A device for measuring an orientation of an object in motion

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device (100) for determining an orientation of a moving object (300) The device (100) comprises a slow light beam source and a plurality of light detectors (220) provided on a housing (120). The slow light beam source is configured to provide a beam of slow light (180) having a reduced propagation speed relative to the vacuum. The plurality of light detectors (220) is configured to generate signals in response to detecting the beam of slow light (180) incident on the plurality of light detectors (220). The device (100) further comprises a control unit (240) communicatively coupled to the plurality of light detectors (220) and receives the signals from the plurality of light detectors (220). The control unit (240) is configured to determine the orientation of the moving object (300) based on the signals received from the plurality of detectors (220).

Description

[0001] “A DEVICE FOR MEASURING AN ORIENTATION OF AN OBJECT IN MOTION”

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a device for measuring an orientation of a moving object. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the device for measuring the orientation of the moving object by a beam of slow light.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).

[0006] Many systems, including jets, airplanes, and the like, use orientation indicator devices, including but not limited to gyroscopes and gimbals. The orientation indicator devices are employed to quantify and display an orientation of the object, while the object is in motion. The orientation indicator devices have the ability to measure the orientation of the object along its X, Y, and Z axes, or in three- dimensional coordinates [pitch, yaw and roll axes]. The primary method used by the orientation indication devices is to measure and calculate the pitch, roll, and yaw about each of the three axes. A user can more easily orient and place an object or system according to requirements based on these measurements and parameter determinations.

[0007] Gyroscopes usually use angular momentum principle to calculate these parameters. In order to determine the orientation of the object, the gyroscopes monitor the angular rotation of the object by considering the mass and shape of the object. However, some of the gyroscopes are unable to determine the orientation parameters of the object, while the object moves in a pan and tilt manner. When the object rapidly changes its orientation, the gyroscope is unable to accurately measure the motion and hence unable to determine accurate orientation of the object. Many electrical devices exhibit similar measuring errors, which could be problematic. Further, gyroscopes rely on specific factors, such as gravity, to determine orientation. However, accurately interpreting the orientation of objects in motion becomes challenging, as conventional gyroscopes often struggle with fast or erratic movements. While advancements in technology have led to improved gyroscope designs, the gyroscopes remain complex, expensive, and difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, gyroscopes provide intricate algorithms and outcomes that require processing by sophisticated algorithms and substantial computational power for processing. The complicated methods used to achieve the results could also result in costly components when making the gyroscopes, raising the total cost of the system that needs to have the orientation determined.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background of the present disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] One or more shortcomings of the limitations stated above are overcome by a device for measuring an orientation of a moving object as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the device for measuring the orientation of the moving object as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0011] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for determining an orientation of a moving object is disclosed. The device comprises a housing and a slow light beam source provided within the housing. The slow light beam source is configured to provide a beam of slow light having a reduced propagation speed relative to the vacuum. The device comprises a plurality of light detectors provided on the housing. The plurality of light detectors is configured to generate signals in response to detecting the beam of slow light incident on the plurality of light detectors. The device comprises a control unit communicatively coupled to the plurality of light detectors and receives the signals from the plurality of light detectors. The control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the moving object based on the signals received from the plurality of detectors. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is formed from an optically transparent material.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the medium is configured to provide the beam of slow light by an Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT).

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opaque medium transforms into the transparent medium and reduces the speed of the first beam of light by an Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT).

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of light detectors comprises a first light detector provided on the housing. The first light detector is configured to receive the beam of slow light and generate a first signal, when the moving object is at an initial position. The plurality of light detectors comprises one or more second light detectors provided on the housing. The one or more second light detectors are configured to receive the beam of slow light emitted just before a displacement of the moving object and generate a second signal, when the moving object is displaced from the initial position to a displaced position.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is communicatively coupled to the first light detector and the one or more second light detectors to receive the first signal from the first light detector and the second signal from the one or more second light detectors.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the moving object at the displaced position by calculating a difference between the first signal and the second signal, based on locations of the first light detector and the one or more second light detectors.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure the moving object undergoes an angular displacement from the initial position by a first angle to reach the displaced position.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit comprises a storage unit to store different angular orientations of the moving object corresponding to different signals from the plurality of light detectors. The control unit is configured to determine an absolute displacement of the moving object by associating the signals from the plurality of light detectors to the corresponding angular orientations of the moving object stored in the storage unit

