Abstract:
An apparatus and method of making the same for sensing inclination. The apparatus includes a member moveably positioned in a body, the member moves in response to gravity between two positions if the body is rotated relative to an axis exceeding a certain amount. A detector can be used to detect when the member moves and can automatically report rotation. A method of making an inclinometer includes creating the body by laminating layers, where a layer is prefabricated to include an appropriate cut-out to guide the member between the two positions. Another layer or layers can include the detector. An aspect of the invention comprises having each layer include prefabricated features for multiple inclinometers, and then superposing the prefabricated layers, activating adhesive between them to form a lamination defining a plurality of inclinometers, and then separating the lamination into individual inclinometers.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    In many instances it would advantageous or desirable to know the orientation of an object relative to a fixed parameter, e.g. earth&#39;s horizon. Still further, automatic or autonomous sensing of orientation many times be can beneficial.  
           [0002]    For example, it has been found desirable to sense whether a digital camera is tilted left or right relative to the horizon. A warning can be given to the user (e.g. in case such orientation is inadvertent), or the logic of the camera can otherwise utilize this information.  
           [0003]    A variety of tilts sensors (sometimes called inclinometers) exist. Many provide automatic information about angle of an object with respect to gravity. Many are configured to report exact angle relative to horizon. There are instances where such exactness is demanded. However, such configurations tend to be complex and expensive, and can be relatively large in size. They also attend to be more susceptible to error or damage because of sensitivity of components.  
           [0004]    There is a need for robust, economical automatic sensors of at least general positional orientation. There is also a need for relatively small sensor size.  
           [0005]    In the example of digital cameras, attempts have been made to install tilt sensors inside the camera. One example uses a component that works adequately to automatically indicate substantial tilt relative to one axis. However, it lacks robustness, particularly in the sense that once installed in the camera and integrated with the digital camera circuitry, it may not pass or survive manufacturing or assembly steps (e.g. soldering—it may not pass or function correctly after solder cleaning tests). Its accuracy or functioning may be affected, and therefore, a potential deficiency exists with this type of tilt sensor.  
           [0006]    A need has therefore been identified in the art. It is therefore a principal object, feature, and advantage of the present invention to provide a tilt sensor and method of making the same which solves the problems and deficiencies in the art, and/or improves over the state of the art.  
           [0007]    Other general objects, features, and/or advantages of the invention can include:  
           [0008]    a. relatively non-complex structure.  
           [0009]    b. robustness and durability.  
           [0010]    c. economy, both as a discrete tilt sensor, as well as in a method of manufacturing a plurality of tilt sensors.  
           [0011]    d. efficiency, including size, number of moving parts, power consumption, and operability.  
           [0012]    e. ability to produce a digital feedback.  
           [0013]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification and claims.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The invention includes a tilt sensor having a body, a space in the body, and a member positionable in the space, the member moveable between at least two positions within the space under the influence of gravity when the body is rotated about an axis, and a detector in the body to detect when the member is in one of the two positions. A method of manufacturing tilt sensors comprises forming the body out of a lamination, one lamination layer defining an interior open space for the member to move between the at least two positions, and additional lamination layers that are positioned on opposite sides of the lamination layer with the member positioned in the space, to contain the member. Additional lamination layers can be utilized. On at least one of the lamination layers, a detector can be positioned and, if electrical or electronic, electrical connections can be integrated, created or mounted onto the lamination layers. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention shown affixed inside and onto the rear wall of a digital camera (shown in broken lines).  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of the tilt sensor of FIG. 1 from a slightly different angle and separated from the camera.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the opposite side of the device of FIG. 2A.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2C is a reduced-in-size perspective view similar to FIG. 2A but illustrating the tilt sensor attached to a surface.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of FIG. 2A.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a section taken along line  4 - 4  of FIG. 2A.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic of the electrical circuitry for an exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a recommended PCB solder pad footprint for electrical connection of the exemplary embodiment of the invention to another device.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrating the tilt sensing function of the exemplary embodiment. FIGS.  8 A-G are diagrammatical perspective illustrations of pre-fabricated panels in preparation for manufacturing a plurality of sensors by assembling the panels into a lamination.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective illustration of a method for creating a lamination of the panels of FIGS.  8 A-G.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 10A and B are illustrations of an alternative embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 11A and B are illustrations of another alternative embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 12A and B are illustrations of another alternative embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0028]    FIGS.  13 - 15  are illustrations of a still further alternative embodiments according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]    A. Overview  
         [0030]    To assist in a better understanding of the invention, one specific exemplary embodiment will now be described in detail. Frequent reference will be taken to the appended drawings. Reference numerals and letters will be used to indicate certain parts and locations in the drawings. The same reference numerals or letters will be used to indicate the same parts or locations throughout the drawings unless otherwise indicated.  
