Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse and method of operating the same

Abstract

A Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse and its operating method are disclosed. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse includes a mouse body and a receiver. The mouse body includes a switching button and is configured to switch between standard BLE communication mode and simplified BLE communication mode when the switching button is pressed briefly. In standard BLE communication mode, the mouse body communicates with the host according to the standard BLE communication specification. In simplified BLE communication mode, the mouse body communicates with the host through the receiver according to the simplified BLE communication specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wireless communication mouse, and more specifically to a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse based on a Bluetooth protocol (e.g., BLE protocol) and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, traditional wireless communication mice are generally divided into two types according to their communication protocols: 2.4G mice and Bluetooth (e.g., BLE) mice. Each of them has its own advantages and suitable application scenarios.

[0003] The 2.4G mouse connects via a USB receiver, offering a higher report rate and lower latency, making it suitable for scenarios requiring high response times. It's ideal for desktops, laptops, and other devices that need a stable connection, especially for gaming and applications requiring low latency. Its stable connection and high-speed transmission make it perform exceptionally well in both gaming and office environments.

[0004] BLE mice connect via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for an external receiver and offering a convenient connection. They are suitable for devices with BLE Bluetooth functionality, such as tablets and smartphones, allowing for seamless switching between different devices. This makes them ideal for daily office work and users who frequently switch devices. Their portability and ease of use make them particularly suitable for mobile work and multimedia applications.

[0005] To leverage the advantages of both modes, mouse manufacturers typically incorporate both BLE and 2.4G communication protocols into a single mouse, enabling it to operate in two modes simultaneously. This combines the advantages of both 2.4G and BLE mice, covering the application scenarios of both. Such mice are called dual-mode mice. They usually have a mode switch button that allows users to toggle between the two modes. This mouse can connect to a receiver in 2.4G mode to a desktop computer, or connect to a laptop via BLE Bluetooth to operate in BLE mode.

[0006] However, existing dual-mode mouse solutions have the following drawbacks because they need to support both 2.4G and BLE communication protocols: 1) The mouse chip needs to support both 2.4G and BLE radio frequency modes, resulting in higher mouse costs; 2) The mouse chip needs to store both 2.4G and BLE communication protocols, requiring a large memory capacity, which also increases mouse costs; and 3) Firmware programs for both mouse communication protocols need to be developed, resulting in a large workload for development and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse based on the BLE protocol. This mouse combines the low latency advantages of a 2.4G mouse with the seamless switching between different devices, similar to a traditional BLE mouse, thus covering the working scenarios of both mouse modes. Furthermore, this invention effectively reduces the cost of dual-mode mice and decreases the development and maintenance workload of mouse firmware. By modifying the BLE protocol, this invention supports smaller connection intervals, thereby improving the mouse report rate and reducing data latency. Additionally, by supporting unencrypted data reporting to the receiver, this invention achieves functionality similar to 2.4G mode. The receiver only implements simple BLE link connection and data read / write functions, eliminating the need for service discovery and encrypted link establishment components, further simplifying the design and reducing costs.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, comprising: a mouse body and a receiver; the mouse body includes a switching button and is configured to switch between a standard BLE communication mode and a simplified BLE communication mode when the switching button is pressed briefly; wherein, in the standard BLE communication mode, the mouse body communicates with a host according to the standard BLE communication specification; and in the simplified BLE communication mode, the mouse body communicates with the host through the receiver according to the simplified BLE communication specification.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention proposes a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the simplified BLE communication mode does not perform encrypted link establishment and discovery service processes.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the mouse body further includes an indicator light, which is configured to indicate the working mode and working status of the mouse.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the mouse body further includes a broadcast module, the broadcast module being configured to: perform a discoverability broadcast when the switching button is long-pressed; and perform a reconnection broadcast when the switching button is short-pressed.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein when the broadcast module is configured to perform discoverable broadcast, it sends broadcast information including manufacturer-specific data fields, wherein the manufacturer-specific data includes receiver identification information.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention proposes a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein when the switching button is pressed for a long time, the mouse address is automatically incremented by one, and a discoverable broadcast is executed with the new address.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention proposes a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the mouse body further includes a connection parameter update processing module, the connection parameter update processing module being configured to: in simplified BLE communication mode, when a connection parameter update command of <7.5ms is received, directly enable the notification function after completing the connection parameter update; and when sensor data is scanned according to the new connection parameter interval, transmit the sensor data to the receiver through a notification handle.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the receiver includes a storage module configured to store different receiver identifiers for distinguishing different mouse manufacturers.

