solid angle.

[00175] Fig. 21 illustrates an operator interfacing with a beam landing zone using a laser beam according to one implementation described herein.

[00176] Fig. 22 illustrates a table for iod, angular variation, and distance variation according to one implementation described herein.

[00177] Fig. 23 illustrates a minimum operable angle between a beam landing zone and an operator according to one implementation described herein. The beam landing zone has size requirements for the frontal component or any member of receiving the light beam. Beam landing zone mitigates unintended operator motion. Beam landing zone forwards the light beam to other photonics or sensors.

[00178] Fig. 24 illustrates a table depicting minimum operable size according to one implementation described herein. The beam landing zone must be greater than the minimum operable size. The minimum operable size is 4x10-06 as measured at 22.8 meters.

[00179] Fig. 25 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone according to one implementation described herein. The beam landing zone comprises of marker, border, and location. All markers are visually discriminable because they are of resolvable contrast

[00180] Fig. 26 illustrates a resolvable contrast graph between two adjacent objects according to one implementation described herein. Shown is the relation between stray light on the abscissa and the change ratio on the ordinate. The change ratio is different in magnitude between the two adjacent objects light over SL. Resolvable contrast is the area that lies at and above the minimum resolvable contrast curve.

[00181] For example, if the housing or background is measured, the Marker [kl l], and the stray light (SL) to be 60, 70, 200 mililambert, respectively. Then Change Ration = |60-70|/200 = 5% at 200 mililambert SL. A resolvable contrast situation is achieved. The change ration can be more than 100% because either or both object can be illuminated.

[00182] Fig. 27 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone according to one implementation described herein. A marker [kl], being illuminated or non-illuminated, being energized or non-energized, comprising means for being resolvable contrast through one or more indicium such as fill coating, pattern coating, marking, three- dimensional relief or a composition of these elements. The marker may be outside of the visible spectrum of the operator but within the operator’s agent visible spectrum. The marker may be outside of the visible spectrum of a rogue user but within the operator’s visible spectrum. The feedback/ collector medium may be incorporated into the marker or another part of the beam landing zone. The operator may be a machine, artificial being with artificial vision or a human fitted with special visual receptor sensitive to photonic energy outside of normal human visible spectrum. The operator agent can be an apparatus such as the contemporary called smartphone.

[00183] Fig. 28 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone according to one implementation described herein. The beam landing zone includes a marker, a border, and a beam landing zone location. The housing for the beam landing zone is a dashed line.

The housing may host the beam landing zone or other components in the system. Beam landing zone may be any shape. [00184] Refer to 1, said [kl] shown as an area marker allowing the operator to visually discriminate the beam landing zone area.

[00185] Refer to 2, said [kl] shown as a border marker including means for the operator to visually discriminate the beam landing zone boundary.

[00186] Refer to 3, said [kl] shown as a location/ spot marker [kl3] within or about the beam landing zone comprising means for the Operator to visually discriminate the beam landing zone location.

[00187] Fig. 29 illustrates another exemplary beam landing zone according to one implementation described herein. This beam landing zone includes a beam landing zone location. This indicates the center of the beam landing zone but not the receivable area of the light beam.

[00188] Fig. 30 illustrates another exemplary external system according to one implementation described herein. The external system may be a lighting fixture or a motion detector. The external system may include the receiver processing group.

[00189] Fig. 31 illustrates another exemplary external system according to one implementation described herein. The external system may be a clock. The external system may have two markers and two beam landing zones.

[00190] Fig. 32 illustrates another exemplary external system according to one implementation described herein. The balloon is the external device. The entire translucent surface of the balloon is the external device, and the beam landing zone is the balloon, and the balloon contains a marker

[00191] Fig. 33 illustrates another exemplary fluorescent medium in relation to a coordinate system according to one implementation described herein. The fluorescent medium may be placed on a coordinate plane. The spatial coordinate may include x,y,z coordinates relative to a point of reference. Energy may be fed back to the operator. This energy may be useful to determine the distance of the point of reference, the direction towards the point of reference or predetermined data.

[00192] Fig. 34 illustrates another exemplary fluorescent medium layout in relation to a coordinate system according to one implementation described herein. The fluorescent medium layout may be placed on a coordinate plane. The spatial coordinate may include x,y,z. coordinates relative to a point of reference. Energy may be fed back to the operator. This energy may be useful to determine the distance of the point of reference, the direction towards the point of reference or predetermined data.

