Abstract:
The invention relates to a tactile sensor capable of obtaining information for a plurality of degrees of freedom at each point on a surface by introducing multi-channel sensing that uses color or optical spectrum to an optical tactile sensor. An optical tactile sensor is provided with a tactile section and imaging means, the tactile section comprising a transparent elastic body and a plurality of groups of markers provided inside the elastic body, each marker group being made up of a number of colored markers, with markers making up different marker groups having different colors for each group, and behavior of the colored markers when an object touches the elastic body being photographed by the imaging means. Preferably, the marker groups have mutually different spatial arrangements.
Abstract:
A method of analyzing force on a surface is described including providing a pressure-sensitive medium, applying the force to the medium, determining any change in the medium as a result of the applied force, correlating the change in the medium with a pressure value, and analyzing the force value. The pressure-sensitive film may be scanned, each shade or color on the film assigned a pixel value corresponding with pressure values, and the total pixel area values measured to determine pressure characteristics, such as average pressure or total pressure area.
Abstract:
In a pressure sensing system comprising a tactile pressure sensor with an opaque cylindrical body disposed in a tube and having axial passages extending between its opposite end faces, an electroluminescent foil is disposed at one end face and a support body which includes light collecting means is disposed at the other end face so that light emitted by the luminescent foil and passing through the passages--dependent on the pressure applied to the one end face--is conducted to an imaging device for determining the pressure distribution applied to the one end face of the cylindrical body.
Abstract:
For continuous monitoring of dynamic loads, including stresses and strains in large hull structures for vessels (5), a strain measurement system (2) is employed with fiber optic cables which connect optical strain sensors (7; 16) at different points in the hull structure. Optical signals for detection of stresses and strains are distributed to the strain sensors (7; 16) from an optical transmitter (11). The strain measurement system (2) is connected via a central monitoring unit (10) to a computer-implemented control system (1) which in turn is connected to a display and data presentation unit (4) and possibly other measurement systems (3). In a first operating mode, strain values during loading and unloading of the vessel (5) are detected by the strain sensors (7; 16). The control system (1) generates a curve which shows an average strain, and an alarm signal if the average strain exceeds a predetermined threshold which indicates an unacceptable level of strain. In a second operating mode, when the vessel (5) is underway, strains are continuously detected by the strain sensors (7; 16). An alarm signal is generated if the average strain exceeds a predetermined threshold which indicates an unacceptable level of strain. A strain measurement system and a fiber optic strain sensor (16) are also used with this method.
Abstract:
A fiber optic sensor system includes a first optical power source which icts a light pulse into an optical fiber loop system. The light pulse circulates in the optical fiber loop system at a circulation frequency. The optical fiber loop system includes a transducer which modulates the circulation frequency in response to detecting a changing physical condition, a filter, polarization controller, an isolator, and an optical fiber gain medium for amplifying the light pulse. A second optical power source provides optical energy to the optical fiber gain medium. A detector system transforms a portion of the light pulse received from the optical fiber loop system into an output signal representing the circulation frequency.
Abstract:
A description is given of a tactile sensor for measuring force with fine resolution which is based on a network of glass fiber optic interferometers. The counting of interference fringes as readout method makes available an inherently digital (incremental) output signal which allows the measured signal to be passed on optically free of interference to evaluation electronics and to data processing. In conjunction with a suitable elastic skin to accept the glass fiber network, the small glass fiber diameter (125 .mu.) and the user of the strain measurement technique employing glass fiber interferometers should make possible a tactile sensor comparable with the human sense of touch. The fields of application for such tactile sensors are robotics, prostheses and advanced controls at the man-machine interface.
Abstract:
Apparatus for sensing locations and magnitudes of forces applied on a surface includes a grid comprised of energy input devices running in one direction and energy output devices running another direction with the input and output devices crossing each other. Transducers that meter energy from the input devices to the output devices as a function of the magnitude of forces applied thereon are positioned at the intersections of the input devices with the output devices. Interrogation apparatus is also included, along with energy output detectors and measuring devices, for sensing and determining locations, as well as magnitudes, of forces applied on the grid. Several embodiments of energy input and energy output devices are shown and described, as well as several embodiments of transducers.
Abstract:
A pressure sensor includes at least one light conducting opening extending generally parallel to a pressure receiving face of a deformable body and a light emitting and a light receiving device at opposite ends of the light transmitting opening. A cross sectional area of the light transmitting opening, and correspondingly the light transmitting capability of the opening, vary in response to changing pressures applied to the pressure receiving face, which is determined by the light receiver. A measuring circuit for the light receiver is also provided.
Abstract:
A robotic sensor incorporates an array of closely spaced force sensors which are carried on a mounting plate. The front surface of this mounting plate is brought into contact with the object under inspection. A plurality of optical fibers are attached to the rear one end; the opposite ends of the fibers are connected to optical detectors. Actuation of any of the force end of the force sensor to impinge on and reduce the light flow through a corresponding optical fiber. Analysis of the data indicating which of the optical fibers and their light output reduced will result in an analysis of the dimensions and orientation of the object.
Abstract:
A recording sheet for pressure measurement comprising a regularly embossed support having coated thereon at least one of a color former or color formers, preferably contained in microcapsules, and a developer.