Abstract: An encoder for detecting a rotation angle of an object of detection includes: a main circuit including a rotational speed obtaining portion configured to obtain a rotational speed of the object of detection; a backup battery for supplying power to the main circuit while the main circuit is disconnected from a main power-supply circuit; a current obtaining portion configured to obtain a consumption current of the backup battery as a backup current while the electric power is being supplied from the backup battery to the main circuit; and a current abnormality determining portion configured to determine that the backup current is abnormal if the backup current is larger than a given current value when the rotational speed of the object of detection obtained by the rotational speed obtaining portion is a given rotational speed.

Abstract: An encoder includes a base portion, a rotation portion that is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to the base portion, a mark that is disposed around the rotation axis on the rotation portion, an imaging element that is disposed in the base portion and images the marks, a storage portion that stores a reference image, and a determination portion that performs template matching on the mark imaged by the imaging element by using the reference image, so as to determine a rotation state of the rotation portion with respect to the base portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrical measurement are disclosed. An example electrical measurement device includes a conductive cable comprising a plurality of conductive filaments on a first end and an electrical connector on a second end, a cable mount that includes a base and an adjustable support attached to the base and the conductive cable to hold the plurality of conductive filaments in contact with a rotating element of a device under test during a measurement operation, with the conductive cable forming a portion of a circuit when the plurality of conductive filaments are in contact with the rotating element of the device under test and the electrical connector is in contact with an output.

Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a graduation carrier which carries a measuring graduation and is non-rotatably connectable to a shaft. A scanner is configured to generate scanning signals by scanning the measuring graduation. Evaluation electronics are configured to process the scanning signals into a digital angle value of the shaft. An interface is configured to communicate with subsequent electronics. The scanner is mountable on a machine part that is supported so as to be movable in an axial direction of the shaft, so that the scanning signals are dependent on a position of the machine part in the axial direction of the shaft, and so that a measure of the position of the machine part in the axial direction of the shaft is determinable from the scanning signals by the evaluation electronics.

Abstract: An optical detecting device includes a multi-axis instruction outputting mechanism and an optical detecting module, and shift of the multi-axis instruction outputting mechanism is determined accordingly. An actuating component of the multi-axis instruction outputting mechanism is moved in reciprocation at a first operating direction to output an instruction. The optical detecting module is detachably disposed to the actuating component. An interval between the optical detecting module and the actuating component is varied according to a relative movement between the optical detecting module and the actuating component at a second operating direction, and the actuating component can be shifted between different gears.

Abstract: An encoder apparatus including a scale and a readhead including a sensor including an array of sensor elements for detecting a scale signal falling on the sensor, configured such that the sensor elements' outputs that are used to determine the relative position of the scale and readhead are weighted such that the influence of the sensor elements on the determined relative position of the scale and readhead varies across the array according to a predetermined non-rectangular window function that is configured to reduce the adverse effect of undesirable frequencies in the scale signal so as to thereby reduce the encoder apparatus' sub-divisional error.

Abstract: A system and method for determining eccentricity of a casing and a rotor of a gas turbine includes a plurality of stationary distance detectors coupled to the casing at known circumferential positions and a rotating distance detector coupled to the rotor or a blade in or near an axial plane defined by the stationary distance detectors. The stationary distance detectors transmit wireless signals to one another to determine a first series of distance measurements between each pair of stationary distance detectors. The rotating distance detector transmits wireless signals to each of the stationary distance detectors, as the rotor is spun, to generate a second series of distance measurements. The measurements are transmitted, over a wireless local area network, to a remote computing device that processes the distance measurements into an eccentricity plot. An optional base station may be used to generate the wireless network.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric encoder that can achieve higher accuracy while maintaining reliability by reducing stray light. An encoder 1 is a photoelectric encoder including a light source device 2 that emits parallel light, a scale 3 having calibrations C provided along a measurement direction, and a light receiving unit 4 that receives light being emitted from the light source device 2, and transmitted through the scale 3. The encoder 1 includes an antireflection member 30 that prevents stray light generated by being reflected on the scale 3, from entering the light receiving unit 4. Because the encoder 1 includes the antireflection member 30, the encoder 1 can achieve higher accuracy while maintaining reliability by reducing stray light entering the light receiving unit 4.

