Rotary Encoders & Human-Computer Interaction
Students learn about rotary encodersCopyright 2013 Paul Phamduy, Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Students learn about rotary encoders and discover how they operate through hands-on experimentation. Rotary encoders are applied in tools to determine angle measurements and for translations of angular motion. One common rotary encoder application is in a computer's ball-type mouse—the ball itself is a type of rotary encoder. In this activity, students experiment with two rotary encoders, including one from a computer mouse and one created using a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 kit. They collect data to define and graph the relationship between the motion of the rotary encoder and its output.
Engineers must understand existing designs in order to select and integrate the most cutting-edge and efficient technologies available to create state-of-the-art machinery, devices, processes and systems. Rotary encoders are a useful technology to measure rotational motion with a relatively simple mechanism. Although simple in design, rotary encoders have been incorporated in a wide range of applications designed by engineers, particularly mechanical and electrical. Specifically, encoders are used to control height in elevators, speeds in escalators, motorized wheelchairs and wind turbines. Also, they are used to determine angular direction in computer mice, and set a target angle in industrial robotic arms. They are a necessary and useful component to many technological creations that improve our lives.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define rotary encoder and explain how one works.
- Measure and graph the relationship between the angular motion of a rotary encoder and its output based on a linear translation.
- List examples of how rotary encoders are used in devices and mechanisms.