Abstract: A measuring device for determining a course of a bonding wave in a gap between a first substrate and a second substrate, and a method for determining a course of a bonding wave in a gap between a first substrate and a second substrate.

Abstract: Optical fiber-based measuring equipment for measuring the current circulating through at least one conductor. The measuring equipment includes an interrogator and a sensing portion connected to the interrogator and configured for being arranged in the proximity of the conductor. The sensing portion includes a first input branch and a second input branch coupled by means of a splitter to a first sensing branch and to a second sensing branch. The first sensing branch includes a first optical fiber winding arranged in the proximity of the conductor, and the second sensing branch includes a second optical fiber winding arranged in the proximity of the conductor, the first optical fiber winding and the second optical fiber winding having the same number of turns that are, however, wound in opposite directions.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) systems, methods, and structures that advantageously enable smart refrigeration systems including retail.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique new approach to generating operating condition information used for assessing flow assurance and structural integrity. More specifically, apparatuses, systems and methods configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention enable multiplexed arrangement of optical fiber for sensing of operating conditions within a structural member and utilize fiber optic sensors for enabling monitoring of operating condition information within one or more elongated tubular members. To this end, fiber optic sensors are strategically placed at a plurality of locations along a length of each elongated tubular member thereby allowing critical operating conditions such as strain, temperature and pressure of the elongated tubular member and/or a fluid therein to be monitored. A multiplexing unit is used for allowing selective configuration of individual lengths of optical fiber for creating one or more contiguous optical fiber structures.

Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a monolithic frequency-stabilized semiconductor laser having a linear thermal wavelength shift and a bandpass filter that is configured to effectuate a thermal wavelength shift that does not deviate from the linear thermal wavelength shift of the semiconductor laser by more than 40%, and a temperature stabilization of the semiconductor laser can be dispensed with by the use of the invention. The LIDAR system can be provided in a control system that includes a control unit that controls obstacle avoidance of a motor vehicle based on an obstacle distance determined by the LIDAR system.

Abstract: A gain medium is pumped by a source. An optical wave passes through a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that comprises: a substrate comprising Silicon, a plurality of photonic structures, an input port coupling an optical wave into a waveguide formed in the PIC, and an output port coupling an optical wave out of a waveguide formed in the PIC. Propagation of an optical wave circulating around a closed path of a laser ring cavity is limited using an optical isolator such that, when the pump source exceeds a lasing threshold, the optical wave propagates in a single direction through the gain medium and the PIC. From output coupler, an output that is provided that comprises a fraction of the power of an optical wave that is incident upon the output coupler, and remaining power of the optical wave is redirected around the closed path of the laser ring cavity. The fraction can be greater than 0.5.

Abstract: An eyepiece waveguide for an augmented reality. The eyepiece waveguide can include a transparent substrate with an input coupler region, a first orthogonal pupil expander (OPE) region, and an exit pupil expander (EPE) region. The input coupler region can couple an input light beam that is externally incident on the input coupler region into at least a first guided light beam that propagates inside the substrate. The first OPE region can divide the first guided beam into a plurality of replicated, spaced-apart beams. The EPE region can re-direct the replicated beams from the first OPE region such that they exit the substrate. The EPE region can have an amount of optical power.

Abstract: A compressible element for a sensor assembly includes an elastomer matrix having a first compressibility and a plurality of closed areas distributed within the elastomer matrix and each surrounded by the elastomer matrix. Each of the closed areas has a second compressibility greater than the first compressibility.

Abstract: An optical pressure sensor, such as a microphone, is constituted by two membranes, but where the sound does not arrive perpendicular to the membrane, but comes in from the side. The membranes may be parallel as in a Fabry-Perot or slightly skew as in an Air-wedge shearing interferometer. The pressure sensor uses interferometric readout, and consists of two membranes with essentially equal characteristics, where at least one of the membranes is partially transmitting and partially reflective and the other membrane is at least partially reflective, the membranes being separated by a cavity defined by a spacer part, where the distance between the membranes is variable to provide a shift sensitive Fabry-Perot resonator, and where the two membranes have a common back volume being sealed or essentially sealed in the frequency one wish to measure, and where a pressure increase results in that the distance between the membranes move in opposite directions.

