Abstract: A receiver circuit is disclosed and is configured to receive an optical signal. The receiver circuit includes a receiving circuit configured to receive the optical signal and convert the optical signal from a duobinary signal format into a binary signal based on a plurality of decision thresholds. The receiver circuit also includes a clock data recovery circuit configured to sample the binary signal per data period at a first time instant based on a predetermined clock data recovery technique, and sample the binary signal per data period at a second time instant offset from the first instant, as well as determine an intermediate sample based on an offset for decoding a transmitted bit sequence according to soft information based on the samples.

Abstract: A method and a video processor for preventing start code confusion. The method includes aligning bytes of a slice header relating to slice data when the slice header is not byte aligned or inserting differential data at the end of the slice header before the slice data when the slice header is byte aligned, performing emulation prevention byte insertion on the slice header, and combine the slice header and the slice data after performing emulation prevention byte insertion.

Abstract: The present development is an integrated trampoline jumping mat. The trampoline mat has a sensor or a set of sensors, a processor with wireless communication unit, and a smart device with an application program running that is in communication with the sensors. The sensors are selected to determine weight on the mat, number of people on the mat, elasticity of the mat, and degree of wetness of the mat. Data collected by the sensors is recorded and manipulated in the processor, and then transmitted to the smart device.

Abstract: Systems and methods here may be used to support a laser eye surgery device, including a base assembly mounted to an optical scanning assembly via, a horizontal x axis bearing, a horizontal y axis bearing, and a vertical z axis bearing, mounted on the base assembly, configured to limit movement of the optical scanning assembly in an x axis, y axis and z axis respectively, relative to the base assembly, a vertical z axis spring, configured to counteract the forces of gravity on the optical scanning assembly in the z axis, and, mirrors mounted on the base assembly and positioned to reflect an energy beam into the optical scanning assembly no matter where the optical scanning assembly is located on the x axis bearing, the y axis bearing and the z axis bearing.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to shifting data. A number of embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising a shift register comprising an initial stage and a final stage. The shift register may be configured such that a clock signal may be initiated at the final stage of the shift register.

Abstract: Techniques are described for communicating encoded data using start code emulation prevention. The described techniques include obtaining at least one partially encrypted packet, identifying at least one portion of the packet that is unencrypted, and determining that the identified unencrypted portion(s) emulates a start code. Start code emulation prevention data or emulation prevention bytes (EPBs) may be inserted into only the encrypted portion of the packet. The modified packet may be communicated to another device/storage, along with an indication of which portion(s) of the packet are unencrypted. Upon receiving the packet and indication, the receiving device may identify and remove the EPBs in the identified unencrypted portion(s) of the packet, and decrypt the packet to recover the data. In some aspects, upon identifying the indication, the receiving device may only search for EPBs in the unencrypted portion(s) of the packet, thus yielding a more efficient start code emulation prevention process.

Abstract: Techniques are described for communicating encoded data using start code emulation prevention. The described techniques include obtaining at least one partially encrypted packet, identifying at least one portion of the packet that is unencrypted, and determining that the identified unencrypted portion(s) emulates a start code. Start code emulation prevention data or emulation prevention bytes (EPBs) may be inserted into only the encrypted portion of the packet. The modified packet may be communicated to another device/storage, along with an indication of which portion(s) of the packet are unencrypted. Upon receiving the packet and indication, the receiving device may identify and remove the EPBs in the identified unencrypted portion(s) of the packet, and decrypt the packet to recover the data. In some aspects, upon identifying the indication, the receiving device may only search for EPBs in the unencrypted portion(s) of the packet, thus yielding a more efficient start code emulation prevention process.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for transmitting data related to utility conditions between monitoring locations and a central and/or data collection facility using a meter reading system. Collection of both corrected and uncorrected data from meters is achieved to thereby provide backup data in case of corrector failure. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides for the collection of telemetry data and alarms from correctors and recorders over a meter reading system. Two-way communications over a meter reading system is also provided to permit data transmission to selected endpoint devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for face detection. A method may include selecting a face detection parameter subset from a plurality of face detection parameter subsets. Each face detection parameter subset may include a subset of face posture models from a set of face posture models and a subset of image patch scales from a set of image patch scales. The method may further include using the selected face detection parameter subset for performing face detection in an image. Corresponding apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A gate driving circuit and a driving method thereof are provided. The gate driving circuit includes a control signal generator and at least one gate channel set, each of the at least one gate channel set includes a plurality of gate channels, and the plurality of gate channels share a level shifter. The driving method includes generating a plurality of first control signals and a plurality of second control signals according to a gate driver start pulse, and determining that one of the gate channels uses the level shifter during a time period according to the plurality of first control signals and the plurality of second control signals. Therefore, the number of the level shifters can be decreased.

Abstract: A dynamic multi-dimensional code generation and recognition apparatus in which time information and visual recognition information are combined, and a method thereof are provided. According to the present invention, a dynamic multi-dimensional code or a time-variant code including visual recognition information which is associated with source information and changed over time is provided. Accordingly, users may easily ascertain existence of the multi-dimensional code and intended contents of the source information.

Abstract: The Present Disclosure provides a touch panel, which consists of a main panel and a light-emitting touch module mounted under the main panel. The light-emitting touch module consists of a first circuit board provided with a plethora of touch sensors and light-emitting devices under the main panel. These touch sensors are used to induce the approaching signals of the operator, and transmit the induction signals to a touch control circuit for controlling the light-emitting status of the corresponding light-emitting device. The light-emitting touch module also consists of a second circuit board, electrically connected with the first circuit board. The touch control circuit is provided on the second circuit board, spatially separated from the first circuit board by a certain distance, so that the electromagnetic interferences of the touch control circuit on the touch sensors may be reduced.

Abstract: A system for providing a test result from an integrated circuit to a status analyzer. A deserializer is configured to deserialize, into data frames, messages received from the integrated circuit. The messages include the test result and are received from the integrated circuit in a serial data format. A frame sync module is configured to synchronize the data frames, output the synchronized data frames, and generate a clock signal. A gateway module is configured to receive the synchronized data frames from the frame sync module in accordance with the clock signal, convert signal levels and signal timings associated with the synchronized data frames from a first format used by the frame sync module to a second format used by the status analyzer, and provide the synchronized data frames to the status analyzer in accordance with the signal levels and the signal timings in the second format used by the status analyzer.

Abstract: An encoder includes a position data obtainer that obtains superordinate data representing a position of a moving body in a superordinate section and subordinate data representing a position in a subordinate section repeated in a superordinate section with higher resolution than that of the superordinate data, a storage in which a correction value that can correct a deviation amount occurring in the superordinate data against the subordinate data is recorded to be associated with an absolute position with resolution nearly equal to that of the superordinate data, a corrector that obtains the correction value from the storage and corrects the superordinate data, and a section identifier that identifies, based on the superordinate data corrected by the corrector and the subordinate data when the superordinate data is obtained, the subordinate section in which the subordinate data is obtained against the superordinate section.

Abstract: A method for determining an incline angle of an electromagnetic pointer is provided. The electromagnetic pointer is positioned on or above a digitizer which has a plurality of loop antennas. The method comprises steps of: locating a peak-value loop antenna which has a maximum inductive signal value; scanning plural loop antennas that are near to the peak-value loop antenna so as to obtain a signal distribution; simulating at least two signal curves by using signal values sensed by the peak-value loop antenna and the neighboring loop antennas; calculating a rate of change between every two signal curves; and determining an incline angle of the electromagnetic pointer by looking up a conversion table with the calculated rate of change. The present invention only needs to scan five to seven loop antennas to determine the incline angle, thereby increasing the efficiency of incline angle determination.

Abstract: A position encoder kit, including: a scale comprising a series of position features; and a readhead. The readhead includes a detector for receiving configuration information from a configuration item. The readhead is configured to operate in accordance with the configuration information. The readhead also includes a receiver interface via which the readhead can supply position information to a receiver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a control device and control device operation. In one embodiment a control device includes a slider configured to support a control knob, a rack coupled to the slider and configured to linearly displace the slider. The rack including slots. The control device may further include a drive element configured to displace the rack and position the control knob, and an optical detection module configured to detect position of the control knob based on one or more optical signals detected relative to slots of the rack. According to another embodiment, a control console is provided including control devices.

