Microsoft patent application shows off wearable mouse concept
By Donald Melanson 
posted April 17th 2008 12:14PM
posted April 17th 2008 12:14PM
Wearable mice aren't exactly a new idea, but it seems that Microsoft thinks it can do things one better, with a recent patent application revealing its plans for a desk-defying device of its own. As you can see above, this one is designed to be worn even while your typing on a keyboard, with the cursor movement able to be switched on an off with a simple hand gesture. That pointing itself is handled by some gyroscopic sensors, with an accelerometer and a magnetometer apparently also employed for further gesture and position sensing. Needless to say, there's no indication of it becoming an actual product anytime soon but, unlike some of Microsoft's other patent applications, this one seems like it could well find its way off the drawing board sooner rather than later.
[Via istartedsomething]
[Via istartedsomething]
surf n' jerk!
Now that you mention that, i really dont like what people will "really" buy this for. Your can already fuck your computer with one of those USB Jerkamajigs. Add vibration to this device, and the porn industry will have a field day with this.
All i know is that if i have to use someone's computer, and they own that, ill be bringing a laptop mouse with me where ever i go.
"No offense dude, but you left a curly there"
I can only see this being useful with VR goggles (to do things like walk forward without bumping into things). Before everything becomes neural controlled that is.
If not only for VR glasses .. how about for a game controller concept to compete with the Wii? I could see it could have OLED/ligihting soft buttons and pressure sensors etc strategically located too.
sounds fuck'n sweet, I'd want one.
But does it chafe?
Take a look at how your fingers naturally fall upon a keyboard. Now try to press your thumb anywhere near the knuckle on your index finger.
Unless the touchpoint-esque joystick is mounted near the tip of the index finger, there is no way this could possibly be comfortable to use - unless MS has some other sort of mech actuation in mind.
If I had to guess, this is patent squatting or speculative filing - nothing particularly meaningful.