Abstract: A system for determination of intraocular pressure includes: an intraocular pressure sensor; a light source illuminating the sensor with one or more wavelengths of light; and a detector that measures emitted light from the sensor. The sensor includes a substrate member, a spacer member, and a flexible membrane, which define a sealed cavity. The flexible membrane moves in response to intraocular pressure changes. A device for measuring intraocular pressure includes: the sensor; an anchoring member attached to the sensor for immobilizing the sensor in an eye; and a protective member attached to the anchoring member and covering the sensor to prevent contact between the flexible membrane and the eye. A method for determination of intraocular pressure includes: placing the sensor in an eye; illuminating, with a light source, the sensor with one or more wavelengths of light; and detecting, with a detector, a resultant light that contains information about intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for postural control of a multi-function prosthesis are provided. Various embodiments provide for a postural controller that use EMG signals to drive a point in a posture space and outputs continuously varying joint angles for a powered prosthetic hand. The postural controller can include an EMG signal processing unit to receive signals from electrodes for processing (e.g., band pass filtering, rectification, root mean square averaging, dynamic tuning, etc.). The processed EMG signals can then be combined or converted to produce a point in the postural control domain. The PC domain map defines the posture that corresponds to each PC cursor coordinate. This map can have limitless possible postures and limitless possible positions of the postures. The Joint Angle Transform converts the PC cursor coordinate into the joint angle array which is sent to the prosthetic hand thereby creating more natural movements.

Abstract: A furnace monitoring device for monitoring the inside of a gasifier through which a combustible gas flows is provided with: a nozzle that has an internal cavity, and that is inserted inside the gasifier and fixed to the gasifier; a cylindrical protection tube which is inserted into the nozzle, and a part of which, located on the inside of the gasifier is, blocked; a monitoring window which is provided on the protection tube on the inside of the gasifier, and is made of a material that transmits light; a purge mechanism which supplies a gas containing an oxidizer to a surface of the monitoring window facing the inside of the gasifier; and an image capturing means which captures an image of the inside of the gasifier through the monitoring window.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor device comprising a reference body, an optical fiber including an intrinsic fiber optic sensor, and a hydraulic transmission system. The hydraulic transmission system is connected to the reference body such that an input portion and an output portion are movable with respect to the reference body. The optical fiber is connected with a first connecting portion to the output portion of the hydraulic transmission system and with a second connecting portion to an element exterior to the hydraulic transmission system. The intrinsic sensor is positioned between the first and second connecting portion. The input portion is arranged for receiving an input action and the hydraulic transmission system is arranged for converting the input action to a sensing action applied to the optical fiber by the output portion such as to modify strain in the optical fiber dependent on said input action.

Abstract: This pressure sensor is equipped with: a housing (10) having a tip tubular portion (11) that lengthens in the direction of an axis (S) and is exposed to a pressure medium; an output measurement unit (20) that includes a piezoelectric member (22) and is housed inside the housing; and a pressure transmission member for occluding the space for storing the output measurement unit in the housing, and transmitting the pressure from the pressure medium imparted in the axial direction to the output measurement unit. The pressure transmission member is a bottomed diaphragm having: an inner tubular portion (32) that is affixed to the tip portion of the tip tubular portion and lengthens in the axial direction toward the output measurement unit inside the tip tubular portion; and a pressure receiving bottom portion (33) that contacts the output measurement unit and is integrally formed with the inner tubular portion.

Abstract: A method and system provide a surgical system including a cassette, a console and an interferometric pressure sensing system coupled with the console. The cassette is for exchanging material with a patient and includes a wall and a reflector. The wall undergoes a deflection in response to a nonambient internal cassette pressure. The console is coupled with the cassette. The interferometric pressure sensing system is coupled with the console. The interferometric pressure sensing system includes a light source and a detector. The light source provides a first portion of light that is reflected off of the reflector and a second portion of light that bypasses the reflector. The first portion and the second portion of light are recombined to form an interference pattern. The deflection corresponds to a shift in the interference pattern detectable by the detector.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for sensing pressure. One example apparatus includes a housing having a first port, a chamber disposed in the housing and having a second port, wherein the second port is coupled to the first port such that a volume inside the chamber is in fluid communication with an environment external to the housing, and a pressure sensor assembly at least partially disposed in the chamber and configured to sense a pressure of a fluid in the chamber. The chamber may be mechanically coupled to the housing via a portion of an exterior surface of the chamber such that a pressure response of the pressure sensor assembly is independent of extraneous loading on the housing.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit includes an optical coupling device situated between two successive interconnection metal levels. The optical coupling device includes a first optical portion that receives an optical signal having a transverse electric component in a fundamental mode and a transverse magnetic component. A second optical portion converts the transverse magnetic component of the optical signal into a converted transverse electric component in a higher order mode. A third optical portion separates the transverse electric component from the converted transverse electric component and switches the higher order mode to the fundamental mode. A fourth optical portion transmits the transverse electric component to one waveguide and transmits the converted transverse electric component to another waveguide.

