Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus and method for measuring in real time the rotational or linear position, direction or velocity of a rotating or linear moving body, particularly an encoded optical disk or strip attached to such rotating or linear moving body. A position measurement pattern comprising a plurality of spaced apart rows of 'lands' and 'pits' are included on the encoded disk or strip. A position read head with a plurality of laser beams is positioned to reflect laser light off the position measurement pattern on the disk or strip. The relative spacing of the laser beams on the position read head is adjusted to a non-integral multiple of the spacing of the rows. Output signals from the position read head are generated according to reflected laser light from the position measurement pattern which is detected by the error read head. The output signals are converted to position, direction and velocity information.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim