Abstract: A signalling apparatus comprising: a non-light-emitting element arranged to transmit and/or reflect light from a light-emitting element, the non-light-emitting element having a variable transmission and/or reflectance respectively, and the non-light-emitting element being separate from the light-emitting element; and a controller configured to control the transmission and/or reflectance of the non-light-emitting element in order to temporally modulate the light and to thereby embed data into the light in a manner imperceptible to human vision; wherein the non-light-emitting element is arranged to transmit and/or reflect the light towards a detecting apparatus housed in a unit separate from the light-emitting element and non-light-emitting element, in order for the embedded data to be detected by the detecting apparatus.

Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a measuring standard, a scanning unit, and a rotary bearing by which the measuring standard or the scanning unit is rotationally mounted. The measuring standard and the scanning unit are rotatable in relation to each other. The scanning unit generates output signals, on the basis of which a rotary angle associated with the relative motion of the measuring standard and the scanning unit is able to be determined. A monitoring device monitors the rotary bearing for the occurrence of bearing faults and is adapted to detect and analyze at least one measured variable for a plurality of different relative positions of the measuring standard in relation to the scanning unit, in order to determine deviations from a setpoint behavior of the measured variables on the basis of the measured variable detected for a plurality of relative positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microseismic event analysis, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for modeling microseismic event location estimate accuracy. According to certain aspects, the present invention provides a framework for analytically studying microseismic source location estimation accuracy and further provides new geometric intuitions and quantitative relationships that aid in the understanding of this problem. These intuitions and expressions can be shown to be in agreement with current observations in the state of the art.

Abstract: An optical microphone comprises a light source configured to emit a light beam and an acoustic sensor configured to reflect the light beam. The acoustic sensor includes single-wall nanotubes and deflects in response to pressure waves. An optional reflector of the optical microphone is configured to re-reflect the light beam from the acoustic sensor. A detector is configured to detect the light beam from the acoustic sensor or the reflector, and thus measures the pressure waves.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a Hall effect sensor, the structure including: a mounting bracket, a mounting plate, a left supporting column, a right supporting column, and a first supporting column. The left supporting column and the right supporting column are protruded upwards from top surfaces of two adjacent teeth at the inner side of a certain winding slot, respectively. The first supporting column is protruded upwards from the top surface of the circular yoke at the outer side of the winding slot. The mounting plate is disposed on top surfaces of the first supporting column, the left supporting column, and the right supporting column. The mounting bracket is installed at the bottom of the mounting plate. The Hall effect sensor is installed in the mounting bracket.

Abstract: In a rotary input apparatus, a stationary ground electrode, a first stationary sensing electrode, and a second stationary sensing electrode are formed on a stationary facing surface of a stationary plate. The first stationary sensing electrode includes first facing portions and a first connecting portion electrically connecting the first facing portions, and the second stationary sensing electrode includes second facing portions and a second connecting portion electrically connecting the second facing portions. Each of the first facing portions has a different phase from that of the corresponding one of the second facing portions in a rotation direction. When a rotary electrode, which is provided on a rotary portion, rotates, an encoded signal of a first phase is obtained between the first stationary sensing electrode and the ground potential, and an encoded signal of a second phase is obtained between the second stationary sensing electrode and the ground potential.

Abstract: A solar energy apparatus is provided for conditioning a building. The apparatus includes a first shield having a generalized cylindrical shape with an opening along its curved surface. The first shield rotates about the perimeter of a building at a first rotational speed. A second shield, also having a generalized cylindrical shape and with an opening along its curved surface, rotates concentrically with the first shield and at a second, greater rotational speed. The speeds of each shield are preferably constant and rotation of both shields is in the same direction. The relative rotation of the shields creates an aperture that varies in size and position throughout the day and year to appropriately regulate the amount of daylight, solar energy and insulation to which the building is subjected.

