Computer mouse. Types and design of computer mice

Kinds computer mice. There are all sorts of computer mice. Such diversity can even make your head spin. But just recently there was practically no choice. It would seem, what else can you come up with? But it turns out it is possible. Each company that produces these small and so necessary “animals” finds more and more new designs and functions for them.

Which There are types of computer mice?

There are just not that many species. Here they are:

• Mechanical or ball (almost no longer used);
• Optical;
• Laser;
• Trackball mice.
• Induction;
• Gyroscopic.

Mechanical or ball mice

Mechanical or ball mice can only be found among collectors. Although just seven years ago it was the only species. It was not very comfortable to work with it, but not having any other types, we thought it was a super mouse.

She was a bit heavy in weight and didn’t want to work without a mat. And her positioning left much to be desired. This was especially noticeable in graphics programs and games. And I had to clean it very often. What didn't fit under this ball? And if there were still animals living at home, then this process was repeated at least once a week.

I always had tweezers near my computer, because... my furry friends always tried to sleep near the computer, and their fluff clung to the rug, making it shaggy. Now I no longer have such a problem. The ball-shaped “rodent” was replaced by a more modern mouse – an optical one.

Optical LED mouse

Optical LED mouse - it works on a different principle. It uses an LED and a sensor. It already works like a small camera that scans the surface of the table with its LED and photographs it. An optical mouse can take about a thousand such photos per second, and some types even more.

The data from these images is processed by a special microprocessor and sends a signal to the computer. The advantages of such a mouse are obvious. It doesn't require a mat, is very light in weight and can easily scan almost any surface.

Optical laser mouse

Optical laser mouse - very similar to optical, but its operating principle differs in that instead of a camera with an LED, a laser is already used. That’s why it’s called laser.

This is a more advanced model of an optical mouse. It requires much less energy. Accuracy of data reading from work surface it is much higher than an optical mouse. It can even work on glass and mirror surfaces.

Trackball mouse

Trackball mouse – a device that uses a convex ball (trackball). The trackball is an inverted ball mouse. The ball is on top or side. It can be rotated with your palm or fingers, and the device itself remains in place. The ball causes a pair of rollers to rotate. New trackballs use optical motion sensors.

Induction mice

Induction mice – use a special mat that works like a graphics tablet.

Gyroscopic mice

Gyroscopic mice – using a gyroscope, it recognizes movement not only on the surface, but also in space. You can take it from the table and control the movement of the brush in the air.

These types of computer mice still exist in our markets.

Nowadays there is a very wide variety of such devices. Some designs deserve special attention. And I will describe them. Follow site updates.

If at one time the user performed most of the actions only using the keyboard and this was considered normal, today it is very difficult to imagine a home computer without a mouse. You don't have to go far. Just try to open your browser without a mouse and surf the Internet a little, you will quickly notice how inconvenient it is, no matter how many hotkeys the browser contains. And since each of us deals with a mouse almost every day, within the framework of this short article I general outline I'll look into what it is computer mouse, what it consists of, what types there are and when it appeared.

I'll start with a definition. A computer mouse is an input device that converts data about movement along a plane into an information signal. It is also typical for a computer mouse to have at least one button (in Mac OS X, mice come with one button).

The mouse appeared back in 1968 and was patented in 1970. The mouse became included with the computer in 1981 as part of the Xerox-8010 Star Information.

The basic device of the mouse is a movement sensor and buttons, nothing fancy. However, additional controls such as a scroll wheel and trackball may also be present. In general, it all depends on the imagination of the manufacturers.

Basically, mice are divided according to the principle of constructing a motion sensor, and here they are:

1. Direct drive is the very first version of the sensor. These mice used two wheels at the bottom, for the horizontal and vertical axis.

2. Ball drive - the next option for constructing a displacement sensor. In this case, not wheels were used, but one ball, which is adjacent to small shafts inside the mouse itself. This mechanism made it more convenient to use the mouse, since the ball, unlike wheels, will never catch on the surface.

