What is a computer mouse for? Main characteristics of a computer mouse
The computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart of the Stanford Research Institute in 1963 after extensive usability testing. It was also initially called the "beetle", but this option was eventually abandoned in favor of the modern name. It was one of several experimental positioning devices developed for Engelbart's oN-Line System (NLS), which was a combination of hardware and software systems. Models were also created that recorded the movements of other parts of the body - the head, chin and nose, but ultimately simplicity and convenience won out.
Mechanical design
What is an Engelbart computer mouse? It was a bulky device that used 2 gears mounted perpendicular to each other. The rotation of each wheel was translated into motion along one axis on the plane. On November 17, 1970, Engelbart received patent US 3541541 for "X-Y Position Indicator for Display System". At that time, the inventor intended that users would constantly hold the mouse in one hand and type on a 5-key keyboard with the other.
A later design, invented in the early 1970s by Bill English of Xerox PARC, replaced the outer wheels with a ball that could rotate in any direction. Its movement, in turn, was recorded using perpendicular wheels located inside the body. This design resembled an inverted trackball and became the dominant design of the 1980s and 90s. The Xerox PARC team also focused on using both hands to enter data using a full-size keyboard.
The history of the computer mouse in its modern form began at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), thanks to the ideas of Professor Jean-Daniel Nowhere and the hands of engineer and watchmaker André Guinard. Logitech, which emerged from EPFL, launched production of the first popular models of devices of this type.
Optical computer mouse
It represents a separate line of evolution of the manual positioning device. Movement in it is recorded using an optical sensor located on its lower part, paired with a light-emitting diode, which serves to illuminate the supporting surface. Early designs, like that of Steve Kirsch of Mouse Systems Corporation, could only be used on a special metal mat with a grid of fine blue and gray lines printed on it. As computing power has increased, it has become possible to introduce more powerful specialized image processing chips. This made it possible to detect relative motion on a wide variety of surfaces (and in turn translate it into cursor movement), eliminating the need for a special mat. Thus began the widespread introduction of optical technology.
Modern models use a sensor that sequentially captures an image of the working surface. In most cases, LEDs are used for lighting. Such mice are often mistakenly called laser mice. True lasers are becoming more common because they can improve the accuracy of motion detection. The difference between frames is processed by the image processor and translated into movement along two axes. For example, the Agilent Technologies ADNS-2610 sensor operates at a speed of 1512 fps. Each frame is a rectangular array of 18 x 18 pixels, each of which can distinguish 64 shades of gray.
The demand for improvements in optical technology is largely fueled by computer gaming mice, which require greater precision for more precise aiming.
Optics vs mechanics
Proponents of optical technology argue that such computer mice perform better than mechanical mice because they require no maintenance and last longer due to fewer moving parts.
On the other hand, mechanical design purists argue that optical mice cannot work on glossy or transparent surfaces. Devices with insufficient image processing power also have difficulty tracking extremely fast motion, although expensive models can capture movement at speeds of 1 m/s or faster. Additionally, repairing a mechanical mouse usually involves a simple cleaning. However, the optical option requires virtually no maintenance.
Perhaps the strongest argument in favor of the mechanical design is its low power consumption, which is used in wireless computer mice. Such devices consume no more than 5 mA, while optical devices usually require 25 mA to power an LED or laser. Older models may draw even more current. This results in significantly reduced battery life and frequent battery replacements, making them unsuitable for continuous operation.
Laser technology
In 2004, Logitech, together with Agilent Technologies, introduced the MX 1000 mouse. It used a small laser instead of a conventional LED. New technology has made it possible to increase the clarity of the desktop image. Manufacturers claim that such computer mice are 20 times more sensitive to surface characteristics than optical mice. Gamers have complained that the MX 1000 doesn't respond immediately when picked up, moved, and then placed back on the mat. In subsequent models this drawback was eliminated.