Abstract: A sensor unit for measuring the position of a component that is movable relative to the sensor unit includes a metal body, which has a first opening. An electronic component is arranged in the first opening such that a gap is provided between the electronic component and the metal body, the gap being filled with an electrically insulating molding compound. In addition, an electrically insulating first layer is applied on the electronic component and on the molding compound. The electronic component is electrically contacted with a circuit trace, and the circuit trace is routed through the first layer in a first section and extends on the first layer in a second section.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus is provided with: a laser diode that projects a laser beam; a torsion spring coupled with a support member; a mirror coupled to a first side of the torsion spring and reflecting the laser beam; a permanent magnet coupled to a second side of the torsion spring across a rotational axis of the torsion spring; a driving coil; and a magnetic substance assembly surrounding the driving coil. The mirror reciprocates corresponding to a driving signal applied to the driving coil. The object detecting apparatus is further provided with a speed detecting circuitry configured to detect a moving speed of the mirror; and a pulse controller configured to control a pulse interval of the laser beam projected by the laser diode based on the moving speed detected by the speed detecting circuitry.

Abstract: Provided is an object detection device which unlikely causes vignetting of a beam reflected from a mirror surface during rotation, and fully ensures object detection performance A light projecting system and a light receiving system are disposed so that a larger one of the area of a region on a mirror surface occupied by a beam emitted from a semiconductor laser and the area of a region on the mirror surface occupied by a beam incident on a photodiode has a longer movement length on the mirror surface during rotation than a smaller one.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to devices for measuring the state of devices and multi-stage rotary encoders as well as to associated sensors. In order to simplify the design of devices which can be read out electronically and multi-turn rotary encoders, according to some embodiments a device having at least one rotatable wheel, at least one light source and at least one polarization sensor is proposed, the wheel being at least partially transparent and polarization-maintaining, parts of the wheel being configured as pole filters, it being possible for light which exits the light source to be polarized by the pole filter and to be received by the polarization sensor.

Abstract: In a position-measuring device for determining the position of a first object with respect to a second object that is displaceable relative to the first object, a measuring standard is connected to the first object and includes at least one periodic scale grating, which is arranged as a transmission grating and has a first periodicity. A scanning unit is connected to the second object and includes at least one light source, at least one periodic scanning grating, which has a second periodicity, and a detector system, which includes detector regions that are sensitive to radiation and are periodically disposed at a third periodicity in a detection plane. The bundles of rays emitted by the light source first impinge upon the scale grating and then pass through the scanning grating.

Abstract: An encoder system includes a configurable detector array, wherein the configurable detector array includes a plurality of detectors. In an embodiment, the encoder system includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The encoder system may also include a memory operable to store a partition map that defines a state for each of the plurality of detectors. In an embodiment, the memory includes a non-volatile memory. The encoder system may also include a controller, such as a microcontroller, operable to read from the memory the partition map and to configure the configurable detector array according to the configuration map. The encoder system may also include an emitter operable to generate a flux modulated by a motion object, wherein the configurable detector array is operable to receive the flux and generate respective current outputs for each of the detectors in response to the flux.

Abstract: An encoder includes a scale having a pattern column with patterns periodically changing a physical characteristic, a detection element array disposed movable relatively to the scale and including detection elements configured to detect light from the pattern column are arranged in a moving direction, a signal processor configured to convert an output signal from the detection element array into position information. The detection element array includes first to fourth detection elements are arranged in order of the first detection elements, the second detection elements, the first detection elements, the second detection elements, the third detection elements, the fourth detection elements, the third detection elements, and the fourth detection elements. The signal processor generates a first signal based on an output signal from the first and third detection elements and a second signal based on an output signal from the second and fourth detection elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical encoder for an electronic device. The optical encoder comprises an elongated shaft and a plurality of markings axially disposed around a circumference of the elongated shaft. The optical encoder also includes an optical sensor. In embodiments, the optical sensor includes an emitter and an array of photodiodes. The emitter and the array of photodiodes may be radially aligned with respect to the elongated shaft or axially aligned with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A sensing chip structure of an optical scale reader includes a substrate having at least one conductive pad. The substrate has thereon a photosensitive chip. The photosensitive chip has at least one pin. The pins are each connected to a conductive pad by a conducting wire. A coded graphic layer is disposed on a side of the photosensitive chip, and the side of the photosensitive chip faces away from the substrate. The sensing chip structure is conducive to structural simplification and miniaturization of the optical scale reader.

