Sensing direction and distance

摘要

Technology described in this document can be embodied in an optical sensor that includes a rectangular array of at least four photodetector cells of substantially equal size. An opaque mask is affixed over the rectangular array. The opaque mask defines a substantially rectangular aperture for admitting light onto only a portion of the surface of each of the at least four photodetector cells, where the aperture can be centrally positioned over the rectangular array.

主权项

1. An optical sensor comprising:
a. a rectangular array of at least four photodetector cells of substantially equal size; b. an opaque mask affixed over said array, said opaque mask defining a substantially rectangular aperture centrally positioned over said at least four photodetector cells for admitting light onto only a portion of the surface of each of said at least four photodetector cells, wherein the optical sensor is configured to determine a bearing angle to a source of the light admitted through the aperture based on a difference in light intensity received at the at least four photodetector cells.