Track Everywhere: Accelerometer based computer mouse

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 11219.2;8 PFNM-NM

Short description (English)

Track Everywhere: Accelerometer based computer mouse

Short description (French)

Track Everywhere: Accelerometer based computer mouse

Abstract (English)

A novel two-dimensional position detectino system for mouse application is the potential use of MEMS intertial sensors. REcently, with the availability and reduced cost of Micro electro-Mechanical Systems thecnology, inertial sensors find wide application areas. MEMS accelerometers have been successfully commercialized, and attained the second largest sales volume among MEMS devices after pressure sensors. Even if Logitech has recently released a new generation of optical laser mouse enabling tracking on glass tables, some other surfaces remain problematic for the sensor. the development of an accelerometer based mouse will overcome these issues as the tracking will not depend on the surface porperties anymore. the inertial mouse uses no movin parts, is not subject to wear or errors due to dirt accumulation, and does not require the use of any special surface or pad. Moreover, the size of the MEMS accelerometers is becoming significantly smaller than optical sensors allowing more flexibility for the industrial design of the products.

Abstract (French)

A novel two-dimensional position detectino system for mouse application is the potential use of MEMS intertial sensors. REcently, with the availability and reduced cost of Micro electro-Mechanical Systems thecnology, inertial sensors find wide application areas. MEMS accelerometers have been successfully commercialized, and attained the second largest sales volume among MEMS devices after pressure sensors. Even if Logitech has recently released a new generation of optical laser mouse enabling tracking on glass tables, some other surfaces remain problematic for the sensor. the development of an accelerometer based mouse will overcome these issues as the tracking will not depend on the surface porperties anymore. the inertial mouse uses no movin parts, is not subject to wear or errors due to dirt accumulation, and does not require the use of any special surface or pad. Moreover, the size of the MEMS accelerometers is becoming significantly smaller than optical sensors allowing more flexibility for the industrial design of the products.