         [0031]    B. General Environment of Exemplary Embodiment  
         [0032]    The present invention relates to a tilt sensor. In this exemplary embodiment, it will be discussed in conjunction with a digital camera, serving the function to produce and report automatically if the digital camera is tilted to the left or to the right greater than a certain rotational angle. As can be appreciated, this autonomous automatic reporting can be beneficial and useful. It is to be understood, however, that this is but one example of application of the tilt sensor according to the invention and does not limit its application to this environment.  
         [0033]    C. Basic Structure and Operation  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 illustrates a tilt sensor  10  according to the present invention attached (by adhesives or other methods) to the inside back wall of digital camera  12 . For purposes of discussion, the back wall of camera  12  will be considered generally planar, and defined by the axes X and Y in FIG. 1.  
         [0035]    The front wall of the camera will be designated by reference numeral  16 . The axis Z, orthogonal to the X-Y plane, is also shown in FIG. 1. The X-Y plane therefore generally depicts a vertical plane of the camera. The Z-axis is generally aligned with the aiming axis of the lens of camera  12 .  
         [0036]    Sensor  10  has a body that includes an external set of electrical contacts  32 . As can be appreciated, and as is well-known in the art, these electrical contacts can be configured to be connectable to electrical conductors in digital camera  12  that can communicate electrical power to tilt sensor  10  and communicate output from tilt sensor  10  to camera  12 . The solder pad footprint configuration of FIG. 6 illustrates a connection interface to the digital camera.  
         [0037]    Sensor  10  is configured so that it will generate an output signal from which can be derived whether camera  12  is rotated around axis Z in either the left or right direction (see arrow  18  in FIG. 1) on the order of 90 degrees or more in either direction. Camera  12  can utilize this information to alert the operator, store such information with any digital picture data that might be taken when the camera is in that orientation, or for other uses.  
         [0038]    FIGS.  2 A-C, and FIGS.  3 - 6 , show a specific exemplary embodiment tilt sensor  10  in more detail. As indicated in FIG. 2A, tilt sensor  10  can be on the order of 0.2 inches tall, 0.3 inches long, and 0.15 inches thick. In this relatively small package, contained in substantially sealed fashion, are the inner-workings for the tilt sensor.  
         [0039]    The tilt sensor body has a front  20 , a left side  22 , right side  24 , back  26 , bottom  28 , and top  30 . As mentioned, in this embodiment, top  30  includes a plurality of electrical contacts  32  of electrically conducting material, namely ground  34 , left output  36 , LED voltage IN  38 , right output  40 , and ISO (electrically isolated) voltage IN  42  (e.g. standard DC operating voltage such as 5 VDC or 3.3 VDC) (see FIG. 5). Contacts  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and  42  are configured such that they are adapted to be easily electrically connected to electrical circuitry of digital camera  12 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2C illustrates tilt sensor  10  isolated on a X Y plane (e.g. back wall  14  of digital camera  12 ). This will be called the general reference position of tilt sensor  10 . When sensor  10  is in the reference position, the X-axis and the longitudinal axis of tilt sensor  10  (its longitudinal axis is between left and right sides of sensor  10  and between and parallel to the front and back walls  20  and  26  of tilt sensor  10 ) is generally parallel to horizontal.  
