Optical encoder capable of identifying absolute positions and operating method thereof
AssigneePixart Imaging Inc.
InventorsBoon-How Kok, Keen-Hun Leong, Ching-Geak Chan, Chiang-Hee Lim, Chu-Leik Ho, Hsin-Chia Chen, Yen-Min Chang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure is related to an optical encoder which is configured to provide precise coding reference data by feature recognition technology. To apply the present disclosure, it is not necessary to provide particular dense patterns on a working surface. The precise coding reference data can be generated by detecting surface features of the working surface.
Claims20
An optical encoder, comprising:
- a memory storing at least one predetermined shutter parameter range corresponding to at least one reference position on a detection surface;
- a light emitting unit configured to emit light to the detection surface;
- a light sensing unit configured to detect reflected light from the detection surface using a current shutter parameter to generate detected signals;
- and
- a processing unit configured to determine a current position of the optical encoder opposite to the detection surface by comparing the current shutter parameter with the predetermined shutter parameter range, wherein the optical encoder is configured to move with respect to the detection surface.
An optical encoder, comprising:
- a memory storing at least one predetermined image feature range corresponding to at least one reference position on a detection surface;
- a light emitting unit configured to emit light to the detection surface;
- a light sensing unit configured to detect reflected light from the detection surface to generate detected signals;
- and
- a processing unit configured to determine a current position of the optical encoder opposite to the detection surface by comparing a current image feature of the detected signals with the predetermined image feature range, wherein the optical encoder is configured to move with respect to the detection surface.
An operating method of an optical encoder, the optical encoder comprising a memory storing at least one predetermined shutter parameter range corresponding to at least one reference position on a detection surface, the method comprising:
- detecting, by a light sensing unit using a current shutter parameter, light reflected from the detection surface;
- and
- comparing the current shutter parameter with the predetermined shutter parameter range to determine a current position of the optical encoder opposite to the detection surface when the optical encoder moves with respect to the detection surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.