Computer mouse briefly. Types of computer mice

In this lesson I will talk about the types of computer mice. We will look at ball, optical and laser mice.

Types of computer mice

Computer mouse is a device with which you can select and manipulate objects on the computer screen.

Depending on the connection method, there are wired and wireless. They differ from each other primarily in their operating principle. The most common types are:

• Ball;
• Optical;
• Laser.

Let's look at each type in more detail.

Ball

The outdated and cheapest option is quite large, with a rubberized ball protruding slightly from the base.

With its rotation, it sets a certain direction to the two rollers inside, and they transmit them to special sensors, which “transform” the movement of the mouse into the movement of the cursor on the monitor.

But there is one drawback: if the ball gets dirty, the mouse starts to jam. Periodic cleaning is essential for proper operation. In addition, such a mouse requires a certain surface, because the accuracy of the work depends on the adhesion of the device to it.

Optical

An optical computer mouse does not have rotating elements - the principle of its operation is qualitatively different from the previous version.

Its design is a small camera that takes up to a thousand pictures per second. As you move, the camera photographs the work surface, illuminating it. The processor processes these “snapshots” and sends a signal to the computer - the cursor moves.

Such a device can work on almost any surface, except mirror, and does not require cleaning. In addition, such a mouse is smaller and lighter than a ball mouse.

The disadvantage of optical mice is that they glow when the computer is turned off. But this problem can be solved: the computer just needs to be disconnected from the voltage line.

By the way, in many modern models this issue is easily resolved: on the mouse itself there is a special button that turns off the device.

Laser

A laser mouse is an improved version of an optical mouse. The operating principle is the same, only a laser is used for illumination rather than an LED.

This modification made the device almost ideal: the mouse works on any surface (including glass and mirror), it is more reliable, economical and accurate - cursor movements closely correspond to real movement.

In addition, even when the computer is turned on, it is unlikely to interfere with sleep at night - the laser backlight is very weak.

Wired and wireless

Wired mice are connected to the computer using a special cable (wire).

Wireless ones do not have a “tail” - they transmit a signal to the computer via radio waves or via Bluetooth. They are connected using a special small receiver (very similar in appearance to a flash drive), which is inserted into the USB connector.

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that all wireless ones, due to the lack of cable, are deprived of stationary power. Therefore, they need to be recharged separately - from batteries and accumulators.

In addition, “tailless” devices may malfunction due to an unstable connection. Well, it should be noted that in price they can significantly exceed the “tailed” ones.

Computer mouse buttons

Buttons are the main control elements. It is with their help that the user performs basic actions: opens objects, selects, moves, and so on. Their number in modern models may vary, but only two buttons and a scroll wheel are enough to operate.

It is this version of a computer mouse - two buttons and a wheel - that is most common today.

On a note . There are often mice that have a small button near the wheel. Its function is to double-click the left button.

Some modern mice have an additional button on the side, under the thumb. It can be programmed to perform certain actions: say, to open a specific program.

Fans of computer games respect it: it allows you to program the choice of weapons, which provides significant time savings in the game.

Manufacturers are constantly inventing something new, adding different buttons, but this does not bring any tangible benefit - most users ignore them anyway.

True, there are some “non-standard” models that are used with pleasure by specialists and gamers. For example, a trackball mouse (with a two-dimensional scroll wheel) or a mini-joystick (analogous to a gaming joystick).

Modern mice

Regular two-button mouse has all the necessary qualities: it allows you to perform many manipulations (clicking, dragging and other gestures), easily hits the desired pixel on the monitor, is suitable for long-term work and is relatively inexpensive.

Manufacturers are constantly updating the design, trying to make it more ergonomic, that is, as comfortable as possible for grip. So today a user with any level of needs can choose the optimal model - both in terms of technical characteristics and degree of comfort.

A few years ago, Apple introduced the touch mouse. There are no buttons - control is carried out using gestures.

Another new development is the so-called gyroscopic mouse. It recognizes movement not only on the surface, but also in the air - you can control it by waving your hand.

True, such an innovation is far from perfect: the hand quickly gets tired when operating it.

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.

Story
Initially, a computer mouse (or in the language of a scientific report, an “X and Y position indicator”) appeared in 1962 with partial funding from NASA (in the interests of the space program) in a wooden case.

was compiled under the direction of Douglas Engelbart by his collaborator and colleague Bill English, and programs to demonstrate the capabilities were written by Jeff Rulifson. Inside the device were two metal disks: one rotated when the device was moved forward, the second was responsible for moving the mouse to the right and left. NASA did not appreciate the invention, since its operation required gravity, which does not exist in space. The development of the mouse was continued by Bill English under the wing of Xerox PARC. The company's researchers changed the design of the mouse, and it was at the Xerox research center that the computer mouse became similar to modern devices. The two discs were replaced with a small ball and rollers.

