Patent ID: 6031520
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A sensor for providing an input signal to an electrical device, said sensor comprising:a first laminar spring oriented along a first axis;a second laminar spring oriented along a second axis, said second axis being substantially perpendicular to said first axis;means for applying force to said first and second laminar springs so as to cause a small mechanical deformation of said first and second laminar springs;a first and second opto-electronic sensor systems, said first and second opto-electronic sensor systems being constructed and arranged to sense the deformation of said first and second laminar springs, respectively, by the change in the reflection of light from said first and second laminar springs, wherein said first opto-electronic sensor system generates a first electrical signal representative of the force applied to said first laminar spring and wherein said second opto-electronic sensor system generates a second electrical signal representative of the force applied to said second laminar spring;means for transforming said first and second electrical signals into electrical signals usable by the electrical device.