Abstract: A reliable encoder capable of reducing vibration of a printed board when the encoder is subjected to vibration or shock, by means of a simple structure. The encoder has a housing, a rotating code plate arranged in the housing and configured to rotate in synchronization with an object to be measured, a printed board attached to the housing and positioned above the rotating code plate, wherein the encoder has a reinforcing member configured to contact a portion of the printed board where the displacement of the printed board is large while the printed board is resonated due to vibration or shock applied to the encoder.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an encoder strip having encoder markings, first and second optical encoders positioned at a fixed distance from one another on a substrate and, responsive to being moved along the encoder strip, configured to generate first and second signals, respectively, that each indicate detection of the encoder markings on the encoder strip and processing circuitry configured to determine a current phase difference between the first and the second signals using a first portion of the first signal that corresponds to a first plurality of encoder markings and a second portion of the second signal that corresponds to a second plurality of encoder markings.

Abstract: A method is presented for converting the sine/cosine signals from an optical encoder into a high-resolution position signal for use by a position control system while eliminating common noise and error sources. The improved noise performance resulting from the alias-free demodulation of encoder signals improves precision and reduces power consumption in precision motion control applications. The adaptive compensation of harmonic distortion eliminates errors related to offset, gain and quadrature of the encoder channels. The interpolator is able to process encoder signals at extremely high resolution without the speed limitation of prior art encoder interpolators.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance measuring device includes a light source (2) which irradiates, with condensed light, a sample cell (10) having the characteristic structure of the reflectance of light that is formed in advance as a code from at least either of a substance film to be measured and a substance film different from the substance film to be measured, from a surface opposite to one on which the substance film to be measured is immobilized to a metal thin film, a CCD camera (5) which detects light reflected by the sample cell (10), and a data processing device (6) which extracts the identification code of the sample cell (10) from the feature of an image sensed by the camera (5).

Abstract: A reliable encoder capable of reducing vibration of a printed board when the encoder is subjected to vibration or shock, by means of a simple structure. The encoder has a housing, a rotating code plate arranged in the housing and configured to rotate in synchronization with an object to be measured, a printed board attached to the housing and positioned above the rotating code plate, wherein the encoder has a reinforcing member configured to contact a portion of the printed board where the displacement of the printed board is large while the printed board is resonated due to vibration or shock applied to the encoder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample holder having an insulation body (10; 50) and a first electrode (3; 33) and a second electrode (4; 34), wherein the first electrode (3; 33) and the second electrode (4; 34) project into the sample container (2; 32), the first electrode (3; 33) and the second electrode (4; 34) are connected to each other via the insulation body (10; 50), the sample container (2; 32) is filled with a dielectric liquid (5; 35), and the first electrode (3; 33) is assigned to a gas collection chamber (6; 36). The invention further relates to an assembly for the electrodynamic fragmentation of samples (38), having such a sample container (2; 32), a process container (22; 41), and means (24, 27; 39, 39.1, 39.

Abstract: Machine-enabled methods of, and devices for, encoding color bitmap data as indexed red-green-blue (RGB) data for display.

Abstract: A data driver used in a current-driving display device for receiving a digital signal and for outputting a gray-scaled current signal to a data line. The data driver includes a digital-to-analog current converter for transforming the digital signal into an analog current signal, a current-copying/reproducing module, and a control circuit. The current-copying/reproducing module is used to store a predetermined voltage for conducting the analog current signal in a transforming/storing status and to conduct a reproducing current signal to the data line in a reproducing/sustaining status. The control circuit is electrically connected between the digital-to-analog current converter and the current-copying/reproducing module for providing a switch between the transforming/storing status and the reproducing/sustaining status. The reproducing current signal is the gray-scaled current signal and is almost equivalent to the analog current signal.

Abstract: An encoder reset device and method that allows for an encoder to be automatically reset without operator intervention. A reset device of the present invention includes a microprocessor-based controller and associated programming for operating the reset device. As part of the automatic reset process, a reset device of the present invention is able to perform the connector pin jumpering necessary to resetting many encoders.