         [0041]    Internally, stainless steel balls  60 L and  60 R are captured in elongated ball tracks or races  50 L and  5 OR respectively (see in particular FIGS. 3 and 4). These tracks or races  50  are configured to be at approximately 55 degrees angles to the X-axis or longitudinal axis of sensor  10 , but extend in different directions, as shown in FIG. 3. Each race  50  is sized and configured to allow its ball  60  to freely move (after overcoming the coefficient of friction between ball  60  and the structure defining its race) between a bottom or lower end  52  and upper end  54 , but restrain any movement other than along the longitudinal axis of that track  50 . In other words, the structure that defines the open area, space, or channel comprising race  50  completely surrounds ball  60  but allows it to roll or slide between opposite ends  52  and  54 . Balls  60  are solid stainless or chromed steel (0.062 or {fraction (1/16)} th  inch diameter). Tracks  50  are approximately {fraction (1/10)} th  inch long. Race  50  is sized such that ball  60  can not move other than along the longitudinal axis of race  50  (between ends  52  and  54 ). There can be a small tolerance between the diameter of ball  60  and the diameter of race  50  (e.g. approximately 0.005 to 0.008 inch). If a ball  60  completely overcomes the coefficient of friction of any structure it is contact with, it can slide—as opposed to roll. In this embodiment, the structure defining race  50  is an epoxy glass material which is quite hard and smooth, and therefore has a relatively low coefficient of friction.  
         [0042]    As shown most clearly at FIG. 4, LED emitter  62  and photo detector  68  are placed on opposite lateral sides of upper end  54  of each track  50 . Openings  64  and  66 , through intermediary structure in sensor  10 , provide an unobstructed path between each LED  64  and photo detector  68  set, except if ball  60  intervenes.  
         [0043]    As shown in FIG. 2C, with device  10  essentially horizontal (in its reference position), balls  60 L and  60 R would be forced by gravity to the lower end  52  of their respective ball track  50 . Neither ball  60 L or  60 R would obstruct the path between its respective LED  62  and optical detector  68  pair. Tilt sensor  10  would thus be in what will be called a normal or reference position.  
         [0044]    By referring to FIG. 7, the way in which tilt sensor  10  can report tilted position is diagrammatically illustrated. In FIG. 7, a single tilt sensor is illustrated in three positions. A first position (indicated by reference number  10 ) shows tilt sensor  10  in the reference or normal position, with its longitudinal axis essentially parallel to horizontal. Balls  60 L and  60 R are (by gravity) in the bottom of their respective ball tracks  50 L and  50 R, and photo optical detectors  68 L and  68 R are unobstructed.  
         [0045]    Balls  60 L and  60 R will, by gravity, remain towards the lower part of ball tracks  50 L and  50 R, until one of the tracks  50 L or  5 OR approaches and then passes horizontal, such that its upper end  54  is below a horizontal plane through its lower end  52 . This occurs when sensor  10  is tilted or rotated generally in the direction of arrow  70  in FIG. 7 over 55 degrees relative its Z axis (which would extend orthogonally out of the page of FIG. 7). At that point (see depiction of sensor at reference numeral  10 ′ in FIG. 7), where device  10  is tilted enough to the right, just ball  60 R′ will begin rolling or sliding by gravity towards the upper end of ball track  50 R′ (assuming ball  60 R overcomes the coefficient of friction or is forced by gravity to roll) (see arrow  72  in FIG. 7). On the other hand, even though sensor  10  is tilted, ball  60 L′ will remain in the bottom of its ball track  50 L′. Rotation well past 55 degrees (closer to 90 degrees) (see depiction of sensor at reference numeral  10 ″ in FIG. 7) will cause ball  60 R″ to roll or slide all the way to end  54  of ball track  50 R″, which will block opening  66 R″ and thus block the corresponding photo optical detector  68  R″. In this manner, tilt sensor  10  will interrupt the beam of infrared (IR) light energy from LED  64 R, which will be detected by photo detector  68 R, thus providing automatic indication that can be output from device  10  indicating that tilt sensor  10  has been rotated around the Z axis approximately or towards 90 degrees. This signal can be utilized by digital camera  12  as previously explained.  
         [0046]    Thus, sensor  10  can give feedback about rotation or roll left or right of camera  12  around the Z axis. This assumes that camera  12  is not substantially pitched fore or aft (i.e. rotated about the X axis). Yaw (rotation around the Y axis, is generally irrelevant).  