[00193] Fig. 35 illustrates another exemplary fluorescence medium according to one implementation described herein. A fluorescence retroreflector pallet including and two or more fluorescent pads. The fluorescence retroreflector pallet comprises means for reflecting photonic energy in a different spectrum. The fluorescence retroreflector pallet comprises means for creating different feedback message through predetermined arraignment spatial pattern of the retroreflector. Optionally, the retroreflector is of different reflective strength. F eedback/ collector medium are incorporated if desired. An example of fluorescence retroreflector pallet includes fluorescent medium, two or more retroreflectors. The retroreflectors produce reflecting photonic energy in a different spectrum.

[00194] Also, shown is the incoming light and feedback message being of a different spectrum or reflective photonic energy strength.

[00195] Fig. 36 illustrates another exemplary fluorescence medium according to one implementation described herein. Depicted is a possible front view example from the operator perspective. The fluorescent medium may have a predetermined gradient of fluorescence reflective characteristic being layout in a predetermined pattern, being shown as radial fluorescence retroreflector pallet comprising means for providing information to the Operator, via photonic feedback, such as distance and direction to target. The operator may then act accordingly, adjusting the incoming light toward a specific area, shown as toward the center.

[00196] For example, an operator may emit a light beam at the edge of fluorescence retroreflector pallet. The operator receives feedback. From information embedded in emitted light, such as directional and relative spacial coordinate to target, the operator moves the operator-signal toward the center of the target. Here the operator receives additional feedback information as emitted light. The operator is aware of distance from the target as provided by predetermined information in emitted light back to the operator.

[00197] Fig. 37 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. The feedback/ coll ector medium blocks out environmental contaminants. [00198] Fig. 38 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. The feedback/ coll ector medium blocks out certain light spectrums.

[00199] Fig. 39 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. The feedback/collector medium scatters the incoming light and partially reflects light back towards the operator.

[00200] Fig. 40 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. The feedback/ coll ector medium expands the incoming light beam at a predetermined angle.

[00201] Fig. 41 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. PE, pf, of back to the Operator, or intended target. Also comprising means for restraining pf within the observation angle. Also comprising means for transmitting the incoming light signal’s photonic energy to a forward signal.

[00202] Fig. 42 illustrates another exemplary feedback/collector medium according to one implementation described herein. The problem of not being able to restrict reflected light within an observation angle is solved by this feedback/ collector medium. The medium allows for reducing the amount of reflected photonic energy require from the incoming light while maintaining the condition that the operator could still detect the incoming light.

[00203] Fig. 43 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one implementation described herein. This photonic regulator includes a refractive lens being of an array or Fresnel characteristic. The photonic regulator comprises means for guiding or expanding or diluting the incoming signal.

[00204] Fig. 44 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one implementation described herein comprising of a refractive lens being of concave or Fresnel characteristic. This photonic regulator comprises means for guiding or concentrating or collimating the incoming light.

[00205] Fig. 45 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one implementation described herein. The photonic regulator is a solid rod with means for total internal reflection or reflecting into the photonic regulator such that light is guided, concentrated, or efficiently transferred. The photonic regulator may incorporate the feedback/collector medium [00206] Fig. 46 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator is a frustum with means for total internal reflection or reflecting into the photonic regulator such that light is guided, concentrated, or efficiently transferred. The photonic regulator may incorporate the feedback/collector medium

[00207] Fig. 47 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator is an angle prism with means for total internal reflection or reflecting into the photonic regulator such that light is guided, concentrated, or efficiently transferred. The photonic regulator may incorporate the feedback/collector medium

[00208] Fig. 48 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator is a peculiar prism. The photonic regulator may have planar, non-planar, zig-zag, conic or curved surfaces with means for total internal reflection or reflecting into the photonic regulator such that light is guided, concentrated, or efficiently transferred. The photonic regulator may incorporate the feedback/collector medium

[00209] Fig. 49 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator is a flexible strand.

[00210] Fig. 50 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator comprises a scattering reflective surface that forward incoming light.

[00211] Fig. 51 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes a reflecting surface with an array of reliefs that forward the light beam.

[00212] Fig. 52 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes a planar reflecting surface that forwards the incoming light.

[00213] Fig. 53 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes a convex reflecting surface characteristic of rounded, curved, or partial conic for forwarding the incoming light. [00214] Fig. 54 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes of a concave reflecting surface characteristic of curved, or partial conic for forwarding the incoming light.

[00215] Fig. 55 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes a hollowed body photonic regulator for forwarding the incoming light. The photonic regulator also includes two reflecting surfaces. Either surface area can be a composition of rounded or conic or polygon shape, being a composition of planar or concave or convex or curved, perpendicular to the incoming light.

