Abstract: A length measuring instrument for measuring length with a measure includes: a measure on which a code is printed, a plurality of patterns each allotted to a different number being arranged, each of the patterns having digits to which an N-notation number (N being 3 or greater) is allotted, each of the digits having a different color corresponding to the allotted numerical value, the patterns being arranged in ascending order or descending order, a Hamming distance between patterns adjacent to each other in an array direction being 1, an amount of change in numerical value at the same digit between the adjacent patterns being 1 in the code; a reading unit that optically reads patterns printed on the measure; and a measuring unit that measures a length of a measurement target from a result of the reading by the reading unit.

Abstract: A rotary sensor assembly, comprising a first sensor part with a plurality of position sensor segments, and a second sensor part with a grounded contact in contact with a position sensor segment. For a current incremental rotational position a contact is in contact with an un-powered current-position sensor segment, with the neighbour segments being in a powered state. When the contact is rotated to a powered next-position position sensor segment, the next-position sensor segment becomes a new current-position sensor segment. Electronic circuitry is adapted to detect that the new current-position sensor segment is grounded and that the first and second sensor parts thereby have been rotated one increment relative to each other, and subsequently change the state of the former current-position sensor segment from un-powered to powered and the state of the new current-position sensor segment from powered to un-powered.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder comprises a scale and a detector overlaying the scale. The scale includes a periodic pattern of wavelength Wf and a code pattern having bit length Wcode. The detector includes a set of periodic pattern sensors and M sets of code pattern sensors. M is at least two. The configuration principles include: a) Wcode is larger than Wf and at most M*Wf, and b) the sets of code pattern sensors are located along the measuring axis at respective alignment positions configured such that as the code pattern moves in a single direction it moves by successive alignment intervals that are each at most Wf to align with successive alignment positions. Signal processing is provided to determine the absolute position based on the M respective sets of code detector signals and on spatially periodic signals arising in the periodic pattern sensing elements due to the periodic pattern.

Abstract: A sensor device having at least one sensor element, such as a Hall sensor element, and at least one magnet element that can move in relation to the sensor element. The sensor element has a number of differently magnetized regions. The sensor element is configured to issue a sensor signal, which represents a condition defined by a magnetization of a region of the magnet element located in the measurement range of the sensor element. The sensor element determines the condition by means of one of at least three pre-defined sensor signal values.

Abstract: A drug delivery device which includes a first housing part, a second housing part, a button, a drug expelling mechanism, a graduated plate, a circuit board and a pressing rod. The button is connected to the first housing part. The drug expelling mechanism is disposed inside the second housing part, and includes a dose setting member which is rotatable and configured to set a drug dose to be expelled. The graduated plate is disposed inside the first housing part and connected to the button, and includes a first conductive element and a plurality of second conductive element disposed on a surface thereof. The plurality of second conductive elements are arranged in interval and the first conductive element is electrically connected to the plurality of second conductive elements. The circuit board is disposed inside the first housing part and connected to the dose setting member.

Abstract: Automobiles, automobile instruments, and user interfaces for controlling automobile equipment are provided. A user interface for controlling automobile equipment includes a circuit board accommodating an encoder circuit. Further, the user interface includes a dial mounted independent of the circuit board. The dial is moveable in response to manipulation by a user of the automobile equipment. The dial communicates electronically with the encoder circuit.

Abstract: The angular and axial position sensor arrangement includes several sensors arranged adjacently, and aligned parallel to the axis of an encoded member that is angularly and axially displaceable relative to the sensors. The encoded member includes N?1 axial detection encoded rings with value A along their entire circumference and includes an Nth axial detection encoded ring that is axially adjacent with value B, different from value A, along its entire circumference. The values of axial detection encoded rings are distinguishable by the sensors overlapping some axial detection encoded rings. The encoded member includes several angular detection encoded rings axially adjacent to the Nth axial detection encoded ring. The angular detection encoded rings include a coding pattern composed of A and B values along their circumference to determine angular position by some sensors overlapping them.

Abstract: A rotary piston machine is disclosed. In one aspect, the machine includes a shaft and a shaft encoder including a first structure, based on which the rotational speed and/or the rotational position of the shaft can be determined by scanning the first structure with a sensor. The shaft encoder has a rotationally asymmetrical mass distribution in order to produce an imbalance.

Abstract: A scanning device for a position encoder is provided that comprises a plurality of sensor elements for generating a plurality of sensor signals. A summation unit is also provided for generating at least a first summation signal and a second summation signal that provide information on the relative alignment of the scanning device and an associated scale. The first summation signal is generated from a first subset of the plurality of sensor signals and the second summation signal is generated from a second subset of the plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensor elements are substantially evenly spaced apart from one another N and sensor elements are provided per period of an associated scale, wherein N is an integer value and a multiple of three and four. In this manner, the third harmonic contribution to the summation signals is suppressed.

Abstract: The device to measure the absolute rotation angle of a rotating shaft includes a rotating disc, fixed to the shaft. A group of permanent magnets of different sizes and polarities is disposed on a circular track. Further, a group of Hall sensors, fixed to a static part of the device, are disposed on a circular path, in proximity of the rotating disc magnets tracks, and generate electric signals proportional to the strength of the magnetic field produced by the magnets in proximity. The signs of these electric signals are used to calculate a code characteristic of a low resolution absolute angular position. Two analog signals are associated to the obtained code, according to a predefined table. The associated analog signal having the closest value to zero is used as an entry to a pre-recorded table containing the correspondent angular position of the shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing data structures are provided. In one embodiment, an asynchronous first-in-first-out (FIFO) data structure may include, for example, a FIFO memory having a depth d in which d is an integer and a code generator coupled to the FIFO memory. The code generator may provide, for example, a first code sequence of length 2d. The first code sequence may have a circular property and a Hamming length of one for any two consecutive codes of the first code sequence. The first code sequence may be generated from a second code sequence by removing one or more pairs of mirrored codes of the second code sequence.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a rotary encoding switch is disclosed such as used in the function setting for relays or similar. In one embodiment, a particularly secure function setting for relays or similar may be achieved by means of a rotary encoding switch with a number of switch stages with separations between the switch stages which are not constant.

Abstract: A high speed quadrature counter for use with a displacement measuring device is disclosed. The counter provides high speed counting by partitioning the tracking counter into a small fast tracking counter portion for the LSBs and a larger slow tracking counter portion for the MSBs. The fast tracking counter portion outputs a smaller number of bits according to a fast clock rate, while the slow tracking counter portion outputs a larger number of bits to update the remainder of the position at a slower clock rate. In various embodiments, the counter provides a corrected position value that has an effective timing within a few fast clock cycles of the time of the latch trigger signal. A corrected latched position circuit corrects an error that may otherwise be produced by the partitioning and the different clock rates of the fast and slow tracking counter portions.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder for identifying which of a plurality of loci a moveable member occupies comprises a plurality of data tracks in which binary data is encoded to form a series of n-bit words, each of the plurality of loci being associated with one of the n-bit words. A plurality of the n-bit words is required to uniquely determine which of the loci the moveable member occupies. The absolute position encoder does not use a clock track to resolve the problem of asynchronous bit transitions.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method are provided for performing in parallel a data processing operation on data elements. The data processing apparatus comprises a register data store having a plurality of registers operable to store data elements, and processing logic operable to perform data processing operations on data elements. A decoder is operable to decode a data processing instruction, the data processing instruction identifying a lane size and a data element size, the lane size being a multiple of the data element size. Further, the decoder is operable to control the processing logic to define based on the lane size a number of lanes of parallel processing in at least one of the registers, and the processing logic is operable to perform in parallel a data processing operation on the data elements within each lane of parallel processing. This provides significantly improved flexibility in the performance of SIMD operations.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor with a face having several tracks spaced apart from one another. One of these tracks has a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an electrically nonconductive gap. Also included is a detection device extending across the tracks to receive signals by capacitive coupling. Sensor circuitry electrically coupled to the tracks and the detection device is structured to generate a first number of bits from a sequential signal pattern applied to the tracks in accordance with an established sequence. The circuitry is also structured to generate a second number of bits as a function of a first signal and a second signal. The first bits and second bits represent a position of the detection device along the tracks with the first bits being more numerically significant than the second bits.

Abstract: An encoder system includes an encoding medium having a plurality of encoder target portions alternating with a plurality of encoder window portions. A sensor is movable in relation to the encoding medium. A signal source provides an electronic drive signal to the sensor and sensor electronics coupled to the sensor sense an electrical characteristic of the code strip to determine whether the sensor is next to an encoder target portion or is next to an encoder window portion.

Abstract: Ternary (3-value) and higher, multi-value digital scramblers/descramblers in digital communications. The method and apparatus of the present invention includes the creation of ternary (3-value) and higher value truth tables that establish ternary and higher value scrambling functions which are its own descrambling functions. The invention directly codes by scrambling ternary and higher-value digital signals and directly decodes by descrambling with the same function. A disclosed application of the invention is the creation of composite ternary and higher-value scrambling devices and methods consisting of single scrambling devices or functions combined with ternary or higher value shift registers. Another disclosed application is the creation of ternary and higher-value spread spectrum digital signals. Another disclosed application is a composite ternary or higher value scrambling system, comprising an odd number of scrambling functions and the ability to be its own descrambler.

