Controllers and sensors incorporating optical flexion sensors

A method comprising:

• receiving first light intensity data from a first light sensor configured to detect light transmitted through a first flexible light guide assembly coupled to a movable member, the first flexible light guide assembly including a first plurality of spherical lenses arranged in series within a first flexible tube;
• receiving second light intensity data from a second light sensor configured to detect light transmitted through a second flexible light guide assembly coupled to the movable member, the second flexible light guide assembly including a second plurality of spherical lenses arranged in series within a second flexible tube;
• determining position data of the movable member based on the first and second light intensity data;
• and
• outputting a control signal, based on a varied light intensity corresponding to a degree of deflection of the movable member, to control an object,
• wherein the first and second flexible light guide assemblies are configured to transmit light through the spherical lenses via sequential lens-to-lens optical coupling such that bending of the first and second flexible tubes varies the intensity of transmitted light, and
• wherein the varied light intensity corresponds to the degree of deflection of the movable member.

A sensor system comprising:

• a base member;
• a sensor member movably coupled to the base member;
• a first flexible light guide assembly coupled between the sensor member and the base member, the first flexible light guide assembly including a first plurality of spherical lenses arranged in series within a first flexible tube and a first light sensor coupled to the first flexible light guide assembly;
• a second flexible light guide assembly coupled between the sensor member and the base member, the second flexible light guide assembly including a second plurality of spherical lenses arranged in series within a second flexible tube and a second light sensor coupled to the second flexible light guide assembly;
• and
• a processor coupled to the first light sensor and the second light sensor,
• wherein the first and second flexible light guide assemblies are configured to transmit light through the spherical lenses via sequential lens-to-lens optical coupling such that bending of the first and second flexible tubes varies the intensity of transmitted light,
• wherein the varied light intensity corresponds to a degree of displacement or deformation of the sensor member, and
• wherein the processor is configured to output a control signal, based on the varied light intensity corresponding to the degree of displacement or deformation of the sensor member, to control an object.