Patent ID: 11512985

Abstract:
A timing apparatus, system, and method are provided to determine a position of a rotating object in a device, such as an engine, and control the device according to the determined position of the rotating object. Light is emitted from a light source onto a reflecting region on a portion of the rotating object. Light is reflected off the reflecting region of the rotating object and detected as the rotating object rotates. Intensity of the reflected light is measured, via a microcontroller, and the position of the rotating object is determined according to the intensity of the detected light. A signal is generated that corresponds to the intensity of the detected light associated with the determined position of the rotating shaft. The reflecting region has a feature configured to effect a change in the intensity of the reflected light as the rotating object rotates. The microcontroller is configured to determine the determined position and to utilize the determined position and the change in the signal to control operating characteristics of the device.