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Position encoding optical device and method

  • US 6,552,809 B1
  • Filed: 09/18/2000
  • Issued: 04/22/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An optical device for encoding the position of a light spot image formed at an input image plane, said device comprising:

  • a diffractive optical element disposed within said input image plane and including an array of diffractive cells each being disposed at a predetermined position with respect to a predetermined reference point on said diffractive optical element, each said cells being capable of generating a unique optical diffraction pattern when illuminated, at least one of said cells being positioned to receive said light spot input image generating its unique optical diffraction pattern accordingly at an output image plane; and

    one or more optical detectors disposed at said output image plane and responsive to said unique optical diffraction pattern to generate one or more encoded signals indicative of the position of said light spot image with respect to said reference point.

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