[00216] Fig. 56 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes a hollowed body. The hollowed body may be a frustum, an angle frustum, a peculiar frustum. The photonic regulator may incorporate the feedback/collector medium.

[00217] Fig. 57 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes a hollowed body. The hollowed body may be a frustum, an angle frustum, a peculiar frustum. The photonic regulator may incorporate the feedback/collector medium.

[00218] Fig. 58 illustrates an exemplary photonic regulator according to one

implementation described herein. The photonic regulator includes a hollowed body. The hollowed body may be a frustum, an angle frustum, a peculiar frustum. The photonic regulator may incorporate the feedback/ collector medium.

[00219] Fig. 59 illustrates a table of visible wavelengths according to one implementation described herein. The table also includes a listing of wavelengths that may be obtained for an inexpensive price.

[00220] Fig. 60 illustrates an exemplary light sensor according to one implementation described herein. The exemplary light sensor includes detects peak photonic responsivity about a chromatic key. The light sensor may also include signal amplification and signal integration.

[00221] Fig. 61 illustrates a chart for detecting the photonic energy according to one implementation described herein. A corresponding chromatic key sensor is a photonic sensor having highly similar or identical characteristic and performance as the sensor. [00222] A non-corresponding chromatic key sensor [s!] is a photonic sensor having dis similar or characteristic and performance as the sensor. The non-corresponding chromatic key sensor has a lower responsivity than CK. Whereas non-corresponding chromatic key sensor has a peak responsivity at a wavelength no further than 265 nanometers, away from [s] peak responsivity wavelength and no less than 45 nanometers.

[00223] Fig. 62 illustrates an exemplary stray light remover circuit according to one implementation described herein. The stray light remover circuit includes combiners delayers, multipliers, and weights. The stray light remover circuit includes means for reducing stray light from information received by a corresponding chromatic key sensor and one or more non-corresponding chromatic key sensor by the linear or non-linear algorithms, such as hardware circuit or software data table.

[00224] Fig. 63 illustrates an exemplary stray light remover circuit according to one implementation described herein. The stray light remover circuit includes comprising means for migrating stray light from a chromatic key sensor and one or more

corresponding chromatic key sensor. The stray light remover circuit comprises of photonic isolation, wherein the photonic isolation includes means for preventing or mitigating photonic energy from the operator-signal leaking between said corresponding chromatic key sensor.

[00225] The output from Chromatic Key Sensor (CKS) is an input from a sensor s' is output from another sensor which could be labeled as corresponding CKS. Whereas both sensor inputs contain a comparable amount of stray light. Received sensor input gets subtracted by the other sensor input. In a system with more than two sensors, the extra sensor data can be combined and/or weighted.

[00226] Fig. 64 illustrates an exemplary method for detecting signals according to one implementation described herein. An access code includes characteristics for enabling a message/command sent from the Operator as one or more predetermined signal strength at one or more predetermined chromatic-key (CK). Optionally, also having

predetermined, limited or a lack of, signal strength surrounding said predetermined CK.

[00227] The access codes may operate in various modes. Whereas shown 100% represents a predetermined photonic energy or radiation value.

[00228] Refer to distinct, a mode where an AC represent by strength being at a distinct value. Shown as 80% in the example. Refer to the range, a mode where an AC represent by strength being in a range. Shown as 60-80% in the example. Refer to poly, a mode where an AC is one or more distinct or one or more range, strength. Refer to tempo, a mode where an AC is one or more poly, temporal.

[00229] Fig. 65 illustrates an exemplary key code table according to one implementation described herein. The exemplary key code may also be an Access Code Detector (ACD) including means for evaluating, comparing and detecting access code from the received signal. Access code detector can be implemented as hardware or in software.

[00230] Optionally, access code detector also includes means for providing detection hysteresis.

[00231] The exemplary key code table includes the filtered signal, output match, and the access code, wherein the access code can be embedded or externally provided.

[00232] The filtered signal is the output of the chromatic key sensor or if available from the stray light filter instead. When the operator message/command is being sent on a plurality of chromatic keys, there would be a plurality of filtered signals. The match may comprise means for representing positive access-code detection.

[00233] Fig. 66 illustrates an exemplary system status indicator according to one implementation described herein. A system status indicator may include means for producing an indicium notifying the Operator or an external system.

[00234] The system status indicator includes driver-amplifiers and transducers. The output can be acoustic, mechanical, electrical, or photonics. Such as a speaker/buzzard producing audible tone sound, a motor that produces rotational angle, an actuator that produces linear motion, a propane heater that produces heat, a Wi-Fi device producing a 5 GHz wave, a lamp producing light, or a LED producing photonic energy.

