Encoder Signal Resolution Conversion for Low-Resolution Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Systems requiring low encoder resolution often struggle to interface with high-resolution encoder outputs, such as in rescue systems or when dealing with high-frequency signals, as existing methods fail to effectively reduce resolution while maintaining accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a processor and memory to execute algorithms that detect movement direction and generate reduced-resolution signals from high-resolution encoder outputs, incorporating a decoder component, modulo counter, and quadrature output component to divide counts into segments, ensuring compatibility with low-resolution interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a high-resolution encoder is used, then measurement precision is improved, but compatibility with low-resolution interfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoder resolutionVSAvoidinterface compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device between the high-resolution encoder and the low-resolution interface. This intermediary receives the high-frequency quadrature encoder signals, processes them through algorithms that detect movement direction and generate reduced-resolution signals, and outputs compatible low-resolution signals to the interface-requiring component, thereby enabling compatibility without sacrificing the encoder's native resolution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of signal resolution by processing the encoder output signals through computational algorithms. The system dynamically adjusts the resolution parameter by counting a specified number of input cycles and generating corresponding output cycles, effectively transforming high-resolution signals into low-resolution signals while maintaining the essential motion information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a low encoder resolution is used, then interface compatibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidencoder resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for a physically low-resolution encoder with a computational approach. Instead of using a mechanical encoder with fewer lines, the system uses a high-resolution encoder combined with software algorithms that simulate lower resolution output, thereby eliminating the need for multiple physical encoder configurations and maintaining measurement precision while achieving interface compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If high-frequency encoder signals are generated, then measurement precision is improved, but system compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoder resolutionVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by implementing a cyclic counting and signal generation mechanism. The system counts a specified number of input signal cycles and generates corresponding output cycles at a reduced frequency, creating a periodic transformation that maintains the essential motion information while adapting the signal frequency to be compatible with systems that cannot handle high-frequency inputs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2946476B1Encoder resolution reduction
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP2946476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2946476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2946476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One or more embodiments are directed to an encoder configured to output a signal, and a computing device configured to receive the signal from the encoder and generate a reduced resolution version of the signal, the computing device is configured to transmit the reduced resolution version of the signal to a recipient.