Buttons
Unlike the motion detection mechanism, this part of the mouse design has remained largely unchanged, varying mainly in shape, quantity and placement. Engelbart's very first model had one key. But soon their number was increased to three. Commercial mice typically had 1-3 buttons, although some models had 5 or more in the late 1990s.
The most popular are 2-button devices. A common use for the second key is to bring up a context menu in a computer's user interface, which contains options specifically tailored to the item the mouse was hovering over. This is used in the popular Windows operating system, as well as in many other programs. The main button is located on the left side.
On systems with three keys, the center one is often used to run a macro. In X Window, this inserts the contents of the primary buffer at the cursor position. Many 2-button mice can emulate a 3-button by simultaneously right and left clicking. The middle key is also often used as a backup key.
Additional buttons
Sometimes a mouse is equipped with many buttons, 5 or more. Depending on the user's preferences, they allow web navigation or scrolling through the browser history. However, as with similar keyboard features, they may not be supported by the software. Additional buttons are usually more useful in games because such a computer mouse provides quick and easy access to a wide range of functions. For example, to changing weapons in first-person shooters. Because buttons can be mapped to almost any function, keystroke, application, or switch, they can make work not only more efficient, but also easier.
Douglas Engelbart believed that the best computer mouse is the one with as many buttons as possible. The prototype he created was limited to only three keys only because the developers could not accommodate more.
Wheel
One of the major innovations in the evolution of mouse buttons was the scroll wheel—small, with an axis oriented parallel to the table surface, that could be rotated "up" or "down", providing immediate one-dimensional input. This usually translates into "scrolling" up or down the current window, which is especially useful when navigating through a long document. The wheel can be pressed frequently, so it replaces the third (center) button. On Windows operating systems, this will enable autoscrolling if the application supports it.
Newer models allow both horizontal and vertical scrolling. Some designs use a "rocker" - a button that can be pressed at the top or bottom, simulating scrolling up and down, respectively. In some applications, holding down the Control key at the same time uses the wheel to change the scale. Programs in which this is implemented are MS Word and Internet Explorer.
Some of the higher-end Logitech and Microsoft mice typically feature more advanced tilt wheel designs. It uses a pair of sensors that are pivotally connected to the tipping mechanism. By default, they are used to scroll left and right.
In 2005, Apple Mighty Mouse introduced a third type of built-in scrolling device. This is a small trackball built into the top surface, used like a wheel, but in two dimensions.
Connection
Any input device requires connection to a PC. For this purpose, conventional wired computer mice have a thin electrical cord (for example, RS-232C, PS/2, ADB or USB cable). Most likely, its size and shape prompted the inventors to name the device that way. Wireless mice use infrared, radio or Bluetooth to transmit data.
Hello, dear readers of the blog site. There are a huge number of computer mice or mice, as they are called differently. According to their functional purpose, they can be divided into classes: some are intended for games, others for regular work, and others for drawing in graphic editors. In this article I will try to talk about the types and design of computer mice.
But first, I propose to go back a few decades, just at the time when this complex device was invented. The first computer mouse appeared back in 1968, and it was invented by an American scientist named Douglas Engelbart. The mouse was developed by the American Space Research Agency (NASA), which gave a patent for the invention to Douglas, but at one point lost all interest in the development. Why - read on.
The world's first mouse was a heavy wooden box with a wire, which, in addition to its weight, was also extremely inconvenient to use. For obvious reasons, they decided to call it “mouse”, and a little later they artificially came up with a decoding of this abbreviation. Yeah, now mouse is nothing more than a "Manually Operated User Signal Encoder", that is, a device with which the user can manually encode a signal.