[00235] Fig. 67 illustrates an exemplary system status indicator according to one implementation described herein. A system status indicator, comprising means for generating a repeating indicium pattern, such as audio tone, light pattern.

[00236] The system status indicator includes a continuous pattern generator. The continuous pattern generator will be energized when the received signal is true.

[00237] Fig. 68 illustrates an exemplary system status indicator according to one implementation described herein. A system status indicator, comprising means for extending edge trigger event. [00238] The system status indicator includes a phase detector & pulse generator.

Receiving input and producing an output is also described.

[00239] Fig. 69 illustrates an exemplary system status indicator according to one implementation described herein. A system status indicator may include means for producing a non-linear pattern. Such as the audio tone "You got Mail".

[00240] This system status indicator includes multiple non-linear pattern generators. Receiving strength, signal pattern, and input signals to produce output signals.

[00241] Fig. 70 illustrates a table showing the number of sensors required in an environment according to one implementation described herein. The number of sensors changes whether the sensors are in a friendly environment (no stray light) or a non- friendly environment (stray light present).

[00242] Fig. 71 illustrates a table of carrier frequencies according to one implementation described herein.

[00243] Fig. 72 illustrates an exemplary duty cycle controller according to one implementation described herein.

[00244] Fig. 73 illustrates an exemplary channel metadata encoder according to one implementation described herein.

[00245] FIG. 74 shows an example arrangement of a light sensor 7402 and a light emitting diode (LED) 7410. The light sensor 7402 may be positioned along a planar surface such as for example an outer surface of a device whose control is desired through signals received at the light sensor 7402.

[00246] In some control signal reception systems, the LED is typically located at the position 7404. The separation between the light sensor 7402 and the position 7404 is typically around 2 to 3 mm. However, when a user at a distance sees the LED at position 7404, the user is tempted to point his laser beam towards the position 7404, thereby missing a significant portion of the catchment area of the sensor 7402. Therefore, the user may have to move the beam around and figure out by trial and error how to position beam with respect to the LED at position 7404. This may be a frustrating experience for the user and may leave user thinking that the receiving portion is not working correctly.

[00247] In some embodiments, the LED may be placed at the position 7410 which is offset along an axis perpendicular to the plane along which the sensor 7402 is positioned. The position 7410 is such that a user standing in front of the device on which the light sensor 7402 is positioned will see a reflection 7408 of the LED at position 7410 in the reflective or semi-reflective surface 7412 such that when the user points a laser beam directly at the perceived location of the LED at position 7410 to be instead at position 7408, the user’s beam will directly hit the sensor 7402. In some embodiments, 7408, 7412 may be implemented using a feedback/collector medium and a photonic regulator, respectively. In some embodiments, the sensor and position 7410 may not be facing each other and in such cases the backside of 7414 may be reflective. In some embodiments, the sensor 7402 and position 7410 are not at equal distance from the reflecting point 7408, and in such cases, the surface 7412 may be lenticular (e.g., a lens) positioned to bend light into the sensor 7402 (e.g., FIG. 55).

[00248] In some embodiments, a peelable or removeable receiving portion 7414 may be affixed over the sensor 7402 (or may include the sensor 7402). The receiving portion may be curved with ends towards the position 7410 such that the curved reflective surface 7412 causes the position 7408 of the reflection of LED at position 7410 to fall at a position that lines up the user beam directly with the sensor 7402. In some embodiments, the peelable or removeable receiving portion 7414 may be the integration layer 1110 described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. In some embodiments, the arrangement shown in FIG. 74 may be designed to allow operation of the device with the user at a position that is plus or minus zero to 60 degrees with respect to the perpendicular direction in which the light sensor 7402 and the LED 7410 lie.

[00249] Accordingly, some technical solutions to the technical problem related to potential misalignment between a user-controlled light beam and position of the light sensor that the user is trying to aim at may be solved by the following technical solutions. The various listings below are features that may be preferably implemented by some embodiments.

[00250] 1. A light detection system, comprising: a receiving portion having a first surface on which a light sensor is positioned and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the second surface is at least partially covered with a reflective surface; a light emitting device (LED) positioned in a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular with respect to the first surface and a second surface at a distance from the light sensor at a position above the reflective surface such that a reflection of the LED in the reflective surface falls in a straight line between the light sensor and a position from which a user controls operation of the light detection system, wherein the straight line is at an angle with respect to the perpendicular direction.

[00251] 2. The system of solution 1, wherein the reflective surface is a curved surface.