Abstract: IR emission devices comprising an array of polaritonic IR emitters arranged on a substrate, where the emitters are coupled to a heater configured to provide heat to one or more of the emitters. When the emitters are heated, they produce an infrared emission that can be polarized and whose spectral emission range, emission wavelength, and/or emission linewidth can be tuned by the polaritonic material used to form the elements of the array and/or by the size and/or shape of the emitters. The IR emission can be modulated by the induction of a strain into a ferroelectric, a change in the crystalline phase of a phase change material and/or by quickly applying and dissipating heat applied to the polaritonic nanostructure. The IR emission can be designed to be hidden in the thermal background so that it can be observed only under the appropriate filtering and/or demodulation conditions.

Abstract: IR emission devices comprising an array of polaritonic IR emitters arranged on a substrate, where the emitters are coupled to a heater configured to provide heat to one or more of the emitters. When the emitters are heated, they produce an infrared emission that can be polarized and whose spectral emission range, emission wavelength, and/or emission linewidth can be tuned by the polaritonic material used to form the elements of the array and/or by the size and/or shape of the emitters. The IR emission can be modulated by the induction of a strain into a ferroelectric, a change in the crystalline phase of a phase change material and/or by quickly applying and dissipating heat applied to the polaritonic nanostructure. The IR emission can be designed to be hidden in the thermal background so that it can be observed only under the appropriate filtering and/or demodulation conditions.

Abstract: A system for recording metadata is disclosed. The system includes an acoustic vibration sensing system. The system also includes one or more sensors operable to measure characteristic parameters. The sensors are coupled to the acoustic vibration sensing system and include one or more channels for recording metadata. The system further includes one or more optical modulators. The optical modulators modulate a signal received from the one or more sensors and direct the modulated signal to the acoustic vibration sensing system. The system further includes one or more sources of the metadata coupled to the one or more optical modulators.

Abstract: A optical sensor assembly is disclosed that includes a sensor diaphragm configured to deflect responsive to an applied stimulus. The sensor assembly includes a first Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (EFPI) having a first optical cavity in communication with at least a portion of the sensor diaphragm, the first EFPI is configured to interact with light to produce a combined measurement light signal and a first common-mode light signal, the measurement light signal corresponding to the applied stimulus. The sensor assembly also includes a second EFPI having a second optical cavity, the second EFPI is configured to interact with light to produce a second common mode light signal for error correction. The sensor assembly may further include a sensing optical fiber in communication with the first EFPI; a reference optical fiber in communication with the second EFPI; and a glass header configured to support the sensing optical fiber and the reference optical fiber.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an ink supply device comprises an ink storage section, a float and a floating position detection device. The ink storage section is connected with an inkjet head, and stores ink to be supplied to the inkjet head. The float is arranged in the ink storage section in a floatable manner in response to a height of a liquid surface of the ink. The floating position detection device comprises a detection target arranged on the float, and a target detection section which is arranged in the ink storage section and detects that the detection target approaches. The target detection section is arranged on a wall substantially orthogonal to an axial direction of a rotating shaft of the ink storage section. An inkjet recording device of the embodiment comprises an inkjet head configured to jet ink to an image receiving medium, and the ink supply device.

Abstract: A liquid metering pump includes an intake nozzle (2) provided with an intake valve (3) communicating with a working chamber (4) in which a piston (5) can be moved in an alternating translation movement, suction being produced, with the intake valve open, when the piston moves away from the nozzle, and delivery being produced, with the intake valve closed and liquid emerging through an outlet valve, when the piston moves towards the nozzle. The pump includes, between the intake valve (3) and the working chamber (4), a device (D) for detecting the variation in pressure, the device (D) including a duct (10), which is connected at one end to the working chamber (4) and is provided at its other end with the intake valve (3), and an element (11) which is sensitive to the pressure in the duct, the element (11) being mounted in the wall of the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-measuring device for measuring dynamic pressures in the high-temperature range, with a pressure line connected to a volume subjected to pressure and with a pressure sensor which is arranged at a distance from the inlet area of the pressure line to the volume, wherein the pressure line is provided with at least one pinhole diaphragm and connected to an additional damping volume, as well as to the use of the pressure-measuring device in a combustion chamber of a gas turbine.

Abstract: A switch assembly and method of using same comprises a switch assembly for operating a power take off unit on a lawn tractor, the switch assembly further includes a housing supporting a selectively locatable activation knob facilitated by an actuation assembly and an internal switch arrangement coupled to a printed circuit board within the housing. The internal switch arrangement comprises a microcontroller and switch for determining the relative position of the selectively locatable activation knob and provides a digital output signal for enabling or disabling a power take off unit based on the digital output signal.

Abstract: An optical element includes a waveguide and a deflector. The waveguide propagates light incident at a predetermined angle while reflecting the light between the first plane and the second plane. The deflector is formed as a plate having a third plane being opposed to the first plane in the deflector, the first plane and the third plane are spaced apart from each other at a distance smaller than a propagation distance capable of propagating an evanescent wave of first light. The deflector has a plurality of reflecting surfaces arranged on the rear side of the third plane. The reflecting surfaces reflect the first light that has been incident on the first plane to be propagated as an evanescent wave, into a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane. A medium interposed between the first plane and the third plane has a refractive index lower than that of the waveguide.

Abstract: A photonic crystal (PC) device including one or more resonant optical structures defined by the photonic crystal structure is affixed to the end face of an optical fiber. The PC device is fabricated on a separate substrate, and then affixed to the fiber end face. This transfer can be facilitated by device templates which are laterally supported by tabs after an undercut etch. The tabs can be designed to break during transfer to the fiber, thereby facilitating transfer. Registration marks and/or the use of device templates having the same diameter as the fiber can be used to provide lateral alignment of the fiber to the resonant optical structures. Such alignment may be needed to provide optical coupling between the fiber and the resonant optical structures.

Abstract: A force sensing apparatus and an operating method of the force sensing apparatus may obtain and provide information about a force applied to an object, thereby enabling control of a force to be applied to manipulate the object.

Abstract: A displacement detecting device includes: a scale which has an optical lattice; a detecting unit which is disposed so as to be movable in a scanning direction relative to the scale, inclusive of at least a first detection portion, a second detection portion and a third detection portion, arranged in the scanning direction for detecting position information from the optical lattice; and a calculating portion configured to obtain a self-calibration curve on graduations of the scale by specifying positions of the detection portions and calculating measurement error based on the position information detected by the detecting unit, wherein: the detecting unit is provided so that a distance between the first detection portion and the second detection portion and a distance between the second detection portion and the third detection portion are different from each other and do not form an integral multiple.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a plurality of first sensing elements that are arranged in a plurality of rows on a first layer and a plurality of second sensing elements that are vertically aligned in a plurality of columns on the first layer. The second sensing elements in each column are electrically connected together and each of the plurality of columns are separate conductors from one another. The plurality of second sensing elements include a plurality of vertical elements that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of first sensing elements.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a plurality of first sensing elements that are arranged in a plurality of rows on a first layer and a plurality of second sensing elements that are vertically aligned in a plurality of columns on the first layer. The second sensing elements in each column are electrically connected together and each of the plurality of columns are separate conductors from one another. The plurality of second sensing elements include a plurality of vertical elements that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of first sensing elements.

Abstract: A line voltage transformer device for a bathing installation includes a housing structure, with a line voltage electrical power connection including a line voltage wiring cable having an electrical connection at a distal end for connection to a line voltage AC supply outlet adjacent the bathing installation. A voltage transformer circuit is disposed within the housing and connected to the line voltage electrical power connection and is configured to transform AC line voltage electrical power from the line voltage electrical power connection to low voltage AC power at first and second low voltage AC terminals, wherein the low voltage AC power is delivered to the first and second low voltage AC terminals.

Abstract: The transparent photodetector includes a substrate; a waveguide on the substrate; a displaceable structure that can be displaced with respect to the substrate, the displaceable structure in proximity to the waveguide; and a silicon nanowire array suspended with respect to the substrate and mechanically linked to the displaceable structure, the silicon nanowire array comprising a plurality of silicon nanowires having piezoresistance. In operation, a light source propagating through the waveguide results in an optical force on the displaceable structure which further results in a strain on the nanowires to cause a change in electrical resistance of the nanowires. The substrate may be a semiconductor on insulator substrate.

Abstract: The present application provides a fiber optic sensor system. The fiber optic sensor system may include a small diameter bellows, a large diameter bellows, and a fiber optic pressure sensor attached to the small diameter bellows. Contraction of the large diameter bellows under an applied pressure may cause the small diameter bellows to expand such that the fiber optic pressure sensor may measure the applied pressure.

Abstract: With respect to a push button, a part of a depressing portion is detected by a photo sensor when the depressing portion urged upward by a spring is depressed and stroke of the depressed depressing portion reaches a predetermined distance. Thereby, switch between OFF and ON is carried out. Also, the push button includes a metal dome. Load of the spring works on the depressing portion when depressed. Further, when the stroke of the depressed depressing portion reaches a predetermined distance so as to switch between OFF and ON, the load of the spring and that of the metal dome integrally work on the depressing portion.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed with at least one pressure sensing element, the pressure induced changes in the optical properties of which are evaluated by illumination with at least one light source. The pressure sensor can include at least two semiconductor-based pressure sensing elements located in individual pressure chambers, which sensing elements are located essentially adjacent to each other. The sensing elements can be irradiated with the same light source, wherein the light transmitted through the sensing elements is detected using at least two corresponding detectors, and wherein the differential pressure in the two pressure chambers is evaluated based on the output of these detectors.

Abstract: A door having a pneumatic sensing edge is operated automatically to open when an object and the edge make contact An optical pressure switch (10) in fluid communication with gas forced from the edge on contact with the object initiates the operation of a door opener The optical pressure switch (10) includes a membrane (16) having a portion that interrupts a light beam (LB) when the membrane (16) flexes due to the increase gas pressure over ambient pressure as gas is forced from the edge.

Abstract: The invention provides a tactile sensor module that enables adjustment of the density of sensing elements and adjustment of mounting regions to be carried out in a straightforward manner with one type of module that is highly adaptive to complex curved surfaces. A tactile sensor module comprises a flexible substrate having one or a plurality of strips, a plurality of sensing elements arranged at the one or plurality of strips of the flexible substrate, one or more communication terminals provided at the flexible substrate; and at least one electronic circuit section provided at the flexible substrate having communication functions. At least one of the strips comprises a foldable region and/or a cuttable region.

Abstract: A high-pressure sensor device has a pressure sensor element and an electric circuit, in particular in the form of a semiconductor component, the pressure sensor element having a membrane deformable under the effect of pressure, and a functional layer, which experiences a change in its electrical properties when deformed, and which has at least one electric terminal area, and the design and the manufacturing process being simplified in particular by the fact that the semiconductor component is directly connected to the electric terminal area via a solder layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensor comprising: a substrate; a pressure reception plate which is provided in a state of facing the substrate, the pressure reception plate comprising in a surface which faces the substrate, a low reflection region, and a high reflection region having a relatively higher reflection ratio compared to the low reflection region; a support portion to change a distance between the substrate and the pressure reception plate when a pressure is applied to the pressure reception plate, the support portion being provided in between the substrate and the pressure reception plate; and a plurality of light receiving elements which are respectively provided on the substrate in positions facing the low reflection region and in positions facing the high reflection region, of the pressure reception plate.

Abstract: A door having a pneumatic sensing edge is operated automatically to open when an object and the edge make contact An optical pressure switch (10) in fluid communication with gas forced from the edge on contact with the object initiates the operation of a door opener The optical pressure switch (10) includes a membrane (16) having a portion that interrupts a light beam (LB) when the membrane (16) flexes due to the increase gas pressure over ambient pressure as gas is forced from the edge

Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed with at least one pressure sensing element, the pressure induced changes in the optical properties of which are evaluated by illumination with at least one light source. The pressure sensor can include at least two semiconductor-based pressure sensing elements located in individual pressure chambers, which sensing elements are located essentially adjacent to each other. The sensing elements can be irradiated with the same light source, wherein the light transmitted through the sensing elements is detected using at least two corresponding detectors, and wherein the differential pressure in the two pressure chambers is evaluated based on the output of these detectors.

