Real-time imaging contact gauge and visual feedback interactive apparatus including same
US5916160A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L1/241
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A real-time imaging contact gauge for indicating the distribution of contact pressure over a surface includes a transparent base panel, a pressure-transmitting member at one face of the transparent base panel for receiving the contact pressure to be indicated, a birefringent member sensitive to mechanical pressure located between the pressure-transmitting member and the transparent base panel, a plurality of spaced, parallel electro-luminescent layers carried by the transparent base panel for illuminating the birefringent layer, and a polarizer for polarizing the light transmitted to the birefringent layer to produce optical interference patterns corresponding to the contact presssure distribution applied to the pressure-transmitting member, which patterns are viewable through the opposite face of the transparent base panel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.