Illuminated Mouse for Low-Light Positioning and Status Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer input devices like mice and trackballs are difficult to locate and position in low or no lighting conditions, and existing notification systems are ineffective when the monitor is off or in power-saving mode, leading to inefficiencies and missed notifications.
Innovation Solution
A computer input device with an integrated illumination system that provides visible light to aid in device location and orientation in low light, and changes its state to indicate computer status or events, such as blinking or color changes, allowing notifications without requiring the monitor to be on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the computer monitor is turned off or placed in power-saving mode to reduce energy consumption, then energy savings are achieved, but the user cannot receive visual notifications of incoming communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification device (such as a LED indicator or display panel on the communication device itself) that mediates between the computer system and the user. This intermediary can provide visual notifications independently of the computer monitor's power state, allowing the user to be alerted to incoming communications even when the monitor is off or in power-saving mode.
2Loss of information
If the computer monitor remains on to ensure notification visibility, then notification awareness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the notification function from the main computer monitor display. The notification capability is separated into an independent function that can operate autonomously on the communication device, allowing the monitor to be turned off for energy savings while notification awareness is maintained through the segmented notification system.
3Device complexity
If conventional input devices are used in low lighting conditions, then device simplicity is maintained, but device location and orientation become difficult to determine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes through illumination indicators (such as LED lights) on the communication device to enhance visibility in low lighting conditions. These indicators can change color or intensity to indicate device status, location, and orientation, allowing users to easily locate and orient the device without adding significant complexity to the device structure.
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 efficient and accurate device positioning in low light, provides clear computer status indication, and offers effective notifications that can be seen from a distance without needing the monitor to be powered on, enhancing user interaction and notification awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a computer input device with an integrated illumination system that provides visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a supporting surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message. The notification can make the illumination member blink as a function of the number of messages received. This enables information to be conveyed to the user without the need for text or audio, and without the need to view the computer monitor.