Encoder Parallel Processing for High-Speed Position Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial encoders face measurement errors due to delay times when high-speed target object movement occurs, as existing correction methods fail to accurately account for rapid position or angle changes, leading to inaccuracies in position data output.
Innovation Solution
An encoder system that includes a detector and processor capable of parallel processing to detect signals from a scale, generate and correct position or angle data based on movement changes during delay times, and output corrected data upon receiving a command signal, allowing for high-speed and precise measurement value output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the encoder performs measurement and correction processing sequentially in response to command signals, then the processing can be completed accurately, but the output time delay increases and measurement precision deteriorates at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder performs measurement processing in advance for the next command signal while waiting for the current command signal to be processed. Specifically, the measurement value acquisition unit acquires measurement values for subsequent time points before they are needed, and the correction value calculation unit calculates correction values ahead of time. This preliminary action reduces the effective processing delay when command signals are received, as the heavy computational work has already been completed or is in progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder maintains continuous measurement and correction processing operations rather than idle waiting between command signals. The measurement value acquisition unit continuously acquires measurement values at predetermined intervals, and the correction value calculation unit continuously calculates correction values based on the movement amount calculation unit's ongoing calculations. This continuous operation ensures that processing is always ready or near-ready when command signals arrive, reducing effective delay.
2Productivity
If the encoder increases processing speed to reduce output delay, then responsiveness improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient correction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder divides the measurement and correction processing into distinct functional units that can operate independently and in parallel: a measurement value acquisition unit that obtains raw measurement values, a movement amount calculation unit that calculates movement amounts from these values, and a correction value calculation unit that computes correction values based on the movement amounts and delay times. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize and operate efficiently, maintaining accuracy while improving overall processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder implements dynamic processing where the measurement cycle is independent of the command signal cycle. The measurement value acquisition unit operates at a predetermined high-speed interval regardless of when command signals arrive, and the correction value calculation unit dynamically adjusts its calculations based on the actual delay time measured between command signal transmission and reception. This dynamic approach maintains precision while enabling fast output.
3Device complexity
If the encoder uses traditional sequential processing for measurement and correction, then processing simplicity is maintained, but measurement error increases at high target object velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder replaces traditional sequential mechanical-style processing with a parallel processing architecture using multiple functional units that operate simultaneously. The measurement value acquisition unit, movement amount calculation unit, and correction value calculation unit process data in parallel rather than waiting for sequential completion. This substitution of processing architecture reduces the accumulation of delays and errors that occur in sequential processing, particularly at high velocities where time delays are magnified.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate high-speed position or angle measurement by correcting for delay-induced errors through parallel processing and timely data output, ensuring higher precision and reliability in industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
An optical encoder irradiates a scale with light from a light source and receives, by a photoelectric conversion element, transmitted light or reflected light which passes through the scale
Data Source
AI summary
An encoder for outputting a measurement value of a position or angle of a scale in accordance with a command signal transmitted with a cycle, includes: a detector configured to perform detection of a signal from the scale and output a detection signal; and a processor configured to perform generation of data representing a position or angle of the scale based on the detection signal, perform correction of the data based on a change amount of the position or angle along with movement of the scale in a delay time till receiving of a subsequent command signal after the detection, and perform outputting of the corrected data. The processor is configured to perform processing including the generation and correction in accordance with receiving of the command signal, and perform a plurality of the processing in parallel.