Make a Computer Mouse

Designers in the computer industry is not only seeking to "build a better mousetrap" but to build the best mouse. The computer mouse is an accessory for the personal computer has become an essential part of the operation of the computer. The tiny device fits neatly into the crook of the hands of users and allows the user, through a very limited movement of the hand and fingers to "point and click" instructions to the computer. A ball rolling on the bottom of the mouse gives instructions on where to move the cursor (pointer) on the monitor or the screen, and one to three buttons (depending on the design) allows the user to say yes by clicking the button to the right of the computer instruction for the next operation.HistoryDr Douglas Engelbart, a professor with the Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park, Calif., developed the first device that came to be known as the mouse in 1964. At that time, the arrow keys on the keyboard is the only way to move the cursor around on the screen, and the inefficient and awkward. Dr Engelbart made a small brick-like mechanism with a button on top and two wheels on the bottom. Two wheels is detected horizontal and vertical movement, and the unit is rather difficult to maneuver. The unit is connected to a computer with a cable so the signal can be transmitted electrically motion to the computer to look at the monitor. One colleague Dr Engelbart thought long tail wired device looks like a mouse, and the name stuck.Other scientists, especially those in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has also been searching for a method to move the cursor and point to objects on the computer screen. They tried steering wheel, knee switch, and pen light, but, in the tests than mice Engelbart, it was a rat that roared. NASA engineers are concerned, however, about the mouse spacewalks will take away from the work surface in the space without the weight.In 1973, at the bottom of the mouse wheel has been replaced with ball, free-rolling single, and two more buttons (for a total of three) was added to the top. The creature is called both a mouse and pointing device, and combined with the Xerox Alto computer, one of the first personal computers. Alto has a graphical user interface (GUI), ie, the user points the icon, or picture symbols, and a list of operations called menu and clicking on them to cause the computer to open the file, print, and perform other functions. Computer operating method was later adapted by the Macintosh and Windows operating systems.Stimulated the development of the personal computer explosion of applications for devices that are small enough to be used in a number of work stations. Engineers can develop computer-aided design at their own table, and the mouse is perfect for drawing and composing. Mouse also started to produce offspring, collectively called input / output devices, such as trackballs, which is basically a mouse lying on its back so that the user can not move the ball rolled over the surface of the entire unit. Military, air traffic controllers, and video game players now have their own pets. Mechanical sensors in both types of devices being replaced by optical-electronic sensor system patented by Mouse Systems, is more efficient and lower cost. An optical mouse with no moving parts developed for use in a special mouse pad with grid lines; glow of the illuminated mouse grid, a number of photodetector amount and orientation of the grid lines crossed, and the data direction are translated into cursor movements on the screen.Mouse began to multiply rapidly. Apple Computer introduced the Macintosh in 1984, and the operating system used mouse. Other operating systems such as the Commodore Amiga, Microsoft Windows, Vision Visicorp, and many more user interface graphics and mouse included. Improvements were added to make the sensor less prone to collecting dust, to make scrolling easier with a wheel added on the top, and to make the mouse wirelessly using radio frequency signals (borrowed from a garage door opener) or infrared signals (adapted from the television or remote control).Rat AnatomyBody"Skin" is the body of the mouse, the hard outer plastic that guide the user on a flat surface. This "tail" is a power cord that led out from one end of the mouse and finishing in connection with the Central Processing Unit (CPU). At the tail end, one to three key external contacts for small power switch. Pressing the button closes a switch with a single click; electric, closed circuit, and the computer has received the command.At the bottom of the mouse, plastic hatch fits in a rubber ball, exposing part of the ball. Inside, a ball held by the wheel and two shaft support. As the ball rolling on the surface, the shaft turns with the movement of both horizontal and vertical motion response. At one end of each of the two shafts, spoked wheels also turned out. Like the fingers play, infrared light signals from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) flicker through your fingers and is intercepted by a light detector. Dark and light photo transistor is described by a pulse of electricity that goes into the interface integrated circuit (IC) in the mouse. Toll told IC that has tracked the ball left-right and up-down, and the IC ordered the cursor to move accordingly on the screen.Interface integrated circuits mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) which is a framework that all the internal workings mouse attached. Integrated circuit, or computer chip, gather information from the switches and signals from the photo transistor and sends the data stream to your computer.BrainEach mouse design also has its own software called a driver. The driver is an external brain that allow computers to understand the mouse signal. The driver tells the computer how to interpret the mouse IC data stream including speed, direction, and command is clicked. Some mouse drivers allow users to define specific actions for the buttons to adjust the resolution of the mouse (relative distance and travel mouse cursor). Mice were purchased as part of the computer has a built-in driver or programmed into a computer.Raw MaterialsThe outer shell mouse and most of the internal mechanical parts, including shafts and spoked wheels, made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic (ABS) are injection-molded. The ball is rubber coated metal, it is made by a particular supplier. The electric micro-switch (plastic and metal) are also off-the-shelf goods supplied by the subcontractor even though the mouse designers can specify the requirements