[00252] 3. The system of solutions 1-2, wherein the angle is between 0 and 60 degrees.

[00253] 4. The system of solutions 1-3, wherein the reflective surface is at a distance between 1 mm to 3 mm from the light sensor.

[00254] 5. The system of any of solutions 1-4, wherein the LED is coupled to a control circuit that controls an intensity and/or a wavelength of the LED as described with respect to FIG. 75.

[00255] With reference to FIG. 75, a technique for allowing intensity of laser beam to vary with time in order to provide additional functionality to the remote communication system using a light beam. FIG. 75 shows an example graph for time varying light intensity. In some embodiments, the device being controlled may have multiple color LEDs, each being independently controlled as described herein. As shown in FIG. 75, the horizontal axis 7502 represents time and the vertical axis 7504 represents brightness of LED light. The LED may be controlled to alternately increase and reduce intensity (e.g., in 2 to 4 second time interval). The intensity value or direction of intensity swing may be mapped to a particular function of the device. For example,“channel up” may be inferred if a control beam is received during the time light intensity is going up and“channel down” may be inferred if the control beam intensity is going down.

[00256] In some embodiments, the time-domain modulation of light intensity may also be complemented (or replaced) by change in color wavelength. For example, a multi wavelength arrangement would have the light shifting colors over a period of time, e.g., from red to blue to white back to red. During the shifting of colors, when light enters a state in which it is emitting a specific color (e.g., blue light), then the functions corresponding to the blue state may be activated for control from the light beam. This may work, for example, similar to the“function” or“alt” keys of a computer keyboard such that specific functionality of one input (e.g., light intensity) may be determined in reference to a value of a different state (e.g., what is the color of the LED).

[00257] In some embodiments, the light beam actuated remote control embodiments described in the present document may be extended to operate with the large base of currently deployed devices that have IR sensors built into them for receiving wireless remote control signals. For example, the compatibility is obtained by using a low cost and easy to use wavelength translator or shifter as described herein.

[00258] FIG. 76 shows an example of a reflector 7606 for an infrared (IR) compatible configuration. The reflector 7606 may be 2D flat or curved, according to the needs of the physical form factor of the legacy device on which the reflector 7606 is affixed. The reflector 7606 may be made to have a base surface 7616 facing away from the direction from which light beam is intended to hit upon the reflector 7606 and a reflecting surface 7612 in the direction of light beam. In some embodiments, the reflector 7606 may be flexible such that both the base surface 7606 and the reflecting surface 7612 are bendable and can be curved. For example, the base surface may be flexible to allow affixation to conform a shape of a host device or a host surface to which the base surface 7616 is affixed. The reflecting surface 7612 may include a fluorescent material that reflects an impinging visible wavelength light signal into the infrared region, as shown in the graph 7614. The reflective material may be, for example, Diamond Grade Fluorescent LDP reflective sheeting by 3M Corporation. Another example of this material includes a retroreflective material used for traffic signs, and meeting ASTM Type III or Type IV grade. Some such material is sold in the market under various names such as Reflexite or Stimsonite. Another possible example of this material is the TIE-36 glass made by SCHOTT AG corporation. Thus, during operation, an incoming light beam in the visible range (e.g., a laser beam) is reflected into an IR signal. The reflector 7606 is positioned and/or curved such that the reflected IR signal impinges upon legacy IR sensor 7608 that is built into the legacy device. Accordingly, the powerful techniques described herein can also be made available for controlling legacy IR based remote controlled devices.

[00259] Accordingly, a technical solution may be provided to the technical problem of being able to use a light beam such as a laser for controlling an IR remote control signal receiver device. The following listing provides example implementations of such a solution.

[00260] 1. A reflector apparatus, comprising: a reflector having a planar base surface and a reflective surface on an opposite side of the base surface, wherein the planar surface is configured to be affixed to a host and wherein the reflective surface comprises a material that reflects an incoming visible light beam at an incident angle to an outgoing light beam at a reflection angle while causing a wavelength shift in the incoming light beam from visible to infrared spectrum.

[00261] 2. The reflector apparatus of solution 1, wherein the reflective surface is a curved surface.

[00262] 3. The reflector apparatus of solutions 1-2, wherein the material comprises a retroreflective material.

[00263] In some embodiments, the above-described reflector apparatus may be used by a method of enabling a visible light based control of an IR controllable device.

[00264] It will be appreciated that the present document discloses techniques for remotely controlling various electronic or mechanical equipment using visible light beam based communication.

[00265] Some embodiments described herein may be captured using the following clause-based description.

