Abstract: An optical encoder. The encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections, which include a plurality of position sections and an index section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a combined position and index photodetector array. The combined position and index photodetector array includes a plurality of position photodetectors and an index photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement position and index sections in a single track on the coding element.

Abstract: An optical encoder. The optical encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections. The plurality of optically distinguishable sections includes a limit switch section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a limit switch photodetector positioned to detect the light signal from the emitter. The detector generates a limit switch output signal in response to the detected light signal above a limit switch threshold at the limit switch photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement limit switches into a single track on the coding element.

Abstract: A user navigational apparatus. The user navigational apparatus includes a dial, a coding element, and an encoder. The coding element is coupled to a dial. The coding element includes a track of alternating reflective and non-reflective sections, each having a substantially oblique leading edge relative to a direction of movement of the coding element. The encoder includes an emitter and a detector. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector detects a reflected light signal which corresponds to a portion of the incident light signal that is reflected off of the reflective sections of the track. The detector also generates a channel signal corresponding to the reflected light signal.

Abstract: A user navigational apparatus. The user navigational apparatus includes a code wheel and an encoder. The code wheel is coupled to a dial. The code wheel includes a track of alternating reflective and non-reflective sections. The optical reflective encoder includes an emitter and a detector. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the code wheel. The detector detects a reflected light signal. The reflected light signal corresponds to a portion of the incident light signal that is reflected off of the reflective sections of the track. The detector also generates a channel signal corresponding to the reflected light signal. Embodiments of this type of user navigational apparatus achieve reduced thickness compared to conventional implementations of jog wheels.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes an emitter, a first lens, a detector, a second lens, and a protrusion. The emitter emits light which is directed by the first lens to a code scale for reflection. The reflected light is directed by the second lens to the detector. The detector detects the reflected light from the code scale. The protrusion is between the first lens and the second lens. The protrusion defines at least one surface that refracts stray light from the emitter away from the detector. Accordingly, the stray light does not reach the detector; thus the detector can operate more effectively.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a code strip having a first side, a second side, a first track comprising indicia thereon, and a second track comprising indicia thereon. The code strip is moveable along a displacement path with respect to the optical encoder. A light source positioned on the first side of the code strip directs light toward the code strip. A first detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the first track of the code strip. A second detector element is positioned on the second side of the code strip and is generally aligned with the second track of the code strip. The second detector element is also positioned so that the second detector element is located a spaced distance along the displacement path from the first detector element.

Abstract: An Enhanced Reflective Optical Encoder (“EROE”) having an emitter module for transmitting emitted optical radiation to an encoded media and a detector module for receiving reflected optical radiation from the encoded media. The EROE may include a transmissive layer covering both the emitter module and the detector module, and an optical isolation element located within the transmissive layer and located between the emitter module and the detector module. The optical isolation element reduces undesired optical radiation transmitted from the emitter module to the detector module, where the undesired optical radiation is a portion of the emitted optical radiation.