[redmonke]

Yeah, if it refracts (which it can only do if entering at an angle) then it is still passing though, so how would the beam get back? Or am i just not understanding the concept of optical mice?

I use an optical mouse on my non reflective couch. It works perfectly.

[Caboose]

But how does the mouse itself work? I just assumed that it sent out a beam, then worked out how long it took it to return (kind of like a bat).

[Emo_Nemo]

But how does the mouse itself work? I just assumed that it sent out a beam, then worked out how long it took it to return (kind of like a bat).

Well here is a good explanation http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question631.htm

This post has been edited by Emo_Nemo: Jun 17 2009, 02:17 PM

[redmonke]

How optical mice work.

# The CMOS sensor sends each image to a digital signal processor (DSP) for analysis.
# The DSP detects patterns in the images and examines how the patterns have moved since the previous image.
# Based on the change in patterns over a sequence of images, the DSP determines how far the mouse has moved and sends the corresponding coordinates to the computer.
# The computer moves the cursor on the screen based on the coordinates received from the mouse. This happens hundreds of times each second, making the cursor appear to move very smoothly.

[Caboose]

But it's just a beam of light, not an actual camera. I'm assuming the beam of light gets sent out, then the detector picks up the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the light emits. Yes, that makes sense, looking at my own mouse.

[redmonke]

But it's just a beam of light, not an actual camera. I'm assuming the beam of light gets sent out, then the detector picks up the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the light emits. Yes, that makes sense, looking at my own mouse.

Assuming it's an optical mouse, doesn't optical mean eye or something of the like?

[Emo_Nemo]

How optical mice work.

# The CMOS sensor sends each image to a digital signal processor (DSP) for analysis.
# The DSP detects patterns in the images and examines how the patterns have moved since the previous image.
# Based on the change in patterns over a sequence of images, the DSP determines how far the mouse has moved and sends the corresponding coordinates to the computer.
# The computer moves the cursor on the screen based on the coordinates received from the mouse. This happens hundreds of times each second, making the cursor appear to move very smoothly.

And since reflective surfaces are very shiny and the light shoots everywhere its very hard for the mouse to find a pattern and thus operate the cursor.

[Caboose]

But it's just a beam of light, not an actual camera. I'm assuming the beam of light gets sent out, then the detector picks up the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the light emits. Yes, that makes sense, looking at my own mouse.

Assuming it's an optical mouse, doesn't optical mean eye or something of the like?

Yes, but that's just it's name. Besides, you explained how it was interpreted by the computer, i'm just having trouble understanding how it gets the pattern in the first place.

[Emo_Nemo]

But it's just a beam of light, not an actual camera. I'm assuming the beam of light gets sent out, then the detector picks up the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the light emits. Yes, that makes sense, looking at my own mouse.

Assuming it's an optical mouse, doesn't optical mean eye or something of the like?

Yes, but that's just it's name. Besides, you explained how it was interpreted by the computer, i'm just having trouble understanding how it gets the pattern in the first place.

Microscopic pores and cavity's in the object its on.

Maybe it tells the pattern by measuring time for the beam to be sent back it makes sense considering bumpy and deeper pores could alter response time.

This post has been edited by Emo_Nemo: Jun 17 2009, 02:36 PM

[Snowi]

I bought a Razer gaming one from eBay for £10. Works a treat.

[Mad Dark]

I can't understand why you guys don't use the mouse-thing on the laptop. It' easy and you get used to it quickly.

[redmonke]

I can't understand why you guys don't use the mouse-thing on the laptop. It' easy and you get used to it quickly.

It's not accurate enough to play games/use photoshop...

[Caboose]

Also if you use it for too long you can get friction burns, albeit lightly but they're still uncomfortable. That and you're basically running your finger over a piece of plastic, which isn't that comfortable anyway.

[Cattius]

It depends really. High-quality touchpads are very comfortable to use and accurate, although you'll still want a mouse for gaming/precision work as it offers more control. Unfortunately, a lot of the touchpads provided with budget laptops are frankly awful, and you are forced to use a mouse even just for web browsing.

This post has been edited by Cattius: Jun 25 2009, 01:29 PM

[Caboose]

Whereas i'd rather have one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Trackman-...5262&sr=8-2

Which you don't have to move at all.

[Cattius]

Meh I think that's a matter of personal opinion. Personally I would find that hard to use. It would also hurt my wrist, as I have some long-term tissue damage that would make keeping my hand in the right position for that trackball painful. Anyway, why are we discussing mice on a topic about mousepads