Abstract: There is provided a position detection device to suppress an influence of a signal distortion due to a processing error or the like, the position detection device including: a reference position calculation unit that calculates a reference position of a moving body on the basis of a first signal and a second signal, the first signal being detected from a first track provided on the moving body and having a scale of predetermined cycles, and the second signal being detected from a second track provided on the moving body and having a scale of cycles less than the predetermined cycles; a slit specifying unit that specifies a slit corresponding to a position of the moving body; an in-slit position calculation unit that calculates an in-slit position of the moving body in the specified slit; and a correction unit that corrects an absolute position of the moving body.

Abstract: A position detection module and a position detection system thereof are provided. The position detection module includes a first output port, a second output port, a third output port and a fourth output port. The first output port outputs a first detection signal, the second output port outputs a first position signal, the third output port outputs a second detection signal, and the fourth output port outputs a second position signal. Thus, the design of two sets of detection signals and position signals enables the position detection module to be fault-tolerant for meeting the requirements of safe dual-channel.

Abstract: A method for implicit addressing includes providing within a first unit and a second unit respectively a counter unit, a comparison unit and a storing unit for the storage of an identifier, allocating a first identifier to the first unit, allocating a second identifier to the second unit setting the same counter value in the counter units of both units, after setting the counter values comparing the counter value in the first unit to the first identifier and comparing the counter value in the second unit to the second identifier, based on equality of the comparison in the first unit sending of first data from the first unit or-assigning of first data to the first unit, based on inequality of the comparison in the second unit no sending or assigning of data to the second unit, and counting up or down the counter value in both units.

Abstract: A touch panel and a touch device are provided. The touch panel includes a touch region and a bezel region. The touch region includes a plurality of transmit channels. The bezel region is disposed on an edge of the touch region. The bezel region includes a plurality of first traces, a plurality of second traces, and a plurality of conductive film layers. One of the conductive film layers connects one of the first traces and one of the second traces. The first trace and the second trace connected in parallel are connected to one of the transmit channels. A trace impedance of the bezel region in the touch panel can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for determining a sensor offset of a sensor in a device, in particular in a steering system for a motor vehicle. The device has a first component, a second component which is movable with respect to the first component, a resetting element, an actuator and a sensor for determining the relative motion between the first component and the second component. The method comprises the following steps: firstly, a predetermined relative motion between the first component and the second component is generated by the actuator. The resulting relative motion is measured by means of the sensor, and the sensor data obtained from the measurement are stored. A constant sensor offset of the sensor is then determined on the basis of the stored sensor data. Furthermore, a device is described whose sensor offset can be determined by means of the method.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided for a sensor that determines a sensed property. The control circuit includes an input interface configured to receive high-resolution data and low-resolution data for the sensed property. The control circuit further includes circuitry configured to determine information on a functional state of the sensor using the high-resolution data and the low-resolution data.

Abstract: A caliper-arm-position sensor comprising a differential variable reluctance transducer (DVRT) and circuits to drive the DVRT with a substantially sinusoidal signal and to sample a signal at the DVRT once per drive-signal cycle at a predetermined position in the drive-signal cycle is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a linear encoder having an arbitrary size while maintaining high producibility. An absolute linear encoder includes a long scale formed by continuously connecting a first short scale and a second short scale in which a first cyclic bit string and a second cyclic bit siring generated using the same initial value for different generator polynomials are arranged, and at least two sensors arranged at positions facing the long scale side by side in a longitudinal direction of the long scale.

Abstract: A code plate including a pattern thereon is provided. The pattern includes a first set of codes and a second set of codes. The first set of codes is associated with a first waveform. The second set of codes is associated with a second waveform.

Abstract: An output value of the transport position output portion when a first mark which is provided in a recording medium is at a predetermined position with respect to a detection region is stored in a storage portion as a reference value, and a start timing of the printing of the image is controlled based on the timing at which the mark detection portion detects the mark after confirming that the first mark reaches a predetermined range from the detection region based on comparison of the output value of the transport position output portion and the reference value with each other, when the transport in the first direction of the recording medium is started.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle motor is a control apparatus for a vehicle motor configured to control a motor that can realize a plurality of characteristics in which output upper limits of torque are different from each other. The control apparatus for the vehicle motor is provided with: a characteristic switching device configured to switch a characteristic of the motor between a first characteristic in which the output upper limit is first predetermined torque and a second characteristic in which the output upper limit is second predetermined torque, which is lower than the first predetermined torque; a characteristic switching abnormality determining device configured to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in switching of the characteristic of the motor; and a fail-safe performing device configured to perform a fail-safe process according to the characteristic of the motor if it is determined that there is the abnormality in the switching of the characteristic of the motor.

Abstract: Some embodiments may include a capacitive rotary position encoder for the absolute determination of a rotary position about a rotary spindle. The rotary position encoder may include a transceiver unit, comprising a first arrangement of N electrically conductive, capacitive sensitivity areas which are embodied as angle segments over a defined angle range, which are distributed uniformly over the circumference, an electrically conductive reference area and an evaluation circuit, by means of which an electrical capacitance value between the reference area and one of the sensitivity areas is determinable. In some embodiments the sensitivity areas and the reference area are embodied as conductor track structures on a first electronics printed circuit board.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a linear motion stage includes: a first filter for filtering the frequency of a signal received from a linear encoder of the linear motion stage; an adder for adding an input signal representing a command position and a negative of an output signal of the first filter; a control for generating a control signal for controlling the linear motion stage based on an output signal of the adder; and a second filter for filtering the frequency of the control signal. Each of the input terminals of the first and second filters has a correction table for storing cut-off frequencies and damping rates measured according to the driven positions of the linear motion stage, thereby applying the correction table so as to determine the cut-off frequencies of the first and second filters and the damping rates according to the driven positions of the linear motion stage.

Abstract: A drive unit, which can be included in an image forming apparatus with peripherals disposed thereto and use a control method therefore, includes an inner rotor brushless DC motor, a driver, a rotation detector, and a controller. The driver supplies power to drive the brushless DC motor. The rotation detector detects an amount and direction of rotations of an output shaft. The controller controls the rotations of the brushless DC motor and obtains a target drive signal of the brushless DC motor externally and a detection signal from the rotation detector and outputs a signal to the driver. The controller controls a speed of rotation of the brushless DC motor by varying the signal output to the driver based on the target drive signal and the detection signal.

Abstract: A linear position measuring system (10) and a method for determining a position of a carriage in relation to a slide rail (12), with an incremental scale (14) placed along the slide rail (12) and a scanner secured to the slide scale. The scanner is designed to scan a plurality of incremental markings along the incremental scale (14), wherein the incremental markings can be scanned as an essentially analog signal progression. The scanner is designed to scan the incremental markings with a variable scanning frequency. The scanning frequency can be adaptively varied in relation to a currently acquired frequency of the analog signal progression, wherein the variable scanning frequency measures at least twice the currently acquired frequency of the analog signal progression.

Abstract: Detection precision is improved by reducing a detection error of a change in position of a target. A correction value derivation apparatus is provided for deriving a correction value used in correction of a displacement amount derived based on an encoder signal indicating a change in position of a movable portion as a target. A displacement amount derivation unit is configured to derive a detected displacement amount of the movable portion based on the encoder signal. A displacement velocity derivation unit is configured to derive a detected displacement velocity based on the detected displacement amount derived by the displacement amount derivation unit. An average displacement velocity calculation unit is configured to calculate an average displacement velocity over a predetermined displacement range. A correction value derivation unit is configured to derive the correction value based on the detected displacement velocity and the average displacement velocity.

Abstract: A motion control interface device includes an FPGA configured to implement a step generation algorithm that generates step control signals for a motion device. The signals are not determined based directly on time, but instead are determined from the position of the motion device. More particularly, the step generation algorithm operates to keep track of a position fraction based on the position. The position fraction is incremented (or decremented) at each clock tick of the FPGA. The algorithm generates rising edge signals when the position fraction crosses a particular threshold value, referred to as the rising edge threshold value. Similarly, the algorithm signals direction changes when the position fraction crosses a threshold referred to as the direction change threshold value.

Abstract: An origin location detection circuit in an encoder. The encoder includes a scale on which an origin pattern indicating an origin is provided and a detection head relatively displaceable with respect to the scale. The origin location detection circuit includes a comparator for generating an origin signal indicating a location of the origin from an output voltage signal, which is output from a detector of the detection head and has been affected by involvement of the origin pattern; a DC voltage detection circuit smoothing the output voltage signal; and a differential amplifier circuit performing differential amplification of the output voltage signal and a DC voltage signal output from the DC voltage detection circuit. A differential amplifier signal of the differential amplifier circuit is input to the comparator.

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: An encoder without a stopping structure comprises a rotating shaft (1), an axis sleeve (2), a stopping base (4), a positioning elastic trip (5), a spacer (6), a partition plate (7), at least one movable arm (8), at least one electric brush (9) and at least one main body (11), and they are sequentially arranged from bottom to top. There is not any stopping structure on the rotating shaft (1) and the stopping base (4). The rotating shaft (1) can be rotated 360 degrees or more. The electric brush (9) has a plastic covered part (91), a bent part (92), an elastic arm (93) and a brush head (94) forming an integrated structure. The plastic covered part (91) is covered in a movable arm (8). The bent part (92) connects the plastic covered part (91) and the elastic arm (93) and bends the elastic arm (93) toward the plastic covered part (91). The elastic arm (93) comprises a main arm (931) with long strip ring body and a branch arm (932).

Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: This invention improves detection precision by reducing a detection error of a change in position of a target. A correction value derivation apparatus for deriving a correction value used in correction of a displacement amount derived based on an encoder signal indicating a change in position of a movable portion as a target, comprises: a displacement amount derivation unit configured to derive a detected displacement amount of the movable portion based on the encoder signal; a displacement velocity derivation unit configured to derive a detected displacement velocity based on the detected displacement amount derived by the displacement amount derivation unit; an average displacement velocity calculation unit configured to calculate an average displacement velocity over a predetermined displacement range; and a correction value derivation unit configured to derive the correction value based on the detected displacement velocity and the average displacement velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a position detection apparatus including: a signal line along which a bit array including a plurality of bits used for expressing information on one of absolute positions in a direction determined in advance is created repeatedly in the direction determined in advance; and an information reading-out section which is capable of making a movement relative to the signal line in the direction determined in advance in accordance with a driving operation carried out by driving means determined in advance and is used for reading out the information expressed by the bits from the signal line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing loss of scale image contrast due to interference effects from optical path length differences, including lens profile aberrations, are provided in a displacement sensing optical encoder that uses a telecentric imaging configuration. According to the invention, the encoder is configured such that the image light that reaches the detector comprises symmetric ray bundles concentrated symmetrically on opposite sides of the optical axis center at the limiting aperture of the telecentric imaging configuration. Central ray bundles, and/or other ray bundles that have an optical path lengths significantly different than the operational symmetric ray bundles are prevented or blocked. As a result destructive interference is prevented and image contrast is improved.

Abstract: A rotary encoder includes two first detection units disposed at positions that are symmetrical about a rotation axis, each of the first detection units outputting an incremental signal, and second detection unit that outputs an absolute signal ?A. The rotary encoder includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of formulas for correcting errors of the incremental signals, the formulas being different from each other in accordance with the signal ?A, and the errors being generated due to eccentricity; a calculation unit that calculates a corrected phase ?I by performing operation on the incremental signals by using one of the formulas corresponding to the signal ?A; and a generation unit that generates a rotation angle of the scale on the basis of the phase ?I and the signal ?A.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a single track reflective optical encoder featuring current amplifiers disposed in the signal generating circuit thereof. Voltage amplifiers and their associated feedback resistors are eliminated in the various embodiments disclosed herein, resulting in decreased die size and improved encoder signal accuracy and performance, especially at high speeds The single track optical encoder configurations disclosed herein permit very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photoelectric encoder includes: a scale having a grating formed with a predetermined period Ps; and a detector head being movable relative to the scale and including a light source and a light receiving unit. In a configuration where light receiving elements in the light receiving unit output N-points light and dark signals (N is an integer of 3 or more), and where phases of the N-points light and dark signals are detected by a least-squares method to fit a sinusoidal function with fixed period to N-points digital signals digitized from the N-points light and dark signals, an N-points light and dark signal period P is set at an integral multiple of a data-point interval w of the N-points digital signals, and an overall length M of the light receiving elements is set at an integral multiple of the N-points light and dark signal period P. Thereby, position detecting errors occurring due to a stain of the scale and/or a defect in the grating can be reduced by simple computing.

Abstract: An optical encoder device is provided, in which first light transmissive slits are formed in a movable slit plate and second light transmissive slits are formed in a stationary slit plate. The number of the second light transmissive slits is defined as S. The second light transmissive slits are formed in the stationary slit plate such that when one of the second light transmissive slits is optically coincident with one of the first light transmissive slits, the remaining S-1 second light transmissive slits are shifted in position from other first light transmissive slits corresponding to the remaining second light transmissive slits by S-1 phase differences.

Abstract: An incremental coder in which stable positions of the coder are defined by multiples of an increment of the coder. The coder computes a difference between a binary word obtained for a current stable position and a binary word obtained for a previous stable position, and computes the value of variation of stable positions by determining the integer part of the division of the difference by the number of increments between two stable positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing a rotor position, and an electric power steering system using the same wherein resolution in rotor position recognition can be improved by software by adding one or more increment values, which is proportional to the rotation speed of a rotor, in an interval where the counted number of increment pulses of a pulse generator is not changed in sampling the counted number of increment pulses of the pulse generator so as to recognize a rotor position of a motor.

Abstract: In a method or device to sample a web movement, an incremental encoder translates the web movement into two phase-offset output signals. A quadrature decoder generates first and second digital output signals with two respective signal levels. The first output signal is designated as a forward signal and the second output signal is designated as a backward signal. An evaluation circuit outputs a control signal and has a first counter that counts a signal change of the forward signal and subtracts from the count a signal change of the backward signal. A second counter counts a signal change of the control signal. A comparator compares values of the first and the second counters. A disabling device enables the forward signal if values of both the first and second counters are the same so that the forward signal is output, and disables the forward signal if values of the two counters are different.

Abstract: An incremental coder in which stable positions of the coder are defined by multiples of an increment of the coder. The coder computes a difference between a binary word obtained for a current stable position and a binary word obtained for a previous stable position, and computes the value of variation of stable positions by determining the integer part of the division of the difference by the number of increments between two stable positions.

Abstract: A sensor head for sensing light modulated by a moveable member, such as a code wheel or code strip, in an optical encoder. The sensor head has at least one monitor optical sensor and a primary optical sensor positioned to receive light modulated by a modulation track on the moveable member. The monitor optical sensor provides a monitor signal that is compared in a signal comparator to the output from the primary optical sensor to detect light at the primary sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoelectric encoder including a scale having a grating (incremental pattern) of a predetermined pitch formed thereon and a light source (light-emitting element) and a light-receiving unit, which are relatively displaceable with respect to the scale, wherein light-receiving elements of the light-receiving unit output bright and dark signals of “N” phases, and the phases are detected by fitting a sinusoidal wave function having a fixed period to the bright and dark signals of “N” phases, thereby reducing a position detection error resulting from stains on the scale and/or defects of the grating.

