Thread: Microsoft revolutionized the mouse

The mouse needs a rejuvenate. Microsoft has made some prototypes renewing a control system basically unchanged for decades, the idea of Douglas Engelbart, at Xerox, until landing the public thanks to Apple.



The idea of Microsoft, was in full multi-touch is not only to apply the touch-sensitive technology to the mouse, but studying new ways similar and different forms for a new dimension of interactivity between man and machine (computer) .

The first prototype is called Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) and uses an acrylic curves and infrared (IR). The light diffuses at the touch of a finger and is registered by an infrared camera.



The second model, Orb Mouse, has a semi-spherical surface and is sensitive to multi-touch. This solution has an infrared camera and an internal source of IR illumination. Rather than detect the motion through the diffusion of light, the camera captures the light reflected from the tips of fingers.

The third prototype, Capacitive Mouse, built-in perceptive electrodes that follow the position of the user's touch. The device is very comparable to a mouse.


The fourth prototype, however, is called Side Mouse and detects the user's fingers touch the surface. "The main explore opportunities for interaction with Side Mouse is the ability to create a multi-touch is not restricted to the physical surface of the device."

The fifth and last mouse is probably the most strange is called Arty Mouse and looks like a crab with a button placed on each claw (read extension). The palm of the hand rests on the main body, while lying on the index finger and thumb are extensions, which trace the movements.

Microsoft projects are published, oddly, after the network ran after the entries have on the next presentation of a revolutionary mouse from Apple. The mouse, which will be unveiled along with the new iMac lineup, promises to make intensive use and all new multi-touch technology, which Apple is a pioneer.

Curiosity about the Apple mouse is so, why Microsoft always stress that "strangely", published at this time a study on the project on a mouse for PC? Apple hatching something really revolutionary, so much to scare Microsoft?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07i18J3hm5g"]YouTube - Mouse 2.0 Video Demonstration[/ame]