A device for determining orientation of an object

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device (100) for determining orientation of an object (200). The device comprises a housing (102), at least one light source (104), a plurality of light detectors (106), an optical medium (OM) configured to reduce a first beam of light into a second beam of light (103, 103 A) which is a beam of slow light. The second beam of light (103) is configured to incident on a first light detector (Si) when the object is positioned at an initial position (IP) and the second beam of light (103 A) is configured to incident on one or more second light detectors (S2), when the object is displaced from the initial position to a displaced position (FP). A control unit (140) is configured to determine the orientation of the object (200) based on the signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103A).

Description

[0001] A DEVICE FOR DETERMINING ORIENTATION OF AN OBJECT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of optical sensing and measurement devices. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device for determining orientation of an object.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005]

[0002] Many systems, including jets, airplanes, and the like, use orientation indicator devices, including but not limited to gyroscopes and gimbals. These measurement devices are employed to quantify and display an objects orientation while it is in motion. These orientation indicator devices have the ability to determine an objects orientation along its X, Y, and Z axis, or in three-dimensional coordinates (pitch, Yaw and Roll axes). The primary method used by the orientation indication devices is to determine and calculate the pitch, roll, and yaw about each of the three dimensions. A user can more easily orient and place an object or system according to requirements based on these measurements and parameter determinations.

[0006]

[0003] Gyroscopes usually use angular momentum principle to calculate these parameters. By considering the object's mass and shape, the gyroscopes monitor the object's angular rotation in order to determine its orientation characteristics. Moreover, gyroscopes are classified according to the various operating principles they can be adjusted to. Examples of these include solid-state ring lasers, fiber optic gyroscopes, electronic, microchip-packaged MEMS gyroscope devices found in consumer electronics, and the incredibly sensitive quantum gyroscope. The object of this disclosure is to overcome one or more of the aforementioned limitations.

[0007]

[0004] Nevertheless, some of the gyroscopes typically aren’t able to determine the object’s orientation parameters while the object moves in a pan and tilt manner. When the object quickly changes the orientation, this effect is no more noticeable in gyroscopes. Furthermore, a lot of electrical devices exhibit similar measuring error, which could be problematic. On the other hand, gyroscopes require particular factors, such gravity, in order to determine orientation. Nevertheless, this becomes difficult to do with things in motion since typical or traditional gyroscopes are unable to accurately interpret the orientation of an object in motion. Further, conventional gyroscopes are complicated devices that may not work for objects that are moving quickly or with erratic movements. Even though technology has advanced, and gyroscope design has changed to address the aforementioned issues, gyroscopes can still be difficult to manufacture, costly, and complex to produce. Furthermore, these gyroscopes provide intricate algorithms and outcomes that require processing by a computer with more processing power. The complicated methods used to achieve the results could also result in costly components when making these gyroscopes, raising the total cost of the system that needs to have an orientation determined.

[0008]

[0005] The present disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with prior art.

[0009]

[0006] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011]

[0007] One or more shortcomings of the conventional device for determining orientation of an object are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the device for determining orientation of the object as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for determining orientation of an object is disclosed. The device comprises a housing removably mounted to the object, at least one light source accommodated within the housing, a plurality of light detectors defined in the housing and an optical medium (OM) enclosed within the housing. The light source is configured to emit a first beam of light. The optical medium (OM) is configured to receive the first beam of light and reduces it to a second beam of light. The second beam of light is detected by the plurality of light detectors, when the object is displaced from an initial position (IP) to a displaced position (DP). The device further comprises a control unit communicatively connected to the plurality of light detectors. The control unit receives a signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light to determine orientation of the object.

[0012]

[0009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical medium (OM) is disposed within the housing along an optical path of the first beam of light.

[0013]

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second beam of light is a beam of slow light.

[0014] [OH] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical medium (OM) is at least one of a crystal structure, a photonic crystal structure, and like configured to reduce the first beam of light into the second beam of light.

[0015]

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical medium (OM) reduces the first beam of light into the second beam of light by at least one of a material dispersion method, a waveguide dispersion method, or by using dispersion properties of planar waveguides and the like.

[0016]

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to convert signal received from a first light detector (Si) into an initial value of an angular orientation of the object and the signal received from one or more second light detectors (S2) into a final value of the angular orientation of the object to determine the relative orientation of the object by calculating a difference between the initial value and the final value.

