Self-testing sensor
OwnerWilliam L. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for performing a self-test on a sensing device are described in the present disclosure. One implementation, among others, includes a method of performing a self test. In this implementation, the method includes supplying a periodic magnetic field upon a sensing element that is configured to sense a parameter of an object. The method further includes receiving an output from the sensing element indicating the operability of the sensing element. It should be noted that the output is received independently of the parameter of the object.
Claims23
A self-testing sensor comprising:
- a sensing element configured to sense a motion parameter of an object;
- a signal conditioning device in communication with an output of the sensing element, the signal conditioning device configured to generate a motion signal related to the sensed motion parameter of the object;
- a magnetic induction device configured to induce a magnetic field upon the sensing element to simulate the motion parameter of the object;
- and
- a driving circuit configured to supply the magnetic induction device with a periodic signal causing the magnetic induction device to induce a periodic magnetic field upon the sensing element;
- wherein, when the periodic magnetic field is induced upon the sensing element, the signal conditioning device is further configured to generate an operability indication signal indicating the operability of the sensing element.
A sensor comprising:
- means for receiving an output signal from a sensing element, the sensing element being configured to sense a parameter of an object;
- means for inducing a magnetic field on the sensing element to simulate an effect of the parameter of the object regardless of the position of the object with respect to the sensing element;
- and
- means for supplying one or more signals to the means for inducing to cause the means for inducing to induce the magnetic field;
- wherein the means for receiving is configured to receive an operability signal indicative of the operability of the sensing element, the operability signal being independent of the position of the object with respect to the sensing element.
A method of performing a self test, the method comprising:
- supplying a periodic magnetic field upon a sensing element that is configured to sense a parameter of an object;
- and
- receiving an output from the sensing element indicating the operability of the sensing element;
- wherein the output is received independently of the parameter of the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.