Abstract: An encoder includes an optical scale that has a phase difference plate, a light source section that irradiates the phase difference plate with light, and a light receiving section that receives the light from the phase difference plate, and outputs a signal corresponding to a received light intensity. The light emitted from the light source section is linearly polarized, and the light receiving section outputs a signal corresponding to a polarization state of the light from the phase difference plate.

Abstract: A vehicle detection device with thief-proof features includes a detector configured to detect a car above and a case configured to receive the detector. The detector is provided with a plurality of latches, and the case defines a plurality of channels. Each channel includes an embedded path and an encoding path adjacent to the embedded path. The embedded path guides one of the plurality of latches of the detector inserted into one of the plurality of channels, and the encoding path guides the latch to move through the channel to slidably install the detector into the case.

Abstract: A sensor manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a sensor including a generator that generates a predetermined detection target, a detector that detects the detection target generated by the generator, and a motion body that performs motion in the area in between the generator and the detector. In the method, the generator and the detector are positioned opposite to each other by either curving or bending a substrate including a first portion having the generator installed thereon and a second portion having the detector installed thereon that are formed in an integrated manner, and the substrate and the motion body are made to perform relative movement in such a way that the motion body enters the area in between the generator and the detector.

Abstract: An optical sensor for a delivery device having a piston that displaces a substance, such as a fluid, from a reservoir. The optical sensor has a light source and a detector array for imaging encoding features disposed along a plunger rod coupled to the piston. By virtue of the pattern of encoding features, an absolute position of the plunger rod relative to a fiducial position may be determined uniquely. Thus, the volume of fluid remaining in the reservoir, the rate of fluid delivery, and proper loading of the reservoir may be accurately ascertained. Additionally, the encoding may serve to uniquely identify a version of the reservoir which may be supplied in various versions corresponding, for example, to differing concentrations of a therapeutic agent to be dispensed.

Abstract: Provided are a light source device that can achieve higher accuracy while maintaining reliability by reducing stray light, and a photoelectric encoder including the same. A light source device 2 includes a translucent member 10 configured to accommodate a light emitting unit 5 thereinside, and to make light emitted from the light emitting unit 5, into parallel light. The translucent member 10 includes an optical axis plane 11, an orthogonal plane 12, a reflection portion configured to make light from the light emitting unit 5, into parallel light, and a connection portion 14 formed by the optical axis plane 11 and the orthogonal plane 12 connecting to each other, and having a curved surface. A central axis AX of the curved surface is in an outside region of the translucent member 10, and a region between the optical axis plane 11 and the orthogonal plane 12.

Abstract: Provided is a working machine including first and second members, an angle detection device and a connection pin connected to the first and second members to rotate integrally with the second member relative to the first member. The angle detection device has a marker, an angle sensor and a guard member, which has a main guard portion covering the angle sensor and including an inner opposite surface opposed to an end surface of the projecting end portion and a guard-member-side engagement portion. One of the angle sensor and the marker is disposed on the inner opposite surface, the other disposed on the end surface. The first member has a first-member-side engagement portion engaging with the guard-member-side engagement portion to restrain the main guard portion from relative rotation. The guard member can contact with the connection pin to restrain the guard member from relative displacement to the projecting end portion.

Abstract: A rotary encoder assembly comprises an annular track comprising an alternating pattern of at least two different encoding regions; a first detector and a second detector each arranged to produce a respective alternating output signal as the track of encoding regions rotates about its axis past the detector, the combined values of the two output signals assuming a plurality of unique states with the states changing from one to another as the encoder rotates. A memory stores compensation values, each value being associated with a respective one of the possible state changes that can occur when the combined values of the two output signals change upon movement of the encoder track, and each indicative of an average error in the position at which the corresponding change of state occurs.

