Patent · US Active

Reflective encoder with lens on code strip

US7784694B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
4References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 21, 2005
Grant dateAug 31, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 18, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01D5/34715
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An encoder that includes a code strip and an emitter-detector module is disclosed. The code strip has alternating reflective and opaque stripes and an imaging element in contact with a surface of the code strip. The optical element directs light incident thereon to the code strip. The emitter-detector module includes a light source that generates light and directs a portion of the generated light to the imaging element. The emitter-detector module also includes a photodetector that generates a signal representing an intensity of light received by the photodetector. The imaging element images light reflected from the code strip onto the photodetector. The imaging element can include a lens having a planar surface in contact with the surface of the code strip. The imaging element can be structured such that the imaging element collimates light from the light source such that collimated light is incident on one of the reflective stripes.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.