Abstract: A system and method for obtaining information from sensor systems is disclosed. Light, corresponding to information from a plurality of sensors, is projected from a plurality of optical waveguides to a photodetector. The photodetector is coupled to an analog-to-digital converter, which converts an image detected by the photodetector to digital data, which is then stored in a digital memory. A processor extracts information regarding the state of the sensors by processing the digital data.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for inexpensively and accurately sensing with the use of a fiber optic guide the presence or absence of a particular substance ("analyte"). The preferred embodiment of the sensor of the present invention comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a loop shaped plastic fiber that is exposed to the environment and that acts as a sensing element. In the preferred embodiment, the fiber optic guide comprises a core and a cladding, either of which are coated with a coating that is selected to at least partially degrade in the presence of the analyte. The coating is selected to have an index of refraction below that of the core but sufficiently large to allow at least some light to escape from the core even in the absence of the analyte. A decrease in the amount of light is detected when the analyte is present.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for inexpensively and accurately sensing with the use of a fiber optic guide the presence or absence of a particular substance ("analyte"). The preferred embodiment of the sensor of the present invention comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a loop shaped plastic fiber that is exposed to the environment and that acts as a sensing element. In the preferred embodiment, the loop comprises a partial ellipse and the angles at which the light enters and exits a sensing zone is defined by the tangents to the elliptical arc. In the preferred embodiment, the fiber optic guide comprises a core and a cladding, either of which are coated with a coating that is selected to decompose in the presence of the analyte. The coating is selected to have an index of refraction just above or greater than the core, causing an increase in the amount of light that is detected when the analyte is present.