Abstract: Optical angle of arrival sensors and methods for determining an angle of arrival of incident light are provided, wherein one sensor includes a focusing lens and an array of lateral-effect position sensing detector (LEPSD) elements. The focusing lens is configured to focus light on the array, wherein each of the LEPSD elements includes an absorber region that absorbs light of a first wavelength range that is focused on the LEPSD elements. Each of the LEPSD elements further includes at least one lateral current conducting layer that has a relatively low sheet resistance.

Abstract: A contour and surface texture measuring instrument for measuring a contour and surface texture of a surface of a work, which generates a displacement signal having a high resolution and high linearity in a wide measurement range is disclosed, the contour and surface texture measuring instrument having a measurement part having a stylus configured to come into contact with the surface of the work and to change its position vertically, a feed mechanism configured to move the work with respect to the stylus, an arm having the measurement part at one end and configured to transfer a displacement of the stylus to rotate with a pivot, and a differential transformer-type measuring mechanism and a scale-type measuring mechanism attached to the arm or to a position interlocked with the arm and configured to detect a displacement of the stylus.

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

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

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

Abstract: An encoder and method for precisely indicating the position of a first member with respect to a second member by utilizing a pattern of machine-sensible elements carried on a single track of the first member; the machine-sensible elements being located at successive incremental rotations on the track of the first member and each representing one of the binary values “0” and “1”; and a plurality of “n” sensors, wherein “n” is greater than “3”, carried by the second member at a plurality of spaced locations thereon in proximity to the track of the first member and alignable with the machine-sensible elements of the first member.

Abstract: A contactless switch module, which is actuatable between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, a plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors, and a plurality of magnets. The switch also includes a multi-channel switch controller. Each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors is communicatively coupled to an input channel of the multi-channel switch controller. The multi-channel switch controller is configured to determine a switch state based at least upon the respective states of its input channels.

Abstract: In a 3GPP standards Release 6 UMTS system, in order to avoid searching at NodeB for a maximum E-DPCCH-associated metric at discrete possible valid index values, or over disjoint possible valid index regions, at the UE the three different sources of information, the fixed number bits that comprise the RSN, TFI and the H-bit components of the E-DPCCH bit field, are mapped so that the decimal equivalents of the possible E-DPCCH indices lie within a continuous range of values.

Abstract: An optical encoder. The encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections, which include a plurality of position sections and an index section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a combined position and index photodetector array. The combined position and index photodetector array includes a plurality of position photodetectors and an index photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement position and index sections in a single track on the coding element.

Abstract: An absolute position of a rotating axis is sensed at a desired resolution by employing two or more absolute encoders of a resolution that is lower than the desired resolution. A first absolute encoder that rotates in concert with the axis being sensed and a second absolute encoder that rotates a number of times for each rotation of the first encoder are employed. While the second absolute encoder data is utilized directly, the first absolute encoder data, through an interpretation of the context of the second absolute encoder data, is translated to a quantity equivalent to the rotational count of the second absolute encoder. Additionally, the data from the first and second absolute encoders can be manipulated so as to make a mechanical misalignment between the encoders or a temporal misalignment between their readings to be essentially inconsequential to the operation and accuracy of the enhanced absolute position sensor system.

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

Abstract: An 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: An absolute angle detecting device is provided. The absolute angle detecting device is composed of a first detecting element group that outputs a Gray code string for angle detection that detects a rotating angle in one sector of the multi-rotation body at required resolution, a second detecting element group and a third detecting element group that outputs a first and a second Gray code strings for sector identification. A rotating angle within one rotation (360 degrees) is detected by the Gray code for angle detection while setting one rotation of the multi-rotation body to one sector.

Abstract: An optical encoder utilizes a photodetector array having at least two photodetectors with different surface areas that generate different amounts of photocurrent when they are simultaneously lit by an LED. Because the photodetectors generate different amounts of photocurrent when simultaneously lit, the photodetectors produce unambiguous results that can be used to index a coding element such as a codewheel. Another optical encoder utilizes one index photodetector that is aligned with an index track and another index photodetector that is aligned with a position track of a coding element to index the coding element.