Abstract: There is described an arrangement for detecting a change in a position between two parts which can be displaced in relation to one another. The arrangement has at least one electromechanical registering device having a monitoring chamber, which is shielded from manipulations taking effect from the outside, a number of monitoring bodies in the monitoring chamber, the number comprising at least two components and these components differing from one another in terms of a physical parameter, motion transfer means, which, in the event of the change in the positioning being returned to an initial state, cause the monitoring bodies to be moved from a first monitoring arrangement into a second monitoring arrangement. A sensor device has sensors which generate a sensor signal corresponding to the physical parameter of a monitoring body associated with each sensor in the first and second monitoring arrangement, and each sensor signal is fed to an evaluation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ontology-based Electronic Product Code (EPC) automatic conversion method and system. The ontology-based EPC automatic conversion method includes the steps of arranging existing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) EPC ontology information and newly added EPC ontology information, converting tag data collected from an RFID reader into binary data so as to perform header information extraction and Uniform Resource Name (URN) conversion, extracting the header information of an EPC from the binary data output as a result of the conversion, initializing the ontology properties so as to utilize the EPC ontology, extracting a corresponding code system of the ontology by performing comparison with the header information of the tag data converted into the binary data, extracting the ontology properties from the corresponding code system of the ontology, and performing automatic conversion into URN-type data on the basis of information about the extracted ontology properties.

Abstract: An Analog to Digital (AD) converter and an AD converting method are provided. The AD converter includes one or more stators, and one or more actuators that move according to an input voltage. The digital output of the AD converter is determined based on an arrangement of the stators and the positions of the actuators relative to the stators. The AD converter can achieve high resolution and/or high speed with lower power consumption.

Abstract: A first control circuit portion carries out input/output control in cooperation with a microprocessor, a program memory, and a RAM memory. A second control circuit portion is in cooperation with the communication control circuit portion and the data memory to carry out serial communication with the first control circuit portion. A switch signal input to the second control circuit portion is stored in a first report packet, a digital conversion value for an analog signal input is stored in a second report packet, and the first and second packets are alternately periodically transmitted to the first control circuit portion. A multi-channel AD converter included in an analog signal input circuit starts to carry out AD conversion a prescribed time period after a first report packet is transmitted and finishes conversion before a second report packet is transmitted, so that up-to-date AD conversion data is transmitted.

Abstract: A method for determining the absolute value of a rotational angle includes imaging a continuous segment of a code track of a code carrier on a sensor array such that the sensor array generates a corresponding output signal. The code track includes a code provided over an angular range of 360°. The code contains a plurality of code words with each code word respectively corresponding to an angular value in the angular range. The output signal is correlated with a reference signal in a correlation filter to produce a correlation function signal. The reference signal is indicative of the code and the angular values corresponding to the code words. The correlation function signal is processed to determine the code word of the imaged segment of the code track as a function of the angular value where the output signal best coincides with the reference signal.

Abstract: An optical encoder. The optical encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections. The plurality of optically distinguishable sections includes a limit switch section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a limit switch photodetector positioned to detect the light signal from the emitter. The detector generates a limit switch output signal in response to the detected light signal above a limit switch threshold at the limit switch photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement limit switches into a single track on the coding element.

Abstract: An extended bitstream, and generation thereof, for dynamically configuring a decoder. Content data is obtained to be encoded. Build settings are obtained for configuring the decoder. The content data is encoded with an encoder to provide encoded data. A configuration bitstream is generated for configuring programmable logic responsive to the build settings. The configuration bitstream is combined with the encoded data to provide the extended bitstream. The extended bitstream is self-contained to allow for configuring of the programmable logic to dynamically instantiate the decoder to decode the encoded data.

Abstract: An encoder signal processing circuit includes: a plurality of detectors adapted to generate signals with different phases; a switching circuit adapted to alternatively select and output a signal from the detectors; and a waveform shaping circuit adapted to shape waveforms of output signals from the detectors that are switched by the switching circuit. The encoder signal processing circuit may include a direction determining/counting unit adapted to: (a) monitor output signals from the waveform shaping circuit in relation to an operation of the switching circuit, (b) determine a direction of movement and an amount of movement; and (c) calculate the amount of movement.

