Precision Scroll Button With Multi-Directional Switch For Rapid Scrolling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scroll wheels in mice are inconvenient to operate for rapid scrolling, require aggressive finger movement, and are prone to mechanical complexity and noise, making them less precise and more likely to break.

Innovation Solution

A multi-directional switch integrated into the mouse, coupled with a precision scroll button, allows for flexible and precise scroll inputs independent of the scroll wheel, enabling incremental, page, or fast scrolling with reduced finger travel and more reliable hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a conventional scroll wheel is used for scrolling, then scrolling functionality is provided, but rapid scrolling requires aggressive finger movement making it inconvenient to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescrolling speedVSAvoidease of scrolling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the scrolling function into two separate input mechanisms: a scroll wheel for standard scrolling and a precision scroll button for rapid scrolling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the button providing direct rapid scroll access without requiring aggressive wheel rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the optical sensing mechanism (used in conventional scroll wheels) with a mechanical switch for the precision scroll button. This mechanical approach eliminates optical noise and provides more precise, reliable detection of scroll inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If gear assemblies are added to adjust scroll rate, then scroll rate adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases making it more expensive to manufacture and more likely to break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescroll rate adjustabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of gear assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the scroll rate adjustment functionality from the physical gear assembly and implements it through software configuration. The precision scroll button can be programmed to provide different scroll rates (e.g., one line per click, one page per click, or full-screen scroll) without any mechanical gear changes, thereby eliminating complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the scroll rate parameter through software programming rather than mechanical gear adjustment. The precision scroll button's scroll effect can be configured to provide various scroll speeds and distances per click, allowing adaptability without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If an optical sensor is used to read scroll wheel position, then scroll input is detected, but measurement precision is reduced due to noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of scroll input detectionVSAvoidprecision of scroll position reading

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the optical sensor with a mechanical switch for detecting the precision scroll button input. This mechanical detection method eliminates the noise and precision issues associated with optical sensors, providing more reliable and accurate scroll input detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precision scroll button provides a robust and flexible scrolling interface with reduced finger movement, increased precision, and less wear on the hardware, offering a more reliable and precise scrolling experience compared to conventional scroll wheels.

Implementation Method 1

The mouse has become a ubiquitous tool because it provides an intuitive interface with visual content. A mouse typically includes a position sensor, such as an optical sensor, that reports changes of position to an information handling system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Optical Tweezers

Implementation Method 2

A multi-directional switch disposed in a mouse and coupled to a member that extends from the upper surface of the mouse accepts scroll input presses that translate into scroll commands by switch actuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical contact detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11822738B2Information handling system mouse with push button scroll

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system mouse couples a precision scroll button located proximate a scroll wheel of the mouse upper surface to a multidirectional switch, such as a five-way switch, so that movement of the precision scroll button commands through the five-way switch a scroll up or down at a speed defined by the end user and independent of the scroll wheel speed. For instance, a fast scroll at different scroll rates is commanded by actuating the five-way switch forward or backwards.