Abstract: An effective and precise method and system for compensation and measurement of a zero-bias in an axisymmetrical CVG (Coriolis Vibrating Gyroscope) is provided. Principal mode is driven according to an X-axis. Angular velocity is measured through Coriolis mode excitation along Y-axis. The sensitive axis of the gyroscope is reversed by 180 degrees by switching input and sense signals. Vibration is then driven along Y-axis and angular velocity is sensed along X-axis. On each position, after an arbitrary period of time, the gyroscope output is stored. Half-difference in outputs between two opposite position gives angular velocity and zero-bias effect is canceled. Half-sum in outputs between two opposite position gives the zero-bias error.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a ring-shaped resonator mounted in a housing, and a bottom plate attached to the resonator. A plurality of openings arranged substantially circumferentially on the bottom plate, and a plurality of grooves between the openings. A plurality of piezoelectric elements are located in the grooves. The resonator is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of openings are arranged substantially symmetrically. The piezoelectric elements can be outside the resonator, or inside the resonator. A cylindrical flexible suspension connecting the bottom to the resonator to the ring shaped resonator, wherein an average radius of the cylindrical flexible suspension and the ring shaped resonator, accounting for variation thickness of wall, is the same throughout.

Abstract: A method of measuring acceleration includes suspending an inertial body using a magnetic fluid; generating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid; modulating the magnetic field to counteract a change in position of the inertial body relative to sources of the magnetic field due to acceleration; and calculating the acceleration based on the modulation. The calculating step derives the acceleration based on an amount of current through drive coils required for the modulation. The acceleration includes linear acceleration and/or angular acceleration. The drive coils include permanent magnets, electromagnets, or a combination of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. Sensing coils can be used for detecting the displacement of the inertial body. Each sensing coil can be positioned substantially within a corresponding drive coil. The inertial body can be non-magnetic, weakly magnetic, or have a ferromagnetic coating.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a magnetized fluid and an inertial body within the magnetized fluid. A signal converter provides angular acceleration information based on behavior of the inertial body. The computer input device can be attached to a Virtual Reality Suit, or can be used to control computer-generated graphical objects. The inertial body can be non-magnetic. The body can be solid or hollow. Electromagnets and/or permanent magnets can be used for magnetizing the fluid. Magnetic coils sense the changes in the magnetic flux lines. Signals from the magnetic coils are used by the signal converter to calculate the angular acceleration. A housing encloses the magnetized fluid and the inertial body.

Abstract: A location tracking device utilizing an acceleration sensor is described. The acceleration sensor includes an inertial body in magnetic fluid that is contained in a closed volume vessel. The tracking device may be used for tracking objects, people, animals, and the like. The tracking device may be utilized as a back-up system to a GPS system such that when signal from a GPS receiver are unavailable, the location tracking device may provide positional information about the location of the object.

Abstract: A computer input device and method used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field sources are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer. Changes in Q-factors and inductance of electromagnetic coils aligned on the X, Y, and Z-axis of the sensor are used to compute linear and angular acceleration components of any movement involving the sensor which permits three-dimensional coordinates to be provided in real-time.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A computer input device and method used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field sources are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer. Changes in Q-factors and inductance of electromagnetic coils aligned on the X, Y, and Z-axis of the sensor are used to compute linear and angular acceleration components of any movement involving the sensor which permits three-dimensional coordinates to be provided in real-time.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.