Computer mouse

A computer mouse is a hand-held pointing device. It detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface.

This motion is translated into the movement of a pointer on a display. We call this pointer a cursor. The mouse allows for smooth control of a computer's graphical user interface. Most mice feature one or more buttons to perform operations. These buttons allow users to select menu items or other objects.

Many models also include scroll wheels or touch surfaces for additional input.

The mechanism for detecting motion has evolved significantly over time. Early mice used two separate wheels to track movement. These wheels were perpendicular to each other to track X and Y dimensions. Later, the standard design used a ball rolling on a surface. This ball was connected to internal rollers that detected movement.

Most modern mice use optical movement detection. This method uses light and has no moving parts. Some mice are wired using a USB cable for a constant connection. Other mice are cordless and rely on short-range radio communication.

Wireless mice may use a USB-A plug or rechargeable batteries.

There are several distinct types of pointing devices in history. The trackball is a related device that was invented in 1946.

Ralph Benjamin invented a version for a radar plotting system. This device used a roller ball to provide input for analog computers. Another early trackball was built in 1952 for the DATAR system. This version used four disks to pick up motion in two directions. It used a standard Canadian five-pin bowling ball. These early devices were often kept as military secrets.

Douglas Engelbart is credited with inventing the computer mouse. He worked at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). In 1963, he recorded thoughts about a device he called a "bug."

He wanted a tool that was more natural than a stylus. Bill English helped Engelbart build the first prototype in 1964. Engelbart famously demonstrated the device in 1968. This event is known as the "Mother of All Demos."

Although Engelbart invented it, SRI held the patent. The patent expired before the mouse became common in personal computers.

The name "mouse" likely comes from the device's physical appearance. Early models had a cord that resembled a rodent's tail.

A designer named Roger Bates suggested another reason for the name. The cursor on the screen was sometimes called "CAT." This made it seem as if the device was being chased. The term "mouse" was first used in a 1965 publication by Bill English. While the rodent is always called "mice," computer mice can be called "mice" or "mouses." Most dictionaries say "mice" is the more common plural.

In Germany, a company called AEG-Telefunken developed a different mouse.

This device was called the Rollkugel. It used a 40 mm ball and two mechanical transducers. This model was shown in a sales brochure in October 1968. It was an optional input for the SIG 100 vector graphics terminal. This mouse was developed independently from Engelbart's work. It was based on an earlier trackball used for air traffic control. Only 46 systems were sold or leased in that specific deal.

The mouse became a staple of personal computing through several key machines. The Xerox Alto was one of the first to use a modern mouse in 1973.

Alan Kay designed the 16-by-16 cursor icon for this system. Later, the HP-HIL mouse was marketed in 1984.

Modern mice continue to specialize for different tasks. Gaming mice often feature many extra buttons for complex controls.

Whether wired or wireless, these devices remain essential for human-computer interaction.