Optical Mini-Mouse With Valley-Shaped Ergonomic Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mini-mice are not ergonomic for long-time use and lack expanded functions, as they require three fingers to operate and are not suitable for portable devices due to their size and design.
Innovation Solution
An optical mini-mouse with an ergonomic design featuring a valley-shaped operating region that accommodates two or three fingers, equipped with a navigation module using image sensors to detect rotation and a finger detection module for click and slide events, allowing for easy movement and rotation without user fatigue, expanding functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mouse device is reduced to mini-size for easy carrying, then portability is improved, but the operating region becomes too small for comfortable finger placement causing user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The top surface of the mouse case is segmented into distinct regions: a first region with a first thickness and a second region with a second thickness greater than the first. This segmentation creates an ergonomic structure where the thicker second region provides enhanced finger placement area and comfort, while the overall mouse remains compact for portability.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional mini-mouse design is used, then device size is reduced for portability, but operating functions are limited and user fatigue increases during long-time operation
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation module is configured to detect multiple types of user inputs including sliding gestures and clicking gestures on the thicker second region. This multi-functional detection capability allows the compact mouse to perform various operations such as scrolling, clicking, and other gestures, expanding its versatility without increasing size.
3Volume of moving object
If the mouse case is made compact for portable devices, then portability is improved, but the navigation and detection modules become more complex to fit within limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation module and finger detection module are integrated within the compact mouse case structure. The navigation module detects sliding gestures while the finger detection module detects clicking gestures, combining multiple detection functions within the limited space of the compact design to avoid increasing overall device volume.
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 convenient, fatigue-free operation with enhanced functionality by allowing two or three fingers to control the device, accommodating various gestures like volume control, zooming, and scrolling, making it suitable for portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of image sensors respectively configured to detect a rotation direction of the optical mini-mouse with respect to a work surface
Implementation Method 2
The finger detection module is configured to detect at least one of a click event and a slide event in the operating region
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical mini-mouse including a mouse case and a navigation module. The mouse case includes a valley and a flat region arranged along a length direction and the valley extends along a width direction. When the mouse case is rotated about the valley, the navigation module is configured to detect a rotation.