Ultra low cost position and status monitoring using fiber optic delay lines
US6803998B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide an improved method and apparatus for sensing position and/or status of an object. For one embodiment, a method generally includes illuminating the object with an optical pulse source and supplying a first optical pulse to a photo-detector, causing a resonant circuit formed by the photo-detector and an inductor to generate a resonant signal. The method also includes supplying at least a second optical pulse to the photo-detector causing a change in the resonant signal, wherein the second optical pulse is reflected from the object, monitoring the change in the resonant signal, and determining a position of the object based on the monitored change in the resonant signal. A velocity, direction of travel and/or acceleration of the object may also be determined from successive position measurements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.