Patent · US Active

Optical grid enhancement for improved motor location

US8976368B2 · kind B2 · utility

491Cited by
7References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 14, 2012
Grant dateMar 10, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 18, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01B11/28
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Methods for performing a scheme that results in a refined measurement pattern within an optical grid are provided. Physically adjusting spacing of elements within an optical grid to achieve enhanced resolution is historically unfeasible, as reduction of the spacing causes light sensors of the optical grid to pick up false signals when reading light beams. Technology introduced by the present invention generates a virtual reduced spacing of the elements within the optical grid by using two signals that are slightly different. These slightly different signals can accomplish, at least, quarter-grid spacing resolution within the optical grid. Additionally, the enhanced resolution derived from the virtual reduced spacing is employed to govern movement of a motor. The motor movement is in response to one or more changes of direction such that the motor is operating in its linear range. Advantageously, the virtual reduced spacing allows for substantial movement in a non-linear phase, while only limited movement in a linear phase is necessary to locate accurately a target within the optical grid.

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