Programmable encoder for carriage control

摘要

A programmable encoder having an addressable display device (46) to display an encoder pattern (48) of fiducial marks. The programmable encoder can be programmed to display an encoder pattern on a liquid crystal display. A sensor (50) senses the marks on the pattern and generates sensor signals indicative of the sensed pattern. A controller connected to the sensor receives the sensor signals and outputs control signals which control the movement of a machine, such as an ink jet printer. The programmable encoder can be programmed to display any number of patterns on the addressable display device, and consequently, is highly adaptable to any number of applications requiring position, speed, or acceleration control. <IMAGE>