Solid-State Mouse Touch Zones for Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer mice with mechanical rollers are prone to mechanical failure due to dirt and shock, and their size can make integration into low-profile designs difficult, while existing solutions for scrolling speed determination are limited.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse with multiple solid-state touch-sensitive zones that include a housing for user hand support, pointing sensors, and touch pads to detect finger movement, allowing for advanced gestures and improved scrolling functionality without the need for a mechanical roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical roller is used for scrolling, then scrolling functionality is provided, but the device is prone to mechanical failure due to dirt and shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller system with a solid-state optical sensor system. Instead of using a physical roller that rotates mechanically, the invention uses an optical sensor that detects finger movements through light reflection patterns, eliminating moving parts and mechanical failure modes while maintaining scrolling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of finger movement on the mouse surface. By detecting changes in light reflection patterns caused by finger movement, the system creates a virtual representation of roller rotation without requiring actual mechanical rotation, thus achieving scrolling without mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical roller is used for scrolling, then scrolling functionality is provided, but the size makes integration into low-profile designs difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a physical roller component by substituting it with an optical detection system. This replacement dramatically reduces the volume required for scrolling functionality, enabling integration into low-profile mouse designs while maintaining full scrolling capability through optical finger movement detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch-sensitive zones are added to provide advanced gestures, then functionality is increased, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of the optical sensor data rather than continuous monitoring. The system periodically analyzes light reflection patterns to detect finger movements and gestures, reducing power consumption by keeping the sensor in a low-power state between sampling intervals while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to user interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes placing an input device in a passive mode of operation and periodically monitoring a displacement sensor of the input device, receiving an indication of displacement from the displacement sensor, and placing the input device in an active mode of operation characterized by a power consumption level. The method also includes determining a passing of a predetermined time period since receiving the indication of displacement, placing the input device in a second active mode of operation characterized by a second power consumption level less than the power consumption level, and periodically monitoring one or more of a plurality of touch sensors. The method further includes receiving an indication of input from the one or more of the plurality of touch sensors and placing the input device in the active mode of operation.