[0019] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining an orientation of a moving object is disclosed. The method comprises a step of providing, by a slow light beam source, a beam of slow light having a reduced propagation speed relative to the vacuum. The method comprises a step of generating, by a plurality of light detectors, signals in response to detecting the beam of slow light incident on the plurality of light detectors. The method comprises a step of determining, by a control unit, the orientation of the moving object based on signals received from the plurality of detectors.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises a step of generating, by a first light detector, a first signal in response to detecting the beam of slow light incident on the first light detector at an initial position of the moving object. The method comprises a step of generating, by one or more second light detectors, a second signal in response to detecting the beam of slow light emitted just before displacement of the moving object and incident on the one or more second light detectors at a displaced position of the moving object. The method comprises a step of receiving, at a control unit, the first signal from the first light detector and the second signal from the one or more second light detectors. The method comprises a step of determining, by the control unit, the orientation of the moving object by calculating a difference between the first signal and the second signal based on positions of the first light detector and the one or more second light detectors.

[0021] The present disclosure provides the device configured to determine the orientation of the moving object in 3-dimensions, even for a quick orientation changing moving objects. Further, the device of the present disclosure is cost effective and simple in construction and operation. Additionally, the device may function in space, where there is no action of gravity. The device utilizes simple computations for determining orientation of the moving object. Furthermore, the device of the present disclosure is configured to compute parameters pertaining to orientation of the moving object about multiple axes. Thus, need for separate devices to compute orientation parameters along each of the axes is eliminated.

[0022] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the present 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 present disclosure.

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

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0025] The novel features and characteristic of the present disclosure are set forth in the present disclosure. The present disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a device for measuring an orientation of a moving object at an initial position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a housing of the device of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the device of Figure 1 at a displaced position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figures depict embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0030] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the present disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other systems, mechanisms, devices, and assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the present disclosure, to its system and method, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

[0031] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or 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 or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0032] Unless the context of the present disclosure describes or indicates a different interpretation, any reference to an object in the specification that is preceded by a definite or indefinite article, such as “the”, “a”, or “an”, should be understood to encompass both the singular and the plural forms of the object”. Accordingly, “a” means “at least one / one or more”. The phrase “a / an X” may be construed as “at least one / one or more X”.

[0033] In accordance with the present disclosure, a device for determining an orientation of a moving object is disclosed. The device comprises a housing and a slow light beam source provided within the housing. The slow light beam source is configured to provide a beam of slow light having a reduced propagation speed relative to the vacuum. The device comprises a plurality of light detectors provided on the housing. The plurality of light detectors is configured to generate signals in response to detecting the beam of slow light incident on the plurality of light detectors. The device comprises a control unit communicatively coupled to the plurality of light detectors and receives the signals from the plurality of light detectors. The control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the moving object based on the signals received from the plurality of detectors.

[0034] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0035] Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a device (100) for measuring an orientation of the moving object (300). Figure 1 depicts the moving object (300) at an initial position (IP). In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the initial position (IP) corresponds to a static or default position of the moving object (300) before any movement or displacement takes place. The moving object (300) may displace from the initial position (IP) to a displaced position (DP). The displaced position (DP) corresponds to a position of the moving object (300) after displacing from the initial position. In an embodiment, the moving object (300) undergoes angular displacement from the initial position (IP) by a first angle (a) to reach the displaced position (DP). In an embodiment, the device (100) is disposed on the moving object (300). The device (100) is configured to measure the orientation of the moving object (300), during sudden movement of the moving object (300) from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP). The device (100) comprises a housing (120) disposed on the moving object (300). The housing (120) may be removably connected to the moving object (300) via a securing system [not shown in Figures]. The securing system may be selected from at least one of a snap fit arrangement, a nut and bolt arrangement, clamp arrangement, a magnet arrangement or any other securing system which serves the purpose of securely connecting the housing (120) to the moving object (300), without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In an alternative embodiment, the housing (120) is mounted on a platform connected to the moving object (300). The shape of the housing (120) may be selected from at least one of a symmetrical shapes and asymmetrical shapes such as but not limited, cubic, cuboid, sphere, cylinder or any other polygonal shape, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing (120) has a cuboid shape, as depicted in Figure 2. The housing (120) may be formed of an optically transparent material. The optically transparent material may be selected from, but are not limited to, glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, quartz crystal, sapphire, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0036] Referring again to Figure 1, the device (100) comprises at least one first light source (140). The at least one first light source (140) may be coupled to the housing (120). In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one first light source (140) is accommodated within the housing (120). In an alternative embodiment, the at least one first light source (140) is removably attached to the moving object (300). The at least one first light source (140) may be selected from, but not limited, to at least one of light emitting diodes, electric discharge sources, incandescence sources, luminescence sources, a laser or any other light sources. The at least one first light source (140) is configured to emit a first beam of light (140a). The first beam of light (140a) has a speed equal to the speed of light in vacuum.

