Angular position sensor for relative attitude sensing
US7812940B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C21/1656
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A disclosed sensor includes a light emitter configured to transmit an emitted light beam having a range of wavelengths toward a reflecting element that is configured to produce a reflected light beam having a particular wavelength that is a function of an angle of incidence of the emitted light beam from a normal of the reflecting element. The sensor also includes a color sensor in proximity to and fixed relative to the light emitter and configured to (i) receive the reflected light beam, (ii) detect the particular wavelength of the reflected light beam, and (iii) transmit a color signal indicating the particular wavelength of the reflected light beam. The sensor further includes processing circuitry disposed in electrical communication with the color sensor and configured to receive the color signal and calculate the angle of incidence based on the particular wavelength.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.