Optical Encoder Surface Feature Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical encoding technologies require special processing of the working surface with markers or specific light patterns, limiting their application and increasing complexity for accurate detection.

Innovation Solution

An optical encoder system comprising a light emitting unit, a light sensing unit, and a processing unit that generates coding reference data by detecting surface features without markers, allowing for high-frame-rate detection and position correction using image processing techniques like digital filtering and edge extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If special processing is performed on the working surface with markers or specific light patterns, then accurate detection results can be obtained, but the application scope is limited and the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsurface processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the encoding information from special markers and embeds it directly into the 3D model geometry of the working surface itself. The surface features serve as both the workpiece and the encoding carrier, eliminating the need for separate marker processing while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The working surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is both the object to be measured and the encoding reference. The geometric features of the surface perform dual roles as functional elements and identification markers, expanding application scope without adding processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If special processing is performed on the working surface with markers or specific light patterns, then accurate detection results can be obtained, but the difficulty of applying this technology increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidapplication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The encoding information is prepared in advance during the 3D modeling stage, before manufacturing. The digital model contains all necessary geometric features that will serve as encoding references, allowing standard manufacturing processes to be used without additional surface processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical marker processing with digital 3D model-based encoding. Instead of mechanically adding markers to surfaces, the encoding is embedded in the digital geometry, which can then be manufactured using conventional processes, significantly easing application difficulty.

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

3Loss of information

If conventional optical encoding is used with predetermined gaps and light sources, then coding reference data can be generated, but the system requires complex light source arrangements and predetermined surface patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding reference data generationVSAvoidlight source arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital 3D model copies of the working surface geometry as the encoding reference. Instead of requiring physical light source arrangements and predetermined gaps, the system creates and processes digital copies of surface features, eliminating complex optical hardware while preserving coding reference data generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter from physical light source positioning to digital geometric feature processing. By transforming the encoding reference from a physical optical setup to a digital 3D model representation, the system eliminates the need for complex light source arrangements while maintaining coding accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise position determination and correction, reducing the need for special surface processing and improving the accuracy and applicability of optical encoding systems.

Implementation Method 1

the light sensing unit is configured to detect reflected light from the surface to generate detected signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9753550B2Optical encoder and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2017.09.05 PIXART IMAGING INC
  • US9753550B2 patent drawing
  • US9753550B2 patent drawing
  • US9753550B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is related to an optical encoder which is configured to provide precise coding reference data by feature recognition technology. To apply the present disclosure, it is not necessary to provide particular dense patterns on a working surface or any reference object with particular markers. The precise coding reference data can be generated by detecting surface features of the working surface.