Abstract: An encoder includes a rotary member having a predetermined electrode pattern and a fixed member having multiple channel contacts which are opposed to the electrode. The rotary member has stable reference phases where at most one pair of the contacts is ON (in electrical contact) and at least another pair is OFF (not in electrical contact), i.e. both pairs may be OFF. When the rotary member is rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise from one reference phase, both pairs of contacts are temporarily on before reaching the adjacent reference phase. The pairs of contacts that are ON or OFF at the adjacent reference phase differ dependent on the direction of rotation. A counter is incremented or decremented according to the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A circuit assembly for providing a switch sensor and a capacitive sensor. The circuit assembly has a first pattern of conductive material in a first plane and a second pattern of conductive material in a second plane. An insulating member in an intermediate plane separates the first and second patterns. In a switch sensor area, the insulating member has openings to allow a first conductive element in the first pattern to contact a second conductive element in the second pattern responsive a force being applied to the first conductive element. In the capacitive sensor area, the insulating member maintains spacing between conductive material in the first and second patterns. The circuit assembly also includes a preventative capacitance configuration that limits non-intentional capacitive coupling in the capacitive sensor area.

Abstract: In a multiturn rotary encoder, a first code disk is arranged with an input shaft for detecting the angular position of the input shaft within one rotation. To detect the number of rotations of the input shaft, a multiturn part is provided with further code disks in the form of magnet bodies which are driven geared down. A printed circuit board having detector devices for scanning the first code disk and the magnet bodies is positioned between the first code disk and the multiturn part. The detector devices of the first code disk and of the magnet bodies are mounted on one common side of a printed circuit board which is opposite the first code disk.

Abstract: A potentiometer and logic circuitry attached to a common substrate. In one aspect the potentiometer and logic circuitry is an integrated potentiometer mounted on an upper surface of a circuit board with circuitry on a lower surface of the circuit board. The circuitry conducts the position and movement of the potentiometer into potentiometer output signals.

Abstract: A multi-turn rotary encoder that includes a first code carrier connected with an input shaft, a scanning device that scans the first code carrier and generates an absolute position of the input shaft within one revolution, and a digital code word is present at an output of the scanning device and a second code carrier for measuring the number of revolutions of the input shaft. A reduction gear is arranged between and coupled to the first and second code carriers. The second code carrier includes a magnetic body with at least one north and south pole and a substrate with a spatial arrangement of sensor elements integrated therein, which are sensitive to magnetic fields, is associated with the magnetic body.

Abstract: An integrated digital electronic encoder that converts mechanical movement of a device input into a signal that can be applied to particular purposes is described. The encoder and associated signal conditioning and processing circuitry are embedded together as a single unit for simplicity of assembly into particular applications, and reliability. The integrated digital electronic encoder includes a substrate with first and second substantially opposed major surfaces, and a digital encoder formed on the first major surface of the substrate. The encoder comprises an actuation shaft, and the encoder is configured to generate electrical signals in response to movement of the actuation shaft. Electronic circuitry is attached to the second major surface of the substrate, preferably using surface mount technology. The electronic circuitry is electrically connected with the digital encoder to process the signals produced by the encoder.

Abstract: This invention describes encoding methodology for the encoder assembly 18 which senses position of a shift motor 14 in a shift system 10. The basic motivation is robust operation of the shift system 10 in the event of an open circuit (OC) fault in the encoder output signal bus 20 or any fault in the encoder power supply line 80. It is assumed here that the controller 40 is unable to detect the said faults in a manner that is direct and independent of the sensed position code. The most important aspect of the encoding scheme is that the likely motor positions (main-stop positions) should be assigned as many logically high bits as possible. Next, no main-stop position should look like either Neutral or any of the two adjacent positions when an OC fault takes place in the bus 20. Finally, no position in the complete range of the travel of motor 14 should possess code which is identical to the power loss code (all logical zero's).

Abstract: A position detecting device comprises: a plurality of magnetoresistive elements which, with a predetermined spacing, are disposed so as to oppose a magnetic recording medium magnetized so as to have N poles and S poles at a predetermined pitch; and a holder for holding the magnetoresistive elements, the position detecting device detecting a moving amount of the magnetic recording medium by means of the magnetoresistive element, wherein the position detecting device further comprises positioning means for adjusting the spacing between the magnetic recording medium and the magnetoresistive elements, and wherein the holder is provided so as to be capable of pivoting around a center axis which is substantially parallel to a moving direction of the magnetic recording medium, so as to enable adjustment of the spacing between the magnetic recording medium and the magnetoresistive elements.