         [0047]    Note that even in an approximate 90 degree rotational position (reference numeral  10 ″ in FIG. 7), ball  60 L does not move from its lower position in its ball track  50 L. But, as can be appreciated, rotation of tilt sensor  10  in the opposite direction around the Z axis past 55 degrees would cause ball  60 L to roll or slide to the opposite end of its ball track  50 L and block photo optical detector  68 L, whereas ball  60  would not block photo optical detector  68 R, allowing tilt sensor  10  to produce an output signal indicating a rotation or tilt in that opposite (in this example the left) direction of on the order of 90 degrees.  
         [0048]    In this embodiment, LED&#39;s  62  are infrared (IR) LEDs (e.g. model # T 9511 VA available from Vishay Infrared Components, Santa Clara, Calif.—e.g. 800 NM IR LED having physical size that can surface mount within the space indicated in FIG. 4). Photo optical detectors  68  are photo sensitive IC&#39;s with Schmitt triggers (e.g. model # T 2271 PIC from Vishay Infrared Components—e.g. physical size to fit within the space indicated in FIG. 4 and triggering off of the wavelength of radiation emitted by LED  62 ). Device  10  can be considered a two channel interruptive tilt sensor or inclinometer which can provide digital feedback to a digital camera of its general orientation relative to the natural horizon of earth. Feedback is provided through the use of the steel balls  60  that self-position themselves relative to gravity and interrupt the light that couples the two optical components  62  and  68  in any one channel. Depending on the orientation of the device  10  (and thus the object to which it is attached), the balls  60  either allow light from the IR LED  62  to couple with its respective photo sensitive IC  68  or block the light to decouple the two active components within the channel related to the side of inclination. Of course, detector  68  would have a trigger threshold which is a function of amount of light that is gathered by it.  
         [0049]    LED&#39;s  62  and photo detectors  68  are aligned across from each other so that when the LED  62  is on, light travels through device  10  through the two apertures  64  and  66 . Being a normally high device, when light falls incident on the photo sensitive area of photo detector  68 , the Schmitt Trigger changes state and the signal is switched to low. As the device  10  is rotated, a steel ball  60  is forced (via gravity) to the end of its channel or track  50 , covering the respective apertures or holes  64  and  66 , and blocking the light from its corresponding LED  62 . The Schmitt Trigger changes state to high. In this manner, device  10  can detect an approximate 90 degree rotation in either the left or the right direction. It is therefore a single axis tilt sensor. It can provide a digital representation of tilt in opposite directions relative an axis.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 5 diagrams the basic electrical circuitry of device  10 . Of course, other ways are possible. Electrical power (+2.5 to 5.5 VDC) for LED&#39;s  62  and detectors  68  (LED VCC and ISO VCC—filtered to provide a clean incoming line, e.g. high or low band pass filtered to eliminate ripple) would be provided from the battery source of camera  12 . The state of detectors  68  can be discerned at OUT L and OUT R.  
         [0051]    Method of Construction  
         [0052]    The exemplary embodiment of device  10  is a printed circuit board (PCB) laminated structure consisting of seven layers of black (opaque) FR 4  epoxy glass PCB material having a Tg of approximately 150 degrees Celsius. This is indicated most clearly at FIG. 4.  
         [0053]    A first layer will be called race PCB  86 , and comprises a relatively thick layer of PCB (slightly bigger than the diameter of ball  60 ) of the general perimeter dimensions of device  10  and in which are pre-formed ball tracks  50 L and  50 R. On either side of race PCB  86  is what will be called aperture PCBs  84  and  88  of like perimeter dimensions to layer  86  but, here, of smaller thickness. Aperture PCB  84  contains openings  66  (smaller than ball  60 ) pre-formed and positioned to correspond with the placement of photo detectors  68 . Aperture PCB  88  includes pre-formed openings  64  (smaller than ball  60 ) positioned to correspond with LEDs  62 . Aperture PCBs  84  and  88  also serve to contain balls  60 L and  60 R in their respective tracks or races  50  once layers  84 ,  86  and  88  are assembled.  
         [0054]    Spacer PCBs  82  and  90  are positioned on the exterior sides of aperture PCBs  84  and  88  respectfully and have pre-formed openings which correspond to and provide space for photo detectors  68  and LEDs  62 , which extend inwardly from the outer detector PCB  80  and LED PCB  92  respectively, which complete the seven layer lamination make-up the body of device  10 . Thus, the only moving parts are balls  60 L and  60 R. The materials making up the body are relatively economical (PCB). The optical components are secured by methods known in the art and are non-moving. The laminated structure basically encapsulates the working components and the moving components. Once constructed, the body is not necessarily completely or hermetically sealed, but it is adequately enclosed and encapsulated at least for, e.g., use inside a digital camera.  
