wxh@a.lanl.gov (William x Harvey) (11/29/88)
I have three ideas for remote control mice:
1)IR emitter, similar to tv remote controls. Problems with
reflections, other people's mice interfering, etc. could be avoided with
a simple coding scheme - something similar to the 8 bit DIP switches
used in garage door openers. This should give enough codes to avoid
conflicts. Reflections might require some type of error control coding
scheme. I would think the simpler, the better - perhaps sending a
signal and it's reverse. The power required to drive the mouse's
internals could be from a rechargable battery - juice it up between uses
by parking the mouse in its "hole" - recharging station.
2)An ultrasonic mouse. Sounds of different frequencies to
designate direction of movement and button pushes. Same problems with
interference - harder to handle with "physical" (vibration) sound
production vs electronic sound production. The mouse roller(s) actually
producing the sound would eleminate a power source need though.
3)Tangent discussion: How about a "better mouse?" Say something
about the size, shape, and feel of a racquetball (maybe a racquetball?),
with a small battery and IC. Internal sensors would indicate direction
of movement, and send a signal (how?!) to the computer. This could even
be used for 3D positioning if vertical movement could be sensed. The
single button mouse concept might be easiest to sense here - i.e.
squeeze the ball for a button push (sense pressure change inside the
ball). Whaddyathink?
--Billy wxh@a.lanl.gov work:619-269-3561 home:619-246-5275
P. S. Imagine the interrupt processes for the readmouse() routine if
you bounced it off the wall a few times!