[0016] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the receiver further includes a scanning module, the scanning module being configured to scan nearby connectable broadcasts at a scanning power less than a first threshold when the receiver has not been bound to a device.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the scanning module is further configured to scan for a mouse body to be paired when the scanned connectable broadcast packet contains manufacturer-specific data and the receiver identifier contained in the manufacturer-specific data matches itself.

[0018] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the scanning module is configured to scan the return broadcast emitted by the mouse body with a scanning power greater than a second threshold when the receiver has been bound to the device.

[0019] One aspect of the present invention provides a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the receiver further includes a connection module and a connection parameter update module. The connection module is configured to: when the scanning module scans for a mouse body to be paired, initiate a connection request to the mouse body; the connection parameter update module is configured to: after successfully connecting with the mouse body, generate a connection parameter update command containing a connection request update packet based on the connection interval information, and send it to the mouse body.

[0020] One aspect of the present invention provides an operating method for a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse including the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse as described above, the operating method including: in standard BLE communication mode, controlling the mouse body to communicate with the host according to the standard BLE communication specification; and in simplified BLE communication mode, controlling the mouse body to communicate with the host through a receiver according to the simplified BLE communication specification, wherein the simplified BLE communication mode does not perform encrypted link establishment and discovery service procedures. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the appearance of a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the internal circuit of a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the internal circuit of a receiver for a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a mode switching method for a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse performing a BLE communication connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse to perform quasi-2.4G (simplified BLE) communication connection according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Before proceeding with the detailed description below, it may be advantageous to define certain words and phrases used throughout this invention document. The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and their derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, regardless of whether those elements are physically in contact with each other. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” and their derivatives cover both direct and indirect communication. The terms “comprising” and “including,” and their derivatives refer to, but are not limited to, those including, those including, those including. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase “associated with,” and its derivatives refer to, including, encompassing, interconnecting, containing, being contained within, connected or connected to, coupled or coupled to, communicating with, cooperating, intertwining, juxtaposing, proximate, binding or binding to, having, having attributes, having a relationship or being related to, etc. The term “controller” refers to any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, local or remote. The phrase "at least one" when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and that only one item from the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, A and B and C.

[0028] Definitions of other specific words and phrases are provided throughout this document. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in many, if not most, cases, such definitions apply to the prior and future use of the words and phrases thus defined.

[0029] In this invention document, the application combination of modules and the hierarchical division of sub-modules are for illustrative purposes only. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the application combination of modules and the hierarchical division of sub-modules can be in different ways.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the appearance of a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] exist Figure 1The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse includes a mouse body 100 and a receiver 200. The mouse body 100 includes a housing 101, a left button 102 and a right button 103, a scroll wheel 104, a switch button 105, and indicator lights (not shown). The housing 101 houses the mouse's power module, microprocessor, connection parameter update processing module, storage module, broadcast module, optical sensor, physical buttons, and scroll wheel. The left button 102 and right button 103 in the wireless communication mouse body 100 receive user click or long-press input. The scroll wheel 104 receives user click, long-press, and scroll input. The optical sensor in the mouse body 100 senses mouse movement based on user input. The indicator lights indicate the mouse's operating mode and status; for example, the indicator lights may include a quasi-2.4G indicator light and a BLE indicator light. The switch button 105 performs pairing and mode switching operations. The switching button 105 is configured to switch modes by generating a mode switching signal when a short press operation is performed on the button (e.g., the press duration is less than a threshold, such as 3 seconds and then released). For example, if the current mode is quasi-2.4G, it switches to BLE mode, and if the current mode is BLE mode, it switches to quasi-2.4G mode. The corresponding indicator light will light up after the mode switch. In addition, the switching button 105 is also configured to automatically increment the mouse address by one when a long press operation is performed on the button (e.g., the press duration is greater than a threshold, such as 3 seconds), and send a discoverable broadcast with this new address for pairing operation.

