Abstract: An Optical Projecting Encoder (“OPE”) having an emitter module for transmitting emitted optical radiation through a mask to a moving object, and a detector module for receiving reflected optical radiation from the moving object. The reflected optical radiation from the moving object may include a predetermined image cast by the mask and a surface texture image from the moving object. The OPE may include a transmissive layer covering both the emitter module and the detector module, where the transmissive layer covering the emitter module collimates the optical radiation from the emitter module, and the transmissive layer covering the detector module concentrates the optical radiation reflected from the moving object to the detector module. The detector module may include an optical navigation sensor that continuously acquires and compares predetermined images cast by the mask and surface texture images from the moving object.

Abstract: An apparatus having a coherent light source, an optical sensor, and a controller that can be utilized in optical mice and the like is disclosed. The coherent light source emits coherent light in a cone of angles about an illumination direction. The optical sensor includes an array of photodetectors disposed on a die having a surface substantially perpendicular to the illumination direction. The controller compares first and second images recorded by the optical sensor at different times and determines a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the apparatus has moved between the two different times. A portion of the coherent light source is bonded to the die at a location within the array of photodetectors.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for using the same are disclosed. The pointing device includes an illumination system, an imaging system, and a controller. The illumination system illuminates a portion of a surface over which the pointing device travels with coherent light. The imaging system includes a first window for receiving light from the illuminated portion of the surface and transmitting that light to a first imaging array such that a speckle pattern is generated on the first imaging array and a second window includes an imaging optical system for forming an image of part of the illuminated portion of the surface on a second imaging array. The controller selects either the first imaging array or the second imaging array and compares the output of the selected imaging array at first and second times to determine a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the pointing device moved.

Abstract: An optical navigation system having an optical navigation integrated circuit (“navigation IC”) is described. The optical navigation system may include an emitter module and a pixel array surrounding the emitter module. The optical navigation system may further include a ring optical system located on the surface of the navigation IC over the pixel array.

Abstract: An optical navigation sensor apparatus for an optical mouse includes an optical navigation sensor having an electronic chip, an aperture plate and an imaging lens integrated into a single package. The imaging lens includes a lens housing surrounding the aperture and providing a barrier to the entry of foreign matter into the aperture. In one form, the optical navigation sensor also includes a light emitting diode (LED) for illuminating a small area of a surface under the sensor and generating a reflected image that is detected by the electronic chip. In a sensor having an integral LED, an integral collimating lens is included for receiving light from the LED and focusing the light from the LED on the surface to be illuminated. The collimating lens is incorporated into a lens housing surrounding the LED and protecting the LED from exposure to foreign material.