[00266] 1. A method comprising: receiving a light beam at a sensor electrically connected to an external system; providing feedback to an operator in response to receiving the light beam at the sensor; detecting a characteristic of the light beam; and sending a signal to the external system based on the characteristic of the light beam.

[00267] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the light beam is a coherent laser beam.

[00268] 3. The method of clause 1, wherein the light beam comprises includes a wavelength between about 395 nm and 750 nm.

[00269] 4. The method of clause 1, wherein the feedback is a beam landing zone illuminating in response to receiving the light beam, and the beam landing zone surrounding the sensor.

[00270] 5. The method of clause 4, wherein the beam landing zone illuminates by emitting radiation absorbed from the light beam.

[00271] 6. The method of clause 1, wherein the feedback is provided by partially reflecting the light beam back to the operator.

[00272] 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the partially reflected light beam is a different color than the light beam.

[00273] 8. The method of clause 1, wherein the feedback is partially reflecting the light beam towards the operator via a retroreflector. [00274] 9. The method of clause 1, wherein the feedback is a photoluminescent radiation, the photoluminescent radiation being energized by the light beam.

[00275] 10. The method of clause 1, wherein the sensor includes a light hood, the light hood providing the feedback by partially reflecting the light beam back to the operator.

[00276] 11. The method of clause 10, wherein the light hood partially reflects the light beam back to the operator via a retroreflector.

[00277] 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the partially reflected light beam from the retroreflector indicates the light beam was received at the sensor.

[00278] 13. The method of clause 10, wherein the light hood includes a fluorescent coating capable of absorbing and emitting photoluminescent radiation.

[00279] 14. The method of clause 13, wherein the emitted photoluminescent radiation from the fluorescent coating indicates the light beam was received at the sensor.

[00280] 15. A method comprising: receiving a light beam at a sensor electrically connected to an external system; detecting a modulated signal carried by the light beam; and sending a signal to the external system based on a characteristic of the modulated signal, wherein the light beam includes a wavelength between about 395 nm and 750 nm.

[00281] 16. The method of clause 15, further comprising: demodulating the modulated signal into demodulated data; and matching demodulated data to a signal readable by the external system.

[00282] 17. The method of clause 15, further comprising: filtering out background light via the sensor.

[00283] 18. The method of clause 15, further comprising: reflecting a portion of the light beam to provide visible feedback to an operator.

[00284] 19. A method comprising: receiving a light beam at a fluorescent medium; emitting a photoluminescent radiation at the fluorescent medium in response to receiving the light beam at the fluorescent medium; detecting a characteristic of the

photoluminescent radiation with a sensor electrically connected to an external system; and sending a signal to the external system based on the characteristic of the

photoluminescent radiation detected with the sensor.

[00285] 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the characteristic is radiation intensity.

[00286] 21. The method of clause 19, wherein the characteristic is a chromatic wavelength. [00287] 22. The method of clause 21, further comprising: matching the chromatic wavelength to a signal using a code table.

[00288] 23. The method of clause 19, wherein the fluorescent medium is a color pallet comprising of at least one chromatic wavelength.

[00289] 24. The method of clause 19, further comprising: accumulating the photoluminescent radiation detected at the sensor over a period of time.

[00290] 25. The method of clause 19, further comprising: filtering out background light detected by the sensor using a stray light filter.

[00291] 26. The method of clause 19, further comprising: detecting stray light using a second sensor; and removing background light from the photoluminescent radiation received at the sensor using the stray light detected by the second sensor.

[00292] 27. The method of clause 19, further comprising: blocking out environmental contaminants.

[00293] 28. An apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to receive a light beam, the sensor being electrically connected to an external device; a characteristic detector configured to detect a characteristic from the light beam; a code table configured to match the detected characteristic to a signal; and a signal generator configured to send the signal to the external device.

[00294] 29. The apparatus of clause 28, wherein the characteristic is a modulated signal and the characteristic detector is a demodulator.

[00295] 30. The apparatus of clause 28, wherein the light beam includes a wavelength between about 395 nm and 750 nm.

[00296] 31. The apparatus of clause 28, wherein the characteristic is a chromatic wavelength and the characteristic detector is a photonic detector.

[00297] 32. The apparatus of clause 28, wherein the characteristic is light intensity and the characteristic detector is a photonic detector.

[00298] 33. The apparatus of clause 28, further comprising: a beam landing zone, the beam landing zone configured to illuminate in response to receiving the beam.

[00299] 34. The apparatus of clause 28, further comprising a light hood.

