Variable Pressure Mouse Microcontroller Analog Signal Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices, such as mice, lack the ability to provide nuanced pressure-sensitive inputs, limiting the range of user interactions and feedback in information handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A variable pressure mouse (VPM) with integrated pressure-sensitive buttons and a microcontroller that converts analog pressure signals into digital representations, allowing for customizable pressure levels and visual feedback through lighting effects, is introduced. This system includes a VPM MCU that processes pressure data and communicates with the operating system via USB, enabling advanced user interactions and application-specific configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional binary mouse buttons are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but input precision and interaction nuance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical binary button switches with pressure-sensitive sensors that detect analog force levels. This substitution enables continuous pressure measurement rather than simple pressed/not-pressed states, significantly improving input precision while the digital signal processing maintains manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of mouse buttons from binary (pressed/not-pressed) to continuous analog pressure levels. By measuring varying degrees of applied force and mapping them to different digital values, the system achieves nuanced input precision without requiring fundamentally complex additional mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If analog pressure sensors are integrated into mouse buttons, then input precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pressure-sensitive sensors into existing mouse button structures, allowing the same component to serve both traditional clicking functions and new pressure-sensing capabilities. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the sensors serve multiple purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary that processes analog pressure sensor signals and converts them into digital values compatible with standard computer interfaces. This mediator simplifies the integration complexity by handling signal conditioning, threshold detection, and protocol translation, allowing analog sensors to work seamlessly with digital systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pressure levels are supported, then interaction versatility is improved, but compatibility with legacy systems may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure level mapping where the same physical button press can be interpreted differently based on applied force, while the system adaptively communicates with legacy applications using standard binary protocols. This dynamic behavior provides versatility for modern applications while maintaining reliability for legacy systems through protocol translation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a layered communication architecture where analog pressure information is processed into multiple digital representations: full-pressure-level data for VPM-aware applications and simplified binary click signals for legacy applications. This copying approach ensures versatility for advanced users while guaranteeing compatibility with older systems that expect traditional mouse protocols
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 VPM enhances user input by providing multiple pressure levels and customizable macros, improving interaction precision and feedback, while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy systems and applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the buttons may be pressure sensitive and may provide an analog signal corresponding to the amount of pressure applied to the button
Implementation Method 2
A variable pressure mouse (VPM) with integrated pressure-sensitive buttons and a microcontroller that converts analog pressure signals into digital representations
Data Source
AI summary
User input devices with variable pressure buttons are configured. A user may specify a range of pressure to be associated with a pressure level. In some embodiments, a user may also associate a command or other instruction to an application with an identity of a variable pressure button and a pressure level of the button. In some embodiments, the associations may be represented in a configuration profile. In further embodiments, a microcontroller for a mouse may translate signals from variable pressure buttons into pressure levels based upon the configuration file. In many embodiments, a user may associate a reporting rate with a variable pressure button. A legacy application may receive reports of the state of the variable pressure button at the associated reporting rate.