[0037] In an embodiment, the device (100) comprises at least one second light source (160). The at least one second light source (160) may be coupled to the housing (120). In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one second light source (160) is accommodated within the housing (120). In an alternative embodiment, the at least one second light source (160) is removably attached to the moving object (300). The at least one second light source (160) may be positioned parallel to the at least one first light source (140). The at least one second light source (160) may be selected from, but not limited to, at least one of light emitting diodes, electric discharge sources, incandescence sources, luminescence sources, a laser or any other light sources. The at least one second light source (160) is configured to emit a second beam of light (160a). The second beam of light (160a) has a speed equal to the speed of light in vacuum. The second beam of light (160a) may have a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first beam of light (140a).

[0038] In an embodiment, the device (100) comprises an opaque medium (200). The opaque medium (200) is disposed within the housing (120) along optical paths of the first beam of light (140a) and the second beam of light (160a). The opaque medium (200) may be selected from metamaterials made of metals, dielectrics, graphene, vanadium dioxide (VO2), atomic gases like alkali metal vapors, or any other material which exhibits Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (hereinafter referred as “EIT”) behavior, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The opaque medium (200) is positioned to receive the first beam of light (140a) and the second beam of light (160a) from the at least one first light source (140) and the at least one second light source (160), respectively. The opaque medium (200) absorbs the second beam of light (160a) incident on the opaque medium (200) to transform into a transparent medium (200) for the first beam of light (140a). In an embodiment, the opaque medium (200) transforms into the transparent medium (200) for the first beam of light (140a), by the EIT induced by incident of the second beam of light (160a) on the opaque medium (200). The transparent medium (200) is configured to convert the first beam of light (140a) into a third beam of light (180) by reducing the speed of the first beam of light (140a) passing through the transparent medium (200). The third beam of light (180) may alternatively be referred to as a beam of slow light. Speed of the third beam of light (180) is less than the speed of light in vacuum. In an embodiment, the speed of the third beam of light (180) is less than a movement speed of the moving object (300), without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The movement speed of the moving object (300) corresponds to the rate at which the moving object (300) changes its position from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP).

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, the device (100) comprises a plurality of light detectors (220) provided on the housing (120). In an embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (220) is disposed on exterior surfaces of the housing (120), via external fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, rivets. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (220) is provided on interior surfaces of the housing (120). The plurality of light detectors (220) may be equally spaced and positioned in all directions or surfaces of the housing (120), without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Alternatively, the plurality of light detectors (220) is unevenly spaced on the housing (120). The plurality of light detectors (220) is adapted to receive the third beam of light (180). The plurality of light detectors is calibrated to activate or deactivate based on the impingement of the third beam of light (180). Upon activation, the plurality of light detectors (220) generates signals. The plurality of light detectors (220) is selected from at least one of a photovoltaic sensor, an optical sensor, infrared sensor or any other sensor, which serves the purpose of receiving the beam of slow lights and providing a signal, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] In an embodiment, the plurality of light detectors (220) comprises a first light detector (220a) and one or more second light detectors (220b). The first light detector (220a) is positioned on the housing (120) such that the first light detector (220a) is impinged by the third beam of light (180), when the moving object (300) is at the initial position (IP). The first light detector (220a) may activate upon impingement of the third beam of light (180) and generate a first signal. The one or more second light detectors (220b) are positioned on the housing (120) such that the one or more second light detectors (220b) are impinged by the third beam of light (180), when the moving object (300) is displaced from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP). The one or more second light detectors (220b) may activate upon impingement of the third beam of light (180) and generate a second signal. Again, referring to Figure 1, the device (100) comprises a control unit (240). The control unit (240) is communicatively coupled to the plurality of the light detectors (220). In an embodiment, the control unit (240) is communicatively coupled to the plurality of light detectors (220) via wireless communication means. The wireless communication means may be selected from, but not limited to at least one of radio communication means, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infra-red, or any other communication means which can transfer signals between two devices without a wire. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit (240) is communicatively coupled to the plurality of light detectors (220) via wired communication means. The control unit (240) may receive the signals from the plurality of light detectors (220). The control unit (240) is configured to determine the orientation of the moving object (300) based on the signals received from the plurality of detectors (220). In an embodiment, the control unit (240) is communicatively coupled to the first light detector (220a) and the one or more second light detectors (220b) to receive the first signal from the first light detector (220a) and the second signal from the one or more second light detectors (220b). The control unit (240) may comprise an Input / Output (hereinafter may also be referred as I / O) interface, a storage unit and a processor [not shown in Figures]. The I / O interface may be adapted to receive the first signal and the second signal from the first light detector (220a) and the one or more second light detectors (220b), respectively. The storage unit stores different angular orientations of the moving object (300) corresponding to different signals from the plurality of light detectors (220). The processor is coupled to the I / O interface and the storage unit. The processor is configured to determine the orientation of the moving object (300) at the displaced position (DP) by calculating a difference between the first signal and the second signal, based on locations of the first light detector (220a) and the one or more second light detectors (220b). In an embodiment, the control unit (240) is configured to determine an absolute displacement of the moving object (300) by associating the signals from the plurality of light detectors (220) to the corresponding angular orientations of the moving object (300) stored in the storage unit.