applicable to the switch to make them easier or tougher to click. Integrated circuits or chips can be standard items, though each manufacturer has a proprietary chip made for use in a complete line of products. Power cord and overmolds (end connector) is provided by an outside source.Printed circuit board (PCB) in which the electrical and mechanical components are mounted are custom-made according to the design of the mouse. It is a flat, resin-coated sheet. Electrical resistors, capacitors, oscillators, integrated circuits (ICs), and other components made of various kinds of metal, plastic silicone and.DesignNew mouse design begins with a meeting between a product development manager, designer, marketing representatives, and ergonomics consulting experts (specialists in human movement and the effects of the various movements of the body part). Growing list of human factors guidelines specify any size hand, touch sensitivity, the amount of work, the support of the hand in a neutral position, posture user when operating the mouse, finger extensions needed to reach the buttons, use by both left - and right-handed individuals, not there is prolonged static electricity, and other comfort and safety requirements, it can be very different, depending on whether the mouse to be used in the office or home computer, for example. A design brief for the proposed mouse was written to explain the purpose of the product and what it achieves; see also proposed in accordance with the market anticipated.The design team returned to the table with a foam model; scores of different shapes can be made to the design of the mouse. User testing conducted on this model, the engineers can do this early testing themselves, or they may use focus groups as a typical user or observing one-on-one testing with a sample of users. When the model selection narrowed, more refined models of wood and painted made of the winning designs. Input gathered again at the feel, shape, and appearance models; expert ergonomic design also examines the possibility and confirmed that human factors guidelines have been achieved.When the optimal models are selected, the engineering team began designing the internal components. A three-dimensional rendering is computer generated, and the same data is used for machine-cut shape from the exterior shell with all the details. The mechanical and electronic engineers in accordance with the printed circuit board (and its electronics) and encoder mechanism (balls, shafts, wheels and LED source and a detector) in the structure. The process of fitting the job to the shell of recurrent changes, and process design-and-fit repeated until the mouse meets the design objectives and design team pleased with the results. Chip custom designed, manufactured on a trial basis, and tested, custom electronics will help the design meets performance goals and provide a unique, competitive and valuable characteristics.Diagram completed designs submitted to tooler project that began the process of modifying the machine to produce a mouse. Diagram produced tooling to injection-mold shell, for example. The size, shape, cavity volume, the number of gates through which plastic is injected into the mold, and the flow of plastic through the mold all tabulated and studied. After the last final tooling plan, the tools were cut using a computer-generated data. Samples of plastic shells created as "try a shot" to check the actual flow lines and confirmed that void is not induced. Changes made to perfect the process. Texture added to the external appearance of the shell by acid etching or sand blasting.Meanwhile, the engineering team has set up an assembly line for a new mouse design and conducted the court. When completed detailed design, tools have been produced, and test results have met the design team's goals and standards, the mouse is ready for mass production.ManufacturingProcessTo make a computer mouse, some manufacturing processes performed simultaneously to make different parts of the unit. These processes are described in the first three steps below. Pieces are then brought together for final assembly, as described in steps 4 through 7.1. In one set of manufacturing and assembly steps, printed circuit board (PCB) cut and ready. It is, on average, resin coated sheet to the design of surface-mount or through-hole design. Surface-mount versions are assembled almost entirely by machine. A computer-controlled automated sequencer puts the electrical components in the proper order to the board in a specified pattern.For through-hole PCB assembly, cable attachment of electronic components inserted in the holes in the PCB. Every assembly line worker has an image for that part of the board and a special unit to add. Once all the components are mounted on the board, the lower surface of the board is passed through molten lead solder in the solder wave machine. This machine washes the board with flux to remove contaminants, and then heating the board and that is brought by the infrared heat to reduce the possibility of thermal shock. As the bottom of the sheet flow over the board, really smooth thin liquid molten solder, solder each wire moves up the capillary action, seal perforations, and repair components in place. Board soldered cooled. PCB visually checked at this stage, and the board rejected prior imperfect mechanism mounted encoder.2. Mechanism encoder (including rubber ball covered, wheel support, both spoked wheels and as they, LED, and its detectors) are assembled as a separate unit. The plastic parts are also produced by injection-molding according to proprietary specifications and cut from scrap plastic. Once assembled mechanism, the unit is fastened to the PCB using either clips or screws. This board is now completely assembled and subjected to quality control testing electronics.3. The mouse tail electric cables have also been produced using a set of cables, protect, and rubber cover. This cable has two additional pieces of molded rubber called overmolds. It is a device which prevents the cable strain relief from separating from the mouse or connector plug when the cord pull. Mouse makers typically design their own form to overmolds. Its near-overmold mice associated with housing, and, at the tail end, the connector is soldered to the cable and connector overmold appeared in place.4. Outer shell pieces are visually inspected once formed, trimming, and surface (completed) treatment and prior to assembly. Outer shell are assembled in four steps. PCB finishes and encoder assembly is inserted into the bottom of the shell. The buttons are mounted on the top of the