3. Optical drive - this sensor uses an optical mechanism to track the position of the mouse. There have been several generations of such sensors, the latest of which is an unpretentious laser mouse. As a fact, in the first variations special mats were required, since the sensors were very sensitive to the quality of the surface.

4. Gyroscopic mice - contain a gyroscope, which allows you to determine mouse movements even in three-dimensional space.

5. Induction mice - require a special mouse pad, since position determination is determined through induction processes.

If we talk about buttons, they are one-button, two-button and three-button. In this case we're talking about about the buttons that are located at the top and are the most massive (the main ones). As already mentioned, each manufacturer can add controls to mice. For example, gaming mice can contain a dozen small side buttons, which significantly reduce the time for calling frequent operations. However, it is worth knowing that such additional buttons can only be used if you have installed special software from the same manufacturers. Otherwise, the operating system will ignore them.

Based on the type of connection, mice are:

1. Wired. Such mice used to be connected via COM ports and PS/2. Today, almost all mice use the USB interface.

2. Wireless infrared - a special IR signal receiver is connected to the computer. Such mice have taken root poorly, since there should be no obstacles between the receiver and the mouse.

3. Wireless with radio communication - these mice use radio communication as a mechanism for transmitting information. They quickly replaced IR mice due to the lack of problems with obstacles.

4. Wireless induction mice - these mice are used together with a special mouse pad. The good thing is that they do not need to be charged, they are powered directly from the mat. The downside is that without a mat they are useless.

5. Wireless with bluetooth - compared to analogues, these mice benefit from the fact that the computer only needs to have a bluetooth receiver. So it’s very easy to connect such a mouse to laptops and you don’t need to worry about a protruding receiver, an occupied USB slot and other things.

As you can see, although the diversity is quite large, it is still mainly associated with internal features and terms of use. Therefore, if you need a mouse, then you need to soberly evaluate its real use. For example, cheap laser mice are the leaders for home computers.

Computer mouse device. Many people can no longer imagine how they can work on a computer without a mouse. But just recently we couldn’t even dream of a computer mouse. But those who worked on the computer knew the keyboard well. And with the arrival of mice, many do not even know how to get out of the situation if... And now there is such a variety of these devices that sometimes you don’t immediately understand that it is a computer mouse. But despite this, the internal structure of such mice is not much different. I don't think anyone thinks about internal structure computer mouse, but for general development You still need to know this.

What is the device of a computer mouse?

A computer mouse is a small box for entering information into a computer, and easily fits in your hand. For manipulation there are at least two buttons and a scroll wheel. Who was the first to call her a mouse is no longer so important.

The important thing is that this name suits this device well and has stuck well with it. Even for young children, the first association with the word “mouse” is primarily associated with a computer.

When reading a fairy tale about a little mouse, a child will most likely imagine a computer “little animal”, and not an ordinary house mouse, which he has never even seen.

Now let's talk about the device of a computer mouse. I don’t think I need to tell you what this device looks like externally.

When you move the mouse across the table, the cursor on the monitor screen also moves. To work, you need to move the cursor over the required object and click on it with one of the mouse buttons, depending on the action selected.

Mouse buttons are intended to give a command to enter information. Each button performs its specific function. They can be programmatically reconfigured for both right-handers and left-handers.

The wheel is located in the middle between the buttons and serves mainly for scrolling pages in text editors and Internet browser windows. They can also serve as a third button, because It not only rotates, but also presses.

Previously, along with the mouse there was a mandatory attribute - “ rug", because There was a ball on the bottom of the mouse that slid across the surface of the table. With the arrival of the optical mouse, the mousepad is no longer needed. Mice have become more compact and nimble. Anyone who picks it up for the first time cannot move the cursor to the desired object at first.

IN optical models there is a special miniature optical sensor with a microprocessor, and the mouse is already a video camera. The microprocessor processes the signal coming from the optical sensor, and the pointer on the monitor moves following the movement of the mouse.

