Four-key mouse capable of realizing double-click function through single pressing

Abstract

The invention relates to a four-key mouse capable of realizing a double-click function through single pressing. The four-key mouse comprises a left key, a right key, a roller, a fourth key and a control chip, wherein the left key, the right key and the roller are arranged on a mouse body; wherein the fourth key is arranged on the upper surface of the mouse body, or the side area of the left key, or the area, close to the index finger, of the side face of the right key, and adopts a pressing type physical structure the same as that of the left key; the control chip pre-stores signal mapping logic of single pressing of the fourth key and continuous double clicking of the left key, so that when the fourth key is pressed for one time, the control chip generates and outputs two continuous left key pressing electric signals, the signal interval and duration are consistent with those of conventional manual double clicking, and the computer system identification standard is met; and other programs and configurations do not need to be changed. Through a simple signal mapping design, continuous double clicks are replaced by single pressing, so that the operation efficiency is remarkably improved. The fourth key has an independent hardware design, does not need to be defined by a user or quickly and continuously acts by a hand, and is particularly suitable for special crowds with insufficient hand flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computer input devices, and more particularly to a four-button mouse that enables double-click functionality with a single press. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of computer input devices, the mouse is one of the core devices for realizing human-computer interaction. Its core structure usually includes a left button (for selection and confirmation), a right button (for bringing up the menu), and a scroll wheel (for scrolling the page; some can be pressed as a third button to achieve specific functions). Its application scope covers personal computers, laptops, industrial control equipment, and other scenarios.

[0003] Current mice require a "double-click" action when performing operations such as opening files and folders, meaning the user needs to press the left button twice in quick succession within a short period. This operation places certain demands on the user's hand dexterity and is significantly inconvenient for elderly people with declining hand function, special groups with hand injuries, or office workers who need to frequently perform double-click operations: on the one hand, the continuous pressing action increases the cumbersomeness of the operation steps and reduces efficiency; on the other hand, repeated rapid pressing can easily lead to hand fatigue and even strain injuries.

[0004] Currently, there are no mouse products on the market that can replace double-click operation with a single press by adding a separate button. Although some mice support customizing button functions through driver software (such as setting the scroll wheel press or side button to double-click), users need to manually configure the software, and the custom buttons are mostly reused from existing buttons, without a separate physical button designed for "double-click replacement", which presents an adaptation barrier. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes a four-button mouse that achieves double-click functionality with a single press. The four-button mouse includes a left button, a right button, and a scroll wheel located at conventional positions on the upper surface of the mouse body, a fourth button, and a control chip. The fourth button is located on the upper surface of the mouse body or in the area next to the left button, and uses the same press-type physical structure as the left button. The control chip is built into the mouse body and is electrically connected to the left button, right button, scroll wheel and fourth button respectively. It is responsible for receiving the pressing signals of each button and outputting the corresponding control signals to the computer. A dedicated program is burned into the control chip to pre-store the signal mapping logic between a single press of the fourth button and a continuous double-click of the left button, making the two actions equivalent so that when the fourth button 4 is pressed once, the control chip issues a double-click command. When the user presses the fourth button once, the control chip detects the press signal and immediately generates and outputs two consecutive left button press electrical signals. The signal interval and duration are consistent with the regular manual double-click, which meets the computer system recognition standard and does not require any changes to other programs and configurations. After the mouse is connected to the computer, the driver automatically recognizes the function of the fourth button. No additional configuration is required from the user. Pressing the fourth button will directly trigger the double-click operation corresponding to opening files and folders.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the fourth button can also be located on the left side of the mouse, near the index finger grip area, to accommodate users with different grip habits; the fourth button in this position is also electrically connected to the control chip.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment, the control chip also integrates a low-power management unit. When the mouse remains stationary for a preset duration, the control chip switches to a low-power mode, in which the signal scanning frequency for the fourth button is reduced; when any button is detected to be pressed, the control chip is immediately woken up and resumes normal operation.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. Through a simple signal mapping design, single presses replace continuous double-clicks, significantly improving operational efficiency.

[0009] 2. The fourth button has an independent hardware design, which does not require users to rely on software customization or rapid continuous hand movements. It is especially suitable for people with insufficient hand dexterity, while also meeting the needs of ordinary users for quick operation and expanding the product's applicability.

[0010] 3. This invention adds only one physical button and a corresponding program to the existing mouse structure, without changing the conventional layout and function of the left button, right button, and scroll wheel. The changes are minor, and the existing mouse molds and production lines can be reused during production, reducing research and development and manufacturing costs.

[0011] 4. By introducing a low-power management mechanism, the power consumption of the mouse when idle is effectively reduced, extending battery life (for wireless mice) or reducing energy waste (for wired mice), thus improving the product's environmental friendliness and economy. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the four-button mouse proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the four-button mouse proposed in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0013] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0014] The following is a detailed explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] The technical problems solved by this invention in view of the shortcomings of existing technologies are as follows: 1. Solve the cumbersome problem of requiring two consecutive presses of the left mouse button for double-click operation (key technical point), and realize the double-click function with a single press; 2. Address the issue of difficulty for specific groups (those with insufficient hand dexterity) in quickly completing consecutive double-click operations (minor technical point), improving user-friendliness; 3. Address the issues of high adaptation threshold and lack of independent hardware buttons in the existing "double-click replacement" solution (software customization) (a relatively conventional improvement point), and reduce the user's usage cost.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the four-button mouse proposed in this invention. Figure 1 As shown, the four-button mouse consists of the mouse body 5, left button 1, right button 2, scroll wheel 3 (which can be used as a third button), fourth button 4, and a control chip located inside the mouse.

