Types and design of computer mice. Laser mouse: device, features, characteristics

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 different interfaces (for example, in windowed ones), the user uses the mouse to control a special cursor - pointer - manipulator of interface elements. Sometimes entering commands with the mouse is used without the participation of visible elements of the program interface: by analyzing mouse movements. This method is called "mouse gestures" (eng. mouse gestures).

In addition to the motion sensor, the mouse has one or more buttons, as well as additional control parts (scroll wheels, potentiometers, joysticks, trackballs, keys, etc.), the action of which is usually associated with the current position of the cursor (or components of a specific interface) .

The mouse control components are in many ways the embodiment of the intentions of a chord keyboard (that is, a keyboard for touch operation). The mouse, originally created as a complement to the chord keyboard, actually replaced it.

Some mice have built-in additional independent devices - watches, calculators, phones.

Story

The first computer to include a mouse was the Xerox 8010 Star Information System minicomputer ( English), introduced in 1981. The Xerox mouse had three buttons and cost $400, which corresponds to approximately $930 in 2009 prices adjusted for inflation. In 1983, Apple released its own one-button mouse for the Lisa computer, the cost of which was reduced to $25. The mouse became widely known thanks to its use in Apple Macintosh computers and later in the Windows OS for IBM PC compatible computers.

Motion sensors

During the “evolution” of the computer mouse, the motion sensors have undergone the greatest changes.

Direct drive

The first computer mouse

The original design of the mouse motion sensor, invented by Douglas Engelbart at the Stanford Research Institute in 1963, consisted of two perpendicular wheels protruding from the body of the device. When moving, the mouse wheels rotated, each in its own dimension.

This design had many drawbacks and was soon replaced by a ball-drive mouse.

Ball drive

In a ball drive, the movement of the mouse is transmitted to a rubberized steel ball protruding from the body (its weight and rubber coating provide good grip on the working surface). Two rollers pressed against the ball record its movements along each of the measurements and transmit them to sensors that convert these movements into electrical signals.

The main disadvantage of the ball drive is the contamination of the ball and the removal rollers, which leads to the mouse jamming and the need for periodic cleaning (this problem was partly mitigated by metallization of the rollers). Despite its shortcomings, the ball drive has long dominated, successfully competing with alternative sensor designs. Currently, ball mice have been almost completely replaced by second-generation optical mice.

There were two sensor options for the ball drive.

Contact sensors

The contact sensor is a textolite disk with radial metal tracks and three contacts pressed to it. The ball mouse inherited such a sensor from the direct drive.

The main disadvantages of contact sensors are oxidation of contacts, rapid wear and low accuracy. Therefore, over time, all mice switched to non-contact optocoupler sensors.

Optocoupler sensor

Mechanical computer mouse device

The optocoupler sensor consists of a double optocouplers- an LED and two photodiodes (usually infrared) and a disk with holes or ray-shaped slits that block the light flux as it rotates. When you move the mouse, the disk rotates, and a signal is taken from the photodiodes at a frequency corresponding to the speed of the mouse movement.

The second photodiode, shifted by a certain angle or having an offset system of holes/slits on the sensor disk, serves to determine the direction of rotation of the disk (light appears/disappears on it earlier or later than on the first one, depending on the direction of rotation).

First generation optical mice

Optical sensors are designed to directly monitor the movement of the working surface relative to the mouse. The elimination of the mechanical component ensured higher reliability and made it possible to increase the resolution of the detector.

The first generation of optical sensors was represented by various schemes of optocoupler sensors with indirect optical coupling - light-emitting and perceiving reflection from the working surface of photosensitive diodes. Such sensors had one common property - they required special shading (perpendicular or diamond-shaped lines) on the working surface (mouse pad). On some rugs, these shadings were done with paints that were invisible in normal light (such rugs could even have a pattern).

The disadvantages of such sensors are usually called:

• the need to use a special mat and the impossibility of replacing it with another. Among other things, the pads of different optical mice were often not interchangeable and were not produced separately;
• the need for a certain orientation of the mouse relative to the pad, otherwise the mouse would not work correctly;
• sensitivity of the mouse to dirt on the mat (after all, it comes into contact with the user’s hand) - the sensor was uncertain about shading on dirty areas of the mat;
• high cost of the device.

In the USSR, first-generation optical mice, as a rule, were found only in foreign specialized computing systems.

Optical LED Mice

Optical mouse

Second generation optical sensor chip

The second generation of optical mice has a more complex design. A special LED is installed at the bottom of the mouse, which illuminates the surface on which the mouse moves. A miniature camera “photographs” the surface more than a thousand times per second, transmitting this data to the processor, which draws conclusions about changes in coordinates. Second-generation optical mice have a huge advantage over the first: they do not require a special mouse pad and work on almost any surface except mirror or transparent ones; even on fluoroplastic (including black). They also do not require cleaning.

It was assumed that such mice would work on any surface, but it soon became clear that many sold models (especially the first widely sold devices) were not so indifferent to the patterns on the mouse pad. In some areas of the picture, the graphics processor can make significant errors, which leads to chaotic pointer movements that do not correspond to real movement. For mice prone to such failures, it is necessary to choose a rug with a different pattern or even with a single-color coating.