Without exception, all computer mice include a number of components: a case, a printed circuit board with contacts, microphones (buttons), a scroll wheel(s) - all of them are present in one form or another in any modern mouse. But you are probably tormented by the question - what then distinguishes them from each other (besides the fact that there are gaming, non-gaming, office, etc.), why they came up with so many different types, look for yourself:
- Mechanical
- Optical
- Laser
- Trackball mice
- Induction
- Gyroscopic
The fact is that each of the above types of computer mice appeared at different times and uses different laws of physics. Accordingly, each of them has its own disadvantages and advantages, which will certainly be discussed further in the text. It should be noted that only the first three types will be considered in more detail, the rest - not in so much detail, due to the fact that they are less popular.
Mechanical mice are traditional ball models, relatively large in size, requiring constant cleaning of the ball to work effectively. Dirt and small particles may become trapped between the rotating ball and the housing and will need to be cleaned. It won't work without a mat. About 15 years ago it was the only one in the world. I will write about it in the past tense, because it is already a rarity.
At the bottom of the mechanical mouse there was a hole that was covered by a rotating plastic ring. There was a heavy ball underneath it. This ball was made of metal and covered with rubber. Under the ball there were two plastic rollers and a roller, which pressed the ball against the rollers. When the mouse moved, the ball rotated the roller. Up or down - one roller rotated, right or left - the other. Since gravity played a crucial role in such models, such a device did not work in zero gravity, so NASA abandoned it.
If the movement was complex, both rollers rotated. At the end of each plastic roller an impeller was installed, like on a mill, only many times smaller. On one side of the impeller there was a light source (LED), on the other there was a photocell. When you move the mouse, the impeller rotates, the photocell reads the number of light pulses that hit it, and then transmits this information to the computer.
Since the impeller had many blades, the movement of the pointer on the screen was perceived as smooth. Optical-mechanical mice (they are simply “mechanical”) suffered from great inconvenience; the fact is that they periodically had to be disassembled and cleaned. During operation, the ball dragged all sorts of debris inside the case; often the rubber surface of the ball became so dirty that the movement rollers simply slipped and the mouse malfunctioned.
For the same reason, such a mouse simply needed a mouse pad to work correctly, otherwise the ball would slip and get dirty faster.
Optical and laser mice
There is no need to disassemble or clean anything in optical mice., since they do not have a rotating ball, they work on a different principle. An optical mouse uses an LED sensor. Such a mouse works like a small camera that scans the surface of the table and “photographs” it; the camera manages to take about a thousand such photos per second, and some models even more.
The data from these images is processed by a special microprocessor on the mouse itself and sends a signal to the computer. The advantages are obvious - such a mouse does not need a mouse pad, it is light in weight and can scan almost any surface. Almost? Yes, everything except glass and mirror surfaces, as well as velvet (velvet absorbs light very strongly).
A laser mouse is very similar to an optical mouse, but its operating principle differs in that Laser is used instead of LED. This is a more advanced model of an optical mouse; it requires much less energy to operate, and the accuracy of reading data from the working surface is much higher than that of an optical mouse. So it can even work on glass and mirror surfaces.
In fact, a laser mouse is a type of optical mouse, since in both cases an LED is used, it’s just that in the second case it emits invisible spectrum.
So, the operating principle of an optical mouse differs from that of a ball mouse. .
The process begins with a laser or optical (in the case of an optical mouse) diode. The diode emits invisible light, the lens focuses it to a point equal in thickness to a human hair, the beam is reflected from the surface, then the sensor catches this light. The sensor is so precise that it can detect even small surface irregularities.
The secret is that precisely the unevenness allow the mouse to notice even the slightest movements. The pictures taken by the camera are compared, the microprocessor compares each subsequent picture with the previous one. If the mouse moves, the difference between the pictures will be noted.
By analyzing these differences, the mouse determines the direction and speed of any movement. If the difference between the pictures is significant, the cursor moves quickly. But even when stationary, the mouse continues to take pictures.
Trackball mice
Trackball mouse is a device that uses a convex ball - "Trackball". The trackball device is very similar to the device of a mechanical mouse, only the ball in it is located on top or on the side. The ball can be rotated, but the device itself remains in place. The ball causes a pair of rollers to rotate. New trackballs use optical motion sensors.
