Patent ID: 7450221
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
1. A motion detection apparatus for detecting motion in an apparatus being monitored, and for controlling operations of the apparatus being monitored, the motion detection apparatus comprising: a light source; an optical detector that converts optical energy into electrical signals in response to incident light reflected from a surface external to the apparatus being monitored; first logic configured to process the electrical signals output from the optical detector to produce values that represent movement or an absence of movement of the apparatus being monitored; and second logic that receives the values from the first logic, the second logic being configured to process the received values to determine whether the values indicate that the apparatus being monitored has moved, and to produce one or more control signals based on the determination, wherein when a determination is made that the apparatus being monitored has not moved, said one or more control signals cause the apparatus being monitored to change from a current mode of operations to a different mode of operations.