Patent ID: 6385430
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G01D,G03G,H04N

Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting the position of an object while it is moving in an operational path, said object having a leading or trailing edge in a direction of travel, said apparatus comprising:a source of light positioned such that light generated thereby radiates on at least a portion of said path of said object as it moves through an operational cycle; multiple position sensory zones, each having at least a pair of electrodes which are spaced to define one of said zones, each of said zones constructed of a light sensitive material which is stimulated by the impingement of light to generate at least a pair of signal currents conducted away from said sensory zone by said electrodes, said sensory zones arranged in an array positioned adjacent said path of said object near said light source, such that said object alters the distribution of light on said array as it moves in its operational path, each of said sensory zones having a central active region and said sensory zones being relatively positioned, such that at least one of said active regions of said sensory zones is presented to an edge of said object, wherein said signal currents are indicative of the position, relative to said electrodes; and a position processor connected to receive said signal currents, and calculate said object position therefrom.