Computer Mouse and Other Pointing Devices

Computer mice and pointing devices cover industrial computer peripherals for controlling cursor and other features of visual computer interfaces like Windows^TM. Pointing devices are available in a variety of forms such as foot mouse, standard computer mouse, mouse keypad, light pen, joystick, touchpad, and trackball.  A foot mouse is a completely foot-operated pointing device usually consisting of two pads. A standard mouse is a desktop device that uses a ball and/or an optical sensor to sense the movement of the operator's hand across the desktop. The Microsoft  2-button mouse and the Logitech  3-button mouse are well known example of these types of products for use in office or commercial type applications.  These "standard" type mice often are not ruggedized enough for industrial or kiosk type applications.  Some of these devices may also utilize a trackball.  A mouse keypad is a small keypad module with keys to control cursor movement.  A light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to select objects on a display screen. A light pen is similar to a mouse, except that with a light pen the pointer can be moved and objects can be selected on the display screen by directly pointing to the objects with the pen.  A joystick is a lever that moves in all directions and controls the movement of a pointer or some other display symbol. A joystick is similar to a mouse, except that with a mouse the cursor stops moving as soon as the mouse is stopped. With a joystick, the pointer continues moving in the direction that the joystick is pointing. To stop the pointer, it must be returned to its upright position.

Most joysticks include two buttons called triggers.  Touchpads allow for mouse movement simply by dragging a fingertip across a surface. Beneath this surface are grid-like array of sensors, which detect the skin of a person. Touchpads use a technology called field distortion sensing, a form of capacitance-sensing technology.  When the surface is touched, the fingertip distorts the electrical field at that spot. Tapping on the pad or buttons provides the same function as a mouse click - icon selection.  Essentially, a trackball is a mouse lying on its back. To move the pointer, the ball is rotated with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand. There are usually one to three buttons next to the ball, which are used just like mouse buttons.  Computer mice and pointing devices are used in industrial and commercial applications.

Common applications for computer mice and pointing devices include general purpose, industrial or factory automation, kiosk or POS, marine or shipboard, medical, military or aerospace, telecommunications, and vehicular.  Configurations available for computer mouse and other pointing devices include desktop, handheld, keyboard mount, OEM kits or modules, and panel mount.  Choices for computer mice and pointing devices interfaces include Sun, IBM PS/2 or AT, serial, parallel, USB, internal or Apple desktop bus.  Features to consider when searching for computer mouse and other pointing devices include the design, the device can be left hand only, right hand only, and left and right hand.  Other features include wireless configuration, application software included, intrinsically safe, and EMI or EMC tested or rated.

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