Multi-bit absolute position optical encoder with reduced number of tracks
First Claim
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1. An optical encoder comprising:
- a coding element having a track with a track pattern, the track pattern comprising multiple optically distinguishable sections;
a light source configured to output light to the track;
a photodetector positioned to detect light from the light source that is associated with the track, the photodetector generating an output signal in response to detected light;
threshold logic configured to indicate the magnitude of the output signal relative to at least one transition-specific threshold, wherein the at least one transition-specific threshold corresponds to a transition between optically distinguishable sections of the track; and
position logic configured to generate digital position information in response to the indication from the threshold logic.
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Abstract
An optical encoder includes a coding element having a track with a track pattern that comprises multiple optically distinguishable sections. The optical encoder compares photodetector outputs with transition-specific thresholds that correspond to transitions between the optically distinguishable sections of the track. The comparisons are used to determine when the transition between two optically distinguishable sections of the track has passed the photodetector. Knowledge of the transition between two optically distinguishable sections is then translated into digital position information.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An optical encoder comprising:
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a coding element having a track with a track pattern, the track pattern comprising multiple optically distinguishable sections; a light source configured to output light to the track; a photodetector positioned to detect light from the light source that is associated with the track, the photodetector generating an output signal in response to detected light; threshold logic configured to indicate the magnitude of the output signal relative to at least one transition-specific threshold, wherein the at least one transition-specific threshold corresponds to a transition between optically distinguishable sections of the track; and position logic configured to generate digital position information in response to the indication from the threshold logic. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An optical encoder comprising:
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a coding element having first and second tracks, the first and second tracks both having a track pattern comprising multiple optically distinguishable sections; a light source configured to output light to the first and second tracks; a first photodetector positioned to detect light from the light source that is associated with the first track, the first photodetector generating a first output signal in response to the detected light; a second photodetector positioned to detect light from the light source that is associated with the second track, the second photodetector generating a second output signal in response to the detected light; threshold logic configured to indicate the magnitude of the output signals from the first and second photodetectors relative to transition-specific thresholds, wherein the transition-specific thresholds correspond to transitions between optically distinguishable sections of the first and second tracks; and position logic configured to generate digital position information in response to the indications from the threshold logic. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for generating absolute position information using an optical encoder, the method comprising:
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applying light to a track of a coding element, the track having a track pattern comprising multiple optically distinguishable sections; detecting the light that is applied to the track and generating an output signal in response to detected light; comparing the output signal to at least one transition-specific threshold, wherein the at least one transition-specific threshold corresponds to a transition between optically distinguishable sections of the track; and generating digital position information in response to the comparison of the output signal to the at least one transition-specific threshold. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification