PHOCI: Photonic Communications Imager

Clifton Labs, Inc. proposes to develop a fully functional opticalimaging system that is suitable for both image capture and reception ofoptical communications data. The proposed system, called PHOCI (forPhotonic Communications Imager) includes a novel image/data capture chipthat imbeds high-speed optical data communications receiver technologyinto the image capture array of a digital video camera system. Inaddition to the development of a new image/data capture chip, theproposed project includes the design of a hardware interface that allowsthe PHOCI system to pass both image and optical communication datathrough a USB (or similar communications port) to a COTS portablecomputer. Finally, the project includes the development of systemsoftware that will run on the portable computer. In addition toproviding the device drivers necessary to communicate with the PHOCIhardware, the system software provides the data structures and graphicaluser interface (GUI) that allow a system operator to see the cameraimage along with the location and recent movement vector forcommunication sources in the image. Additionally, the GUI provides apoint-and-click environment for viewing the most recent communicationdata or a communication history from any communication source identifiedin the imager field of view. The Phase I products (including VLSI layouts, interface circuit designs,system software and a final technical report) will clearly identify thetechnological barriers associated with the implementation of an opticalcommunications imager. With the Phase I products it will be possible toimplement a fully functional prototype PHOCI system.