[0041] In an embodiment, the control unit (240) is communicatively coupled to a display unit [not shown in Figures]. The display unit is configured to display the orientation of the moving object (300). In an embodiment, the display unit displays the orientation of the moving object (300) in a digital format. In an alternative embodiment, the display unit displays the orientation of the moving object (300) in an analog format.

[0042] In a working embodiment, initially the moving object (300) is positioned at the initial position (IP) as depicted in Figure 1. At first, the opaque medium (200) prohibits the first beam of light (140a) to pass through the opaque medium (200). When the second beam of light (160a) is impinged on the opaque medium (200), the second beam of light (160a) creates a quantum interference in the opaque medium (200). The quantum interference prevents absorption of the first beam of light (140a) by the opaque medium (200) and opens a narrow transparency window at a frequency of the first beam of light (140a). Thus, the incident of the second beam of light (160a) induces EIT to transform the opaque into the transparent medium (200) for the first beam of light (140a). The transparent medium (200) allows the first beam of light (140a) to pass through it and simultaneously converts the firstbeamof light (140a) into the third beam of light (180) by reducing the speed of the first beam of light (140a). The third beam of light (180) may travel in a straight path and incident on the at first light detector (220a). Upon detecting the third beam of light (180), the first light detector (220a) may generate the first signal and send the first signal to the control unit (240).

[0043] Referring to Figure 3, the moving object (300) is displaced from the initial position (IP) to the displaced position (DP). When the moving object (300) undergoes displacement, the third beam of light (180) continues along a new aligned path and strikes the first light detector (220a). Simultaneously, the third beam of light (180), emitted just prior to the displacement of the moving object (300), maintains its original path and impinges on the one or more second light detectors (220b). Upon detecting the third beam of light (180), the one or more second light detectors (220b) may generate the second signal and send the second signal to the control unit (240). The control unit (240) compares the first signal and the second signal to determine the orientation of the moving object (300) in the displaced position (DP). In an embodiment, the control unit (240) determines the orientation of the moving object (300) at the displaced position (DP) by calculating a difference between the first signal and the second signal, based on locations of the first light detector (220a) and the one or more second light detectors (220b).

[0044] In an embodiment, the source for measuring the orientation of the moving object (300) may be any other source, such as sound waves or sound wave propagation.

[0045] The present disclosure provides a configuration of the device (100) for determining the orientation of the moving object (300). The speed of the first beam of light (140a) emitted from the at least one light source is slowed down by using the EIT technique / arrangement. Therefore, the device (100) including the EIT environment can be used across a diverse range of platforms, for example, aircraft, ships, automobiles, manufacturing industries etc.

[0046] Further, the different methods / techniques may be implemented in the device (100) to slow down the speed of the first beam of light (140a) for measuring the orientation of the moving object (300). Some of the techniques are mentioned below in the form of embodiments. However, the techniques other than the below techniques may also be implemented in the device (100) for measuring the orientation of the moving object (300).

