Use of light transmission through tissue to detect force
US11132057B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0325
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods that can determine an amount of force on a tissue. An apparatus can include an optical fiber including a first end and a second end. An electronics module of the apparatus is coupled to the first end of the optical fiber. The electronics module can include a light emitter that can transmit light to the tissue over the optical fiber and a light sensor that can receive light over the optical fiber. The received light includes a component of the transmitted light reflected by the tissue. The electronics module can include a processor that can determine the amount of force on the tissue based on characteristic(s) of the reflected light. The apparatus can also include an end cap coupled to the second end of the optical fiber. The end cap can introduce the transmitted light into the tissue and receive the reflected light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.