Abstract: A catheter with many fiber optic pressure sensors. The sensor diaphragm is formed from a wafer with a thin silicon layer and a silicon substrate layer separated by a silicon dioxide layer. A method includes masking and etching channels through the silicon substrate layer in a pattern of concentric circles to form a concentric circular etched channels and cylindrical unetched portions of the silicon substrate layer between the channels, exposing the silicon dioxide in the etched regions, and dissolving the exposed silicon dioxide to expose the crystalline silicon layer in the etched regions. The unetched cylindrical portion of the silicon substrate forms the diaphragm support element and the thin silicon layer forms the diaphragm. After applying a reflective coating to the exposed thin silicon layer, the support element face is adhered to the end face of a tubular housing, and a fiber optic probe is inserted in the tubular housing.

Abstract: An optical motion sensing device included a sensor frame defining an opening, a sensor pad disposed in the opening, an optical sensing system adapted to detect an amount of movement of the sensor pad in the sensor frame, and an output unit. The optical sensing system includes an optical waveguide, an optical source device, and an optical detector. The optical waveguide is positioned within the sensor frame such that the movement of the sensor pad results in the flexing or compressing of the optical waveguide. The optical source device supplies optical energy to the optical waveguide. The optical detector detects an amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide. The output unit is configured to receive a signal indicative of the amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide and to generate a measure of the amount of movement of the sensor pad from the received signal.

Abstract: An optical sensor device for local analysis of a combustion process in a combustor of a thermal power plant, in particular a gas turbine plant, includes at least one wavelength selective optical element exposed directly or indirectly to hot combustion gases being produced by said combustion process, the optical element including an array of nano- and/or microcrystalline fibres which are created by shear flow crystallization.

Abstract: A foil-type pressure sensor includes a first foil and a second foil. A spacer is arranged in between the first and second foils, which keeps the foils at a certain distance from each other. The spacer presents an opening that defines a sensing region. In this sensing region, the first and second foils can be brought closer one to the other against the resiliency of the foils by pressure acting on the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor further includes light emitting means arranged between the foils for inputting light into the sensing region and light collecting means arranged between the foils for collecting light propagated from the light emitting means through at least part of the sensing region to the light collecting means. When the first and second foils are brought closer one to the other, at least one of the first and the second foils at least partially blocks light propagation through the sensing region.

Abstract: The invention provides a tactile sensor module that enables adjustment of the density of sensing elements and adjustment of mounting regions to be carried out in a straightforward manner with one type of module that is highly adaptive to complex curved surfaces. A tactile sensor module comprises a flexible substrate having one or a plurality of strips, a plurality of sensing elements arranged at the one or plurality of strips of the flexible substrate, one or more communication terminals provided at the flexible substrate; and at least one electronic circuit section provided at the flexible substrate having communication functions. At least one of the strips comprises a foldable region and/or a cuttable region.

Abstract: An optical motion sensing device included a sensor frame defining an opening, a sensor pad disposed in the opening, an optical sensing system adapted to detect an amount of movement of the sensor pad in the sensor frame, and an output unit. The optical sensing system includes an optical waveguide, an optical source device, and an optical detector. The optical waveguide is positioned within the sensor frame such that the movement of the sensor pad results in the flexing or compressing of the optical waveguide. The optical source device supplies optical energy to the optical waveguide. The optical detector detects an amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide. The output unit is configured to receive a signal indicative of the amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide and to generate a measure of the amount of movement of the sensor pad from the received signal.

Abstract: A foil-type pressure sensor includes a first foil and a second foil. A spacer is arranged in between the first and second foils, which keeps the foils at a certain distance from each other. The spacer presents an opening that defines a sensing region. In this sensing region, the first and second foils can be brought closer one to the other against the resiliency of the foils by pressure acting on the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor further includes light emitting means arranged between the foils for inputting light into the sensing region and light collecting means arranged between the foils for collecting light propagated from the light emitting means through at least part of the sensing region to the light collecting means. When the first and second foils are brought closer one to the other, at least one of the first and the second foils at least partially blocks light propagation through the sensing region.

Abstract: A method and system for an optical navigation device configured to generate navigation information through a transparent layer. Specifically, the optical navigation device includes a light source that is configured to illuminate a reflective surface through a layer that is optically transparent to the light source. A sensor is configured to generate navigation information in response to light reflecting off the reflective surface. The sensor is configured with a depth of field to support a distance between the sensor and the reflective surface. A contact sensor is also included to indicate when the optical navigation device is no longer in contact with the transparent layer. The contact sensor allows for skating functionality for the optical navigation device.