[00300] 35. An apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to receive a light beam and photoluminescent radiation, the sensor being electrically connected to an external device; a fluorescent medium capable of emitting photoluminescent radiation in response to energization from the light beam, a characteristic detector configured to detect a characteristic from the photoluminescent radiation; a code table configured to match the detected characteristic to a signal; and a signal generator configured to send the signal to the external device.

[00301] 36. The apparatus of clause 35, wherein the characteristic is a chromatic wavelength and the characteristic detector is a photonic detector.

[00302] 37. The apparatus of clause 35, wherein the light beam is coherent.

[00303] 38. A system comprising: at least one processor; a memory including instructions stored thereupon, the instructions upon execution by the processor causes the process to: obtain photonic data from a light received at a sensor; filter out background light; match a signal in a code table based on the light received at the sensor; and send the signal to an external system.

[00304] 39. The system of clause 38, the instructions further causing the processor to: obtain background light data from a second light sensor; and eliminate background light data from photonic data.

[00305] 40. A system comprising: at least one processor; a memory including instructions stored thereupon, the instructions upon execution by the processor causes the process to: obtain photonic data from photoluminescent radiation received at a sensor; filter out background light; match a signal in a code table based on the photoluminescent radiation received at the sensor; and send the signal to an external system.

[00306] 41. The system of clause 40, the instructions further causing the processor to: obtain background light data from a second light sensor; and eliminate background light data from photonic data.

[00307] 42. A system comprising: a beam landing zone, the beam landing zone larger than a width of a light beam and at least partially illuminating in response to receiving the light beam; at least one processor; a memory including instructions stored thereupon, the instructions upon execution by the processor causes the process to: obtain photonic data from the light beam received at the beam landing zone; match a signal in a code table based on the photonic data; and send the signal to an external system.

[00308] 43. An apparatus comprising of: a layer with at least one via; and a spherical lens at least partially embedded in the layer aligned with the at least one via, the spherical lens is configured to disperse incoming light. [00309] 44. The apparatus of clause 43, further comprising: an adhesive layer attached to the layer with at least one via; and a removal layer attached to the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer and the removal layer are attached by a selectively coupling material.

[00310] 45. The apparatus of clause 44, wherein the selectively coupling material is at least one of hooks and loops, fasteners, tape, glue, or other restickable material.

[00311] 46. The apparatus of clause 43, further comprising: a clear film covering the layer with at least one via and the spherical lens.

[00312] 47. The apparatus of clause 43, further comprising: a second spherical lens, the spherical lens including retroreflective material.

[00313] 48. The apparatus of clause 43, wherein the spherical lens is a full ball lens or a half-ball lens.

[00314] 49. The apparatus of clause 43, further comprising: a bridge extending from the layer with at least one via, and a clear film covering the bridge.

[00315] 50. The apparatus of clause 49, wherein the bridge includes at least two protrusions from the layer with at least one via connecting to the clear film covering the bridge.

[00316] 51. The apparatus of clause 49, wherein a vacuum exists between the clear film covering the bridge and the spherical lens.

[00317] 52. The apparatus of clause 43, wherein the layer with at least one via is a reflecting layer.

[00318] 53. A method, apparatus or circuit described in the present document.

[00319] Using the above described solutions, additional embodiments may be implemented to have the following technical effects.

[00320] A targeted photonic receiver (e.g., FIG. 77) comprising: an indicium marker configured to be at least one of Indicium Marker Type, also having Resolvable Contrast from its contiguous surrounding, whereby said marker allows the operator to be aware the existent of said receiver and also providing the direction and location of said marker.

[00321] FIG. 77 shows three indicium marker types for the Beam Landing Zone: spot (7700), area (7708), boundary (7706). At least one indicium type is required. The indicium marker can be illuminated or non-illuminated, being energized or non-energized such as fill coating, pattern coating, marking, three dimensional relief or a combination of. A small sized collector 7702 or a large size collector 7704 may be concave (imprinted into) or convex (bulging from) the surface.

[00322] FIG. 78 shows a resolvable Contrast, either in chrominance or luminance, between two contiguous objects. Shown is the relation between Stray Light (SL) on the abscissa, and Change Ratio| \OL|/SL| on the ordinate. Whereas said Change Ratio is the different in magnitude between the two contiguous objects light (OL) over SL.

Resolvable Contrast is the area that lies at and above the minimum resolvable contrast, mrc, curve.

[00323] For example, if we measured the housing, the boundary marker, and the stray light (SL) in the background to be 60, 70, 200 mililambert, respectively. Then Change Ration = |60-70|/200 = 5% at 200 mililambert SL. A Resolvable Contrast situation is achieved. Note: Change Ratio, the ordinate, can be more than 100% (shown as ¥) because the object, such the housing or the marker, can be illuminated.

