Mouse Optical Module with Rotating Element for Surface and Air Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mice lack flexibility in controlling the cursor position on a computer screen, as they require physical contact with a surface and do not allow for easy switching between surface and air-based operation, limiting user convenience and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A mouse design incorporating an optical module with a rotating optical element and an elastic mechanism that automatically adjusts its facing direction between two orientations, allowing cursor control on a display screen whether the mouse is on a surface or in the air, facilitated by an optical motion tracking chip, processor, and sensor for accurate movement calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mouse is designed to require physical contact with a surface for operation, then the cursor control accuracy is improved, but the flexibility and convenience of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is designed to dynamically change its facing direction between a first direction (when the mouse is on a surface) and a second direction (when the mouse is in the air). This is achieved through a driving piece that rotates the optical element based on whether the supporting rod is compressed or extended, allowing the system to adapt its tracking mode according to the operating condition
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the optical element by switching between two distinct facing directions. When the mouse is on a surface, the optical element faces the first direction to track surface movement; when lifted into the air, it switches to facing the second direction to track air-based gestures, thus changing the tracking parameter according to the operational state
2Ease of operation
If the mouse structure is simplified to allow easy switching between surface and air operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse automatically detects whether it is on a surface or in the air through the compression state of the supporting rod, and self-adjusts the facing direction of the optical element accordingly. The elastic element automatically pushes the driving piece to rotate the optical element when the mouse is lifted, without requiring user intervention to switch modes
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting rod acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the physical state (on surface or in air) into a mechanical action (compression or extension) that drives the optical element to rotate. The elastic element serves as another intermediary that provides the rotational force through the driving piece when mode switching is needed
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 flexible and accurate cursor control on a display screen regardless of the mouse's position, with automatic direction switching and enhanced movement calculation accuracy, providing convenience and precision in both surface and air-based operations.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element is an optical motion tracking chip. The optical motion tracking chip is configured to calculate a moving distance according to an image.
Implementation Method 2
The elastic element is at least partially connected between the side plate and the driving piece. an elastic force of the elastic element is less than a weight of the mouse and larger than a weight of the optical module.
Data Source
AI summary
A mouse includes an optical module and a casing. The optical module includes an optical element and two rotation portions. The optical element locates between the rotation portions. The casing includes a body, two extension portions, a driving piece and a rod. The extension portions connect to the body and define a space therebetween. The optical module locates at the space. The rotation portions insert into the extension portions. The driving piece moves inside the body and the extension portions. The driving piece is connected with one of the rotation portions and configured to rotate the corresponding rotation portion such that the optical element faces to a first direction or a second direction different from the first direction. A first end of the rod connects with the driving piece to move the driving piece. A second end of the rod is exposable outside the body.