Advantages of a computer mouse

• Since the hand is not suspended, unlike a touch input interface, the mouse is suitable for long-term work;
• High accuracy of cursor positioning;
• Allows many different manipulations, so it is concentrated in one hand a large number of governing bodies;
• The most important advantage of the mouse is its very low price.

Now in our markets a simple touch model costs no more than 150 rubles.

We will consider the advantages and disadvantages of the most common models of computer mice in the following articles.

As you can see, the design of a computer mouse is not so simple.

How to choose?

Technologies do not stand still and modern devices no one is surprised, moreover, they turn into routine and commonplace, and purchasing them instead of outdated or broken equipment turns into a boring task for the buyer, in addition, a burden on the wallet. Everyone wants their new purchase to please them or at least not cause any inconvenience, and to remain relevant for at least some time.

This article will tell the reader how to choose a computer mouse. After all, the criteria can be very different, as well as price categories And technical specifications. So, which computer mouse is best?

Device

The first such devices were created back in 1970 of the twentieth century. Technology does not stand still and today it is difficult to imagine a computer without a mouse. Over the years, the device and principle of operation changed; initially, something like several wheels were used to move the device on the table; later, the technology was abandoned in favor of a special ball, which was located in the controller body.

The latter served users a little longer due to its simplicity technical execution, and perhaps similar devices are gathering dust on the shelves of some computer scientists to this day.

A little later, a computer optical and laser mouse appeared. These technologies have made it possible to increase the accuracy of user actions, as well as solve some problems associated with the failure of the ball drive of more outdated models. Fine dirt and dust often stuck to the latter, causing the quality of movements to seriously deteriorate.

Market

Modern such devices are in great demand. There are many factors involved here, for example, a large number of budget models and failures old technology, obsolescence, desire of users to “upgrade”.

Accordingly, the concept of a “good computer mouse” will be different for everyone. Someone needs to buy a cheap and practical device to replace the old one, someone wants to update the interior and chooses it based on its appearance.

There are also gaming computers, in this case will increased requirements both to technical characteristics and to design and ergonomics. Accordingly, the price range will be higher.

Having understood a little about the overall picture, we should move on to the various segments of this market.

Budget models

How to choose a computer mouse? The most common option for buyers is to choose budget models. They are bought in bulk as office equipment or for educational purposes. The price of such devices rarely exceeds 10-15 dollars, and is often lower.

Such devices have a simple design, minimal convenience, and rarely have additional functionality in the form of any buttons or sensitivity add-ons.

Can we say that this computer mouse is good? If you are not a professional player and do not have excessive design requirements, then it is quite possible. There is nothing superfluous in it. As a rule, it is sold in ascetic packaging with the inscription “optical computer mouse.”

Wireless models

There are many such devices on the market for computer mice and other controllers. When purchasing, you should not immediately choose a cheap model. Also don't neglect technical characteristics, the most important thing here is the battery capacity and how to charge it.

You should choose the one that is convenient for you. For example, computer Logitech mouse- from the middle price segment.

In general, the company produces quality devices, there are both budget and expensive models, depending on the needs of the user.

Otherwise, wireless models often differ in connection method, this may be wireless network, its own radio module or communication via bluetooth technology. Here it is important to pay attention to what connection method your device supports, and not buy a gadget that you cannot use.

Game models

These devices have more complex technical equipment. In the case of gaming devices, users will look at many factors, and price will most likely play the most important role. After all, players need professional devices for their hobbies, where every movement is important and even the slightest delay can ruin the result.

Some choose such devices as a status item, and they are concerned, again, with the design. By the way, appearance Such devices have very specific, unusual shapes, many additional buttons, sensor sensitivity controls, etc.

If we talk about gaming devices ah, then a Logitech computer mouse is suitable for some, Razer or SteelSeries for others. The brand is essentially not as important as technical qualities, ergonomics, how the device fits in the hand and how comfortable it is to use.

