Abstract: The present invention provides a light direction sensor for determining the direction of a light source. The system includes an image sensor; a spacer attached to the image sensor, and a pattern mask attached to said spacer. The pattern mask has a slit pattern that as light passes through the slit pattern it casts a diffraction pattern onto the image sensor. The method operates by receiving a beam of light onto a patterned mask, wherein the patterned mask as a plurality of a slit segments. Then, diffusing the beam of light onto an image sensor and determining the direction of the light source.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 19, 2009
Date of Patent:
April 12, 2011
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration