Abstract: A control system for any type of electric motor that automatically learns the characteristics of the motor and computes a motor model for the motor. The control system uses the computed motor model to produce a closed-loop control design that achieves a particular resolution. The control system also uses the motor model to automatically construct efficient motion profiles for a variety of motion commands. The control system may also include an encoder interface device that provides highly accurate motor position information.

Abstract: A control system for any type of electric motor that automatically learns the characteristics of the motor and computes a motor model for the motor. The control system uses the computed motor model to produce a closed-loop control design that achieves a particular resolution. The control system also uses the motor model to automatically construct efficient motion profiles for a variety of motion commands. The control system may also include an encoder interface device that provides highly accurate motor position information.

Abstract: A control system for any type of electric motor that automatically learns the characteristics of the motor and computes a motor model for the motor. The control system uses the computed motor model to produce a closed-loop control design that achieves a particular resolution. The control system also uses the motor model to automatically construct efficient motion profiles for a variety of motion commands. The control system may also include an encoder interface device that provides highly accurate motor position information.

Abstract: An encoder interface device that permits automatic discovery of an unknown encoder that is physically connected to the interface device, so as to enable correct operation. The device permits discovery of characteristics of an unknown encoder including the primary quadrature A and B channels, the index channel, and the active state of the index channel. Once discovered and configured, the device indicates the index position of the encoder with an accuracy of a single encoder count. The device also supports “wide” index pulses, in which the index channel is active for more than seven consecutive encoder counts. The device also provides for the discovery, configuration, and position latching with single-encoder-count accuracy for encoders having index pulses of almost arbitrary width.

Abstract: A control system for any type of electric motor that automatically learns the characteristics of the motor and computes a motor model for the motor. The control system uses the computed motor model to produce a closed-loop control design that achieves a particular resolution. The control system also uses the motor model to automatically construct efficient motion profiles for a variety of motion commands. The control system may also include an encoder interface device that provides highly accurate motor position information.

Abstract: Method and subsystem are provided for generating a trajectory to be followed by a motor-driven stage when processing microstructures at a laser-processing site utilizing an estimated change in temperature of motors caused when the motors drive the stage according to a number of possible trajectories. The method includes receiving reference data which represent locations of microstructures to be processed at the site, determining a plurality of possible trajectories based on the data, and estimating a change of temperature of motors caused when the motors drive the stage based on each of the possible trajectories. The method also includes determining a substantially optimum trajectory from the possible trajectories wherein positioning accuracy of the stage is maximized by following the substantially optimum trajectory.

Abstract: Method and subsystem are provided for generating a trajectory to be followed by a motor-driven stage when processing microstructures at a laser-processing site utilizing an estimated change in temperature of motors caused when the motors drive the stage according to a number of possible trajectories. The method includes receiving reference data which represent locations of microstructures to be processed at the site, determining a plurality of possible trajectories based on the data, and estimating a change of temperature of motors caused when the motors drive the stage based on each of the possible trajectories. The method also includes determining a substantially optimum trajectory from the possible trajectories wherein positioning accuracy of the stage is maximized by following the substantially optimum trajectory.

Abstract: In a machine vision system capable of capturing an optical image of a semiconductor electronic component part and digitizing the optical image, a method for locating, inspecting and placing parts known as large leaded devices, by estimating a part's location; estimating the approximate location of a group of leads; computing the center and angle of a lead scan search rectangle within which the leads in a group of leads must be located; scanning a lead scan search rectangle to locate lead edges and compile a list of edges; extracting lead positions; updating the part location estimate; and repeating these steps for each lead set to find all leads and lead centerlines; then calculating an optimal part position estimate by matching found lead positions with expected lead centerlines; and finally, inspecting the leads. A statistical lead rejection procedure is included during lead extraction.

Abstract: A bistable element enables control of an adjustable member, e.g. an adjustable leg, by selectively positioning an engaging element that can selectively prevent retraction. Preferably, the bistable element enables control in two regimes by positioning an engaging piece that can bear on the adjustable member. In one stable configuration, the bistable element enables a first regime, by positioning an engaging piece to frictionally bear upon the adjustable member to prevent retraction but enable free extension so that once the device is adjusted for a given support surface, the article is positively locked against tipping even if the load on the article is shifted. In another stable configuration, the bistable element enables a second regime by positioning the engaging piece such that the adjustable member is freely retractable and extendible so that the mechanism can be readjusted when the article is moved to a different surface.