Meter dial encoder for remote meter reading

Abstract

A meter dial encoder for converting angular dial pointer shaft positions includes a single track code pattern having binary coded arcuate sectors rotated by the shaft. The pattern is rotated adjacent a pattern sensing assembly including a single circular row of sensing positions having associated sensors for producing a multiple bit binary code signal. The code signal is changed by only one bit for each arcuate pattern movement equal to one arcuate sector. Each shaft position is converted from a corresponding dial reading to a binary code signal having error checking capability. In one preferred form of the invention, an opto-electronic encoder includes a single illuminating source and a light guide arrangement to produce plural point light sources for each of plural light responsive sensors associated with each of the sensing positions. An alternative light guide arrangement optically couples each of the sensing positions to light sensors. In a further preferred form of the invention, a code pattern is a magnetic field controlling material and is rotated adjacent a magnetic sensor for producing the shaft position binary code signal.