Abstract: A rotary encoder exhibits a shaft, which can be coupled in torque-proof fashion to a rotating object to be measured. The shaft is connected at a true angle of rotation to a material measure and is divided axially into a drive section (10), which can be coupled to the measured object, and an output section (12), which is connected to the material measure. The drive section (10) and the output section (12) are connected in torsionally rigid but axially resilient fashion by an intermediate element (26), which takes the form of a disk.

Abstract: A novel encoder system adapted for use in print architecture at least includes: a codewheel coupled to a rotating print architecture element; a first encoder sensor mounted at a first position relative to the periphery of the codewheel, the first encoder adapted to output a first output signal; a second sensor mounted at a second position relative to the periphery of the codewheel, the second encoder adapted to output a second output signal, and the second sensor positioned substantially 180 degrees relative to the first encoder sensor; and a logic correction circuit adapted to receive the first and second output signals, and for outputting a correction signal with a period that is the average of the periods of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: An encoder includes an encoder scale having a predetermined cyclic pattern, and at least one detection unit configured to detect a cyclic displacement according to movement of the encoder scale. The encoder further includes a signal elimination unit configured to subtract, from an output signal of the at least one detection unit, one of an entirety of a DC signal component, which is free from dependency on a relative displacement of the encoder scale, and a signal component that is proportional to the DC signal component.

Abstract: An assembly for optoelectronically sensing position includes a light source, a coded element, and a plurality of photosensors. Holes are disposed in the coded element to define a plurality of digital codes. The light passes through the holes in the coded element to illuminate the photosensors. The holes are sized and the photosensors are positioned such that the light is transmitted to more than one of the photosensors through each of the holes.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide approaches to start code emulation prevention at a granularity higher than the bit level. By operating at a level other than the bit level, processing capability requirements on both the encoder and decoder side can be reduced. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a start code emulation prevention method looks for data patterns relative to fixed-size data portions larger than single bits. When a particular pattern is found, start code emulation prevention data is inserted to prevent start code emulation. The inserted data is larger than a single bit and, in some embodiments, comprises a byte. When a decoder decodes data that has had start code emulation prevention data inserted, it can easily identify legitimate start codes and then can remove the start code emulation prevention data to provide the original data that was protected.

Abstract: In a boiling water reactor controlling each control rod hydraulically by driving a solenoid valve, the control system comprises an operation control means 41 having a duplicated data processing unit for generating sequence patterns based on the timing of the driving sequence based on the control information provided manually, a transmission control means 42 for creating a command word corresponding to each control rod being controlled based on said sequence pattern, and mutually communicating each command word between duplicated data processing units and computing the AND logic of said data within a predetermined time difference, and when the computed result coincide, transmitting the selected command word serially; a transmission unit 32 for receiving said command word and performing protocol conversion thereto, and transmitting the same to a plurality of transmission branch units positioned downstream as the control command; and a solenoid valve drive circuit 31 for driving the control rod drive unit corres

Abstract: A coding device is able to convert the data that is to be coded to data having different characteristics. The decoding device is able to decode differently coded data. The coding device utilizes measures to code the data according to various characteristics and protocols. Often the characteristics can be defined by state distributions. The decoding device can utilize information contained in the data to be decoded to characterize the data and define measures for decoding the data. Coding devices and decoding devices such as these can be used for widely differing applications.

Abstract: An image sensor with a plurality of elements which received images and a plurality of A/D conversion elements. A connection between the A/D converter and the image elements is substantially randomly assigned to avoid fixed pattern noise.

Abstract: A data carrier (1) for contactless communication comprises a first carrier layer (2) and a second carrier layer (3) which are held together by an adhesive layer (15), wherein an integrated circuit (11) is held in a given position between one of the two carrier layers (2, 3) and the adhesive layer (15), the circuit comprising transmission means (13, 14) which can communicate in a contactless manner with transmission means (7, 8) at the carrier layer, and the transmission means (7, 8) of the carrier layer are connected with electrical conduction to further transmission means (5, 6) by which a contactless communication with a communication station can be carried out, and wherein the final, mechanically stable retention of the integrated circuit (11) in the position reserved for it in the data carrier (1) is realized by means of the adhesive layer (15) only.