Not everyone may need a device called “Trackball”; in addition, its cost cannot be called low; it seems that the minimum starts from 1,400 rubles.
Induction mice
Induction models use a special mat that works like a graphics tablet. Induction mice have good accuracy and do not need to be oriented correctly. An induction mouse can be wireless or inductively powered, in which case it does not require a battery like a regular wireless mouse.
I have no idea who might need such devices, which are expensive and difficult to find on the open market. And why, who knows? Maybe there are some advantages compared to ordinary "rodents"?
Types of computer mice. There are all sorts of computer mice. Such diversity can even make your head spin. But just recently there was practically no choice. It would seem, what else can you come up with? But it turns out it is possible. Each company that produces these small and so necessary “animals” finds more and more new designs and functions for them.
Which There are types of computer mice?
There are just not that many species. Here they are:
- Mechanical or ball (almost no longer used);
- Optical;
- Laser;
- Trackball mice.
- Induction;
- Gyroscopic.
Mechanical or ball mice
Mechanical or ball mice can only be found among collectors. Although just seven years ago it was the only species. It was not very comfortable to work with it, but not having any other types, we thought it was a super mouse.
She was a bit heavy in weight and didn’t want to work without a mat. And her positioning left much to be desired. This was especially noticeable in graphics programs and games. And I had to clean it very often. What didn't fit under this ball? And if there were still animals living at home, then this process was repeated at least once a week.
I always had tweezers near my computer, because... my furry friends always tried to sleep near the computer, and their fluff clung to the rug, making it shaggy. Now I no longer have such a problem. The ball-shaped “rodent” was replaced by a more modern mouse – an optical one.
Optical LED Mouse
Optical LED Mouse - it works on a different principle. It uses an LED and a sensor. It already works like a small camera that scans the surface of the table with its LED and photographs it. An optical mouse can take about a thousand such photos per second, and some types even more.
The data from these images is processed by a special microprocessor and sends a signal to the computer. The advantages of such a mouse are obvious. It doesn't require a mat, is very light in weight and can easily scan almost any surface.
Optical laser mouse
Optical laser mouse - very similar to optical, but its operating principle differs in that instead of a camera with an LED, a laser is already used. That’s why it’s called laser.
This is a more advanced model of an optical mouse. It requires much less energy. The accuracy of reading data from the working surface is much higher than that of an optical mouse. It can even work on glass and mirror surfaces.
Trackball mouse
Trackball mouse – a device that uses a convex ball (trackball). The trackball is an inverted ball mouse. The ball is on top or side. It can be rotated with your palm or fingers, and the device itself remains in place. The ball causes a pair of rollers to rotate. New trackballs use optical motion sensors.
Induction mice
Induction mice – use a special mat that works on the principle of a graphics tablet.
Gyroscopic mice
Gyroscopic mice – using a gyroscope, it recognizes movement not only on the surface, but also in space. You can take it from the table and control the movement of the brush in the air.
These types of computer mice still exist in our markets.
Nowadays there is a very wide variety of such devices. Some designs deserve special attention. And I will describe them. Follow site updates.
Computer mouse device. Many people can no longer imagine how they can work on a computer without a mouse. But just recently we couldn’t even dream of a computer mouse. But those who worked on the computer knew the keyboard well. And with the arrival of mice, many do not even know how to get out of the situation if... And now there is such a variety of these devices that sometimes you don’t immediately understand that it is a computer mouse. But despite this, the internal structure of such mice is not much different. I don’t think anyone thinks about the internal structure of a computer mouse, but for general development you still need to know this.
What is the device of a computer mouse?
A computer mouse is a small box for entering information into a computer, and easily fits in your hand. For manipulation there are at least two buttons and a scroll wheel. Who was the first to call her a mouse is no longer so important.
The important thing is that this name suits this device well and has stuck well with it. Even for young children, the first association with the word “mouse” is primarily associated with a computer.
