Optical accelerometers

A method of detecting acceleration using an optical accelerometer having a plurality of light pipes that extend over an image pixel array and that move relative to the image pixel array due to motion of the optical accelerometer, the method comprising:

• using the image pixel array, capturing images of light from the plurality of light pipes while the light pipes are in motion relative to the image pixel array due to the motion of the optical accelerometer;
• with an electromagnetic field generator, generating an electromagnetic field that adjusts the motion of the light pipes;
• determining a direction and a magnitude of the motion of the plurality of light pipes using the captured images;
• and
• generating acceleration data using the determined direction and the determined magnitude of the motions of the plurality of light pipes.

A system, comprising:

• a central processing unit;
• memory;
• input-output circuitry;
• and
• an imaging device, wherein the imaging device comprises:
• a lens,
• a light source,
• a plurality of image pixels including acceleration detection pixels, and
• a plurality of flexible light pipes, wherein each of the flexible light pipes has a first end into which the light source emits light and a second end opposite the first end that directs the light onto the acceleration detection pixels, wherein each of flexible light pipes comprises a reflective structure attached directly to the second end that directs the light out of the second end and onto the acceleration detection pixels, and wherein the acceleration detection pixels detect acceleration of the imaging device in response to movement of the flexible light pipes relative to the plurality of image pixels.