Abstract: A rotary electrostatic encoder comprising a disk-shaped fixed plate having a first transmission electrode, a second transmission electrode, and four reception electrodes; a disk-shaped rotating plate having a first induction electrode superposed on and facing the first transmission electrode, and a second induction electrode positioned on the inside of the first induction electrode and superposed on and facing the second transmission electrode, a portion of the second induction electrode being a protruding eccentric circular part; transmission means for applying a transmission signal between the first transmission electrode and the second transmission electrode; and signal processing means for generating an output signal relating to the absolute rotational displacement of the rotating plate on the basis of two signal components generated from the four reception electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement and a method for the precise detection of relative movements between an encoder and a sensor, including an encoder, which has an incremental scale having a plurality of scale subdivisions (?), and a sensor which is magnetically coupled to the encoder via an air gap and includes at least two magnetic field sensor elements (SE1, SE2) which are arranged offset with respect to one another by a defined distance (?x) in the direction of the relative movement, the magnetic field sensor element output signals (V1, V2) having been shifted relative to one another by a relative-speed-dependent time difference with regard to the detection of a scale subdivision (?) or a defined part of a scale subdivision (N,S), the sensor having a signal processing circuit which comprises an interface module which generates a sensor output signal (IS3,IS4) including at least one speed signal based upon the time difference.

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: A method for determining two pseudo-sinusoidal signals in quadrature from a pseudo-sinusoidal signal transmitted by an encoder is provided. The method using a sensor arranged within reading distance of the encoder, which sensor includes at least four sensing elements which are linearly equally distributed. The sensing elements are each capable of delivering a signal Si representative of the signal transmitted by the encoder. The method measuring the signals Si and combining the signals Si in order to form the signals U=(S1?S2)?(S3?S4) and V=(S2?S3), which signals U and V are in quadrature. A system for determining by implementing such a method, as well as a bearing including such a determination system, are provided.

Abstract: A position-data converter and a motor-drive control device are connected. The position-data converter receives two-phase, sine-wave analog signals da and db from two first magnetic detectors, respectively, and converts these signals da and db to position data. On receiving a positioning instruction, the motor-drive control device calculates the value of current, from the current position signal generated by the position-data converter. The permanent magnets incorporated in a linear motor are used as components of a linear scale, as well.

Abstract: A scale has a first incremental track with first incremental patterns including first light and dark patterns formed at equal intervals in first periods, an absolute track with absolute patterns representing absolute positions, and a second incremental track with second incremental patterns including second light and dark patterns formed at equal intervals in second periods longer than the first periods. A light source emits a measurement light to the scale. A photodetector receives the measurement light reflected at or transmitted through the scale. A signal processing circuit processes the received light signal of the photodetector to detect an absolute position of the scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to displacement encoder for a movable shaft, comprising a sleeve (2) which is intended to be fixed in rotation to the shaft (3) and an encoding element (4) which is made from magnetizable polymer and which is solidly connected to the sleeve, said encoding element being equipped with an encoding zone (6) having at least one polarized mark. The aforementioned encoding zone of the encoding element is covered with a protective layer (10) which is made from a polymer having a surface abrasion resistance greater than that of the magnetizable polymer. The invention also relates to a device comprising one such encoder and to a production method thereof.

Abstract: In an encoder which is equipped with two detectors arranged on both sides of a rotating shaft in order to eliminate an eccentricity error, the mounting of the detectors is facilitated by making provisions so as to not cause a problem in the calculating of an average even if the detectors happen to be so mounted that the difference between the angular values calculated from the outputs of the respective detectors becomes equal to 180°. In an initialization process after power on, the difference ?? between the angular values ?1 and ?2 calculated from the signals output from the respective detectors is stored as an initial value. Position data ? is output by taking an average between ?3 and ?2, where ?3 is a value obtained by correcting ?1 by the initial difference ??.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement and a method for the precise detection of relative movements between an encoder and a sensor, including an encoder, which has an incremental scale having a plurality of scale subdivisions (?), and a sensor which is magnetically coupled to the encoder via an air gap and includes at least two magnetic field sensor elements (SE1, SE2) which are arranged offset with respect to one another by a defined distance (?x) in the direction of the relative movement, the magnetic field sensor element output signals (V1, V2) having been shifted relative to one another by a relative-speed-dependent time difference with regard to the detection of a scale subdivision (?) or a defined part of a scale subdivision (N,S), the sensor having a signal processing circuit which comprises an interface module which generates a sensor output signal (IS3,IS4) including at least one speed signal based upon the time difference.

