Method Of Determining A Position Of An Actuator

摘要

An encoding sequence is configured to detect the position and direction of motion of an actuator. The actuator includes at least two members where one of the members moves with respect to the other. Two sets of binary indicators are either affixed to or integrally assembled along one of the members. Each pair of indicators defines a position of the actuator and each binary indicator is configured to identify one of two states, such as a magnetic pole or a graphical mark where each state corresponds to a logical zero or a logical one. The indicators are arranged on the actuator such that at least one of the indicators transitions between one of the two states at each position along the actuator. At least one sensor is provided to detect the state of the binary indicators as the two members of the actuator move with respect to each other.

主权项

1. A method of determining a position of an actuator using a first set of binary indicators and a second set of binary indicators Wherein each of the first and second sets of binary indicators has a predefined word length, comprising the steps of
defining a plurality of positions along the range of motion of the actuator; assigning a binary indicator from the first set of binary indicators to each of the plurality of positions; assigning a binary indicator from the second set of binary indicators to each of the plurality of positions; detecting a change in state for each set of binary indicators between adjacent positions for a number of adjacent positions equal to the predefined word length, wherein at least one of the first and second sets of binary indicators changes states between each adjacent position.