Abstract: A method of operating a position encoder apparatus, including a scale having features defining position information and a readhead for reading the scale. The method includes: calculating extrapolated position information from at least one previous reading of the scale; comparing an extrapolated position with a position calculated from a reading of the scale to determine any discrepancy between them; using the extrapolated position information whether or not there is a discrepancy; and maintaining a record of any discrepancies.

Abstract: A non-contact tool setting apparatus, suitable for use with machine tools and the like, is described in which a transmitter emits light that is received by a receiver. An analysis unit is provided for analysing the light received by the receiver and generating a trigger signal therefrom. The receiver includes an imaging sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD sensor, having a plurality of pixels. The analysis unit generates the trigger signal by analysing the light intensity measured by a first subset of the plurality of pixels. This analysis may involve, for example, determining a resultant received light intensity or performing edge detection. The non-contact tool setting apparatus can thus emulate the operation of a laser based non-contact tool setting apparatus whilst also permitting imaging of cutting tools.

Abstract: A method of operating a position encoder apparatus, including a scale having features defining position information and a readhead for reading the scale. The method includes: calculating extrapolated position information from at least one previous reading of the scale; comparing an extrapolated position with a position calculated from a reading of the scale to determine any discrepancy between them; using the extrapolated position information whether or not there is a discrepancy; and maintaining a record of any discrepancies.

Abstract: A method of operating a position encoder apparatus, including a scale having features defining position information and a readhead for reading the scale. The method includes: calculating extrapolated position information from at least one previous reading of the scale; comparing an extrapolated position with a position calculated from a reading of the scale to determine any discrepancy between them; using the extrapolated position information whether or not there is a discrepancy; and maintaining a record of any discrepancies.

Abstract: A non-contact tool setting apparatus, suitable for use with machine tools and the like, is described in which a transmitter emits light that is received by a receiver. An analysis unit is provided for analysing the light received by the receiver and generating a trigger signal therefrom. The receiver includes an imaging sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD sensor, having a plurality of pixels. The analysis unit generates the trigger signal by analysing the light intensity measured by a first subset of the plurality of pixels. This analysis may involve, for example, determining a resultant received light intensity or performing edge detection. The non-contact tool setting apparatus can thus emulate the operation of a laser based non-contact tool setting apparatus whilst also permitting imaging of cutting tools.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of operating an absolute encoder apparatus comprising a scale having features defining absolute position information in at least one measuring dimension, and a readhead configured to read the features. The method comprises: obtaining at least one representation of at least some of the features defining absolute position information; analyzing the at least one representation to determine at least one parameter indicative of the quality of the representation; and providing an output indicative of the relative setup of the scale and readhead based at least in part on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A method of operating a position encoder apparatus, including a scale having features defining position information and a readhead for reading the scale. The method includes: calculating extrapolated position information from at least one previous reading of the scale; comparing an extrapolated position with a position calculated from a reading of the scale to determine any discrepancy between them; using the extrapolated position information whether or not there is a discrepancy; and maintaining a record of any discrepancies.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of operating an absolute encoder apparatus comprising a scale having features defining absolute position information in at least one measuring dimension, and a readhead configured to read the features. The method comprises: obtaining at least one representation of at least some of the features defining absolute position information; analysing the at least one representation to determine at least one parameter indicative of the quality of the representation; and providing an output indicative of the relative setup of the scale and readhead based at least in part on the at least one parameter.