When reading a fairy tale about a little mouse, a child will most likely imagine a computer “little animal”, and not an ordinary house mouse, which he has never even seen.
Now let's talk about the device of a computer mouse. I don’t think I need to tell you what this device looks like externally.
When you move the mouse across the table, the cursor on the monitor screen also moves. To work, you need to move the cursor over the required object and click on it with one of the mouse buttons, depending on the action selected.
Mouse buttons are intended to give a command to enter information. Each button performs its specific function. They can be programmatically reconfigured for both right-handers and left-handers.
The wheel is located in the middle between the buttons and is mainly used to scroll pages in text editors and Internet browser windows. They can also serve as a third button, because It not only rotates, but also presses.
Previously, along with the mouse there was a mandatory attribute - “ rug", because There was a ball on the bottom of the mouse that slid across the surface of the table. With the arrival of the optical mouse, the mousepad is no longer needed. Mice have become more compact and nimble. Anyone who picks it up for the first time cannot move the cursor to the desired object at first.
IN optical models there is a special miniature optical sensor with a microprocessor, and the mouse is already a video camera. The microprocessor processes the signal coming from the optical sensor, and the pointer on the monitor moves following the movement of the mouse.
Advantages of a computer mouse
- Since the hand is not suspended, unlike a touch input interface, the mouse is suitable for long-term work;
- High accuracy of cursor positioning;
- Allows many different manipulations, so a large number of controls are concentrated in one hand;
- The most important advantage of the mouse is its very low price.
Now in our markets a simple touch model costs no more than 150 rubles.
We will consider the advantages and disadvantages of the most common models of computer mice in the following articles.
As you can see, the design of a computer mouse is not so simple.
The first computer mouse was introduced on December 5, 1968 at a show of interactive devices in California. Although there are facts that developments and first results had happened earlier. In 1970, Douglas Engelbart received a patent for the production of a gadget familiar to us today. The first manipulator had three buttons, although initially the developer wanted to equip the device with five buttons - according to the number of fingers on the hand. At that time, a thick cord was used to connect to a computer, hence the name mouse.
The first mouse for controlling a PC was a wooden box with a cord sticking out of the case at the back. The principle of operation of the gadget was as simple as possible.
Inside the body there were two wheels perpendicular to each other. Thanks to the wheels, the manipulator moved along the X and Y axes. The built-in chip recorded the movements and the number of revolutions made. This data was transmitted to the processor, which processed the information and displayed a light spot on the screen - a cursor.
At the presentation, Douglas Engelbart and his assistant demonstrated to the public the operation of the first computer mouse, not only in normal mode, but also in the process of joint editing of one document.
Evolution of the computer manipulator
In the early seventies, the invention found widespread use. It was included with the Alto computer. The general principle of operation was retained, but the body became plastic, the cord was located on the front, and the buttons became more convenient. Soon the roller discs were replaced by a more convenient and less bulky ball. It is now possible to disassemble and clean the device.
The next step was to create an optical mouse that works using an optical sensor. This pointing device was included with the Macintosh.
The first wireless mouse appeared in 1991, it was introduced to the world by Logitech. However, this innovation was not recognized for a long time, since signal transmission via infrared waves was very slow, which significantly slowed down work on the computer.
Fast and comfortable laser mice became available in 2004. Nowadays, the most popular gadgets are radio communication devices. Today there are already gyroscopic mice that do not require a hard surface to control the cursor.
Facts about the inventor
It is curious that Douglas Engelbart did not sell his invention. His tasks did not include enrichment. The inventor received only $10,000 for his development, which he spent on buying a house for his family.
Subsequently, Douglas practically did not personally participate in improving the gadget. It so happened that he had to fight cancer and think more about his health than about new electronics.
Today, it is impossible to imagine a computer without this input device. The manipulator simplifies and speeds up editing texts and photos, provides comfort and convenience.