Some models are also prone to detecting small movements when the mouse is at rest, which is manifested by the pointer on the screen shaking, sometimes with a tendency to slide in one direction or another.

Dual sensor mouse

Second-generation sensors are gradually improving, and crash-prone mice are much less common these days. In addition to improving sensors, some models are equipped with two displacement sensors at once, which allows, by analyzing changes in two areas of the surface at once, to eliminate possible errors. These mice are sometimes able to work on glass, plexiglass and mirror surfaces (which other mice do not work on).

There are also mouse pads specifically targeted at optical mice. For example, a rug that has a silicone film on the surface with a suspension of glitter (it is assumed that the optical sensor detects movements on such a surface much more clearly).

The disadvantage of this mouse is the difficulty of its simultaneous operation with graphics tablets; the latter, due to their hardware features, sometimes lose the true direction of the signal when moving the pen and begin to distort the trajectory of the tool when drawing. No such deviations were observed when using mice with a ball drive. To eliminate this problem, it is recommended to use laser manipulators. Also, some people consider the disadvantages of optical mice to be that such mice glow even when the computer is turned off. Since most inexpensive optical mice have a translucent body, it allows red LED light to pass through, which can make it difficult to sleep if the computer is in the bedroom. This happens if the voltage to the PS/2 and USB ports is supplied from the standby voltage line; Most motherboards allow you to change this with a +5V jumper<->+5VSB, but in this case it will not be possible to turn on the computer from the keyboard.

Optical laser mice

Laser sensor

In recent years, a new, more advanced type of optical sensor has been developed that uses a semiconductor laser for illumination.

Little is known about the disadvantages of such sensors, but their advantages are known:

• higher reliability and resolution
• absence of noticeable glow (the sensor only needs weak laser illumination in the visible or, possibly, infrared range)
• low power consumption

Induction mice

Graphics tablet with induction mouse

Induction mice use a special mouse pad that works like a graphics tablet or are actually included with the graphics tablet. Some tablets include a manipulator similar to a mouse with a glass crosshair, working on the same principle, but with a slightly different implementation, which makes it possible to achieve increased positioning accuracy by increasing the diameter of the sensitive coil and moving it out of the device into the user’s line of sight.

Induction mice have good accuracy and do not need to be oriented correctly. An induction mouse can be “wireless” (the tablet on which it operates is connected to the computer), and have induction power, therefore, do not require batteries, like regular wireless mice.

The mouse included with the graphics tablet will save some space on the table (provided that the tablet is always on it).

Induction mice are rare, expensive and not always comfortable. It is almost impossible to change a mouse for a graphics tablet to another one (for example, one that better suits your hand, etc.).

Gyroscopic mice

In addition to vertical and horizontal scrolling, mouse joysticks can be used for alternative pointer movement or adjustments, similar to wheels.

Trackballs

Induction mice

Induction mice most often have induction power from a working platform (“mat”) or graphics tablet. But such mice are only partly wireless - the tablet or pad is still connected with a cable. Thus, the cable does not interfere with moving the mouse, but also does not allow you to work at a distance from the computer, as with a regular wireless mouse.

Additional functions

Some mouse manufacturers add functions to alert the mouse about any events occurring on the computer. In particular, Genius and Logitech produce models that notify you of the presence of unread emails in your mailbox by lighting an LED or playing music through the speaker built into the mouse.

There are known cases of placing a fan inside the mouse body to cool the user's hand by air flow through special holes while the user is working. Some mouse models designed for computer gamers have small eccentrics built into the mouse body, which provide a vibration sensation when shooting in computer games. Examples of such models are the Logitech iFeel Mouse line of mice.

In addition, there are mini mice designed for laptop owners that are small in size and weight.

Some wireless mice have the ability to work as a remote control (for example, Logitech MediaPlay). They have a slightly modified shape to work not only on the table, but also when held in the hand.

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).
• The mouse is suitable for long-term use. In the early days of multimedia, filmmakers liked to show the computers of the “future” with a touch interface, but in reality this method of input is quite tedious, since you have to hold your hands in the air.
• High accuracy of cursor positioning. With the mouse (with the exception of some “unsuccessful” models) it is easy to hit the desired pixel on the screen.
• The mouse allows many different manipulations - double and triple clicks, dragging, gestures, pressing one button while dragging another, etc. Therefore, you can concentrate a large number of controls in one hand - multi-button mice allow you to control, for example, a browser without using the keyboard at all .

The disadvantages of the mouse are:

• Danger of carpal tunnel syndrome (not supported by clinical studies).
• For work, a flat, smooth surface of sufficient size is required (with the possible exception of gyroscopic mice).
• Instability to vibrations. For this reason, the mouse is practically not used in military devices. The trackball requires less space to operate and does not require moving your hand, cannot get lost, has greater resistance to external influences, and is more reliable.

Ways to grip a mouse

Players recognize three main ways to grip the mouse.

