Sensor array system for position detection

• US 20020139942A1
• Filed: 11/21/2001
• Published: 10/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Original Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Inventors: Walsh, Robert F., Cusick, Richard T., Wickenden, Dennis K.
• Granted Patent: US 6,727,511 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/559.29
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/46 Indirect determination of position data
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/87 Combinations of systems using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4818 using optical fibres

Abstract

A sensor array system for detecting the position of an object or energy source. The system includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor having a limited field of view and being capable of detecting an object or energy source that is positioned within its field of view. The fields of view of at least some of the sensors overlap the fields of view of other sensors, and the overlapping fields of view define unique spatial regions. A data acquisition system is operatively connected to the plurality of sensors and is used to determine which sensors simultaneously detect an object or energy source, thereby determining the unique spatial region in which the object or energy source is located.

Claims

1. A sensor array system for detecting the position of an object or energy source, comprising:

a plurality of sensors, each sensor having a limited field of view and being capable of detecting an object or energy source that is positioned within its field of view, wherein the fields of view of at least some of the sensors overlap the fields of view of other sensors, the overlapping fields of view defining unique spatial regions; and

a data acquisition system, operatively connected to said plurality of sensors, for determining which sensors simultaneously detect an object or energy source, thereby determining the unique spatial region in which the object or energy source is located.

2. The sensor array system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors is arranged in a linear array.

3. The sensor array system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors is arranged in a two-dimensional array.

4. The sensor array system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors comprises sensors capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy.

5. The sensor array system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors comprises fiber optic light sensors.

6. The sensor array system of claim 1, wherein the system is designed to function as a hit detector for detecting the impact of projectiles.

7. The sensor array system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors includes first and second groups of sensors, said first group of sensors having a more narrow field of view than said second group of sensors.

8. The sensor array system of claim 6 or 7, wherein said plurality of sensors is arranged around the circumference of a cylindrical object.