Today, no modern desktop computer can do without this device. Yes, and on laptops, many professionals prefer to connect it, desperately scolding touchpads for their hypersensitivity and inconvenience of location. But not everyone knows who invented the computer mouse. So let's discuss this issue in more detail.
Some facts
About who invented the computer mouse, today it is known for certain. This fact is not even disputed, as in many cases with other, no less necessary devices invented by the inventors. There was a presentation of a new device at a computer conference in the United States (San Francisco). Who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (the mouse was called that way then)? Its Douglas Engelbart developed and demonstrated to the world , and she was born even earlier, in 1964. Although the legendary inventor of a computer mouse himself claimed that he had the idea for such a device in 1951! And in 1970, he received a patent for this invention.
Computer mouse: creator, history, evolution
Each thing has its own story, and as it plunges into the past, it acquires its own legends. If the answer to the question of who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (mouse) seems to be clear, then the opinions as to who this device was created for, so to speak, by whose order it was made, differ. Some sources say the mouse prototype was developed for Xerox. Others - that ordered its development from Apple. The inventor himself says that there was no special order for the work as such. The manipulator appeared quite unexpectedly as a by-product (as is often the case with ingenious things, no one invents them specifically, but they seem to appear themselves). When Engelbart developed one of the operating systems, there was a need for a manipulator for working with windows (in the concept of a window interface). And in 1964 the first operational instance was built. So begins the story of a computer mouse, the creator of which is the inventor and scientist Douglas Engelbart.
What did the first mouse look like?
Its body was manually carved from wood and had the shape of a box. Inside were a button and two wheels. They rolled around the table with the movement of the device, which made it possible to calculate the direction and amount of mouse movement. And the data obtained as a result of this was converted into cursor movements on the monitor. Subsequently, the device was finalized and improved. And the software was written by Jeff Ralifson. For that time, the manipulator had absolutely amazing possibilities (as can be seen from the demonstration film dated 1968 and located at the Mouse Museum in Stanford). Then this device has not yet gained worldwide fame and popularity.
Next step
This was followed by an improved version of the mouse from Xerox (1972). It was finalized by Bill English, who worked in the laboratory with Engelbart, and then moved to this company. Therefore, sometimes the question is who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (mouse) and redirected to this leading company. After all, the device was modified by them quite significantly: instead of two large wheels, one bearing with two rollers appeared. And most importantly - the design of the mouse casing has already begun to resemble modern outlines familiar to our eye. But the patent still remained with Engelbart. So the question who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (mouse) will be more correctly answered by indicating this surname.
Further development
But still, the manipulator as a computer device remained a rather exotic thing until the beginning of the 80s of the 20th century. But already in 1983, for example, in the world there were about ten companies that produced and sold different models of mice. It is characteristic that some of these companies were organized by Engelbart's employees or by himself. The low popularity of the mouse as a computer device could be argued for by its very high price in those years. Xerox mice cost around $ 400, and the boards to which they had to be connected cost another 300. And the device itself had structural flaws: it was quite complex and very unreliable. Thus, the mouse remained unavailable to the average general user. Its destiny is researchers and developers who invented the latest computer technology.
Apple's role in mouse history
When developing their own very popular PCs, it was decided to equip them with mice. It was Jobs who ordered to develop a reliable and unpretentious device that would cost only 20-30 bucks and not break every few days. And here, please, know-how: instead of the bearing, a rubber ball appears, which rolls in the housing. Another signal transmission system was used, the body became molded plastic as opposed to manual work. This device could be assembled by any worker on the conveyor.
Resounding success
The results of the revolution in mouse history were not long in coming. Apple computers equipped with mice sold out like pies in 1984 and were a staggering success all over the world. And in 1995, the launch of Windows 95 was also greatly facilitated by these tailed manipulators.
Mouse. Types of computer mice
Today, there are much more of these devices in the world than the computers themselves. This is reasonable, because for its short-lived (until the model becomes obsolete, and this happens very quickly in our fast-paced time) life - 3-5 years maximum - the average PC changes not one mouse, but several, depending on the preferences of its owner. Different types of computer mice. And the appearance, and its internal content. According to their design features and data, computer manipulators (mice) are divided into mechanics, optics, laser, trackball.
Mechanical mice are traditional ball-driven ball-cord models that require constant ball cleanings and are bulky in appearance. Optical work using a different principle. They do not have a ball, but there is an LED and a sensor. Laser function with a laser. And the trackballs have a convex ball that reduces the motor skills of the hand (as a result, you can act with one finger). And according to the principle of connection, these devices are divided into wired and wireless. Wired use a wire as a connection to a computer, which connects to it and through which a signal is transmitted. And wireless ones use a special receiver that establishes a connection with a PC. Such devices are good for laptops, as they are quite mobile. A significant minus: they occupy one of the entrances to the computer and use batteries or accumulators, which have to be constantly changed or infected. Almost all mice have two buttons and a wheel (in older models it is absent), but the types of cases from different manufacturers can significantly differ from each other: from classic to modern.