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: An optical encoder (100) is provided with: a light-emitting element (30) including a main-signal light-emitting element (31) having a red LED (31A) that emits red light and an origin light-emitting element (32) having an infrared LED (32A) that emits infrared light; and a receiver unit (40) including a main-signal photo detector (41) that receives the red light to generate a predetermined signal and an origin photo detector (42) that receives the infrared light to generate a predetermined signal. Accordingly, even when the infrared light enters the main-signal photo detector (41) or the red light enters the origin photo detector (42), no signal is generated by the light, thereby effectively preventing crosstalk. Thus, the measurement accuracy of the optical encoder (100) can be improved.

Abstract: A rotary encoder includes a case made of insulating resin, a rotatable operation shaft, a slidable brush fixed to the operation shaft, and a signal contact embedded in a surface of the case. The slidable brush has a contacting section sliding on a surface of the case on a predetermined circumference according to a rotation of the operation shaft. The signal contact has an upper surface flush with the surface of the case, a first side surface connected to the upper surface at a first corner having a right angle, a second side surface connected to the upper surface at a second corner having a right angle, and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The first and side surfaces are positioned on the predetermined circumference. The lower surface has a width smaller than a width of the upper surface. This rotary encoder has a small size and outputs a signal precisely.

Abstract: A high-precision absolute type encoder apparatus includes a controller electrically connected to an incremental type encoder and generating a control signal to the incremental type encoder, a comparator electrically connected to outputs of the incremental type encoder and generating first pulse signals, a latch unit electrically connected to outputs of the comparator and generating second pulse signals by latching the generating first pulse signals. When power failure occurs, the controller generates the control signal as successive pulses with predetermined period to drive the latch unit and the incremental type encoder. Therefore, the controller knows angular information of the incremental type encoder by counting the second pulse signals. The absolute angular information can be obtained by combining the angular information and an initial position after power failure.

Abstract: A rotation-angle detecting apparatus detects a rotation angle of a rotating disc having radial markings, includes a plurality of detectors arranged at opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the disc and facing the markings, each of the detectors operable to detect a light beam from the markings, and outputting a pair of periodic signals having a 90-degree phase difference between the members of the pair; an analog-to-digital converter arranged to convert pairs of periodic signals from the detectors into pairs of digital signals; a digital signal processor configured to process the pairs of digital signals from the analog-to-digital converter; a binarization unit arranged to binarize the pairs of periodic signals from the detectors; and a counter arranged to count the pairs of periodic signals binarized by the binarization unit. The digital signal processor determines the rotation angle of the disc based on the pairs of digital signals from the analog-to-digital converter and count results from the counter.

Abstract: A reflection-based optical encoding apparatus for the detection of position and/or motion of a mechanical device includes an encoding medium having at least a first reflective portion, and an encoder housing having a light-emitting source and a light-detecting sensor embedded within, the encoder housing being placed in proximity to the encoding medium such that a functional light path can be established from the light-emitting source to the light-detecting sensor via the first reflective portion of the encoding medium. The encoder housing includes a first flat facet positioned between the light-emitting source and the encoding medium, the first flat facet having a first angle relative to a common geometric plane such that light passing from the light-emitting source to the encoding medium is refracted along a first angled path in a manner that the refracted light strikes a desired location of the encoding medium.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus relating to an encoder are disclosed.