Optical systems and methods for measuring rotational movement
US11280603B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2018 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B2290/70
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Interferometric systems and methods for measuring rotational movement are described. In one implementation, an interferometer for measuring rotational movement includes a housing and a light source within the housing configured to project coherent light toward a non-coded surface of an object. The interferometer further includes at least one optical element configured to modify the projected coherent light in a manner accounting for a rotation of the object. The interferometer also includes at least one sensor within the housing including at least one light detector configured to detect reflections of the modified projected coherent light from the opposing non-coded surface as the object rotates relative to the housing. The interferometer further includes at least one processor configured to receive input from the at least one sensor and determine an amount of rotation of the object around the at least one rotational axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.