Position sensing system
US6261247A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3983
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An anatomical position sensing system (100) using one or more substantially spherical transponders for measuring relative positions and distances. Transponders (P) and (S) are capable of receiving and transmitting RF signals, and communicating between themselves and with a separate CPU (112). The CPU (112) is controlled by an operator at an operator control panel (114), interacts with an alarm (120) for providing audible alerts to the operator, and a display for displaying information to the operator. The CPU (112) controls a broadband antenna (118) to transmit, at a frequency f.sub.1, a low-frequency RF power signal (122) across a wide field to energize the transponders (P) and (S). Directional components (122a) and (122b) intercept and energize the transponders (P) and (S). Once energized, transponder (P) transmits a range signal in all directions including component (124) at a very high RF frequency f.sub.2, extending from transponder (P) to transponder (S). Upon receipt of the range signal (124), transponder (S) emits a data signal at a very high RF frequency f.sub.3 in all directions, including component (126), which is directed at the antenna (118). The distance (D) is determ…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.