LINEAR CONTACT SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USE IN IMAGING FEATURES OF AN OBJECT

摘要

A sensing device and method for use in imaging surface features of an object is provided. A surface along which an object can slide in a predetermined direction includes an array of contact sense elements configured to form a single array oriented transverse to the predetermined direction and at least one additional contact sense element located in spaced relation to the single array in a manner that enables a velocity measurement of the object in the predetermined direction. A scanning device is configured to provide a periodic scan of the array of contact sense elements, and a processor in circuit communication with the scanning device is configured to receive data from the scanning device and to produce image and velocity data related to the object. Preferably, the contact sense elements are electrically conductive elements disposed on a ceramic or polymeric substrate, using printed circuit board construction. A technique is described that enables the reconstruction of an object from such a device.