The first computer to include a mouse was the Xerox 8010 Star Information System minicomputer, introduced in 1981. The Xerox mouse had three buttons and cost $400, which corresponds to approximately $930 in 2009 prices, with taking into account inflation.

The mouse gained wide popularity due to its use in Apple Macintosh computers, which in 1983 released its own model of a one-button mouse for the Lisa computer, the cost of which was reduced to $25. Subsequently, such devices became widely used in Windows OS for IBM PC compatible computers.

The first optical mouse was released by Microsoft in 1999. This type of mouse was invented in the research laboratories of Hewlett-Packard Corporation. In the second half of the 90s, a new type of mouse appeared in the Agilent Technologies research laboratory, then owned by Hewlett-Packard, - an optical one.

In the same 1999, Microsoft released the first commercial mouse, the operating principle of which is based on a second generation optical sensor

In 2001, a series of Logitech iFeel mice (and a number of models from other manufacturers) were released. The mice were equipped with a tactile feedback mechanism. It was assumed that this was supposed to provide the user with additional assistance: the iFeel family mouse is capable of vibrating the body to inform about crossing the boundaries of windows or buttons. The idea is truly innovative, but, as it turned out, not very practical: less than two years later, the iFeel series manipulators were discontinued.

The first prototypes of manipulators with a laser sensor, created by specialists from Agilent Technologies, were demonstrated in early 2004. In September of the same year, Logitech began producing the MX-1000 mouse, the world's first mass-produced pointing device equipped with a laser sensor. The light source in this mouse was an IR semiconductor laser (wavelength 842 nm).

In mid-2005, Agilent Technologies began shipping ready-made motion sensor modules based on LaserStream sensors to all interested manufacturers, and soon

appeared in the assortment of many companies. LaserStream sensors ensured accuracy of movement registration up to 2000 cpi at movement speeds up to 45 inches/s (1.14 m/s) and acceleration up to 20d. Some manufacturers (in particular, Microsoft) have gone their own way, independently developing laser sensors for their manipulators.

In the fall of 2008, Microsoft introduced the first mass-produced products with BlueTrack sensors - Explorer and Explorer Mini wireless mice. According to the manufacturer, these models work reliably on granite and marble countertops, carpeting, wooden tables and park benches.

One of the most interesting developments in this area in recent times can be considered the invention of specialists from the Canadian company Deanmark. They managed to create a computer mouse that should be worn on your hand like a glove.

, the device, aptly named AirMouse, fits over your index and middle fingers and wrist. Thus, it turns out to be a kind of glove for working in virtual reality, demonstrated in science fiction films. To track movements, the AirMouse manipulator uses a laser sensor, and interacts with the computer via a wireless interface. At the same time, the device can work without recharging for a week, and its activation occurs when the hand is in a certain position. Additionally, AirMouse actually allows the user to type on the keyboard and use the mouse at the same time

Operating principle
The mouse perceives its movement in the working plane (usually on a section of the table surface) and transmits this information to the computer. A program running on a computer, in response to mouse movement, produces an action on the screen that corresponds to the direction and distance of this movement. In addition to the motion detector, the mouse has from one to three or more buttons, as well as additional controls (scroll wheels, potentiometers, joysticks, keys, etc.), the action of which is usually associated with the current position of the cursor (or components of a specific interface ).

Advantages and disadvantages
The mouse has become the main point-and-point input device due to the following features:

Very low price (compared to other devices like touch screens).

A manipulator called “Mouse” has already entered our lives so tightly that we don’t even notice how often we use this device. The mouse allows you to control your computer with maximum comfort. Remove it, and the speed of working with your PC will decrease several times. But the main thing is to choose the right mouse based on the types of tasks that will need to be solved with its help. Some situations will require special types of mice.

Types of computer mice

Based on their design features, there are several types of computer mice: mechanical, optical, laser, trackball, induction, gyroscopic and touch. Each type has its own unique characteristics that allow you to successfully use the mouse in a given situation. So which mice are better for computers? Let's try to understand this issue by examining each type in detail separately.