[0017]

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first light detector (Si) and the second light detector (S2) of the plurality of light detectors generates the signals upon incidence of the second beam of light. The control unit is configured to compare the signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light with a pre-programmed value of displacements of the object.

[0018]

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is defined with a plurality of cutouts configured to receive the plurality of light detectors.

[0019]

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is formed from an optically transparent material.

[0020]

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing comprises two lateral surfaces, two longitudinal surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface connected to each other to form the housing.

[0021]

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of light detectors are mounted on the two lateral surfaces, the two longitudinal surfaces, the top surface and the bottom surface of the housing.

[0022]

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is configured to determine a displacement of the object about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes.

[0023]

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for measuring orientation of an object is disclosed. The method comprises a first step of emitting the first beam of light towards the optical medium (OM) by the at least one light source, a second step of reducing the first beam of light into the second beam of light by the optical medium (OM), the second beam of light (103, 103 A) being the beam of slow light, a third step of detecting the second beam of light by the plurality of light detectors, when the object is displaced from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP), and a fourth step of determining the orientation of the object based on the signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light by the control unit.

[0024]

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises receiving the second beam of light by the first light detector (Si) and the second light detectors (S2) of the plurality of light detectors, converting the signal received from the first light detector (Si) into the initial value and the signal received from the second light detectors (S2) into the final value by the control unit, and determining the orientation of the object by the control unit based on a difference between the initial value and the final value. The absolute displacement can be determined by comparing the signal from the second light detectors (S2) to an angular orientation of the object, pre-programmed into the control unit, and associated with the signal from the second light detectors (S2) or other such light detectors.

[0025]

[0022] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026]

[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, further aspects and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0028]

[0024] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0029]

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a device for determining orientation of an object in an initial position (IP), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030]

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a housing of the device of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0031]

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates another schematic view of the device for determining the orientation of the object in a displaced position (DP) about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032]

[0028] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the objective of the disclosure described herein.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034]

[0029] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0035]

[0030] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the construction of a device for determining orientation of an object. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0036]

[0031] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such device, assembly, method, or system. In other words, one or more elements in a device or system proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.

[0037]

[0032] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meaning of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0033] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “accommodated,” “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein and that the terminology used herein is to describe embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Hereinafter in the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

[0038]

[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device for determining orientation of the object is disclosed. The device comprises a housing removably mounted to the object, at least one light source accommodated within the housing, a plurality of light detectors defined in the housing and an optical medium (OM) enclosed within the housing. The light source is configured to emit a first beam of light. The “first beam of light” may be defined as a beam of light passing through at the speed of light in space. The optical medium (OM) is configured to receive the first beam of light and reduces it to a second beam of light. The second beam of light which is “a beam of slow light”. The second beam of light is detected by the plurality of light detectors, when the object is displaced from an initial position (IP) to a displaced position (DP) at a speed faster than that of the second beam of light which is “a beam of slow light”. The object on being displaced to a displaced position (DP), the original beam of slow light is still incident on a first light detector (Si), whereas the beam of slow light emitted just before the displacement of the object travels along the original path and is incident on one or more second light detectors (S2). The device further comprises a control unit communicatively connected to the plurality of light detectors. The control unit receives a signal from the second light detectors (S2) on change of incidence of the second beam of light from the first light detector (Si) to the second light detectors (S2). The relative displacement can be calculated by comparing the signal from the first light detector (Si) and the second light detector (S2) post displacement of the object. Further, the absolute displacement can be determined by comparing the signal from the second light detector (S2) to an angular orientation of the object, pre-programmed into the control unit, and associated with the signal from the second light detector (S2) or other such light detectors.

[0039]

[0035] The second beam of light passing through the optical medium (OM) is configured to incident on the first light detector (Si) of a plurality of light detectors when the object is positioned at the initial position (IP). Further, the second beam of light is configured to be incident on the second light detectors (S2) of the plurality of light detectors, when the object is displaced from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP), at a speed faster than that of the beam of slow light. Further, the control unit is configured to convert signal received from the first light detector (Si) into an initial value and the signal received from the second light detectors (S2) into a final value to determine an angular orientation of the object by calculating a difference between the initial value and the final value. In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to compare the signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light, with an associated pre-programmed value of displacements of the object to stored in the control unit to determine the value of an angular orientation of the object.

[0040]

[0036] Further, the control unit is configured to determine an inclination angle (a) of the object when the object is displaced to the displaced position (DP). Each second light detector (S2) of the plurality of light detectors is configured to send a respective signal to the control unit when the second beam of light is incident on the second light detector (S2). Further, the control unit compares the signal from the second light detector (S2) with a pre-programmed value of displacements of the object stored in the control unit to determine the absolute displacement of the object about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes.