housing, the cable is attached, and the top and bottom are screwed together using automatic screwdriver.5. Electronic final examination performance and quality do when assembling essentially complete. Rubber or neoprene feet with pre-applied adhesive sheet to one side is added to the bottom of the mouse.6. While the physical design and assembly tools described above has taken place, the programming team has developed, tested, and reproduce mouse driver firmware. Firmware is called because it lies in the nature of software and hardware consists of a combination code on the integrated circuit and the translation direction of the mouse movement and micro-switch signals that the receiving computer needs to understand when the mouse is attached. When the driver has been developed, own factory testers run through rigorous testing, and both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the European Commission (CE-an organization that regulates radio emission and electrical shock) also approved electronically. Approved driver data is encoded and produced in bulk on a diskette.7. The FCC requires that a signal or communications devices including mice bear a label identifying the particular company and product specifications. The labels are pre-printed on durable paper with strong adhesive so they can not be easily removed. A label is pasted at the bottom of the mouse, and the mouse bagged in plastic. This device, the driver diskette, and an instruction book with registration and warrantee information is boxed and prepared for shipment and sale.Quality ControlThe use of computer-generated design build quality and time savings in the product. Data can be stored and changed quickly, so experiment with shapes, layout components, and the overall look can be tried and iterative adjustments can be made. Computer-aided design data also accelerate a reviewUnder the body, the outer hard plastic mouse pad users maneuver is a rubber ball that changed as the mouse moves. The ball is held in place by two wheels and shaft support. As the rolls, the shaft turns with the movement of both horizontal and vertical motion response. At one end of each of the two shafts, spoked wheels also turned out. Like the fingers play, infrared light signals from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) flicker through your fingers and is intercepted by a light detector. Dark and light photo transistor is described by a pulse of electricity that goes into the interface integrated circuit (IC) in the mouse. Toll told IC that has tracked the ball left and right and up and down, sending commands through a cable to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and ordered the cursor moves according to the display.
 
Under the body, the outer hard plastic mouse pad users maneuver is a rubber ball that changed as the mouse moves. The ball is held in place by two wheels and shaft support. As the rolls, the shaft turns with the movement of both horizontal and vertical motion response. At one end of each of the two shafts, spoked wheels also turned out. Like the fingers play, infrared light signals from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) flicker through your fingers and is intercepted by a light detector. Dark and light photo transistor is described by a pulse of electricity that goes into the interface integrated circuit (IC) in the mouse. Toll told IC that has tracked the ball left and right and up and down, sending commands through a cable to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and ordered the cursor moves according to the display.part of the specification, process tooling, assembly and design procedures so little opportunity for conflict.At least three-step quality control performed during assembly. An electronic check done on the PCB after the components attached (and soldered in place if the through-hole assembly methods are used) and before the plastic mechanism attached. The plastic parts (mechanism and encoder outer shell) are visually inspected when they are finished but before they connect to the board and electronics, this prevents the dismantling or disposing of electronics due to a defective shell, for example. Finally, the device is completely assembled and the other electronic examination performance; 100% of the mice produced by Kensington Technology Group is connected to a computer operated and tested before they are packaged. As mentioned above, both FCC and CE regulate aspects of operating a mouse, so they are also tested and approved driver data.Byproducts / wasteThe computer mouse maker produces no byproduct of the manufacture of the mouse, but most offer a variety of similar devices for different applications. Compatible or interchangeable parts are incorporated in the new design or multiple designs whenever possible to avoid the design, tooling, assembly and modification costs.Minimal waste. Mouse skin ABS plastic is recyclable and can be ground, shaped, and reground many times. Other plastic and metal scrap produced in minute quantities and can be recycled or sold.FutureDevices modified mice currently on the market. Inserts Internet mouse scrolling wheel between the two buttons to scroll through web pages easier; versions are more sophisticated add buttons that can be programmed by the user to perform Internet functions, such as moving backward or forward, return to the home page, or start a new search. One version of the mouse was returned to the second floor where two foot pedals or replace the pads and the ball, the pedal is pressed to move the cursor and click the second. Mice that communicates wirelessly with radio signals are available, and the mouse has been discarded altogether with the touchpad. Users running a finger across the touchpad for cursor positioning, and web pages can be scrolled and other forward, certain moves. Many of these adaptations are designed to eliminate repetitive stress disease and keep the forearm strain.Mouse inventor, Dr. Engelbart, never believed mouse will reach thirty-something non-technical or retain its name. In fact, both the mouse and trackball offspring become increasingly popular as a form more convenient, less cleaning and maintenance required, and the reliability and longevity increases. Future developments in the rats will follow the evolution of the Internet and includes more options for programmability, such as moving the hand to double the number of available functions. Mouse could be extinct someday, and the most likely candidate to replace a device that tracks eye movements of the user computer and follow the proper cursor movement and signaling functions.