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Technical Description of A Computer Mouse

A computer mouse allows a user to control the on-screen cursor and select objects. It has a top casing that fits in the hand, click covers to send signals, a scroll wheel, tracking ball to sense movement, internal circuit board to process inputs, connecting cord, and plug. The mouse translates physical movement and clicks into digital signals to manipulate the computer interface. It became the dominant input device in the 1980s due to its simplicity and usability.

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829 views4 pages

Technical Description of A Computer Mouse

A computer mouse allows a user to control the on-screen cursor and select objects. It has a top casing that fits in the hand, click covers to send signals, a scroll wheel, tracking ball to sense movement, internal circuit board to process inputs, connecting cord, and plug. The mouse translates physical movement and clicks into digital signals to manipulate the computer interface. It became the dominant input device in the 1980s due to its simplicity and usability.

Uploaded by

HawaiiChong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Technical Description of a Computer Mouse

Formal definition

A mouse is an external computer hardware device that allows a user to control the
motion of a computer cursor and select objects on the screen by moving and clicking
the device.

Introduction

During the 1980s, computer mice became the dominant way for people to interface with
personal computers after testing with various devices showed it to be the most
convenient and simple to use. The mouse works on the basic principle that the
movement of the device is translated into the movement of the cursor on the screen.

Figure 1.1 – Top view of mouse and cord.

Parts list
 Top casing
 Right click cover
 Left click cover
 Scroll wheel
 Bottom casing
 Track ball
 Internal circuit board
 Connecting wire/cord
 Plug

Part of Definitions and Functions.

Top casing

The top casing of a computer mouse is a hard, curved sheet of plastic that is designed
to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand and that protects the inside parts of the mouse.

Right-click cover

The right click cover is a small, curved piece of plastic on the top, front of a computer
mouse that can be depressed to transport a signal to a receiver on a circuit board inside
the mouse. This receiver translates the mechanical action of “clicking” into instructions
for the computer.

Left-click cover

The left click cover is a small, curved piece of plastic on the top, front of a computer
mouse that can be depressed to transport a signal to a receiver on a circuit board inside
the mouse. This receiver translates the mechanical action of “clicking” into instructions
for the computer. The left click cover works effectively because it is wide enough to be
easily depressed by the user.

Scroll wheel
The scroll wheel is a small wheel overlaid with rubber (or a similar low‐friction material)
that is located between the right and left click covers and that connects
to the internal circuit board though a system of tiny gears. It is position so that it can be
easily turn by one finger while the mouse is being operated. The scroll wheel allows the
user to navigate up and down in a user interface window.

Bottom casing

The bottom casing is a hard shell of plastic on the underside of a computer mouse that
holds the mouse together and protects the inner parts.

Tracking ball

The track ball is a small, rubber sphere on the underside of the mouse that can roll in
any direction as the mouse moves across a surface. The movement of the track ball is
captured through a system of gears and translated to an electronic signal to control the
motion of the pointer on the computer screen.

Internal circuit board

The internal circuit board is an electronic component made of a copper sheet and
etched with conductive pathways which connect different kinds of electronic equipment.
The internal circuit board is housed inside the protective covers of the mouse. It collects
and translates information from the user (clicking, scrolling, and movement) and sends it
to the computer thought the cord.

Cord

The cord is a bundle of connecting wires sealed in a plastic sheath that sends
information in electronic signals from the mouse to the computer. The cord is several
feet long to allow it to reach to the port on the computer and still give the user a wide
range of motion to move the mouse.

Plug
The plug is a plastic and metal connecting piece at the end of the cord with prongs that
allow it to fit into a computer port. The end of the plug is a round piece made of metal,
with metal pegs inside that ensure a correct and snug fit in the proper port.

Conclusion

A mouse is a simple, easy to learn, device for interacting with a computer that translates
actions of the user directly into movement and actions on the computer interface. It
does require some practice to learn the coordination of controlling the mouse, but once
a person understands the concept of how the mouse works, it is easy to control.

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