Air Pressure Mouse Sensing Airflow for 3D Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mice require a physical pressing action and are limited to operation on flat surfaces, unable to sense vertical displacement and movement in air due to the reliance on optical sensors that require reflection from a desk surface.
Innovation Solution
An air pressure sensing type mouse equipped with a housing, circuit board, multiple air pressure sensors, and a processor that generates signals based on airflow through openings, allowing operation on flat surfaces and in the air, with the ability to sense vertical displacement and planar movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical sensor is used to detect mouse movement, then the mouse can generate cursor displacement signals on flat surfaces, but the mouse cannot operate in the air and cannot sense vertical displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical sensing and air pressure sensing into a single integrated system. The optical sensor detects planar movement on surfaces, while air pressure sensors detect vertical displacement and airflow patterns. The processor merges signals from both sensing systems to enable comprehensive 3D movement detection and air operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouse is designed with multi-functional sensing capabilities that allow it to operate in multiple modes: on flat surfaces using optical sensing, in the air using air pressure sensing, and detecting both planar and vertical displacement. This universal design enables the single device to adapt to various operating environments without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If a button switch requires physical pressing action, then the mouse can generate command signals, but the mouse cannot detect airflow patterns for vertical movement sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical button switch with an air pressure-based sensing system. Instead of requiring physical pressing of a mechanical switch, the air pressure sensors detect airflow patterns and pressure changes caused by vertical mouse movement or button pressing actions. This substitution enables non-contact operation and vertical displacement detection while maintaining command signal generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes air pressure sensing mechanisms to detect both button pressing actions and vertical mouse movement. The air pressure sensors monitor changes in air pressure and airflow patterns within the mouse housing, allowing the system to distinguish between different user inputs (button presses versus vertical movement) and generate appropriate command signals without mechanical contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mouse is designed to operate only on desk surfaces, then the optical sensor can reliably detect movement, but the mouse cannot function when placed in the air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sensing system that automatically adapts to the operating environment. The processor monitors signals from both optical and air pressure sensors to determine whether the mouse is on a surface or in the air, then selectively processes the appropriate sensor data. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliable movement detection across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air pressure sensing as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between surface-based optical sensing and air-based operation. The air pressure sensors serve as a mediator that can detect movement in both environments, allowing the system to seamlessly transition between surface operation and air operation while maintaining detection reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables operation on both flat surfaces and in the air, providing enhanced control capabilities by sensing airflow to generate pressing and displacement signals, including vertical movement, thus improving upon conventional mouse limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The air pressure sensor is aligned with the opening to sense the ambient airflow through the opening and generate a sensed value
Data Source
AI summary
An air pressure sensing type mouse includes a housing, a circuit board, plural air pressure sensors and a processor. One of the plural air pressure sensors is a middle air pressure sensor. The processor stores a threshold value. When an ambient airflow inputs into the housing of the mouse, the plural pressure sensors sense the ambient airflow and generates plural sensed values. If the plural sensed values are all smaller than the threshold value, the middle air pressure sensor generates a pressing signal. If the plural sensed values are all higher than the threshold value, the middle air pressure sensor generates a vertical displacement signal.