[00324] The above apparatus may include a feedback/collector having a proximal end size in steradian greater than the Minimum Operatable Size Value in steradian FIG. 79, centered about said marker center, configured to at least one Collector Type, thereby providing means for continuing receiving photonic from said beam of said operator, while said beam exhibit spatial traveled deviation due to unintentional movement from said operator (e.g. shake created by operator motor skill); said feedback/collector also configured to at least one Reflector Type , thereby providing positional feedback and supporting aiming correction for said beam by said operator.

[00325] In some embodiments, a selectable command, ComeFollowMe functionality may be implemented as follows:

[00326] A targeted photonic receiver with selectable command comprising (e.g., FIG.

77) also comprising: Whereas said indicium marker, can also, comprising means to modulate or change its photonic characteristic (e.g. intensity and wavelength), whereas each combination of said characteristic relate to a predetermined function of a controller (e.g. bright green equal to volume up), thereby allowing said operator to select said function by urging said beam on said marker.

[00327] The above targeted photonic receiver, further comprising:

[00328] a photonic regulator, centered about said zone center, comprising means for regulating photonic characteristic of said beam from said zone, thereby increasing the probability for detection by said controller of the present of said beam by said operator, and also means for restricting the location (e.g. receiving said beam) where said operator can operate said controller, thereby increasing operational security by said controller;

[00329] a photonic sensor, centered about the photonic emitting center of said regulator, comprising means for transducing photonic characteristic of said beam from said regulator into a different signal format (e.g. electrical) from said beam of said regulator, thereby allowing further characteristically regulation from said beam from said operator;

[00330] a stray light remover, attached to said signal of said sensor, comprising means for producing a signal whereas the stray light from said signal of said sensor had been reduced, thereby increasing the probability for detection by said controller of the present of said beam by said operator;

[00331] a detector, attached to said remover, comprising means for validating the detection of said beam from said operator, thereby allowing said controller to response to said operator command.

[00332] In some embodiments, the functionality of detecting modulated embedded data may be implemented as follows:

[00333] An embedded data capable targeted wireless controller (e.g., FIG. 77) further comprising:

[00334] a photonic sensor, centered about the photonic emitting center of said zone, comprising means for transducing photonic characteristic of said beam from said regulator into a different signal format (e.g. electrical) from said beam of said regulator, thereby allowing further characteristically regulation from said beam from said operator;

[00335] a demodulator, attached to said signal of said sensor, comprising means for signal amplification and means for filtering out embedded data from predetermined carrier frequency within said beam from said sensor, thereby allowing said controller to response to said operator command;

[00336] In some embodiments, compatibility with existing IR equipment is achieved as follows.

[00337] An infrared capable targeted wireless controller described above, further comprising:

[00338] A translucent or reflective medium coated by fluorescent comprising means for emitting photonic energy at a predetermined wavelength different from the wavelength in said beam from said operator, thereby allowing said sensor within controller to operate in a different wavelength than the wavelength of said beam from said operator.

[00339] In some embodiments, a technique for removing parallax and facilitating aiming by a user may be implemented as follows.

[00340] A parallax compensated targeted photonic receiver as described above, further including: partially reflective medium, whereby said marker is separate from a photonic sensor by said medium, whereas the reflection of said marker on said reflective medium lies on a straight line between said operator and said sensor, thereby allowing said operator to aim said beam directly at said sensor instead of said marker. In other word, standing at the operator position the reflection of the marker on the reflective medium will overlaid the sensor.

[00341] In some embodiments, a targeted photonic receiver may include a photonic detector 240, and a transducer, as shown in Figs. 2 and 80.

[00342] The disclosed and other embodiments, modules, and the functional operations described in this document can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this document and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. The disclosed and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The computer readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter effecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more them. The term“data processing apparatus” encompasses all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. A propagated signal is an artificially generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus. [00343] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[00344] The processes and logic flows described in this document can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[00345] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory' devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory' devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry'. [00346] While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[00347] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[00348] Only a few implementations and examples are described, and other

implementations, enhancements, and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.

[00349] Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic devices and computer systems. The use of “selectively coupled” means apparatuses and systems may be combined in different ways for different functions and systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application- specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[00350] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of components and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the description provided herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The figures herein are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[00351] Although the disclosed subject maher has been described with reference to several example embodiments, it may be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject maher in all its aspects. Although the disclosed subject maher has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the disclosed subject maher is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the subject maher extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.