Abstract: An optical navigation device has a light-emitting unit, an optical navigation chip and a cover. The light-emitting unit provides a light to a surface of a displacement generating unit. The optical navigation chip has a sensing array, but excludes any optical lens for focusing a reflected light. The sensing array disposed opposite to the surface of the displacement generating unit receives the reflected light which the light provided by the light-emitting unit is reflected from the surface of the displacement generating unit. The cover has a first surface and a second surface, and an angle is formed between the cover and the optical navigation chip, to prevent another reflected light from the surface of the first surface of the cover from entering the sensing array. Particularly, the angle formed between the cover and the optical navigation chip is from 10 degrees to 15 degrees.

Abstract: A method is described for automatically determining a proper threshold for a tachometer signal in order to produce desired tachometer pulses necessary for analysis of machine vibration data. A tachometer signal is low-pass filtered to exclude high frequency noise and a running derivative of the filtered tachometer waveform is taken to create a derivative waveform. Another waveform is created that includes only positive values from the derivative waveform that correspond to positive values in the low-pass filtered tachometer waveform. In general, a tachometer signal has the greatest derivative value (slope) when a tachometer pulse is present. Based on this observation, a threshold value is determined using both the low-pass filtered tachometer waveform and the positive-value derivative waveform along with statistics from both waveforms.

Abstract: An encoder includes a scale having a continuous part where physical characteristics varies and a discontinuous part that interrupts the continuous part, a detector that be relatively displaced with respect to the scale and that detects the physical characteristics of the scale, and a processor that detects an origin of the scale on the basis of a signal for displacement detection output from the detector. The detector includes a sensitive part having sensitivity contributing to the signal for displacement detection and an insensitive part having no sensitivity contributing to the signal for displacement detection. The processor detects the origin on the basis of signal intensity of each of signals for displacement detection that the detector outputs when the sensitive and insensitive parts detect physical characteristics of the discontinuous part.

Abstract: An encoder apparatus comprising a scale comprising scale features in at least one track which define a series of incremental scale marks and at least one reference mark and a readhead comprising a light source, a diffraction grating, an incremental photodetector and a reference photodetector comprising at least two detector channels. The features defining the at least one reference mark are configured such that the at least one reference mark as resolvable by each of the at least two detector channels comprises a single feature. The optical arrangement of the encoder is such that a non-imaged representation of at least the track in which the at least one reference mark is contained falls onto the detector.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes: a treatment section that treats an object to be treated; a power source that generates a power to operate the treatment section; a traction section connected to the treatment section and the power source; a switching section that switches a transmission state of the power from the power source to the traction section between a state in which the power can be transmitted and a state in which the power cannot be transmitted; and a tension-applying section that has a pulley and applies a predetermined initial tension to the traction section by applying a power to the pulley in the state in which the power cannot be transmitted, wherein the traction section is hung on the pulley via the power source from the treatment section and is connected to the treatment section via the power source.

Abstract: A rotary encoder includes a rotating shaft, first and second encoder wheels, first and second detectors and a processor. The first encoder wheel includes coaxially disposed first and second portions. The first portion has first graduation features. The second portion has a first positioning structure. The second encoder wheel includes coaxially disposed third and fourth portions. The third portion has second graduation features. The fourth portion has a second positioning structure meshing with the first positioning structure, so that the first graduation features and the second graduation features are staggered, and the first encoder wheel and the second encoder wheel are coaxially mounted on the rotating shaft. The first and second detectors detect the first and second graduation features and output first and second signals, respectively. The processor calculates a rotating angle of the rotating shaft according to the first and second signals.

Abstract: Electric motors are disclosed. The motors are preferably for use in an automated vehicle, although any one or more of a variety of motor uses are suitable. The motors include lift, turntable, and locomotion motors.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a treatment section, a first pulling section and a second pulling section configured to transmit a pulling force to the treatment section, a power source configured to generate force for operating the treatment section, and a switching section having a first path configured to transmit the force from the power source to the first pulling member and a second path configured to transmit the force from the power source to the second pulling member and configured to switch the first path and the second path.