         [0055]    But further, this lamented structure can be efficiently and economically implemented in a manufacturing process that can concurrently fabricate a plurality of devices  10 , as described below. As is diagrammatically illustrated at FIG. 8, the features of each layer  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 ,  92  of a single sensor  10  can be replicated a plurality of times in large layers or panels  180 ,  182 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190 ,  192 , of the same material and thickness as layers  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 ,  92 .  
         [0056]    As it indicated in FIG. 8A, for example, each of the seven large panels  180 ,  182 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190 ,  192  could be partitioned or divided into sections each having the perimeter dimensions of approximately one device  10 . Here, starting in the upper left-hand coner of the diagram of FIG. 8, a first section of each large panel can be indicated as portion i 1  j 1 . A second section in the first row is indicated as i 1  j 2 . The last equivalent section in the first row is i 1  jN.  
         [0057]    The plurality of columns can be repeated from i 1  to iM. By methods well-known in the art, each of the seven layers can be pre-fabricated to contain either the electrical or photo electrical components and associated printed circuits to operate the same, and/or pre-cut openings or other contour.  
         [0058]    For example, the two photo diodes  68  needed for a single tilt sensor  60  can be pre-installed on each portion i 1 j 1  to iMjN of large panel  180  (see FIG. 8A). Printed circuits needed to supply electrical communication from these two photo detectors  68  to outputs  36  and  40  can be pre-printed on that layer  80 . Conventional surface mount (SMT) techniques can be used for mounting the optical components to their substrates or panels. In this example, LEDs  62  and detectors  68  are die attached and wired bonded to their respective panels  180  and  192 . As can be appreciated, a pair of detectors  68  can, by automation, be installed at the appropriate location on each section iX jY of large panel  180  and the appropriate printed circuit, by automation, also installed according to standard PCB and SMT fabrication techniques.  
         [0059]    Still further, the architecture of the electrical components and circuitry fabricated onto panel  180  can be as shown in FIG. 8A; a pair of photodetectors  68  and associated printed circuit on each section i 1 j 1  to i 1 jN (the first row i 1  of panel  180 ) with the electrical lines all terminating at the junction with its adjacent section in row i 2 . The relative position of elongated ball tracks  50 L and R are shown in ghost lines in FIG. 8A to indicate how the position of detectors  68  would align therewith.  
         [0060]    Then, each section i 2 j 1  to i 2 jN is basically a mirror-image of its corresponding adjacent section in row i 1 , with electrical lines also terminating at the junction between sections. That combination of diodes and printed circuits can then be repeated and replicated on succeeding adjacent pairs of rows for the entire large panel  180 , to fill up panel  180  as shown in FIG. 8A. This can be advantageously used to simplify the formation of final electrical connections  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and  42  for each sensor  10 , as will be explained later.  
         [0061]    As shown in FIG. 8B, similarly the pair of openings  74 L and R and  75  for spacer PCB  82  for a single sensor  10  can be pre-fabricated (cut out) and repeated in each section i 1 j 1  to iMjN of large panel  182 . Openings  74  and  75  could be prefabricated by well known automated techniques for cutting shaped openings in wafers or PCBs. FIG. 8B only shows two pairs of openings (in sections i 1 j 1  and i 2 j 1 ), but openings  74 L and R would be plotted and cut out in each section on panel  182  to align with ball tracks  50 L and R (see ghost lines of ball tracks  50 L and R).  
         [0062]    The openings  66  and  67  in aperture PCB  84  can be pre-fabricated and repeated an all positions i 1 j 1  through iM jN for large panel  184  (see FIG. 8C). Again, only two sets of apertures (in sections i 1 j 1  and i 2 j 1 ). Each section iXjY would have them appropriately positioned and pre-formed.  
         [0063]    Races  50 R and  50 L could be pre-fabricated and repeated for each section i 1 j 1  to iMjN of large panel  186 ; and so on for large panels  188 ,  190 , and  192  (with LEDs and associated printed circuits surface mounted to panel  192  in a similar manner to the detectors and associated circuits of panel  180 ). Again for layers  186 ,  188 ,  190 , and  192 , the pre-fabricated openings or surface mounted structure are shown on sections i 1 j 1  and i 2 j 1  only, but would be prefabricated for each section i 1 j 1  to iMjN.  