[0041]

[0037] Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In Figures 1 to 3, the same element or elements which have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0042]

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, illustrates a device (100) for determining orientation of an object (200). Figure 1 shows the object (200) in an initial position (IP) or a static position (not displaced or moved). The device (100) is configured to determine the orientation of the object (200) in a moving condition or a displaced position (DP) (shown in Figure 3). The device (100) may be used across a wide range of industries, including but not limited to aerospace, aviation, military, defense, medical devices, energy and power generation, agriculture and farming equipment, power transmission and motor systems, measurement and testing equipment, automotive industries, robotics, and industrial automation and control systems. In the present disclosure, the object (200) whose orientation is to be determined may include, for example, aircraft, helicopters, private jets, commercial airliners, seaplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, and space crafts. The orientation of the object (200) may also be refer as “orientation” or “inclination” of the object (200). The device (100) is capable of determining the orientation of the object (200) about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes.

[0043]

[0039] The device (100) is configured to determine the orientation of the object (200), even during sudden or quick movement of the object (200). The device (100) includes a housing (102) removable mounted to the object (200), whose orientation is to be determined. In an illustrative example, the device (100) is positioned above the object (200). In an embodiment, the device (100) may be mounted or attached on a body of the object (200). The housing (102) includes at least one light source (104) accommodated within the housing (102). In particular, the light source (104) is installed or fixed at one end of the housing (102). The light source (104) is configured to emit a first beam of light. The first beam of light may be defined as a beam of light passing through at the speed of light in space. In an embodiment, source of the first beam of light may be selected from at least one of light emitting diodes (LEDs), electric discharge sources, incandescence sources, luminescence sources or a laser or any other light sources. In an embodiment, the light source (104) is selected such way that there should be least amount of scattering from the first beam of light. The shape of the housing (102) may be selected from at least one of a symmetrical shapes and asymmetrical shapes such as but not limited to a square, circular, cuboid, sphere or any other shapes, which serves design feasibility and requirement. In an illustrative embodiment, the housing (102) has a rectangular shape. In an embodiment, a securing mechanism (not shown in Figures) may be provided on the housing (102), for mounting the housing (102) on the object (200). In an embodiment, the securing mechanism is selected from at least one of a snap fit arrangement, a nut and bolt arrangement or any other securing mechanism which serves the purpose of securely mounting the housing (102) on the object (200).

[0044]

[0040] Referring now to Figure 2, illustrates the housing (102) of the device (100). The housing (102) includes two lateral surfaces (102a), two longitudinal surfaces (102b), a top surface (102c) and a bottom surface ( 102d) connected to each other to form the housing (102). The housing (102) is formed from an optically transparent material. In an embodiment, the housing (102) is 100% transparent. The transparent materials may be, but are not limited to, glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, quartz crystal, sapphire, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The device (100) includes a plurality of light detectors (106) defined in the housing (102). In particular, the plurality of light detectors (106) are positioned or mounted over an exterior surface (la) of the housing (102) at predetermined locations. In an embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (106) may be placed on an interior surface of the housing (102). Specifically, the plurality of light detectors (106) may be mounted on the interior surface of the housing (102) if the surfaces of the housing (102) are opaque and do not permit light to pass through. Alternatively, the plurality of light detectors (106) may be mounted on the exterior surface (la) of the housing (102) if the surfaces of the housing (102) are composed of the optically transparent material. The housing (102) is defined with a plurality of cutouts configured to receive the plurality of light detectors (106). In an embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (106) are positioned on the housing (102) such that a distance between adjacent light detectors (106) may be same (equally spaced) and placed in all directions on the surfaces. The plurality of light detectors (106) is mounted on the two lateral surfaces (102a), the two longitudinal surfaces (102b), the top surface (102c) and the bottom surface (102d) of the housing (102). In an embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (106) are provided on all the surfaces of the housing (102). In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (106) is selected from at least one of a photovoltaic sensor, piezoelectric sensor or any other sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (106) may be an optical sensor. The plurality of light detectors (106) includes the first light detector (Si) (shown in Figure 1) and the one or more second light detectors (S2) (shown in Figure 3). In an embodiment, the light source (104) and the first light detector (Si) are positioned in a same horizontal plane. The first light detector (Si) is configured to detect light rays emitted by the light source (104) parallel to a surface of the object (200) on which the device (100) is mounted, when the object (200) may be at any of the orientation or the angular position.