[0032] The receiver 200 is separately disposed from the mouse body 100 and is connected wirelessly. The receiver 200 is also configured to connect to the communication port of a host (e.g., a computer, tablet computer), for example, the receiver 200 can be configured to connect to the USB port of the terminal device.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the internal circuitry of a mouse body 100 of a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mouse body 100 includes a microprocessor 100-1, a broadcast module 100-2, a storage module 100-3, and a connection parameter update processing module 100-4. The microprocessor 100-1 is connected to the broadcast module 100-2, the storage module 100-3, and the connection parameter update processing module 100-4 and is configured to perform operations to control the connection and operation of the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse.

[0034] Broadcast module 100-2 is configured to broadcast according to the Bluetooth protocol, and is also configured to send a discoverable broadcast when the mouse pairing button is pressed and held. The broadcast message must include a manufacturer-specific data field, which contains the receiver identifier stored in storage module 100-3. Furthermore, broadcast module 100-2 is also configured to send a reconnection broadcast when the mouse is paired and the mode is switched via a toggle button.

[0035] The storage module 100-3 is configured to store programs and data used to drive the microprocessor 100-1 to perform operations (e.g., the complete BLE protocol for communicating with the host). In addition, the storage module 100-3 is also configured to store information such as the address information of the paired host, the mouse name, and the receiver identifier.

[0036] The connection parameter update processing module 100-4 is configured as follows: when the mouse receives a connection parameter update command of 7.5ms or more, it processes the command according to the standard simplified BLE protocol specification. When the mouse receives a connection parameter interval of less than 7.5ms, after the connection parameter update is completed, the mouse directly enables the notification function and scans the sensors (e.g., scroll wheel and buttons) according to the new connection parameter interval. When data is generated, it is sent directly to the receiver through the notification handler.

[0037] Figure 3 This is an internal circuit block diagram of a receiver 200 for a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiver 200 includes: a storage module 200-1, a scanning module 200-2, a connection module 200-3, a connection parameter update module 200-4, and an application data receiving / reporting module 200-5.

[0038] Storage module 200-1 is configured to: store information such as paired mouse addresses for reconnection; and delete paired addresses via control endpoint commands from a communication port (e.g., USB), allowing new mice to be bound after deletion. Storage module 200-1 can also be configured to store different receiver identifiers to distinguish different mouse manufacturers (distinguishing manufacturers by receiver identifiers allows different mouse brands to use the same firmware). Furthermore, storage module 200-1 can be configured to store connection interval information (e.g., connection intervals less than 7.5ms) and configure different report rates based on the connection interval information.

[0039] The scanning module 200-2 is configured such that: when the address of the storage module 200-1 is empty (no device has been bound), the scanning power of the scanning module 200-2 is set to a relatively low level (e.g., less than a first threshold), and it only scans nearby connectable broadcasts. When the scanned connectable broadcast packet contains manufacturer-specific data, and the receiver identifier contained in the data matches its own, the mouse to be paired is found. The scanning module 200-2 is also configured such that: when the address of the storage module 200-1 is not empty, indicating that a device has been bound, the scanning module 200-2 uses a higher scanning power (e.g., greater than a second threshold), and only scans return broadcasts emitted by the mouse.

[0040] The connection module 200-3 is configured to: when the scanning module 200-2 scans the mouse device, it initiates a connection request to the mouse; when the connection is successfully established, it checks the address information of the storage module 200-1; if the address is empty, it writes the mouse address into the storage module; and after the receiver connects successfully, it does not perform discovery service or establish an encrypted link.

[0041] The connection parameter update module 200-4 is configured to: when the connection is successful, read the connection interval information from the storage module 200-1, generate a connection parameter update command containing a connection request update packet based on the connection interval information, send it to the mouse terminal, and then the receiver also changes its own connection interval according to the connection request update rules.