Mechanical mice

This is the same type with which the history of computer mice began. The design of such a mouse involves the presence of a rubberized ball that slides over the surface. He, in turn, makes special rollers move, which transmit the result of the ball’s movement to special sensors. The sensors send a processed signal to the computer itself, causing the cursor to move on the screen. This is the principle of operation of a mechanical mouse. This outdated device had two or three buttons and did not differ in any special features. Connection to the computer was made using a COM port (in early versions) and a PS/2 connector (in later models).

The weakest point of the mechanical mouse was precisely the ball that “crawled” along the surface. It became dirty very quickly, as a result of which the accuracy of movement decreased. I had to wipe it with alcohol often. In addition, mechanical ball mice categorically refused to glide normally on a bare table. They always needed a special rug. At the moment, such mice are obsolete and are not used anywhere. The most popular manufacturers of mechanical mice at that time were Genius and Microsoft.

Optical mice

The next stage in the evolution of computer mice was the appearance of optical models. The operating principle is radically different from mice equipped with balls. The basis of an optical mouse is a sensor that records mouse movements by taking photographs at high speed (about 1000 pictures per second). The sensor then sends information to the sensors and after appropriate processing, the information enters the computer, causing the cursor to move. Optical mice can contain any number of buttons. From two in regular office models to 14 in serious gaming solutions. Thanks to their technology, optical mice are able to provide highly accurate cursor movement. In addition, they can glide perfectly on any flat surface (except mirrored ones).

Nowadays, optical mice are the most popular among most users. They combine high DPI and an adequate price. Simple optical models are the most cheap mice for computer. They can be very different in shape. By the number of buttons too. Wired and wireless options are also available. If you need high accuracy and reliability, then your choice is a wired optical mouse. The fact is that wireless technologies make the user dependent on batteries and wireless communications, which are not always at the proper level.

Laser mice

These mice are an evolutionary continuation of optical mice. The difference is that a laser is used instead of an LED. At the present stage of development, laser mice are the most accurate and provide the highest DPI value. That is why they are so loved by many gamers. Laser mice don't care what surface they crawl on. They work successfully even on rough surfaces.

With the highest DPI of any mouse, laser models are widely used by gamers. That is why laser manipulators have a wide range of models aimed at game fans. A distinctive feature of this mouse is the presence of a large number of additional programmable buttons. A prerequisite for a good gaming mouse is only a wired connection via USB. Because wireless technology cannot provide adequate accuracy. Gaming laser mice are usually not low in cost. The most expensive computer mice based on a laser element are produced by Logitech and A4Tech.

Trackball

This device is not at all like a standard computer mouse. At its core, a trackball is a mechanical mouse in reverse. The cursor is controlled using a ball on the top side of the device. But the device’s sensors are still optical. The shape of the trackball does not resemble a classic mouse at all. And you don’t need to move it anywhere in order to move the cursor. The trackball is connected to the computer via USB.

The merits and demerits of a trackball have been debated for quite some time. On the one hand, it reduces the load on the hand and ensures precise cursor movement. On the other hand, it’s a little inconvenient to use the trackball buttons. Such devices are still rare and unfinished.

Induction mice

Induction mice are a logical continuation of wireless devices. However, they lack some properties characteristic of “tailless” models. For example, induction mice can only work on a special pad connected to a computer. You won't be able to move the mouse anywhere from the mousepad. However, there are also advantages. High accuracy and no need to change batteries, since these mice do not have them at all. Induction mice get their energy from the mat.

Such mice are not very common, as they have a high price and are not particularly mobile. On the other hand, these are the most original computer mice. Their originality lies in the absence of batteries.

Gyroscopic mice

These mice don't need to glide across surfaces at all. The gyroscopic sensor, which is the basis of such a mouse, reacts to changes in the position of the device in space. Of course it's convenient. But this method of control requires a fair amount of skill. Naturally, such mice are distinguished by the absence of wires, because with their presence it would be inconvenient to control the mouse.

Like induction models, gyroscopic devices are not widely used due to their high cost.

Touch mouse

Touch mice are the diocese of Apple. It was they who deprived their Magic Mouse of all sorts of buttons and wheels. The basis of this mouse is the touch coating. The mouse is controlled using gestures. The mouse position reading element is an optical sensor.

Touch mice are mainly found in Apple products (iMac). You can also purchase Magic Mouse separately and try connecting it to a regular computer. However, it is unclear how convenient it will be to use such a mouse under Windows OS, considering that it is “tailored” for MacOS.

Conclusion

All that remains is to choose the option that suits you specifically.

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