Patent ID: 6025726
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B60N,B60R,G01B,G01D,G01V,G06F,H03K

Abstract:
Apparatus for characterizing at least one property selected from mass distribution, position and orientation of an electrically conductive mass within a defined space, the apparatus comprising:a. a plurality of electrodes disposed proximate to the space and with defined positions relative to each other;b. an AC source;c. means for connecting the AC source to one of the electrodes to create an electric field around the mass;d. means for measuring current levels through a plurality of the electrodes to produce a measurement set; ande. processor means for inferring, from the measurement set, the instance of the property which, according to a forward model relating a plurality of instances of the property to corresponding expected current levels through a plurality of the electrodes given an AC signal through one of the electrodes, produces expected current levels closest to the measured levels.