Apple reimagines the mouse with force sensors, haptic feedback
An Apple patent filing uncovered on Thursday describes an advanced mouse that employs sensors to measure the level and location of force exerted on its main button, as well as haptics systems for providing feedback.
Source: USPTO
As published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple's application for a "Force Sensing Mouse" details a mouse peripheral that not only varies its output based on how hard a user presses, but returns confirmation feedback in the way of haptic vibrations.
The invention is largely built around a strain gauge operatively coupled to a cantilever arm or beam. Employing the familiar Apple mouse design, with a single large top portion acting as a button or buttons, the accessory is able to easily and accurately transfer force through the arm, onto the sensor.
For example, when a user presses down on the mouse, the cantilever beam may bend, flex or twist, thus deforming the strain gauge that in turn outputs a certain voltage to be translated into an input signal. By processing voltage output, the mouse can estimate the amount of force being applied by the user and generate a control signal accordingly.
As for haptic feedback, an electromagnet is disposed in the mouse's body such that it hits the top button portion when activated. Alternatively, embedded vibration motors or other haptic systems are placed in one or more positions so as to provide adequate levels of feedback.
In practice, a user moves a UI cursor over an icon an exerts a first force (button press) to select the asset, which triggers a preset feedback force. A second, harder level of pressure induces the execution of a command, like opening an app or folder, while the mouse responds in kind with a more intense vibration. In this way, the user is able to navigate, select and activate graphical assets with one button press, getting feedback along the way.
Apple notes the pivot-style orientation of its mouse design might cause distortion in readings as less force is transferred through to the cantilever beam when a user presses down farther away from the pivot point, while more force is transferred when closer to the mouse's mechanical elements. To resolve this issue, and pinpoint finger location, the invention proposes deploying a touch sensor like the one found in Apple's Magic Mouse.
Alternatively, different types of sensors -- piezoelectric force sensors, force transducers, pressure sensor arrays, torque sensors and others -- can be used instead of the cantilever beam/strain gauge setup. The use of multiple sensors or location tracking via multitouch provides even more flexibility and introduces what are perhaps the patent's most interesting embodiments.
For example, with location tracking activated, the mouse's top portion can correspond to different locations on an operating system's UI.
In another embodiment, a button press is divided into "left force," "right force" and "middle force" depending on where the user presses or where their fingers are when force a first force is exerted. Apple offers the example of a flight simulator that maps right, left or middle forces to a plane's directional controls (pitch, yaw and roll), while applied force corresponds to speed or amplitude of movement.
Illustration of force sensing mouse with multiple cantilever arms (405).
It is unknown if Apple is working on a new mouse device, though the existing Magic Mouse is nearly five years old. Apple's peripheral releases are difficult to predict, though the Magic Mouse replaced the preceding Mighty Mouse after the old multi-button version spent four years on the market.
Apple's force sensing mouse patent application was first filed in 2013 and credits James E. Wright and Keith J. Hendren as its inventors.
Source: USPTO
As published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple's application for a "Force Sensing Mouse" details a mouse peripheral that not only varies its output based on how hard a user presses, but returns confirmation feedback in the way of haptic vibrations.
The invention is largely built around a strain gauge operatively coupled to a cantilever arm or beam. Employing the familiar Apple mouse design, with a single large top portion acting as a button or buttons, the accessory is able to easily and accurately transfer force through the arm, onto the sensor.
For example, when a user presses down on the mouse, the cantilever beam may bend, flex or twist, thus deforming the strain gauge that in turn outputs a certain voltage to be translated into an input signal. By processing voltage output, the mouse can estimate the amount of force being applied by the user and generate a control signal accordingly.
As for haptic feedback, an electromagnet is disposed in the mouse's body such that it hits the top button portion when activated. Alternatively, embedded vibration motors or other haptic systems are placed in one or more positions so as to provide adequate levels of feedback.
In practice, a user moves a UI cursor over an icon an exerts a first force (button press) to select the asset, which triggers a preset feedback force. A second, harder level of pressure induces the execution of a command, like opening an app or folder, while the mouse responds in kind with a more intense vibration. In this way, the user is able to navigate, select and activate graphical assets with one button press, getting feedback along the way.
Apple notes the pivot-style orientation of its mouse design might cause distortion in readings as less force is transferred through to the cantilever beam when a user presses down farther away from the pivot point, while more force is transferred when closer to the mouse's mechanical elements. To resolve this issue, and pinpoint finger location, the invention proposes deploying a touch sensor like the one found in Apple's Magic Mouse.
Alternatively, different types of sensors -- piezoelectric force sensors, force transducers, pressure sensor arrays, torque sensors and others -- can be used instead of the cantilever beam/strain gauge setup. The use of multiple sensors or location tracking via multitouch provides even more flexibility and introduces what are perhaps the patent's most interesting embodiments.
For example, with location tracking activated, the mouse's top portion can correspond to different locations on an operating system's UI.
In another embodiment, a button press is divided into "left force," "right force" and "middle force" depending on where the user presses or where their fingers are when force a first force is exerted. Apple offers the example of a flight simulator that maps right, left or middle forces to a plane's directional controls (pitch, yaw and roll), while applied force corresponds to speed or amplitude of movement.
Illustration of force sensing mouse with multiple cantilever arms (405).
It is unknown if Apple is working on a new mouse device, though the existing Magic Mouse is nearly five years old. Apple's peripheral releases are difficult to predict, though the Magic Mouse replaced the preceding Mighty Mouse after the old multi-button version spent four years on the market.
Apple's force sensing mouse patent application was first filed in 2013 and credits James E. Wright and Keith J. Hendren as its inventors.
Comments
On a side note (aimed at Google, can you put in a word for me Gatorguy?) ... but will this work with Google maps? I find it impossible to use these days with my Magic Mouse it zooms in and out at the slightest touch (Dramamine is required to use it). It used to work fine a few versions back. Of course this is due to Google's programming not the mouse. Kind of strange for Google to do that considering they wanted to retain users in OS X now I have to use Maps mostly like it or not. I have several mice, including a Logitech advanced multi button gizmo I use for certain 3D apps but it is horrible for most work compared to Apple's MM and I certainly can't be bothered to swap mice to look up directions!
Use Apple Maps. Problem solved.
Diversity, Apple, diversity!
I think I said I did. But I like both. Street view and fly mode are great fun and very useful to me, I wish Apple would implement similar features then i'd be very happy. But ... my point was it was weird for Google to intentionally screw up Google Maps for most OS X users at a time when Maps is there ... just weird!
And a white mouse at that.
Another unfortunate detail to emerge this week is that 100% of Apple mice are white.
Tim is looking to address the situation promptly...
Another unfortunate detail to emerge this week is that 100% of Apple mice are white.
Tim is looking to address the situation promptly...
Slow news day...
It's early yet.
It's early yet.
Lol... bedtime here... good morning, afternoon, evening and goodnight all... take care.
meh...
Wake me up when someone "reimagines" imagination...
This is another example of "No detail is too small" for Apple.
At first I found the Magic Mouse a bit akward to handle, when compared to the older Mighty Mouse but now can not imagine ever going back.
The one added functionality I would like to see in a mouse, is some form of rotation gesture, something trackpads take for granted.
I like the trackpad, but I do like the precision of a mouse.
I think it's because Google just doesn't care. To them, OS X is just another OS to accommodate. They cater to the lowest common denominator. Apple writes Apple Maps for iOS and OS X only, so they pay attention to little details like the Magic Mouse and the Magic Trackpad.