[0045]

[0041] Referring back to Figure 1, the device (100) further includes an optical medium (OM) (not shown in Figures) enclosed within the housing (102) of the device (100). The optical medium (OM) may alternatively be defined as techniques, which facilitates in reducing a speed of light. The optical medium (OM) is positioned along an optical path of the first beam of light emitted by the light source (104). The optical medium (OM) is configured to reduce the first beam of light emitted by the light source (104) into a second beam of light (103). The second beam of light (103, 103 A) which is “a beam of slow light”. The second beam of light (103, 103 A) is detected by the plurality of light detectors (106), when the object (200) is displaced from the initial position (IP) to a displaced position (DP). The optical medium (OM) reduces the first beam of light into the second beam of light (103, 103A) by at least one of a material dispersion method, a waveguide dispersion method, or by using dispersion properties of planar waveguides and the like. The optical medium (OM) may be at least one of a crystal structure, a photonic crystal structure, and like configured to reduce the first beam of light into the second beam of light (103, 103A). The optical fiber exhibits a wavelength-dependent refractive index, thereby induces material dispersion that reduces the speed of the first beam of light. Similarly, the waveguide produces waveguide dispersion that reduces the speed of the first beam of light. The photonic crystal structure exhibit a wavelength-dependent refractive index, to create material dispersion that reduces the speed of the first beam of light.

[0046]

[0042] Referring now to Figure 3, illustrates the object (200) which is moved to the displaced position (DP) from the initial position (IP). The device (100) oriented or tilted to the displaced position (DP) suddenly from the initial position (IP). The angle between the initial position (IP) and the displaced position (DP) is the inclination angle (a). The object (200) changes the orientation of the device (100) from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP) when the object (200) moved or displaced. The second beam of light (103) propagate at the speed lower than that of the first beam of light emitted by the light source (104). The second beam of light is propagation of an optical pulse or other modulation of an optical carrier at a low group velocity. The speed of the second beam of light (103, 103A) is less than that of the first beam of light. The optical medium (OM) reduces the speed of the first beam of light to a speed lesser than a speed of movement of the object (200) before being incident on the plurality of light detectors (106). The second beam of light (103A) is configured to incident on the second light detectors (S2) of the plurality of light detectors (106), when the object (200) is displaced from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP). There are several techniques to reduce the speed of light such as Raman effect, Brillouin scattering, photo- refractive effect, Coherent Population Oscillation, fiber Bragg grating, coupled- resonator cavity, or photonic crystals.

[0043] The second beam of light (103) travels from one end of the housing (102) to the other end without any interruption. In an embodiment, the housing (102) of the device (100) contains a medium. The medium within the housing (102) through which the second beam of light (103, 103 A) emitted, after processing, traverses is to be conducive to maintain the speed of the second beam of light (103, 103 A) at the same value or less than that at which it is processed after it exits the light source (104). The plurality of light detectors (106) mounted uniformly over the exterior surface (la) of the housing (102) to detect the second beam of light (103, 103 A). The plurality of light detector (106) are calibrated to activate or deactivate based on the incident of the second beam of light (103, 103A). The second beam of light (103) incidents on the plurality of light detectors (106) to activate the corresponding first light detector (Si) and the second light detectors (S2). The signals are produced by the plurality of light detectors (106) when the second beam of light (103, 103A) incident on the plurality of light detectors (106).

[0047]

[0044] The device (100) further includes a control unit (108) communicatively connected to the plurality of light detectors (106). The plurality of light detectors (106) are associated with the control unit (108) for transmitting the signals upon receiving the second beam of light (103, 103A). In an embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (106) transmits the signal to the control unit (108) by at least one of wireless communication means or wired communication means, as per design feasibility and requirement. The control unit (108) is configured to determine the orientation of the object (200) when the object (200) is displaced to the displaced position (DP) (as shown in Figure 3). When the object (200) is at the initial position (IP), the first light detector (Si) may be continuously impinged by the second beam of light (103). The control unit (108) is adapted to receive the signal from the first light detector (Si) of the plurality of light detectors (106) when the object (200) is positioned at the initial position (IP). The control unit (108) is configured to define the inclination angle (a) to “zero” based on the signal received from the first light detector (Si) when the object (200) is positioned at the initial position (IP). Thus, the control unit (108) determines that the device (100) as well as the object (200) is in the initial position (IP). Further, each of the first light detector (Si) and the second light detector (S2) of the plurality of light detectors (106) generates the signals upon incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103 A). In an another embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured to compare the signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103 A) with a pre-programmed value of displacements of the object (200) to determine the angular orientation of the object (200) about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes.