Abstract: Assembly forming a roller bearing equipped with an information sensor device containing an encoder that generates magnetic pulses and a sensor equipped with at least two sensitive elements capable of detecting these pulses. The assembly comprises a fixed spindle containing an axial bore; a rotating external ring having, on the outside of the assembly, an annular housing that protrudes coaxially relative to said bore; and roller bodies arranged between spindle and external ring. The encoder is connected on one internal lateral face of a plug arranged in the housing and the sensor is arranged in the bore supported on an external lateral surface of the spindle.

Abstract: A rotary switch includes a plurality of first electrical contacts disposed at a common radius and a plurality of second electrical contacts mounted for rotation against said first electrical contacts at said common radius. The first electrical contacts include at least one contact representing a selectable logic level and other first contacts electrically isolated from the at least one contact. The second electrical contacts electrically couple the logic level contact(s) with a unique combination of the isolated contacts in each of the respective switch positions.

Abstract: An absolute position transducer system has two members movable relative to each other and includes a code track transducer and at least one fine wavelength transducer. The code track is arranged to form a sequential pattern of base-N code words, where N is greater than two (i.e., non-binary). Each sequential non-binary code word identifies an absolute position of one member with respect to the other at a first resolution. Alternatively, the code track is arranged to form a pseudo-random non-binary code word pattern. In this case, the transducer system compares a non-binary code word with a look-up table to determine an absolute position of one member with respect to the other at a first resolution. In order to generate a non-binary code word pattern, code track transducer employs different-sized flux disrupters, different-sized flux enhancers, or a combination of flux disrupters and enhancers.

Abstract: Since the radio wave absorbent of the present invention has the main component of a magnesium-zinc system ferrite material containing 45 to 50 mol % of iron oxide, 7 to 19.7 mol % of magnesium oxide, 24 to 28.5 mol % of zinc oxide, 4 to 16 mol % of copper oxide, and 0.1 to 6 mol % of manganese oxide, a matching thickness is less than 8 mm, and the total weight of the radio wave absorbent for use in the inner wall of a radio wave dark room or the outer wall of a building or the like is remarkably reduced as compared with the radio wave absorbent obtained by sintering the conventional magnesium-zinc system ferrite material. Moreover, since the radio wave absorbent can be obtained by sintering the material at a relatively low sintering temperature of about 950 to 1150° C., the manufacture cost can be reduced relative to the radio wave absorbent obtained by sintering the conventional nickel-zinc system ferrite material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical sensing system which uses a plurality of detectors installed at various positions next to an optical panel to generate a position signal for indicating the position of the optical panel. The optical sensing system has an optical panel having a plurality of sensing areas each having a plurality of encoding holes arranged in a predetermined direction, a sensing device having a plurality of detectors for detecting movements of the optical panel corresponding to the sensing device, each of the detectors being corresponded to one of the sensing areas of the optical panel for detecting movements of the encoding holes along the predetermined direction and generating correspondent sensing signals, and a control circuit electrically connected to the sensing device for collecting the sensing signals generated by the detectors of the sensing device to form a position signal so as to indicate the optical panel's position.

Abstract: An encoder signal generating device in which a light receiving element (1) is constituted by a one-chip planar type phototransistor array that has a plurality of light receiving portions (21). Thus, this encoder signal generating device needs no amplification circuit. Even when using this encoder signal generating device as a device of the multi-channel type, the size of the light receiving element (1) is reduced, in comparison with that of a conventional light receiving element. Moreover, a highly sensitive encoder signal generating device, which has good S/N characteristics, is obtained.

Abstract: An absolute encoder is provided with a movable member, which may be a disc, a photodetector and a processing circuit. The movable member has a plurality of tracks T arranged from higher to lower orders, each track having a bright and dark pattern. The photodetectors A1-A4 receive a light through the bright and dark patterns to output triangular detection signals A1-A4 associated with the track T. The processing circuit processes the detection signals A1-A4 to produce bit signals P1-P3 which indicate a position of the movable member. The processing circuit is provided with an input unit 1, a comparator unit 2 and a logic unit 3. The input unit 1 receives the detection signals A1-A4 for producing a plurality of triangular wave signals having the same period but different phases. The comparator unit 2 comparatively processes the triangular wave signals with each other to produce a plurality of rectangular wave signals having different phases.