Dec 13 2010
University of Cambridge scientists have devised an innovative motion sensing technology, having a thousand times greater sensitivity than the prevailing systems for use in a wide range of applications from aerospace to home entertainment.
A research team led by Dr Ashwin Seshia, at the Nanoscience Centre of the University, has developed this technology by detecting the fluctuations between the relative amplitude of combined vibratory systems for increasing the responsiveness of microscopic inertial sensing devices. The inertial sensors are used in various motion detecting applications, and can be deployed in smartphones, fighter jets and many more systems.
The sensors are capable of calculating the deviations in acceleration and furnish angular motion data. The inertial sensors are huge and costly, and the tiny models of these devices working on micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology are being developed with versions having miniature, economical, reduced energy consumption applications. But, these devices possess sensitivity lesser than the high performing demanding applications such as healthcare, navigation, and gaming.
Dr. Seshia’s methodology focuses on increasing the sensitivity for the measured quantity, while lowering the responsiveness to environmental factors such as pressure and temperature. According to Dr Andrea Cantone, of Cambridge Enterprise, Dr. Ashwin’s technology has an extended potential to advance the prevailing inertial sensing applications. This innovative technology was highlighted at the London-based Technology World 2010 exhibition at the ExCel Centre from December 7 to December 8, 2010.
Source: http://www.cam.ac.uk