Regarding prices, gaming devices can cost from 30 to 300 dollars, but these figures are only approximate and may vary depending on the place of purchase.

Additional software

Gaming computer mice often come with additional software. Often it may turn out to be useless and only serve an advertising function, but this is not always the case. Therefore, it is better to study the contents of the package all the time, as well as read the specifications and requirements for your new purchase.

Some technologies, such as additional control keys or cursor stabilization, are not available without additional programs, and very often, they are installed directly on the mouse itself (it has its own processor and memory inside). As a rule, this process is not complicated and only requires consistent actions user. In addition, very often the buyer has to independently search on the manufacturer’s website necessary drivers to download them. Guides to these processes should also be available on the specified resources related to gadget manufacturing companies.

Laptop mice

If the reader is interested in a good computer mouse for a laptop, then again, everything is individual. The main thing is not to look at the price, but to choose a device for your personal needs. For example, if you have an ultrabook of blue color, then why not choose a similar color scheme mouse to it? Or are you interested in size? All these parameters can and should be taken into account.

You should also select the type of device connection you are interested in, especially in modern laptops this issue will be relevant. The most universal option There will be a connection via a USB port, which is probably found on all laptops and netbooks, since this connector is considered the most common.

It should be noted that manufacturers have separate lines of devices specifically for laptops. They often feature shorter wires and reduced size and design.

How to choose the right device

In principle, recommendations for choosing a controller were described above. The main point will be the task for which the device is purchased. Suitable for home or office a budget option, with as few additional features as possible and at a low price. Such a device can work for quite a long time, and if it breaks down, it won’t be a shame to simply replace it with a similar one.

As for gaming devices, esports players choose them solely for themselves and their needs, checking whether the mouse fits comfortably in the hand, whether it is heavy, what resolution and response time it has, and whether these parameters can be adjusted. Accordingly, the price of such devices will be higher.

If we return to wireless devices, then we should be careful. Cheap models are prone to breakdowns; some use low-quality batteries that quickly lose charge. In addition, inexpensive wireless devices often have very short ranges for receiving and sending signals. The same can be said for keyboards.

So if your work on the computer may involve urgent actions such as sending emails, checking documents and printing, then wireless devices- Not the best choice, because they can let you down at the most inopportune moment.

Various accessories

At a certain period of time, various mats were popular that protected ballpoint and optical mice from contamination, and also improved gliding on the surface. Now it’s more of a tribute to tradition, or an interior item. By the way, a branded gaming mouse pad can cost more than $20, which makes buying it worthwhile only if you need it as an image item or to improve the quality of work with your device.

As for other cases, we can say that this accessory is practically useless, and sometimes can interfere with work due to its small size.

Results

However, it is not a fact that the computer mouse you like in appearance will suit you. You can always read the descriptions of the devices, as well as customer reviews. If in doubt, it is better to look at reviews on video hosting sites and study the comments different users, including famous bloggers. The most important thing is not just to be fooled by advertising, but to select a product that you really need and that you will enjoy using.

The most important thing is that the purchase suits its purpose, does not interfere with your work, and matches, for example, the connectors of a particular laptop. A good computer mouse is for everyone.

Almost all users desktop computers In everyday work, a mouse is used to perform any operations. Laptop owners also often turn to this device, considering the touchpad somewhat inconvenient. But let's look at what a mouse is in a general sense and what types of such devices were developed initially and are on the market today. And first, let's turn to respected information sources that present a description using technical terms, and then we'll move on to a simpler consideration of the issue.

What is a mouse

Based official information, provided by many computer publications, the mouse is a universal pointing-type manipulator that is designed to control the graphical interface of the operating system and perform almost all known operations based on binding the device to the cursor on the computer monitor screen.