[0042] The application data receiving / reporting module 200-5 is configured to: prepare to receive mouse application data after the connection parameters are successfully updated; and send the mouse notification data to the host through the host's communication port (e.g., USB interface) after receiving the mouse notification data.

[0043] Although it has been referenced Figure 1-3 A Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to embodiments of the present invention has been described, but the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that other operating components may be included internally in the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse as needed. For example, the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse may include a weight module for adjusting the weight of the mouse; the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse may also include a fingerprint recognition module for sensing the user's fingerprint input, etc.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a mode switching method for a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4The invention is described in BLE and quasi-2.4G (simplified BLE) modes. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0045] refer to Figure 4 When a short press operation is performed on the switching button 105 (for example, the press duration is less than a threshold, such as being released within 3 seconds), a mode switching signal is received at step S401. At step S402, it is determined whether the switched mode is BLE mode. If so, at step S403, a standard BLE communication procedure is performed with the host; if not, at step S404, a quasi-2.4G communication procedure is performed through the receiver.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse performing a standard BLE communication connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] In step S501, a broadcasting and scanning process is performed, in which the mouse broadcasts to the outside through the broadcasting module, and the host sends a connection request after receiving the broadcast data packet through scanning.

[0048] In step S502, a connection is established, wherein the mouse performs initial parameter configuration by receiving a connection request including initial values ​​of connection parameters, and configures itself according to the initial values ​​to establish a connection.

[0049] In step S503, connection parameter updates are performed to request a better connection interval / delay, wherein connection parameter updates are performed by sending a parameter update request via L2CAP.

[0050] In step S504, an encrypted link is established, wherein a pairing / encryption request is initiated via the mouse, and the host responds to the request. Encryption is initiated by exchanging pairing information (TK, LTK, IRK, etc.), and the encrypted link is finally established.

[0051] In step S505, a service discovery process is executed, in which the host performs service discovery, for example, by reading services; the mouse returns a service list; the host performs a feature discovery operation; and the mouse returns the feature and its descriptor. Additionally, the mouse can also perform service discovery as needed, according to an enable notification / instruction process.

[0052] In step S506, service discovery is completed, and data reading / writing / notification is performed between the mouse and the host to transmit data based on input information such as mouse button events, movement data, and scroll wheel scrolling.

[0053] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above steps and procedures can be adjusted and modified without departing from the concept of the present invention. For example, the connection parameter update can also be configured to be performed after the establishment of the encrypted link and the discovery of the service.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse to perform quasi-2.4G (simplified BLE) communication connection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In step S601, a broadcasting and scanning process is performed, in which the mouse broadcasts to the outside through the broadcasting module, and the connector scans through the scanning module. After receiving the broadcast data packet, a connection request is sent.

[0056] In step S602, a connection is established, wherein the mouse performs initial parameter configuration by receiving a connection request containing initial values ​​of connection parameters, and configures itself according to the initial values ​​to establish a connection.

[0057] After the connection is established, the encrypted link establishment and service discovery process is not executed.

[0058] In step S603, connection parameter updates are performed to request a better connection interval / delay. Specifically, a parameter update request is sent via L2CAP. The receiver reads the connection interval information from the storage module and generates a connection request update packet based on the connection interval information, which is then sent to the mouse. The receiver also changes its own connection interval according to the connection request update rules.

[0059] When the mouse receives a connection request update packet containing a connection parameter update command of 7.5ms or more, it is processed according to the normal simplified BLE protocol (BLE protocol without performing encrypted link establishment and discovery service procedures) specification. When the mouse receives a connection request update packet containing parameters with a connection interval of less than 7.5ms, the mouse directly enables the notify function and scans the sensors (e.g., peripherals such as scroll wheel and buttons) according to this new connection parameter interval.

