Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an encoder apparatus that is capable of resolving magnetically axial and/or rotational displacements of a knob shaft thereof independently and includes a magnetic snap action switch, and a method of assembling the same. In one embodiment, the encoder apparatus has application as a display controller. In another embodiment, one or more of the encoder assemblies may be integrated into a bezel of a display for controlling the operations thereof.

Abstract: A display controller comprises at least one multifunctional encoder including a plurality of magnetic field sensors disposed within a housing cavity of the encoder in proximity to a permanent magnet attached to a knob shaft which is axially and rotatably movable in the housing cavity. The sensors are distributed angularly about the magnet to sense the magnetic field strength thereof based on the orientation of the permanent magnet with respect to the sensors. Each sensor is capable of generating an analog signal representative of the magnitude of the magnetic field strength sensed thereby.

Abstract: Multifunctional encoder apparatus comprises: a housing including a cavity and an opening extending from the cavity to the top of the housing: a knob shaft including an upper portion disposed through the housing opening, and a lower portion disposed in the cavity and including a permanent magnet magnetized with at least one set of North-South magnetic poles, the knob shaft and its permanent magnet being axially and rotatably movable in the housing cavity; a plurality of magnetic field sensors disposed within the housing cavity in proximity to the permanent magnet and distributed angularly thereabout to sense the magnetic field strength of the permanent magnet based on the orientation of the permanent magnet with respect to the sensors, each sensor for generating a signal representative of the magnitude of the magnetic field strength sensed thereby; and a processor for processing the sensor signals to independently resolve axial and rotational movement of the knob shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an encoder apparatus that is capable of resolving magnetically axial and/or rotational displacements of a knob shaft thereof independently and includes a magnetic snap action switch, and a method of assembling the same. In one embodiment, the encoder apparatus has application as a display controller. In another embodiment, one or more of the encoder assemblies may be integrated into a bezel of a display for controlling the operations thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an encoder apparatus that is capable of resolving magnetically axial and/or rotational displacements of a knob shaft thereof independently and includes a magnetic snap action switch, and a method of assembling the same. In one embodiment, the encoder apparatus has application as a display controller. In another embodiment, one or more of the encoder assemblies may be integrated into a bezel of a display for controlling the operations thereof.