The principle of control is to move on a mouse pad, on a table or on any other surface (this can be done by devices that do not require a mouse pad). Offset or current location information is transmitted operating system or program, which causes a response to perform some actions (for example, displaying additional pull-down menus or lists). But the design of the device also provides for the presence of special buttons that are responsible for selecting a specific action. When using standard settings, double-click with the left button is provided to open files or programs, single-click to select an object or activate interface elements, and single-click with the right button to access context menus. But this only applies to classic designs. Today on the market of such equipment you can find many models that differ radically in both design solutions and operating principles. Let's look at them separately.

A little history

People first started talking about what a mouse is in 1968, when it was presented at an exhibition of interactive devices in California. A little later, in 1981, the mouse officially entered the standard set devices that were included with Xerox 8010 series minicomputers.

A little later, it became an integral part of the peripherals of Apple computers, and only then IBM-compatible computer systems began to be equipped with a mouse. Since then, the manipulator has firmly entered the lives of all users, although it has undergone many changes and constantly introduced innovations in terms of constructive solutions, principles of operation, management, actions performed, as well as advanced capabilities.

Main types of manipulators by operating principle

Initially, the mouse meant a design based on direct drive, which consisted of two perpendicularly located wheels, which made it possible to move in different sides regardless of the angle.

A little later, devices based on a ball drive appeared, in which main role played a built-in metal ball with rubber coating, which provided improved grip on the mouse pad. The next generation was devices equipped with a contact encoder (textolite disk) with three contacts on radial metal tracks. Finally, optical mice were created based on one light diode and two photodiodes.

It is optical devices that have become the most common and in demand among users. In their classification, the following models can be distinguished:

• mice with matrix sensor;
• laser mice;
• induction mice;
• gyroscopic mice.

Of this set, gyroscopic devices deserve special attention. They are able to exercise control not only when moving along the surface, but also in vertical position in space.

Types of mice by connection

What is a mouse, we figured it out a little. Now let's see how such manipulators connect to computer systems. Initially, to connect to a computer on motherboard a special input was provided, and the mouse was connected via a cord with a special tulip-type plug.

With the advent USB interfaces manipulators began to be used that connected to computers through them. Finally, wireless devices have appeared, which, however, are also essentially a USB mouse, since they use a special sensor or tablet mat connected via a USB port. Somewhat later, devices based on Bluetooth radio modules began to be used. And these are definitely wireless mice.

Basic and additional mouse buttons

Now a few words about the main elements of any such manipulator. In my time Apple company I thought that just one button was enough to control the interface, so for a long time focused specifically on such devices. Then it turned out that one button was clearly not enough, and the computer world switched to devices with two and three keys. However, it soon became clear that this was not enough. For example, models that had additional volume control buttons became especially popular. And, of course, there was a scroll wheel, which made it easier to move around the screen.

Additional controls

The design of both USB mice and any other type is constantly being improved. And here the specifics of using the manipulator come to the fore.

For example, gaming mice, in addition to having additional buttons, can also be equipped with mini-joysticks, trackballs, programming buttons and touch strips, which in a sense are analogues of the most common touchpads that are installed on laptops.

And the scroll wheel itself began to perform a dual function. In addition to the fact that it can move up/down, when you click on it, it works like the middle key of a three-button mouse.

Basic mouse settings in Windows

This important question. Now let's see how to configure the mouse on Windows systems. To do this, you must use the appropriate section of the “Control Panel”.

There are enough settings here. It all depends on the type of device being connected. But a mouse in Windows is typically configured in three main tabs containing options for buttons, wheel, and pointer selection. You can adjust the sensitivity, the speed of movement across the screen, change the orientation of the buttons, select the types of pointers for any operation being performed, specify the number of lines by which to move when scrolling, use additional visual effects like a residual trace, and much more. In general, setting up a mouse should not cause any particular difficulties even for an untrained user. By by and large, the default settings can usually be left unchanged.

Instead of an afterword

That's all about the mouse as one of the components of a computer system. As for her practical use, on desktop PCs you can’t do without it, but owners of laptops with a touchpad or equipped with touchscreen-type screens may well refuse to connect it to computer system. And yet, despite such innovations, the mouse as a control element remains in demand and popular.