Optics: measuring and testing – Angle measuring or angular axial alignment
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-21
2003-04-29
Stafira, Michael P. (Department: 2877)
Optics: measuring and testing
Angle measuring or angular axial alignment
C356S614000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06556288
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to sensor systems and methods and more particularly to optical displacement sensors and techniques.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous types of sensors and early warning systems have been used to monitor and/or detect deformations within a body or structure. Such systems are often used to monitor deformations in large, civil structures such as buildings, bridges, roadways and the like, in order to detect and assess the degree of displacement or shift of the structure. Such sensor systems are particularly useful for determining if excessive transient deformations have occurred which might render the structure unsafe. Such deformations may occur as a result of earthquakes, tremors, vibrations, sudden impacts, climate changes and other events, for example.
Present techniques for monitoring such deformations include using a tube which is fed into a cavity formed within the structure to be monitored and an inclinometer is lowered down through the tube for periodically monitoring deformations. Such a technique, however, is labor intensive, especially at remote locations, and consequently is performed on an infrequent basis. In addition, precision grooved tracks are normally required for use with the inclinometer.
A system and method that provides rapid and efficient monitoring and detection of deformations within a body or structure and which can provide frequent or even continuous monitoring of the structure to determine relative structural displacement in a cost effective manner is highly desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for sensing deformations within a body comprises a deformable conduit comprising a plurality of imaging devices at predetermined positions within the conduit, the plurality of imaging devices responsive to an optical source for providing imaging data, and a detector for processing the imaging data to obtain positional information indicative of movement of at least a portion of the conduit from a prior position.
A method for sensing deformations within a body comprises inserting into the body an optical, deformable probe having a plurality of imaging devices spaced at predetermined positions within the probe; providing a light source for illuminating the probe; at a first time instant, processing first composite imaging information from the imaging devices in response to activation of the light source; at a second time instant, processing second composite imaging information from the imaging devices in response to activation of the light source; and comparing the processed first and second imaging information to obtain positional information indicative of movement of at least a portion of the probe occurring between the first and second time instants.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
Stafira Michael P.
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