Abstract: A transducer, a method and a coding pattern for determining a kinematic measurable variable are disclosed. A transducer comprises a first device part which is moveable in or through a corresponding device for oil or natural gas production and a second device part which is stationary relative to said first device part. To detect both the directions of movement and the respective position in a simple constructional and inexpensive way without the need for return movement up to ends of the range of movement, the first and/or second device part comprises a coding pattern which is changing along a direction of movement and of which position-specific patterns can be scanned by a scanning means which is arranged on the respective other device part. By scanning such a specific coding pattern during mutual relative movement of said objects or device parts a corresponding scanning signal can then be converted by an evaluation unit into a kinematic measurable variable.

Abstract: A joystick controller has a body (10), an operating shaft (12) and a ball-and-socket joint (14) mounting the operating shaft for universal pivotal movement relative to the body (10) about a pivot center. First and second and third carrier members (16, 17, 19) are movable relative to the body (10) about respective first, second and third, mutually perpendicular axes which pass through the pivot center of the ball-and-socket joint (14), and carry respective magnets (24, 26, 29). Rotary movement of the operating shaft (12) about its longitudinal axis causes movement of the third carrier member (19) about the third axis. Hall-effect devices (52, 54, 56) are mounted on a common planar circuit board (48) at the base of the body (10) and producing respective output signals indicative of the positions of the magnets (24, 26, 29) carried on the first, second and third carrier members (16), respectively.

Abstract: An ink jet printer has a line head having heating elements (121d) for ejecting ink droplets from nozzles, in which the plurality of heating elements (121d) are arrayed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper feed direction. In the line head, the plurality of heating elements (121d) are divided into a plurality of blocks, with each block consisting of a predetermined number of spatially arrayed heating elements of the plurality of heating elements (121d) corresponding to the plurality of nozzles, and a phase signal PH is sequentially supplied to a set of heating elements (121d) simultaneously driven over the respective blocks, thus sequentially driving the respective heating elements (121d) by each set as a unit in a time-divisional manner. Thus, the ink jet printer can reduce the positional shift of dots on the paper and can reduce the instantaneous maximum dissipation power in time-division drive.

Abstract: An absolute position-sensing device is usable to measure the relative position of two elements. An absolute scale includes an integrated track extending along a measuring axis of the scale. The integrated track includes a plurality of code portions interleaved with, or embedded in, a plurality of periodic portions. Each periodic portion includes a plurality of periodically-placed incremental scale elements. Each code portion includes a plurality of code elements indicative of an absolute measurement value. The code elements are arranged in code element zones along the direction perpendicular to the motion axis, and are detectable by associated variations along the direction perpendicular to the motion axis. The offset of the periodically placed elements relative to a readhead of the device is combined with the absolute measurement value to determine an absolute position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically generating several electrical pulses using numeric default values, in particular for simulating an incremental encoder for a sequential, digital counting of linear or angular displacement values using said pulses. The method incorporates a value generator that outputs the default values repeatedly within each first cycle time, calculation and control means that detect the default values in a cyclic manner and a pulse switching interface that has one or more outputs for the pulses.

Abstract: There is provided a position transducer (1) capable of accurately detecting an n-bit code by n ABS detectors from one ABS track. When an INC value is under j or over k, signal output from each of the ABS detectors is binarized based on a threshold h and also based on a threshold l. First, an ABS value decider (24) decides that a bit is “H” when it has been judged as being “H” on the basis of both the thresholds and a bit is “L” when it is has been judged as being “L” on the basis of both the thresholds. When the INC value is under j, a lower bit has the same code as that of the deiced bit. So, the ABS value decider (24) decides that the lower bit is “H” or “L”. On the other hand, when the INC value is over k, an upper bit has the same code as the decided code. Thus, the ABS value decider (24) decides that the upper bit is “H” or “L”.

