Fiber-optic mat sensor

• US 20080144992A1
• Filed: 07/19/2007
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fiber Sensys, Inc. (OPTEX GROUP Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Fiber SenSys, LLC (Integris (United States))
• Inventors: Keenan, Ronald, Gardner, Joshua, Thompson, Duane
• Granted Patent: US 7,532,781 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/13
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0266 Optical strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1117 Fall detection
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6892 Mats
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/35345 using Amplitude variations to detect the measured quantity
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 1/247 using distributed sensing elements, e.g. microcapsules along a single optical fibre G01L1/242

Abstract

An optical sensor includes a support structure. An optical fiber has a plurality of bends arranged proximate the support structure. The optical fiber follows a circuitous path and is adapted to establish a detection zone.

Claims

1. An optical sensor, comprising:

a support structure; and

an optical fiber having a plurality of bends arranged proximate the support structure, wherein the optical fiber follows a circuitous path and is adapted to establish a detection zone.

2. The optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is at least one of attached to the support structure or embedded in the support structure.

3. The optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises:

a first portion; and

a second portion opposing the first portion in a longitudinal direction, between which the optical fiber is arranged.

4. The optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber comprises:

a first end;

a second end; and

at least one of a reflective element disposed proximate the first end or a connector disposed proximate the second end.

5. The optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein said support structure comprises:

a mat of material suitable to absorb vibrations from a foundation upon which the mat may be placed while in operation and permitting the mat to detect pressure applied to the mat by an intruder.

6. The optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises:

a pad suitable to be disposed in close proximity to a baby to permit detection of lack of motion of the baby for an extended period of time indicating possible danger of sudden infant death syndrome.

7. A fiber-optic detection system, comprising:

a light source;

an optical sensor in optical connection with the light source; and

an optical detector in optical connection with the optical sensor, wherein the optical sensor comprises;

a support structure; and

an optical fiber attached to the support structure,

wherein the optical fiber has a plurality of bends which follow a circuitous path thus establishing a detection zone of the optical sensor.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising:

an optical conduit in optical connection to the light source and optical detector, the optical sensor being in optical connection to the optical conduit at a first location.

9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising:

a second optical sensor in optical connection to the optical conduit at a second location.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the support structure comprises:

a pad into which the optical fiber is embedded.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the optical sensor is disposed in close proximity to a subject and further comprising:

a processor in operational communication with the optical detector, wherein the processor is adapted to detect a lack of motion of the subject for a predetermined period of time; and

an alarm mechanism which, based on the detected lack of motion of the subject, is adapted to generate an alarm indicative of a likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome.

12. The system according to claim 7, wherein the light source comprises:

a laser, the laser being modulated to produce a time varying source of light.

13. The system according to claim 7, wherein the light source comprises:

a pulsed laser.

14. The system according to claim 7, wherein the light source comprises:

a laser, the laser being modulated to produce a pulsed signal light, wherein a time between transmission and reception of a pulse of light from the pulsed signal provides information to determine the position of coupling of the optical sensor to the optical conduit.

15. A detection method, comprising:

transmitting light into an optical sensor which comprises a plurality of fiber-optic bends which follow a circuitous path to establish a detection zone;

receiving light reflected by the optical sensor indicative of one of a presence or an absence of an event; and

detecting one of the presence or absence of the event within the detection zone based on the received light.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting light into a plurality of optical sensors, and the receiving comprises receiving light reflected by the plurality of optical sensors indicative of one of the presence or absence of the event.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising:

transmitting light along an optical conduit;

directing a fraction of light into each of the plurality of optical sensors; and

returning light to the optical conduit from each of the plurality of optical sensors in an amount indicative of an effect being sensed.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

disposing the optical sensor in close proximity to a subject;

detecting lack of motion of the subject for a predetermined period of time; and

based on the detected lack of motion of the subject, generating an alarm indicative of sudden infant death syndrome.