Abstract: An encoder includes: a base member; a printed board fixed directly or indirectly to the base member; and a cover member fixed to the base member while the printed board is arranged inside the cover member. A first enclosed space and a second enclosed space are formed inside the cover member. The first enclosed space is space in which the printed board is arranged entirely or partially in an enclosed state. The second enclosed space is formed between the first enclosed space and the cover member.

Abstract: A robot includes a first member, a second member that is provided to be turnable about a turning axis with respect to the first member, marks that are disposed around the turning axis on a surface of the second member, and a mark detection portion that is disposed in the first member and detects the marks.

Abstract: Target design methods, targets as well as scanner aberration methods and device design improvements are provided. Metrology targets may be designed by identifying at least two geometric elements in a specified device design, and designing corresponding at least two target cells of an overlay metrology target to have structures related to the at least two geometric elements. Non-printed filling elements may be added to target or device designs which exhibit large spaces (e.g., larger than twice the minimal design rule pitch) in order to avoid placement error and other inaccuracies. Scanner aberrations themselves may be measured using corresponding targets as well.

Abstract: An optical encoder for measuring rotation is provided. The optical encoder includes an optical disk having a diffraction grating track and an index track. The index track being disposed radially inward from the diffraction grating track. The diffraction grating track having a plurality of equally spaced lines that create an alternating light/dark pattern. The index track includes a pattern with at least two sequences, the at least two sequences being equally spaced about the diameter of the index track, each of the sequences having at least one mark and each of the sequences having a different number of marks from the other sequences.

Abstract: An absolute encoder includes a scale having a sequence of marks, a detector configured to detect a signal corresponding to a plurality of marks of the scale, and a processor configured to obtain an absolute position corresponding to the signal. The processor is configured to select code sequences, from a group of code sequences corresponding to absolute positions, as a candidate group for a code sequence corresponding to the signal, and to select the code sequence corresponding to the signal from the candidate group.

Abstract: A method for bonding components to each other according to this invention bonds, to a plate-shaped member or a shaft, an ultraviolet-curable adhesive cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays and a wavelength conversion element which emits ultraviolet rays by irradiation with X-rays. The plate-shaped member is brought into contact with the shaft through a bonding layer formed by the ultraviolet-curable adhesive and the wavelength conversion element. The X-rays are transmitted through the plate-shaped member or the shaft to the bonding layer located between the plate-shaped member and the shaft to cure the ultraviolet-curable adhesive.

Abstract: A device for detecting posture change of a operation part in a camera and a method for restoring posture are disclosed. The device may include a photo interrupter and a photoelectric baffle structure including a plurality of baffle pieces fixed on a base. The baffle pieces may include a first baffle piece and remaining second baffle pieces of a length specification different from that of the first baffle piece, and there is a gap between two adjacent baffle pieces. An output signal from the photo interrupter changes according to the aligning relationship between the photo interrupter and the baffle pieces. One of the photoelectric baffle structure and the photo interrupter may follow the motion of an operation part of the camera while the other one remains unmoved, so that a posture change of the operation part may be detected based on the output signal from the photo interrupter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device includes a device body that includes a touch-sensitive display and a processor. The device also includes a band coupled to the device body and an optical sensor in or on the band. The optical sensor faces outward from the band and captures images. The processor communicates with the optical sensor to process captured images.

Abstract: An optical encoder unit includes: a light source having a predetermined light distribution; an optical scale having a polarizer whose polarization direction on a plane is along a predetermined direction, and whose polarization direction is changed according to rotation; and an optical sensor unit including a first photoreceiver, a second photoreceiver, a third photoreceiver, and a fourth photoreceiver for receiving incident light that is light source light from the light source made incident on the respective photoreceivers by passing through or being reflected by the optical scale. An emitting surface of the light source and the optical sensor unit are arranged at positions so as to receive a light intensity that is predetermined times greater or more than that corresponding to dark current of the optical sensor.

