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US 2012/0205528 A1Published application
Three-channel encoder using a single optical track
AssigneeAvago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
InventorsMarcin Augustyniak, Weng Fei Wong, Cheng Kwong Cheang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An optical encoder is disclosed. Specifically, a three-channel encoder is disclosed which utilizes a single track for all three channels. An index channel is provided on the same optical track as the first and second channels which are used to determine incremental angular position. Thus, a more compact and simple three-channel encoder is provided.
Claims20
An encoder for use in an optical encoding system, comprising:
- an emitter configured to emit light;
- a detector configured to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the emitter and convert the received light into one or more electrical signals which are used to generate three output channels, wherein the light used to generate the three output channels at least one of passed through and was reflected by a single optical track.
A system for translating physical motion of a device into an electrical signal, the system comprising:
- an encoder comprising a sensor area that includes an array of incremental photodiodes and an index photodiode, the sensor area configured to be positioned proximate to a single optical track of a coding element that is mechanically coupled to the device, wherein the array of incremental photodiodes are used to generate electrical signals which can be used to determine an incremental position of the coding element, and wherein the index photodiode is used to generate an electrical signal which can be used to determine a homing position of the coding element.
An optical encoding system:
- a coding element having a track with a track pattern, the track pattern comprising a plurality of repeating optically distinguishable sections interrupted by an absolute position indicator;
- an emitter configured to generate a light signal incident on the track of the coding element;
- and
- a detector comprising an optical sensor area having a plurality of photodiodes positioned to detect the light signal from the emitter, wherein the plurality of photodiodes includes an array of incremental photodiodes and at least one index photodiode.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.