[0048]

[0045] When the object (200) suddenly moves in any of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z- axis from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP), the second beam of light (103 A) follows or traverses the initial path of the original second beam of light (103 A) as the speed of the second beam of light (103 A) is slower than the speed of movement of the object (200). Specifically, the speed of the second beam of light (103A) is slower than the speed of re-orientation of the housing (102), therefore the second beam of light (103 A) traverses the original path for a moment. Therefore, the second beam of light (103 A) impinges on the second light detector (S2) of the plurality of light detectors (106). The second beam of light (103) proceeds along it’s predetermined path and impinges on the first light detector (Si), whereas the second beam of light (103 A) emitted just before the object (200) reorients continues on its original path and impinges on the second light detector (S2) hence activates the second light detector (S2). The signals generated by the first light detector (Si) and the second light detector (S2) are sent to the control unit (108). The signal generated by the second light detector (S2) can be preprogrammed to associate with that particular orientation of the object (200) and can be read by the control unit (108) and displayed in either analog or digital form. Alternatively, the second beam of light (103) temporarily activates the first light detectors (Si) and the second beam of light (103 A) activates the second light detector (S2) during the sudden movement of the object (200). The control unit (108) is adapted to receive the signals from the second light detectors (S2) of the plurality of light detectors (106), when the object (200) is displaced from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP). The control unit (108) is configured to convert the signals received from the first light detector (Si) into an initial value and the signal received from the second light detectors (S2) into a final value. The control unit (108) calculates a different between the initial value and the final value to determine the orientation of the object (200).

[0049]

[0046] Furthermore, when the object (200) is displaced at the speed exceeding the speed of the beam of slow light or the second beam of light (103), the original beam of slow light or the second beam of light (103) continues to be incident on the first light detector (Si). Simultaneously, the second beam of light (103 A) at the instant of displacement of the object (200), propagates along a linear trajectory and gets incident on the second light detectors (S2). This initiates a signal that prompts retrieval of preprogrammed displacement values, corresponding to the displacement about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes, stored in the control unit (108), wherein these values are associated with the signals from the respective second light detectors (S2). The retrieved displacement values may be rendered in either analog or digital formats to indicate the absolute displacement of the object (200) along the pitch, roll, and yaw axes. Moreover, the relative displacement may be determined by calculating the difference between the current absolute displacement values and the absolute displacement values previously registered by the first light detector (Si) immediately before the displacement of the object (200).

[0050]

[0047] In another embodiment, the semiconductor structures and techniques such as photonic crystals and electromagnetically induced transparency may be used to achieve the second beam of light (103). These techniques causes the light to travel at significantly reduced speed compared to the speed of light in a vacuum or space.

[0051]

[0048] In an embodiment, the control unit (108) may include an input / output interface, a memory and a processor (not shown in Figures). The input / output interface may be adapted to receive input data from the plurality of light detectors (106). The data received by the input / output interface may be stored in the memory, which may be utilized by the processor for determining the orientation of the object (200). The memory may also include computational instructions for measuring the orientation of the object (200). In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit (108) may determine the orientation of the object (200) based on an angle between the position of each of the plurality of light detectors (106) i.e. between the first light detector (Si) and the second light detector (S2).

[0052]

[0049] In exemplary an embodiment, the speed of movement of the object (200) may be greater than that the speed of travel of the second beam of light (103) within the housing (102). In an exemplary embodiment, the source for determining the orientation of the object (200) may be any other source, such as sound waves or sound wave propagation, in addition to the second beam of light (103). In an exemplary embodiment, the signals received by the plurality of light detectors (106) are used by the device (100) to determine the displacement of the object (200) about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes.

[0053]

[0050] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining orientation of the object (200) is disclosed. The method includes a first step of emitting the first beam of light towards the optical medium (OM) by the light source (104), a second step of reducing the first beam of light into the second beam of light (103, 103 A) by the optical medium (OM), a third step of detecting the second beam of light (103, 103 A) by the plurality of light detectors (106), when the object (200) is displaced from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP), and a fourth step of determining the orientation of the object (200), based on the signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103A) by the control unit (108). Further, the method includes a step of receiving the second beam of light (103, 103 A) by the first light detector (Si) and the second light detectors (S2) of the plurality of light detectors (106), converting the signal received from the first light detector (Si) into the initial value and the signal received from the second light detectors (S2) into the final value by the control unit (108), and determining the orientation of the object based on the difference between the initial value and the final value by the control unit (108).

