Cursor Controller Sliding Roller Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cursor controllers, such as optical mice, are limited in design and operation, making them difficult to improve and requiring detection of external objects for movement control.
Innovation Solution
A cursor controller with a case, a first rod, a sliding roller, and a first optical tracking system (OTS) sensor, where the sliding roller is movable and spinable, allowing the OTS sensor to detect movement and spinning angles without needing to detect external objects, enabling accurate cursor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional optical mouse structure is used to detect external objects for cursor control, then cursor control function is achieved, but device complexity and thickness increase due to lens requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional optical detection system (using lenses and external object detection) with a mechanical detection system. The sliding roller mechanically contacts and detects the tactile ball directly, converting the optical detection path into a mechanical detection path. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical components like lenses while achieving the same cursor control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the lens component from the detection system. By using the sliding roller to directly contact and detect the tactile ball, the system eliminates the external object detection requirement and the associated lens structure, thereby reducing device complexity and thickness.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional optical detection system with lenses is used, then external object detection is achieved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical detection system (which requires lenses and creates thickness) with a mechanical detection system. The sliding roller directly contacts the tactile ball, providing detection functionality without requiring optical paths or lenses, thereby reducing device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the lens component from the detection system by using direct mechanical contact between the sliding roller and tactile ball. This extraction of the optical component eliminates the thickness requirement associated with lens structures while maintaining detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional controller structure is used, then basic cursor control is achieved, but adaptability and improvement potential are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the controller structure. The sliding roller can move along the rod in response to tactile ball movements, and the rod itself can rotate. These dynamic components allow the system to adapt to different input patterns and provide improved versatility compared to static conventional structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional components: the tactile ball for input, the rod for transmission and rotation detection, and the sliding roller for lateral movement detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables greater adaptability and improvement potential for the overall system.
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 accurate cursor control on displays without relying on external object detection, offering a design that is not limited by conventional structures or operations and maintains a reduced thickness by eliminating the need for lenses.
Implementation Method 1
The first OTS sensor is arranged in the interior space of the case. The first OTS sensor is arranged under the center segment of the first rod for detecting at least one of a moving distance and a spinning angle of the sliding roller.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-dimensional navigation module of a cursor controller includes a top plate, a first rod, a sliding roller sleeved at the first rod, and a first OTS sensor. The top plate has an elongated groove recessed thereon. The first rod is arranged in the groove. Two opposite ends of the first rod are fastened to the top plate. The sliding roller is movable along the first rod between a first position and a second position, and the sliding roller is spinable along the first rod in a range of 0˜360 degrees. When the sliding roller is moved, a center segment of the first rod keeps touching the sliding roller. The first OTS sensor is arranged under the center segment of the first rod for detecting at least one of a moving distance and a spinning angle of the sliding roller.