[0017] The left button 1, right button 2, and scroll wheel 3 are all located in the usual positions on the upper surface of the mouse body 5, consistent with the existing mouse layout, ensuring that users do not need to adapt to new basic operating logic.

[0018] The fourth button 4 is located on the upper surface of the mouse body or in the area next to the left button 1 (e.g.) Figure 1 (The position marked by the dashed box in the middle) adopts the same press-type physical structure as the left button 1, and the material is made of wear-resistant and comfortable plastic to ensure consistent pressing feedback; The control chip is built into the mouse body and is electrically connected to the left button 1, right button 2, scroll wheel 3, and fourth button 4 respectively. It is responsible for receiving the pressing signals of each button and outputting the corresponding control signals to the computer.

[0019] The control chip 5 is programmed with a special program (entered when the mouse is generated), which pre-stores the signal mapping logic of "single press of the fourth button 4" and "double-click of the left button 1", making the two actions equivalent so that when the fourth button 4 is pressed once, the control chip issues a double-click command.

[0020] When the user presses the fourth button 4 once, the control chip 5 detects the press signal and immediately generates and outputs two consecutive left button 1 press electrical signals. The signal interval and duration are consistent with the regular manual double-click, which meets the computer system recognition standard and does not require any changes to other programs and configurations.

[0021] After the mouse is connected to the computer, the driver automatically recognizes the function of the fourth button 4. No additional configuration is required from the user. Pressing the fourth button 4 will directly trigger the functions corresponding to double-click operations such as opening files and folders.

[0022] In another specific implementation, the fourth button 4 can also provide alternative installation locations, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the fourth button 4 is located on the left side of the mouse, near the index finger grip area, which is the area where the thumb grips the mouse, to accommodate users with different grip habits; the fourth button 4 in this position is also electrically connected to the control chip 5, and its working principle is the same as the layout on the upper surface, only the physical installation position is different.

[0023] As an implementation method to further optimize product performance, the control chip features low-power management. Specifically, the control chip continuously monitors mouse movement signals and button activity. When no activity is detected for 30 seconds to 2 minutes (this duration can be preset as needed), the control chip automatically enters a low-power standby mode. In this mode, the chip pauses or significantly reduces periodic signal scanning of the fourth button and other buttons to achieve energy saving. When the user moves the mouse again or presses any button, the generated signal immediately wakes up the control chip, allowing it to resume normal operation within milliseconds, ensuring seamless function switching and not affecting the user experience. This design is particularly beneficial for the battery life of wireless mice.

[0024] Through the above structural improvements, the four-button mouse proposed in this invention has the following five advantages.

[0025] Firstly, by using the signal mapping design between the fourth button 4 and the control chip, a single press can replace continuous double-clicks, directly simplifying the operation steps. Tests have shown that it can reduce the time spent on double-click operations by more than 50%, significantly improving operational efficiency and addressing the key technical issue of "cumbersome double-click operation" in existing technologies.

[0026] Secondly, the independent fourth button (4) hardware design eliminates the need for users to rely on software customization or rapid, continuous hand movements, making it particularly suitable for people with limited hand dexterity. At the same time, it meets the needs of ordinary users for quick operation, expands the product's applicability, and addresses the secondary technical issue of "inconvenience for special groups" in existing technologies. Third, based on the existing mouse structure, only one physical button and accompanying program are added, without changing the conventional layout and function of the left button, right button, and scroll wheel. The changes are minor, and the existing mouse molds and production lines can be reused during production, reducing R&D and manufacturing costs and addressing the conventional improvement point of "high adaptation threshold of existing solutions".

[0027] Fourth, the fourth button (4) offers two alternative installation positions: next to the left button on the top surface (the first is a double-click button, and the second can be designed as a custom function key or DPI switch button) and on the left side, catering to different users' grip habits and improving user comfort. Figure 1 The two buttons on the side can be defined as "forward" and "backward" functions. Fifth, the introduced low-power management mechanism significantly reduces the product's energy consumption in idle state without affecting core functions, which is in line with the trend of green and environmentally friendly electronic design and enhances the product's market competitiveness.

[0028] It should be noted that the specific embodiments described above are exemplary, and those skilled in the art can devise various solutions inspired by the disclosure of this invention. These solutions all fall within the scope of this invention and its protection. Those skilled in the art should understand that this specification and its accompanying drawings are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A four-button mouse with a single press achieving double-click functionality, characterized in that, A four-button mouse includes a left button, a right button, and a scroll wheel located in the usual positions on the upper surface of the mouse body, a fourth button, and a control chip; The fourth button is located on the upper surface of the mouse body or in the area next to the left button, and uses the same press-type physical structure as the left button. The control chip is built into the mouse body and is electrically connected to the left button, right button, scroll wheel and fourth button respectively. It is responsible for receiving the pressing signals of each button and outputting the corresponding control signals to the computer. A dedicated program is burned into the control chip to pre-store the signal mapping logic between a single press of the fourth button and a continuous double-click of the left button, making the two actions equivalent so that when the fourth button 4 is pressed once, the control chip issues a double-click command. When the user presses the fourth button once, the control chip detects the press signal and immediately generates and outputs two consecutive left button press electrical signals. The signal interval and duration are consistent with the regular manual double-click, which meets the computer system recognition standard and does not require any changes to other programs and configurations. After the mouse is connected to the computer, the driver automatically recognizes the function of the fourth button. No additional configuration is required from the user. Pressing the fourth button will directly trigger the double-click operation corresponding to opening files and folders.

2. The four-button mouse as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fourth button can also be located on the left side of the mouse, near the index finger grip area, to accommodate users with different grip habits; the fourth button in this position is also electrically connected to the control chip.

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