Abstract: An inspection system is presented. The inspection system comprises a remotely controllable imaging assembly and a scale reticle. The remotely controllable imaging assembly includes a camera and a lens system. The lens system includes a tunable-focus lens and a magnifying lens between the camera and the tunable-focus lens. The scale reticle is positioned within a sight line of the camera of the imaging assembly such that the scale reticle is between the imaging assembly and a target.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, systems, methods and media for determining object motion in three dimensions using speckle images are provided. In some embodiments, a system for three dimensional motion estimation is provided, comprising: a light source; an image sensor; and a hardware processor programmed to: cause the light source to emit light toward the scene; cause the image sensor to capture a first defocused speckle image of the scene at a first time and capture a second defocused speckle image of the scene at a second time; generate a first scaled version of the first defocused image; generate a second scaled version of the first defocused image; compare each of the first defocused image, the first scaled version, and the second scaled version to the second defocused image; and determine axial and lateral motion of the object based on the comparisons.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate, an optical sensor coupled to the substrate, and an optical emitter coupled to the substrate. A lens is aligned with the optical emitter and includes an upper surface and an encapsulation bleed stop groove around the upper surface. An encapsulation material is coupled to the substrate and includes first and second encapsulation openings therethrough aligned with the optical sensor and the lens, respectively.

Abstract: An optical sensor including a light-emitting element, four light-receiving elements facing the light-emitting element, and a substrate at which the light-emitting element and the light-receiving elements are provided. The substrate includes a first portion at which the light-emitting element is provided and a second portion at which the light-receiving elements are provided, the first portion and the second portion being integrated. Respective distances from the four light-receiving elements to one point on a predetermined plane are equal, four line segments that connect the one point and centers of respective light-receiving regions of the four light-receiving elements form right angles with each other, and a normal line of the predetermined plane that passes through the one point passes through an emission point of the light of the light-emitting element or a center of an emission surface of the light of the light-emitting element.

Abstract: A spectroscope including: a spectral element that is configured to spectrally separate signal light; a first optical system that is configured to condense spectroscopic light spectrally separated by the spectral element; and an optical receiver that is configured to receive the spectroscopic light; wherein the optical receiver includes a plurality of regions different sensitivities with respect to a wavelength characteristics of the spectroscopic light.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a proximity sensor, an electronic apparatus and a method for manufacturing a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor comprises a sensor chip, a light-emitting device, a transparent molding material and a non-transparent molding material, wherein the sensor chip comprises a sensor region; the light-emitting device is located on the sensor chip and is electrically coupled to the sensor chip; the transparent molding material at least covers a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device; and the non-transparent molding material isolates the transparent molding material from the sensor region.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus which is applied to an actuator provided with a motor and an encoder, and drives the motor is provided. The motor control apparatus comprises: a controller that learns an initial position of a rotor, and also decides an energized phase; and a drive circuit that performs switching operation to energize an energized phase. The controller learns that, in learning the initial position, the initial position of the rotor is a two-phase facing position in which two adjacent salient poles of the rotor face salient poles of two energized phases of a stator, and the initial position of the rotor is a one-phase facing position in which one salient pole of the rotor faces a salient pole of one non-energized phase of the stator.

Abstract: A stirring device for wastewater includes a drive device having a drive shaft extending vertically in the assembled state, a stirring body mounted on the drive shaft, a safety bearing in which a free end of the drive shaft is rotatably held, a slide sleeve is mounted on the free end of the drive shaft, and a device for detecting a state of wear of the slide sleeve. The device for detecting the state of wear includes a sensor mounted on the safety bearing and an evaluation device for evaluating the signals delivered by the sensor.

Abstract: A scale and related method for a length-measuring system for recording the absolute values of angles or distances. The scale includes a printed circuit board, at least one track for identifying length information or angle information and a coding for identifying the scale. The coding has at least one coding element comprising at least two electrodes and a conductive connection between the electrodes on an insulator substrate. The electrical connection is configured to be irreversibly destroyed when an electrical current is applied.