[0060] In step S604, after the connection parameters are updated, data read / write / notification occurs between the mouse and the host to transmit data based on input information such as mouse button events, movement data, and scroll wheel movement. Specifically, when the parameters are configured with a connection interval of less than 7.5ms based on the connection request update packet, data is directly sent to the receiver via the notification handler. Furthermore, the receiver is configured to transmit data to the host via the host's communication port (e.g., a USB interface).

[0061] The Bluetooth wireless dual-mode mouse according to embodiments of the present invention does not require the receiver to implement connection functionality according to the standard Bluetooth protocol. Therefore, it does not need to implement a complete BLE central protocol stack and does not require a large amount of program storage space. Simultaneously, since the chip does not require encryption modules for encrypted links, product costs are reduced. Furthermore, by directly sending data to the receiver via a notification handle when the connection interval is less than 7.5ms, the Bluetooth wireless dual-mode mouse of the present invention achieves similar technical performance to 2.4G mode while reducing costs through a simplified design.

[0062] Although examples of specific implementation steps of a wireless multimode mouse are shown in the embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art should understand that the steps in the examples can be performed in the order shown, or in the reverse order or in parallel, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to those skilled in the art. This disclosure is intended to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0064] Any description in this invention should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is essential and must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the patent subject matter is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, comprising a mouse body and a receiver; The mouse body includes a switching button and is configured to switch between standard BLE communication mode and simplified BLE communication mode when a short press is performed on the switching button. in, In standard BLE communication mode, the mouse body communicates with the host according to the standard BLE communication specification; Furthermore, in the simplified BLE communication mode, the mouse body communicates with the host through the receiver according to the simplified BLE communication specification.

2. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 1, wherein, The simplified BLE communication mode does not perform encrypted link establishment and service discovery processes.

3. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 1, wherein, The mouse body also includes an indicator light, which is configured to indicate the mouse's working mode and working status.

4. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 1, wherein, The mouse body also includes a broadcast module. The broadcast module is configured to: execute a discoverable broadcast when the switch button is long-pressed; and execute a reconnection broadcast when the switch button is short-pressed.

5. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 4, wherein, When the broadcast module is configured to perform discoverable broadcasts, it sends broadcast information including manufacturer-specific data fields, wherein the manufacturer-specific data includes receiver identification information.

6. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 4, wherein, When the switch button is pressed and held, the mouse address is automatically incremented by one, and the broadcast can be detected using the new address.

7. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 1, wherein, The mouse body also includes a connection parameter update processing module. The connection parameter update processing module is configured to: in simplified BLE communication mode, when a connection parameter update command of <7.5ms is received, the notification function is enabled directly after the connection parameter update is completed; and when sensor data is scanned according to the new connection parameter interval, the sensor data is transmitted to the receiver through the notification handle.

8. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 1, wherein, The receiver includes a storage module. The storage module is configured to store different receiver identifiers used to distinguish different mouse manufacturers.

9. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 1, wherein, The receiver also includes a scanning module. The scanning module is configured to scan nearby connectable broadcasts at a scanning power less than a first threshold when the receiver has not been bound to a device.

10. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 9, wherein, The scanning module is also configured to scan the mouse body to be paired when the scanned connectable broadcast packet contains manufacturer-specific data and the receiver identifier contained in the manufacturer-specific data matches itself.

11. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 9, wherein, The scanning module is configured to scan the callback broadcast emitted by the mouse body with a scanning power greater than a second threshold when the receiver has been bound to the device.

12. The Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse according to claim 10, wherein, The receiver also includes a connection module and a connection parameter update module. The connection module is configured to initiate a connection request to the mouse body when the scanning module scans the mouse body to be paired. The connection parameter update module is configured to generate a connection parameter update command containing a connection request update packet based on the connection interval information after a successful connection with the mouse body, and send it to the mouse body.

13. A method for operating a Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse, wherein the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse comprises the Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication mouse as described in any one of claims 1-12, and the method comprises: In standard BLE communication mode, the mouse controls the communication between the mouse and the host according to the standard BLE communication specification. In simplified BLE communication mode, the mouse body is controlled to communicate with the host via a receiver according to the simplified BLE communication specification. The simplified BLE communication mode does not perform encrypted link establishment and service discovery processes.

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