[0047] In an embodiment, a material dispersion technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0048] In an embodiment, a waveguide dispersion technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0049] In an embodiment, an Elastic light scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0050] In an embodiment, a Rayleigh scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light. In an embodiment, a Mie scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0051] In an embodiment, an Inelastic light scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0052] In an embodiment, a Raman scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0053] In an embodiment, a Stimulated Raman scattering [SRS] technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0054] In an embodiment, an Inelastic x-ray scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0055] In an embodiment, a Compton scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0056] In an embodiment, a Brillouin scattering technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0057] In an embodiment, a Stimulated Brillouin scattering [SBS] technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0058] In an embodiment, a Photo-refractive effect technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light. In an embodiment, a Coherent Population Oscillation technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0059] In an embodiment, a Fiber Bragg grating technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0060] In an embodiment, a Coupled resonator cavity technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0061] In an embodiment, a Photonic crystals technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0062] In an embodiment, a Metamaterials technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0063] In an embodiment, a Slow-Light Optical Fibers technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0064] In an embodiment, a Quantum Dots technique may be utilized or implemented in the device (100) to slow down the first beam of light (140a) so that the first beam of light (140a) becomes the beam of slow light.

[0065] The present disclosure provides the device (100) configured to determine the orientation of the moving object (300) in 3-dimensions, even for the quick orientation changing moving objects (300). Further the device (100) of the present disclosure 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 orientation of the moving object (300). Furthermore, the device (100) of the present disclosure is configured to compute parameters pertaining to orientation of the moving object (300) about multiple axes. Thus, need for separate devices to compute orientation parameters along each of the axes is mitigated.

[0066] Equivalents:

[0067] Embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0068] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0069] Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps.

[0070] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the present disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

[0071] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0072] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher / lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the present disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

[0073] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

[0074] Referral Numerals:

Claims

1. We Claim:

1. A device (100) for determining an orientation of a moving object (300), the device (100) comprising: a housing (120); a slow light beam source provided within the housing (120), the slow light beam source configured to provide a beam of slow light (180) having a reduced propagation speed relative to the vacuum; a plurality of light detectors (220) provided on the housing (120), the plurality of light detectors (220) configured to generate signals in response to detecting the beam of slow light (180) incident on the plurality of light detectors (220); and a control unit (240) communicatively coupled to the plurality of light detectors (220) and receives the signals from the plurality of light detectors (220), the control unit (240) configured to determine the orientation of the moving object (300) based on the signals received from the plurality of detectors.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (120) is formed from an optically transparent material.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medium (200) is configured to provide the beam of slow light (180) by an Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT).

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light detectors (220) comprises: a first light detector (220a) provided on the housing (120), the first light detector (220a) configured to receive the beam of slow light (180) and generate a first signal, when the moving object (300) is at an initial position (IP); one or more second light detectors (220b) provided on the housing (120), the one or more second light detectors (220b) configured to receive the beam of slow light (180) emitted just before a displacement of the moving object (300) and generate a second signal, when the moving object (300) is displaced from the initial position (IP) to a displaced position (DP).

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (240) communicatively coupled to the first light detector (220a) and the one or more second light detectors (220b) to receive the first signal from the first light detector (220a) and the second signal from the one or more second light detectors (220b).

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (240) is configured to determine the orientation of the moving object (300) at the displaced position (DP) by calculating a difference between the first signal and the second signal, based on locations of the first light detector (220a) and the one or more second light detectors (220b).

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving object (300) undergoes an angular displacement from the initial position (IP) by a first angle (a) to reach the displaced position (DP).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a storage unit to store different angular orientations of the moving object (300) corresponding to different signals from the plurality of light detectors (220), the control unit (240) configured to determine an absolute displacement of the moving object (300) by associating the signals from the plurality of light detectors (220) to the corresponding angular orientations of the moving object (300) stored in the storage unit.

9. A method for determining an orientation of a moving object (300), the method comprising: providing, by a slow light beam source, a beam of slow light (180) having a reduced propagation speed relative to the vacuum; generating, by a plurality of light detectors (220), signals in response to detecting the beam of slow light (180) incident on the plurality of light detectors (220); and determining, by a control unit (240), the orientation of the moving object (300) based on signals received from the plurality of detectors (220).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the method comprises:generating, by a first light detector (220a), a first signal in response to detecting the beam of slow light (180) incident on the first light detector (220a) at an initial position (IP) of the moving object (300); generating, by one or more second light detectors (220b), a second signal in response to detecting the beam of slow light (180) emitted just before displacement of the moving object (300) and incident on the one or more second light detectors (220b) at a displaced position (DP) of the moving object (300); receiving, at a control unit (240), the first signal from the first light detector (220a) and the second signal from the one or more second light detectors (220b); determining, by the control unit (240), the orientation of the moving object(300) by calculating a difference between the first signal and the second signal based on positions of the first light detector (220a) and the one or more second light detectors (220b).

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