         [0064]    Once all large panels  180 ,  182 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190 , and  192  are substantially pre-fabricated as described above in association with FIGS.  8 A-G, they can be assembled into a large seven layer lamination as follows. A jig or fixture (diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 9) using bottom and top heated platens and alignment pins can be used, such as are well known.  
         [0065]    Detector panel  180 , with surface mounted detectors  68  and printed circuits premounted across panel  180 , is placed face-up (through appropriately positioned, pre-fabricated alignment holes  95  in panel  180 ) onto alignment pins  94  of a lower heated lamination platen  96  (see FIG. 9).  
         [0066]    Next, panel  182  is superposed upon panel  180  by placing it on pins  94  so that each of its prefabricated openings  74  and  75  in each of its sections are aligned above corresponding detectors  68  on detector panel  180 .  
         [0067]    Similarly, prefabricated panel  184 , with pre-formed openings  66  and  67  repeated at each section, is next placed on pins  94  over panel  182 . In turn panel  186  is placed over panel  184 .  
         [0068]    At this point, pairs of steel balls  60 L and  60 R are placed in corresponding ball tracks  50 L and  50 R in each of the sections i 1  j 1  through iM jN. This is possible because one side of ball tracks  50 L and  50 R are exposed at this point in the assembly process. Once all sets of balls  60 L and  60 R are in place, panel  188  is placed in aligned position on alignment pins  94  over panel  186 .  
         [0069]    Stacking of the seven panels on pins  94  is then completed by placing panel  190  (with prefabricated openings  76 L and  76 R) and then panel  192  (with pre-installed printed circuitry and with surface mounted LEDs  62  facing down) on pins  94  in sequence.  
         [0070]    An upper heated platen  98  is then operatively positioned onto the stack of panels on pins  94  and, by techniques well known, platens  96  and  98  are moved towards each other to apply pressure to the stack. The temperature of both platens  96  and  98  is increased to around 175 degrees Celsius and pressure is increased to press the panels tightly together. This assembly will then remain under pressure for about an hour, allowing the heat to melt the B stage epoxy used between panel layers to bond the seven aligned panels together into a large lamination. Once the bonding process is completed, the panel assembly is allowed to appropriately cool.  
         [0071]    After the seven-layer lamination is completed and cooled, electrical contacts  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and  42 , on top side  30  of each device  10  (as shown in FIG. 2), can be formed by drilling five holes along the junction line between adjacent mirror-image sections (e.g. i 1 j 1  and i 2 j 1 , or i 3 j 7  and i 4 j 7 ) (i.e. at each junction between sections with the SMT devices, printed circuits, and pre-formed opening mirror images to each other), which would expose the printed circuit lines at those points. Plating could then be added through each of the holes, which may also extend outside the holes (see FIGS.  2 A-C), using standard photo resist metalization techniques, to form electrical connections needed. At this point, it may be possible to test operability of each discrete device  10  by indexing through each portion i 1 j 1  to iMjN.  
         [0072]    A sawing process (e.g. standard wafer sawing method) is utilized to saw the individual laminated portions i 1  j 1  to iM jN from the larger laminated panel combination illustrated in FIG. 9. When cutting through the drilled holes, the concave and plated portions for electrical connects  32  would be formed for two devices  10 .  
         [0073]    In one embodiment, such a laminated panel design is used to create  112  individual devices  10 , i.e. cut-out  112  separate sections i 1 j 1  to iMjN, where, e.g., M=8; N=14).  
         [0074]    Options and Alternatives  
         [0075]    The above-described exemplary embodiment is set forth for example only and not by way of limitation. Variations obvious to those skilled in the art will be included within scope of the invention, which is described solely by its claims.  
         [0076]    For example, other types of detectors can be utilized to indicate position of balls  60 .  
         [0077]    It is not necessarily required that balls be utilized.  
         [0078]    The angle of races  50  could be changed.  
         [0079]    It may be possible to reduce the number of layers, for example, by combining the functions of certain of the layers.  
