An embodiment device includes an optical source configured to transmit an optical pulse and an optical sensor configured to receive a reflection of the optical pulse. The device further includes a processor configured to determine a parameter based on the reflection, the parameter indicative of a distance between the device and a target; and a controller configured to generate a first control signal based on the parameter, the first control signal being configured to control an operation of the optical source.

An embodiment device includes an optical source configured to transmit an optical pulse and an optical sensor configured to receive a reflection of the optical pulse. The device further includes a processor configured to determine a parameter based on the reflection, the parameter indicative of a distance between the device and a target; and a controller configured to generate a first control signal based on the parameter, the first control signal being configured to control an operation of the optical source.

Devices, systems, and methods for nail clipping, for example, animal nail clipping, include a nail clipper including a body for grasping by a user's hand. The body may define a clip space as for receiving of a subject's nail for clipping. The clipper can include at least one blade coupled with the body for movement between a withdraw position retracted from the clip space and a clip position extended into the clip space for clipping, and a clipping control system including a sensor system for detecting non-shell material of a subject's nail within the clip space.

A cable detection system for detecting an end of a cable having a plurality of exposed different sections includes an illumination device and a camera. The illumination device emits an illuminating light to the end of the cable. The illumination device simultaneously emits a parallel light and a diffuse light to the end of the cable. The camera captures an image of the end of the cable. The parallel light sharpens a boundary between the different sections of the cable in the image, and the diffuse light clarifies a surface of the different sections in the image.

A sliding cover for a liquid delivery device, such as a cap (100) for a pen injector (200), incorporates a set of sensors including an optical sensor (110) with an output which changes during uncapping or capping motions on passing of a plunger (220) of the pen injector. This output is used together with a position sensor (120) to determine the position of the plunger along a cylinder (210) of the liquid delivery device. By monitoring changes in the plunger position, the quantity of dosages delivered by the liquid delivery device can be determined, displayed, stored and/or transmitted to an external device for further data processing or storage. Preferred implementations of the invention employ optical sensors with a converging beam (115), and/or position sensors employing linear potentiometer strips (132).

A sliding cover for a liquid delivery device, such as a cap (100) for a pen injector (200), incorporates a set of sensors including an optical sensor (110) with an output which changes during uncapping or capping motions on passing of a plunger (220) of the pen injector. This output is used together with a position sensor (120) to determine the position of the plunger along a cylinder (210) of the liquid delivery device. By monitoring changes in the plunger position, the quantity of dosages delivered by the liquid delivery device can be determined, displayed, stored and/or transmitted to an external device for further data processing or storage. Preferred implementations of the invention employ optical sensors with a converging beam (115), and/or position sensors employing linear potentiometer strips (132).

An optical sensor device has a transmission unit for emitting light, a receiving unit for light emitted by the transmission unit, and an evaluation unit for evaluating a receive signal, which is based on the received light, wherein the emitted light is designed as a light pulse which is based on a transmission signal, which has a signal shape with a rising and/or falling flank, wherein the receive signal has substantially the same signal shape as the transmission signal, wherein the evaluation unit is suitable for scanning the receive signal at at least one scanning point in its rising and/or falling flank.

A sensor comprising a light emitter and light detector directly covered and encapsulated by a layer of light transmissive compound. A gap in the light transmissive compound between the light emitter and the light detector filled with a light blocking barrier.

A sensor comprising a light emitter and light detector directly covered and encapsulated by a layer of light transmissive compound. A gap in the light transmissive compound between the light emitter and the light detector filled with a light blocking barrier.

A control system is provided for a fluid delivery device. The control system includes an emitter operable to emit a series of pulses of electromagnetic radiation, as well as a detector operable to detect as a series of detection events electromagnetic radiation pulses reflected by an object on which the emitted pulses of electromagnetic radiation are incident. The control system also includes a microprocessor operable to receive signals corresponding to each detection event from the detector, and to analyse a series of samples of the signals received from the detector. Each sample corresponds to a plurality of successive detection events. The microprocessor is also operable to subsequently generate one or more signals to control operation of the fluid delivery device depending on the results of the analysis.