Optical motion and angular position sensing method and sensor
US5278414A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01P13/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical motion and angle sensor comprising a chamber, a light source for emitting light into a first half of the chamber along an axis of the chamber, and a plurality of light detectors for receiving light exiting from a second half of the chamber, at an angle relative to the axis of the chamber. When applied as a motion sensor, the sensor facilitates discrimination between various types of motion, and specifically allows the discrimination of slight normal motion from motion associated with incapacity of a person wearing the sensor. In addition, the sensor can provide this discrimination regardless of orientation. When applied as an angle sensor, the sensor facilitates the detection of the angle of inclination of the sensor relative to an axis, as well as the direction of the inclination.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.