Patent ID: 7573585

Claim:
A detection apparatus detecting predetermined positions of a member, comprising: n (n≧2) sensors one-dimensionally disposed at a sensor pitch equal to or greater than a distance D; and a member to be detected having m (2≦m≦n) parts to be detected, the m parts to be detected being formed in k respective positions (k≦ n C m ) in respective patterns of disposition which are unique with respect to each other, wherein the pattern of disposition of the n sensors and the pattern of disposition of the m parts to be detected at each of the k locations are determined such that, when all of the m parts to be detected act on m sensors among the n sensors, a difference equal to or grater than the distance D exists between values of at least one neighboring sensor pitch at two locations arbitrarily selected from among the k locations, the neighboring sensor pitch belonging to a combination of neighboring sensor pitches which are pitches between neighboring sensors among the m sensors acting on the parts to be detected arranged in the order in which the sensors are arranged.