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 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 electronic circuit for measuring the position of a spatially periodic intensity pattern of incident radiation includes an array of detectors (1); two or more correlator units (2, 3) each having arrays of capacitors (12, 13) connected to a buffer (14); and a phase angle computing unit (4). The pitch of the array of detectors (1) is smaller than the pitch of the incident intensity pattern so that the latter is oversampled, yielding high accuracy. The detector outputs (17) are weighted by respective fixed capacitance values (15, 16) which vary periodically along arrays of capacitors (12, 13), and a weighted sum of outputs for each correlator unit (2, 3) is output at its respective buffer (14). The capacitance values (15, 16) of respective correlator units (2, 3) are mutually offset by a predetermined phase shift. The analog computation using capacitor arrays (12, 13) is fast and energy efficient, and can be implemented as a VLSI circuit.

Abstract: An encoding system for determining the position of a cylinder rod along a path of movement, the encoding system including a sequence of code segments located on the rod along the path of movement, each of the code segments including a distinct pattern of marks extending from a starting position in a direction transverse to the path of movement and identifying the position of the code segment on the rod, the encoding system further including at least one mark on the rod extending substantially continuously along the path of movement in predetermined relation to the starting positions of the patterns of marks for indicating the locations thereof.

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

Abstract: A rotary stage (26) is positionable in precise angular increments that are determined by a virtual absolute position encoder disk (106). The angular increments are determined to a 2,400 arc-second absolute resolution by a bar code scale (110) and to a 0.125 arc-second relative resolution by interpolating interference patterns generated by a diffraction grating-based incremental encoder scale (108). The position encoder may be considered a virtual absolute encoder because as little as 0.66 degrees of rotation is required to know the absolute angular position of the rotary stage. The bar code scale eliminates the need for stop bits and quiet zones, which results in increased bar code resolution. The preferred bar code format includes a continuously abutting series of 15-bar slot position bar code patterns positioned as a single track encircling the encoder disk.

Abstract: An absolute linear encoder includes an index channel and at least two counter channels. The spacing between markings on the index channel is constant, and the spacing between markings on the first and second channels is predetermined so that the positions of the markings in the first and second channels vary so as to provide a unique signature for each position along the encoder. The linear encoder includes quadrature channels to provide increased resolution and to determine the direction of translation. The encoder is provided with a detector unit to detect positions of the markings in each channel, and a processing unit to calculate an absolute position from the detected marking positions. A method of producing the absolute linear encoder includes selecting spacings for markers in the quadrature, index, first and second channels in order to provide a desired resolution and encoder length.

Abstract: A sensor failure detection circuit for a position encoder, the sensor failure detection circuit receiving from a first set of at least one position sensor position signals which change state at a high resolution and from a second set of at least one position sensor position signals which change state at a lower resolution, the detection circuit monitoring a count for the position signals at the high resolution between states of the position signals at the lower resolution and comparing the count with a predetermined range which represents an expected count for the position signals at the high resolution between the states of the position signals at the lower resolution.

Abstract: A signal generating device has a pattern carrying unit with separated or connected patterns. Contact members of a signal reader make contact with the patterns and one of the patterns is selected for reading by a selector.

Abstract: A combined optical and capacitive absolute positioning encoding system uses a plurality of metallized strips deposited onto a glass scale substrate. A movable transceiver is positioned adjacent to the scale. The transceiver generates interrogating electrical an optical signals which interact with the scale. The movable transceiver also carries with it receiver mechanisms for receiving the signals after interaction with the scale. Signal processing electronics are provided to determine the relative positions of the scale and transceiver by comparing the transmitted, interrogating signals with the received signals. The system is able to determine the relative positions of the scale and transceiver even if power to the system is interrupted, or if the scale and transceiver are moved relative to one another very rapidly.

