Fiber-optic sensors and methods for monitoring micro-movements
AssigneeShenzhen Darma Technology Co. Ltd.
InventorJunhao Hu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sensor for detecting micro-movements is provided herein. In various embodiments, the sensor includes a looped structure formed of a continuous multi-mode optical fiber arranged into a plurality of loops disposed substantially in a plane. Each loop within the looped structure is partially overlapping yet laterally offset from neighboring loops. The sensor further includes a light source coupled to a first end of the looped structure, a receiver coupled to a second end of the looped structure, and one or more control and processing modules. Related methods of manufacture and use are also disclosed.
Claims18
A sensor for detecting micro-movements, the sensor comprising:
- one looped structure or a plurality of looped structures, where each looped structure formed of a continuous multi-mode optical fiber arranged into a plurality of parallel equally-sized loops disposed substantially in a plane, wherein each loop within the looped structure is partially overlapping yet laterally offset from neighboring loops;
- where the laterally offset distance between each parallel neighboring loop and arranging the looped structure fiber segment in the looped structure is between 1 mm and 10 mm whereby the looped structure causes the optical fiber to cover significantly more of a surface;
- a light source coupled to a first end of the looped structure and configured to send light into the loop structure;
- and
- a receiver coupled to a second end of the looped structure, the receiver configured to sense changes in an intensity of light traveling through the looped structure.
A method of detecting a physiological parameter, the method comprising:
- positioning a sensor for detecting micro-movements under a patient, the sensor for detecting micro-movements comprising:
- one looped structure or a plurality of looped structures, where each looped structure formed of a continuous multi-mode optical fiber arranged into a plurality of parallel equally-sized loops disposed substantially in a plane, wherein each loop within the looped structure is partially overlapping, yet laterally offset from, neighboring loops;
- where the laterally offset distance between each parallel neighboring loop fiber segment in the looped structure is between 1 mm and 10 mm the looped configuration causes the optical fiber to cover significantly more of a surface;
- a light source coupled to a first end of the looped structure and configured to send light into the loop structure;
- and
- a receiver coupled to a second end of the looped structure;
- detecting, by the receiver, a change in an intensity of light traveling through the looped structure, wherein the change in light intensity corresponds to fiber deformation caused by one or more micro-movements of the human body;
- and
- determining a physiological parameter from the change in light intensity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.