Abstract: A method of determining a first sector within a zone on a recording medium. The recording medium has several zones, each zone having several subtracks, each subtrack having several sectors. Each sector has a position identifier field identified as S(M,N) for sector N and subtrack M. The values for each subtrack form a sequence of values with a break in the sequence that is used to mark the first sector.

Abstract: The invention provides for encoding position information for zone number, subtrack number and sector number, with less number of bits. The invention also provides for redundant position information to accurately determine the position of the transducer head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert absolute angular or linear position to digital information utilizes a ternary coding scheme. The code is arranged along a single track. Sensors placed at essentially equal intervals distinguish three states per position. The sensor outputs are converted from ternary to binary data by combinatorial logic. The sensors may be mechanical contacts, optical detectors, magnetic detectors, or capacitive detectors. Such an encoder may be used as a potentiometer, multiposition switch replacement, shaft encoder, or length measurement device.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder converts absolute mechanical position to a digital output value. A single-track, rotary embodiment of the encoder includes several conductive pick-up segments that are symmetrically arranged along a circular pick-up track, with each pick-up segment connected to a respective output terminal. A metallic rotor of the encoder comprises a plurality of contacts that are positioned in alignment with the pick-up track such that the contacts slidably contact different pick-up segments as the rotor is rotated. The contacts on the rotor are conductively interconnected, and are maintained at a common voltage via a sliding connection between the rotor and a collector ring. The output of the encoder is a cyclical Gray code sequence, which may be used in combination with a ROM look-up table to accurately track position. Linear and multi-track embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder converts absolute mechanical position to a digital output value. A single-track, rotary embodiment of the encoder includes several conductive pick-up segments that are symmetrically arranged along a circular pick-up track, with each pick-up segment connected to a respective output terminal. A metallic rotor of the encoder comprises a plurality of contacts that are positioned in alignment with the pick-up track such that the contacts slidably contact different pick-up segments as the rotor is rotated. The contacts on the rotor are conductively interconnected, and are maintained at a common voltage via a sliding connection between the rotor and a collector ring. The output of the encoder is a cyclical Gray code sequence, which may be used in combination with a ROM look-up table accurately track position. Linear and multi-track embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital absolute position encoder is provided for determining absolute position of a first member with respect to a second member. The absolute position is determined within a resolution cell of L/2.sup.n, where n is an integer and L is a predetermined span. One of the members has a plurality of, m, tracks of binary indicia distributed over the predetermined span, L, where m is an integer less than n. The other member has a plurality of indicia detectors disposed on the second member for detecting the binary indicia. With such an arrangement, an encoder is provided having "a unit-distance code", yet uses less tracks than that used with a conventional Gray code encoder. Further, the encoder has a reduced number of transitions than that required on the track used with a conventional Gray code encoder. Both of these features simplify the design and fabrication for a given encoder resolution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert absolute angular or linear position to digital information utilizes a ternary coding scheme. The code is arranged along a single track. Sensors placed at essentially equal intervals distinguish three states per position. The sensor outputs are converted from ternary to binary data by combinatorial logic. The sensors may be mechanical contacts, optical detectors, magnetic detectors, or capacitive detectors. Such an encoder may be used as a potentiometer, multiposition switch replacement, shaft encoder, or length measurement device.

Abstract: A position encoder includes a plurality of encoded elements or disks, each of which has indicia representative of a bit of a five bit digital word of a Gray code. Each disk is mechanically coupled to a lever or movable member. A sensor is positioned adjacent to each disk so that the sensors produce digital signals in response to the indicia. The indicia are arranged so that if only one bit of any word is changed, then the modified word will either be a) identical to a word representing an adjacent position of the lever, or b) different from all the words which represent lever positions.

Abstract: A sensor for determining position or dimensions of an object comprises an array of detectors and an actuating medium of the detectors configured to cause the detectors to output an absolute Gray binary code.

Abstract: A linear encoder has a plurality short main scales arranged separately in their longitudinal direction and plural sliders situated in parallel with the longitudinal direction so as to more along these main scales. In operation, data obtained through these sliders are joined and processed in a signal processor in order to get position data of a table. Consequently, any position along a long movement stroke of the table can be detected easily and at a low cost.

Abstract: A position detector is provided with an encoded element having indicia representative of a bit pattern of a pair of bits of a Gray code and a pair of sensors responsive to this indicia. The encoded element is capable of being mechanically coupled to a movable member and the sensors are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a shift in the bit pattern between two bits of the Gray code such that movement of the encoded element past the sensors is used to produce two bits of the Gray code. Additional encoded elements and sensors are used to produce additional bits of the Gray code.