Wireless Mouse Light Sensor Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless optical mice are limited to a single application as they can only sense a single light source, restricting their versatility in generating and transmitting control signals to a host.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a dongle and a mouse with a light source and a light sensor that can sense different lights at distinct time intervals through scheduled light guide paths, allowing the generation of multiple control signals for various operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single light sensor is used to sense only one light source, then the device structure remains simple, but the application versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling the light sensor to alternate between sensing the first light from the dongle during a first time interval and sensing the second light from the mouse during a second time interval. This time-division multiplexing approach allows a single light sensor to handle multiple light sources without requiring multiple sensors simultaneously, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving multi-application versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the light sensor to serve multiple functions: it senses both the first light from the dongle and the second light from the mouse using the same sensor component. The processor then distinguishes between different applications based on which light is detected during its scheduled time interval, enabling one sensor to perform multiple sensing tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and sensing paths are implemented, then multi-application capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to manage multiple light guide paths by activating them in alternating time intervals. The first light guide path is activated during the first time interval to receive light from the dongle, while the second light guide path is activated during the second time interval to receive light from the mouse. This temporal separation allows multiple optical paths to coexist without requiring complex simultaneous routing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light guide path configuration time-dependent. The system dynamically switches between different light guide paths based on the current time interval, with the processor controlling which path is active at any given moment. This dynamic switching enables the system to adapt its optical configuration to match the current application requirement
3Adaptability or versatility
If time-interval scheduling is implemented for sensing different lights, then application differentiation is enabled, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through a scheduled time interval mechanism that alternates between a first time interval for sensing the dongle's light and a second time interval for sensing the mouse's light. This regular, predictable timing pattern simplifies the control logic compared to event-driven or continuous monitoring approaches, as the processor can anticipate which light source should be active at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the processor to automatically distinguish between different applications based on which light source is detected during its scheduled time interval. The system self-regulates by comparing the expected active light source with the actual sensing result, eliminating the need for external control signals or complex handshaking protocols to differentiate applications
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 the wireless optical mouse to execute different operations based on sensed light signals, expanding its applications beyond single-use functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor configured to sense lights, which are generated by different light sources at different time intervals
Data Source
AI summary
A control system, a mouse and a control method thereof are provided. The control system comprises a dongle and the mouse. The dongle is wiredly connected to a host and has a first light source for emitting a first light. The mouse is wirelessly connected to the dongle and has a transmitter, a second light source for emitting a second light, an optical sensor and a processor. The optical sensor senses the first light at a first time interval to generate a first sensing signal and then also, senses the second light at a second time interval to generate a second sensing signal. The processor generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, respectively, and transmits them to the dongle via the transmitter so that the host receives the first and second control signals via the dongle.