• With your fingers. The fingers lie flat on the buttons, the top of the palm rests on the “heel” of the mouse. The lower part of the palm is on the table. The advantage is precise mouse movements.
• Claw-shaped. The fingers are bent and only the tips touch the buttons. The “heel” of the mouse is in the center of the palm. The advantage is the convenience of clicks.
• Palm. The entire palm rests on the mouse, the “heel” of the mouse, as in a claw grip, rests against the center of the palm. The grip is more suitable for the sweeping movements of shooters.

Office mice (with the exception of small laptop mice) are usually equally suitable for all grip styles. Gaming mice, as a rule, are optimized for one grip or another - therefore, when buying an expensive mouse, it is recommended to find out your grip method.

Software support

A distinctive feature of mice as a class of devices is the good standardization of hardware

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 have 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 have 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.

In contact with

A mouse is one of the tools that can be connected to a computer to operate the cursor. The cursor, a flickering rectangle of light on the screen, shows where the operator's next action will be located. When a letter is typed, it appears on the screen at the location marked by the cursor. Cursor control keys allow the operator to move the cursor along the screen, up and down.

But the rotating mouse on the operator's desk (below) can move the cursor across the screen in any direction at hand speed. Buttons on the mouse allow the operator to select options from an on-screen menu or draw lines on the screen.

There are two types of mice - mechanical and optical; any one can easily fit in the human palm. When a mechanical mouse (right) moves across a surface, its internal mechanism measures distance, direction of movement, and tells the computer to repeat the movement on the monitor. The optical mouse (bottom left) performs this task using light rays to determine the direction of the mouse on the grid. The joystick (bottom right) serves as a control mechanism in many video games.

Mouse movement and cursor

Connected to the keyboard by electrical wires, the mouse forces the cursor to imitate its movements on the screen at any distance and direction. Therefore, while moving the mouse, the operator must look at the screen. Because the mouse can move in any direction, creating curved and diagonal lines, it is an excellent drawing tool.

How an optical mouse “sees”

The optical mouse is built on a special grid. As the mouse moves across the grid, light from an LED - light-emitting diode - enters the grid. The lenses and mirror send rays to a sensor, or photodetector, which marks the coordinates of the lines passed.

How does a mechanical mouse work?

On the inside of a mechanical mouse there is a braking ball connected to slotted discs (brown), which rotates as the mouse moves. An LED on each disk emits light, and a photodiode opposite counts the pulses of light passing through slits in the spinning disk. These impulses are converted into cursor movement on the screen.

Inside the joystick

Like a mouse, a joystick detects movements in two directions and coordinates signals. The handle passes through the moving axle (center) and fits into the right corner of the lever (bottom). Two electronic devices called variable resistors send signals that change the positions of the axle and arm and cause the cursor to move.

A very necessary and convenient attribute for a computer user of any level. The lack of a mouse caused a huge inconvenience for the pioneers of computer technology, but they also have advantages, they are excellent at using the keyboard.

Purpose and operation of a computer mouse.

To begin with, we need to clearly define the main purpose of a computer mouse, its functionality and control methods.

A computer mouse is a special mechanical device for entering information into a computer. Even if you have little skill in using it, it greatly facilitates the life and work of users who work in operating systems with a graphical shell.

It is very simple to operate and own. It comes down to moving the mouse along a smooth surface, like a rug. Synchronously with it, the cursor moves across the display, point it at the icons and perform the necessary actions.

Plus, the computer mouse has a couple of function buttons and a scroller with a click function. Basic control comes down to pressing the left mouse button, double-clicking.

The scroller allows you to scroll through a text document, clicking on it makes it easier to rewind.

Clicking on the right button brings up a hidden context menu, which displays all sorts of available actions.

The operating principle of an optical computer mouse.

Putting aside unnecessary words and formulations, a computer mouse can be compared to a video camera. She takes a colossal number of frames in one minute, about ninety thousand.

It is important to note that an optical computer mouse does not need a special mouse pad; it works great on any surface. With its unpretentiousness and reliability, it has earned the authority and sympathy of users.

Its device includes a regular LED, usually red, but other colors are also available. This radiation is reflected from the surface, this reflection is focused on a special sensor.

The signal from the sensor, all frames in turn, is sent to the computer processor. The incoming signal is processed and analyzed, it analyzes each image and compares how much it has moved.

Based on the received data, he understands where to send the mouse cursor based on the received coordinates. These manipulations occur at high shooting and processing speeds, so everything seems smooth to us.

What is the difference between a laser computer mouse and an optical one?

Let's start with the operating principle of a laser computer mouse; it is almost identical to an optical one, with the exception of some points.

The main difference is that instead of an LED, a laser is used, this has significantly increased its resource, it is absolutely not whimsical in choosing a working surface.

Let's continue listing its advantages and disadvantages. Very low electricity consumption, saving is always necessary. In addition to this, it works much more accurately than its counterparts.

The glow of the mouse laser is practically invisible to the human eye, so it will not interfere or spoil your vision.

It all comes down to choosing a laser computer mouse, the superiority is obvious.

I won’t tell you about the ball (mechanical) mouse, it is not reliable, it needs to be constantly cleaned, it has become obsolete.

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 have operational failures due to a connection that is not always stable. 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 treat it with respect: 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.