OPTICAL STRAIN GAUGE AND METHODS OF USE INCLUDING A WIND MEASUREMENT DEVICE

摘要

The present invention is a device to measure wind velocity and/or direction. These measurements may be useful for various outdoor activities including hunting, golfing, sailing, fishing, photography, kite-flying, parachuting, fireworks displays or other activities that are influenced by wind conditions. In broader context, sensitive detection of pressure (force) is important in everything from aeronautics to the design of biological sensors The present invention provides a relatively simple, inexpensive and sensitive pressure sensor (optical strain gauge) for incorporation in a wind-measuring device. In some embodiments wind speed is determined and wind direction is provided in relative terms, for example, towards the user or away from a fixed point. In other embodiments a compass may be integrated into the device or a reference direction may be input into the device to provide absolute directional indication. In other embodiments the device may be relatively small and portable.