Patent ID: 8047047
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for providing information pertaining to the orientation of an object to which the apparatus is coupled, the apparatus comprising: a chassis having a first interior surface and a second interior surface; an inertial-sensor assembly disposed within the chassis and having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface; a first sensor element mounted on the first interior surface; a second sensor element mounted on the first exterior surface, at least one of the first and second sensor elements configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a distance of displacement of the second sensor element with respect to the first sensor element; a third sensor element mounted on the second interior surface; a fourth sensor element mounted on the second exterior surface, at least one of the third and fourth sensor elements configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a distance of displacement of the fourth sensor element with respect to the third sensor element; and a processing device coupled to at least one of the first and second sensor elements and configured to determine, based on the generated first signal, an angle of displacement of the first exterior surface with respect to the first interior surface.