         [0080]    Furthermore, device  10  could have one ball  60  and one linear track  50 , to indicate one direction of tilt. On the other hand, additional balls and tracks could be utilized in one device  10 , or multiple devices  10  could be used for single camera or other object, for sensing different amounts of tilt, or even expanding to different axes of tilt.  
         [0081]    By still further example, reference is taken to FIGS.  10 - 15 . In FIGS. 10A and B, a single ball  60  is utilized in a single V-shaped ball track  50 . Ball track  50  has left and right branches  50 L and  50 R. At the upper ends of each branch  50 L and  50 R can be detectors, here shown similar to detectors  68  of the embodiment of FIGS.  1 - 9 . The device of FIGS. 10A and B could similarly detect tilts around 90 degrees either to the left or right but using a single ball  60 . Also, this device could be made by the manufacturing process described previously so that a plurality of devices could be fabricated concurrently.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIGS. 11A and B show an embodiment utilizing the V-shaped track and single ball of FIGS. 10A and B, but utilizing one LED  62  positioned at the base of the V (adjacent to where ball  60  would be in a normal position when device  10  is in a reference position). Photo detectors  68  are positioned at the upper ends of the branches  50 L and  50 R. Additionally, all electrical components  62  and  68  are positioned on the same layer, thereby reducing the number of layers upon which a printed circuit is needed for the device. In this embodiment, when single ball  60  is in it normal lower position, LED  62  would be blocked and neither detector  68  would receive any radiation (or enough to trigger). This would be the normal non-tilted state of detector  10 . When the body is tilted in either direction past the amount needed to start moving ball  60  along one branch of ball track  50 , at the point ball  60  unblocks LED  62 , radiation from LED  62  would be picked up by the detector  68  in the opposite branch. Suitable programming would interpret such an output to indicate tilt of the device in the opposite direction from the detector  68 , which senses radiation from LED  62 . As can be appreciated, by appropriate structure and thresholding, reflective principles could be used to trigger detector  68  L or R depending on which way LED light bounces off of a single ball  60 .  
         [0083]    [0083]FIGS. 12A and B also show a single ball  60 , V-shaped ball track  50  arrangement but with LED  62  on a layer opposite detectors  68 . Functioning should be similar to that described for the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and B and  11 A and B but would require printed circuits on two layers.  
         [0084]    The embodiments of FIGS. 11A and B and  12 A and B could also be made by the manufacturing process described earlier.  
         [0085]    FIGS.  13 - 15  still further variations. The embodiment of FIG. 13 is very similar to sensor  10  of FIGS.  1 - 9 , but adds the feature of having openings or apertures  56 L and R towards the bottom of ball tracks  50 L and R. Openings  56 L and R are sized to be smaller than the diameter of ball  60 , but allow a ball  60  to seat therein if sensor  10  is rotated around its X-axis such that its X-Y plane approaches horizontal (e.g. in the digital camera example, the lens of the camera is turned face down or face up. Balls  60 L and R would seat within openings  56 L and R and would be deterred from rolling or moving to the opposite ends of ball tracks  50 L and R and triggering one or more photodetectors  68 L and R, as this could confuse camera  12  or the operator, or would provide information that is not very useful when the camera is in that position.  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 14 illustrates one ball track  50  of diamond shape, with one ball  60 . This embodiment works similarly; it can detect a substantial tilt left or right from reference position. It could detect such tilt even if upside down. It also includes a channel or opening  57  that would work like openings  56  of FIG. 13. If sensor  10  is rotated substantially face down or face up (around the X-axis), ball  60  would tend to seat into channel  57  and not roll around ball race  50  and trigger either photodetector.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14, but instead of a diamond shaped ball race  50 , has predominantly a v-shape (similar to FIGS.  10 - 12 ). But it does include a central roundedout extension  58  sized to receive ball  60 . Then, if sensor  10  is turned substantially upside down, ball  60  would be forced by gravity into extension or cupped portion  58  and held against movement to trigger either detector  68 . It could also include channel  57 , like the embodiment of FIG. 14.  
         [0088]    Each of the embodiments can be fabricated using the lamination methodology described above.  
         [0089]    Other arrangements are, of course, possible. These examples are provided simply to illustrate variations and changes from the embodiment of FIG. 1- 9  are included within the scope of the present invention.