[0051] The configuration of the device (100) for determining the orientation of the object (200), in which the speed of the first beam of light emitted from the light source (104) is reduce through the optical medium (OM) using the material dispersion method or the waveguide dispersion method. This second beam of light (103, 103 A) impinges on the plurality of light detectors (106) to determine the orientation of the object (200).

[0054]

[0052] The device (100) is configured to determine the orientation of the object (200) in 3 -dimensions, even during sudden movement of the object (200). Further the device (100) for determining the orientation of the object (200) is cost effective and simple in construction and operation. Additionally, the device (100) may function in space, where there is no action of gravity. The device (100) utilizes simple computations for determining the orientation of the object (200).

[0055]

[0053] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a device for determining orientation of an object of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0056]

[0054] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0057]

[0055] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and / or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and / or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

[0058] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:

Claims

We claim:

1. A device (100) for determining orientation of an object (200), the device (100) comprising: a housing (102) removably mounted to the object (200); at least one light source (104) accommodated within the housing (102), and configured to emit a first beam of light; a plurality of light detectors (106) defined in the housing (102); an optical medium (OM) enclosed within the housing (102), the optical medium (OM) is configured to receive the first beam of light and reduces it to a second beam of light (103, 103A), wherein the second beam of light (103, 103A) is detected by the plurality of light detectors (106), when the object (200) is displaced from an initial position (IP) to a displaced position (DP); and a control unit (108) communicatively connected to the plurality of light detectors (106), receives a signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103A) to determine orientation of the object (200).

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical medium (OM) is disposed within the housing (102) along an optical path of the first beam of light.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second beam of light (103, 103 A) is a beam of slow light.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical medium (OM) is at least one of a crystal structure, a photonic crystal structure, and like configured to reduce the first beam of light into the second beam of light (103, 103A).

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical medium (OM) reduces the first beam of light into the second beam of light (103, 103 A) byat least one of a material dispersion method, a waveguide dispersion method, or by using dispersion properties of planar waveguides and the like.

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to convert signal received from a first light detector (Si) into an initial value of an angular orientation of the object (200) and the signal received from one or more second light detectors (S2) into a final value of the angular orientation of the object (200) to determine the relative orientation of the object (200) by calculating a difference between the initial value and the final value.

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first light detector (Si) and the second light detector (S2) of the plurality of light detectors (106) generates the signals upon incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103 A), the control unit (108) is configured to compare the signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103 A) with a preprogrammed value of displacements of the object (200).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) is defined with a plurality of cutouts configured to receive the plurality of light detectors (106).

9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) is formed from an optically transparent material.

10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises two lateral surfaces (102a), two longitudinal surfaces (102b), a top surface (102c) and a bottom surface (102d) connected to each other to form the housing (102).

11. The device (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 10, wherein the plurality of light detectors (106) are mounted on the two lateral surfaces (102a), the twolongitudinal surfaces (102b), the top surface (102c) and the bottom surface (102d) of the housing (102).

12. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) is configured to determine a displacement of the object (200) about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes.

13. A method for determining orientation of an object (200), the method comprising: emitting by an at least one light source (104), a first beam of light towards an optical medium (OM); reducing by the optical medium (OM), the first beam of light into a second beam of light (103, 103 A), the second beam of light (103, 103 A) being a beam of slow light; detecting by a plurality of light detectors (106), the second beam of light (103, 103 A), when the object (200) is displaced from an initial position (IP) to a displaced position (DP); and determining by a control unit (108), an orientation of the object (200) based on a signal on change of incidence of the second beam of light (103, 103A).

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein further comprising: receiving by a first light detector (Si) and one or more second light detectors (S2) of the plurality of light detectors (106), the second beam of light (103, 103A); converting by the control unit (108), a signal received from the first light detector (Si) into an initial value and the signal received from the second light detectors (S2) into a final value; and determining the orientation of the object (200) by the control unit (108), based on a difference between the initial value and the final value, and determining an absolute displacement by comparing the signal from the second light detectors (S2) to an angular orientation of the object (200), pre-programmed into the control unit (108), and associated with the signal from the second light detectors (S2).

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