Abstract: Two fragments from a single maximal length sequence of length 2.sup.(x/2) -1 are interleaved to produce a new sequence of bits. The lengths of the fragments are such that they have no common factors. Each x-tuple of successive bits of the new sequence of bits uniquely defines the absolute position of that x-tuple in the sequence of bits, which position may be obtained from the relative position in the fragments of two y-tuples making up the x-tuple.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder comprising a rotary code plate for obtaining sine wave outputs of a plurality of channels each having a different number of cycles per revolution, A/D converters for respectively A/D-converting the sine wave outputs of the plurality of channels for constituting rotational angular data of the code plate, and a ROM for storing at corresponding addresses interpolated data obtained by interpolation of angular data of one wavelength of the channels into a predetermined number of divisions sequentially using outputs of the A/D converters corresponding to the channels as address data, and for storing at corresponding addresses corrected data obtained by correction of an interpolation error included in interpolated data of upper channels having small numbers of cycles based on correction address data using interpolated data of lower channels having large numbers of cycles as the correction address data, wherein an absolute position of a moving body is detected by synthesis of the interpol

Abstract: An absolute encoder providing a multi-bit output binary code indicative of the position of a rotary or linear scale. The encoder employs a code track, which contains a serial code, and a clock track. The encoder may be either rotary or linear, and may be implemented optically, magnetically, inductively, capacitatively or by any other binary sensing technique.

Abstract: A magnetic rotary encoder which is reduced in overall size and production cost and wherein little torsional force around an axis of a rotary shaft is applied to a bearing for the rotary shaft from a force from an object member for detection and the detection sensitivity does not fluctuate even if the rotary shaft is yielded. The rotary shaft includes a fixed shaft fixedly supported at least at one portion thereof and having an inner race of the bearing secured to an outer periphery thereof, a cylindrical member having an outer race of the bearing secured to an inner periphery thereof, and a magnetic member provided on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member and having magnetic poles formed thereon. A magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic flux from the magnetic member is supported on the fixed shaft by means of a mounting plate, and a detecting member is mounted in sliding contact with the cylindrical member and rotates, when it is rotated, the magnetic member around the axis of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An absolute encoder providing a multi-bit output binary code indicative of the position of a rotary or linear scale. The encoder employs a code track, which contains a serial code, and a clock track. The encoder may be either rotary or linear, and may be implemented optically, magnetically, inductively, capacitatively or by any other binary sensing technique.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring differences by incrementally counting graduations has additional equidistant graduations as well as a corresponding sensor and evaluation device. The intervals between the marks of each additional graduation are multiples of one interval of an incremental graduation. The intervals of one additional graduation differ from those of others by an integral number of incremental intervals. A simple determination of the absolute position of marks from a zero position is done by using an incremental counter for counting the steps between successive marks of two of the additional graduations. This method requires only small motions of the carrier and sensing of the zero position itself is not required.

Abstract: A magnetic rotary sensor has a rotary drum carrying thereon magnetically recorded codes representative of discrete positions obtained by dividing one rotation of the drum into a predetermined number of positions. Further, an interval between the adjacent discrete positions identified by the codes is interpolated by interpolation signals generated on the basis of a sine wave signal and a cosine wave signal, which are so produced by magnetic signals additionally recorded on the drum that the periods thereof correspond to the interval. Accordingly, a magnetic rotary sensor can be realized, which is capable of identifying the rotational positions of a rotating body with high resolution without increasing the rotary drum in size.

Abstract: An improved encoder alignment system is disclosed which provides an indication of the extent of misalignment and a measure of the rate at which the misalignment may be changing. The invention is adapted for use with a conventional encoder which provides a digital coarse word having at least significant bit and a digital fine word having a least significant bit and a most significant bit. The invention generates the exclusive or of the least significant bit of the coarse digital signal and the least significant bit of the fine digital signal to provide a first signal. The invention then generates the exclusive or of the first signal and the complement of the most significant bit of the fine digital signal to provide an output signal which represents the misalignment of the encoder.