Mouse Sensing Module Switching for Transparent Surface Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mouse devices with adjustable moving resolution are not suitable for all types of working surfaces, particularly those made of transparent materials, as the light beam transmission is affected, reducing the efficacy of displacement signal generation.

Innovation Solution

A mouse device with multiple sensing modules and a switching mechanism that allows the user to select or expose the appropriate sensing module based on the working surface, ensuring operation across various surfaces by rotating a switching plate to shelter or expose the suitable sensing module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional mouse device uses a single sensing module with light beam transmission, then the structure is simple, but it cannot operate effectively on transparent working surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different working surfacesVSAvoidnumber of sensing modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system is divided into multiple independent sensing modules (first sensing module and second sensing module), each capable of detecting displacement signals. This segmentation allows the mouse to switch between different sensing modules based on the working surface type, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mouse device is designed with multi-functional sensing capability by incorporating both a first sensing module (suitable for opaque surfaces) and a second sensing module (suitable for transparent surfaces). The switching module enables the system to universally adapt to different working surface types, achieving broad compatibility without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mouse device includes multiple sensing modules and a switching mechanism, then adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface compatibilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching mechanism employs a rotatable switching plate that can dynamically change its orientation to either expose or shelter the second sensing module. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its configuration based on the working surface type, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity through movable rather than fixed components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching plate acts as an intermediary component between the two sensing modules and the external environment. By rotating this intermediate element, the system can selectively expose or shield the second sensing module, providing a simple mechanical solution that manages the complexity of having multiple sensing modules while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a switching plate is used to expose or shelter sensing modules, then the moving resolution can be adjusted, but the device requires additional moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoving resolutionVSAvoidnumber of moving parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching plate is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of which sensing module is exposed. This dynamic capability enables the system to change its measurement precision (moving resolution) by selecting between different sensing modules, while the single rotatable component minimizes the number of moving parts added to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The mouse device maintains operational effectiveness on different surfaces by using alternative sensing modules if one is not suitable, ensuring consistent cursor control and adjustable moving resolution without user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The light-emitting element 161 is disposed on the circuit board 15. Moreover, the light-emitting element 161 emits a light beam B

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

After the light beam B passes through the optical assembly 162, the light beam B is refracted by the optical assembly 162

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

After the light beam B reflected by the working surface T is received by the optical sensor 163, a displacement signal is generated by the optical sensor 163 according to the light beam B

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

the optical sensor 163 receives the light beam B reflected by the working surface T and generates a displacement signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10310635B2Mouse device
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD
  • US10310635B2 patent drawing
  • US10310635B2 patent drawing
  • US10310635B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mouse device includes a mouse casing, a circuit board, a first sensing module, a second sensing module and a switching module. The circuit board is disposed within the mouse casing. The first sensing module and the second sensing module are disposed on the circuit board and partially exposed outside the mouse casing. The switching module is partially exposed outside the bottom part of the mouse casing. At least one of the first sensing module and the second sensing module is exposed outside the mouse casing through the switching module. Consequently, a moving resolution of the mouse device is adjustable according to the practical requirements. When both of the first sensing module and the second sensing module are enabled, the moving resolution is further increased.