Abstract: A system and method for measuring the position of at least one field producing element (e.g., a magnet) without a direct electrical or physical connection between the field producing element and one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the output from an array of sensors (e.g., Hall Effect sensors) is curve fit using an algorithm having a characteristic bell curve (e.g., curve fit tracking algorithm, center of gravity algorithm, etc.) to determine at least one of an absolute or relative position associated with the field producing element and/or a property associated with the field producing element (e.g., magnetic flux). Another embodiment is directed to detecting errors in one or more of the sensors and excluding the output of the faulty sensors in determining the position associated with the field producing element.

Abstract: A fiber optic signal collection system and method for position sensing or sensing other parameters indicated by light distinctive patterns. The system is particularly suitable for use in aircraft flight control. The system includes a set of fiber optic fibers with first and second ends. The first ends are disposed adjacent a light distinctive pattern indicating a particular pattern such as a relative position. A portion of the second ends are positioned adjacent a light source and a portion of the second ends are disposed adjacent a light sensing electrical device such that light from the light source can be conveyed through the fibers, reflected from the light distinctive pattern, and conveyed through the fibers to the light sensing electrical device in order to detect the pattern in the electrical device.

Abstract: A fiber optic signal collection system and method for position sensing or sensing other parameters indicated by light distinctive patterns. The system is particularly suitable for use in aircraft flight control. The system includes a set of fiber optic fibers with first and second ends. The first ends are disposed adjacent a light distinctive pattern indicating a particular pattern such as a relative position. A portion of the second ends are positioned adjacent a light source and a portion of the second ends are disposed adjacent a light sensing electrical device such that light from the light source can be conveyed through the fibers, reflected from the light distinctive pattern, and conveyed through the fibers to the light sensing electrical device in order to detect the pattern in the electrical device.