Today, a mouse is an essential input device for all modern computers. But more recently, everything was different. Computers did not have a graphical user interface, commands and data could only be entered using the keyboard. And when did the very first computer mouse appear ? You will be surprised to see what evolution this familiar subject has gone through.
Who invented the first computer mouse?
Douglas Engelbart is considered the father of this device. He was one of those scientists who are trying to bring science even to ordinary people and make progress accessible to everyone. He invented the first computer mice in the early 1960s in his laboratory at Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International). The first prototype was created in 1964, in the patent application for this invention, filed in 1967, it was named as โXY Position Indicator for a Display Systemโ. But the official document under the number 3541541 was received only in 1970.
But is it that simple?
It would seem that everyone knows who created the first computer mouse. But the technology of a trackball (ball drive) was first used much earlier by the Canadian Navy. Then, in 1952, the mouse was an ordinary bowling ball attached to a complex hardware system that could sense the displacement of the ball and simulate its movement on the screen. But the world only found out about it years later - after all, it was a secret military invention that was never patented or tried to be mass produced. After 11 years, it was already famous, but D. Engelbart recognized it as ineffective. At that moment, he still did not know how to combine his vision of the mouse and this device.
How did the idea come about?
The main ideas about the invention first came to the mind of D. Engelbart in 1961, when he was at a conference on computer graphics and pondered the problem of increasing the efficiency of interactive computing. It occurred to him that using two small wheels that move along the countertop (one wheel rotates horizontally and the other vertically) the computer can track combinations of their rotation and, accordingly, move the cursor on the display. To some extent, the principle of operation is similar to a planimeter - a tool used by engineers and geographers to measure distances on a map or drawing, etc. Then the scientist wrote this idea in his notebook for future use.
Step into the Future
A little over a year later, D. Engelbart received a grant from the institute to launch his research initiative called "Improving the Human Mind." Under it, he represented a system where people of intellectual work, working at high-performance computer stations with interactive displays, have access to an extensive online information space. With it, they can work together to solve critical problems. But this system was sorely lacking in a modern input device. Indeed, in order to comfortably interact with objects on the screen, you need to be able to quickly select them. NASA became interested in the project and awarded a grant to design a computer mouse. The first version of this device is similar to the modern one except for the size. In parallel with the team of researchers, other devices were also invented that made it possible to control the cursor by pressing the foot on the pedal or by moving the special clamp under the table with the knee. These inventions did not take root, but the joystick, invented at the same time, was later improved and is still used.
In 1965, the D. Engelbart team published a final report on their research and evaluation of the effectiveness of various methods of selecting objects on the screen. There were even volunteers who participated in the testing. This happened like this: the program showed objects in different parts of the screen and the volunteers tried to click on them with different devices as quickly as possible. According to the test results, the first computer mice clearly exceeded all other devices and were included as standard equipment for further research.
What did the first computer mouse look like?
It was made of wood and was the first input device that fit into the user's hand. Knowing the principle of its action, you should no longer be surprised at how the first computer mouse looked. Under the body were two metal disc wheels, a circuit. There was only one button, and the wire went under the wrist of the person holding the device. The prototype was assembled by one of the team members of D. Engelbart, his assistant William (Bill) English. Initially, he worked in another laboratory, but soon joined the project to create input devices, developed and implemented the design of a new device.
By tilting and swinging the mouse, you can draw perfectly straight vertical and horizontal lines.
In 1967, the case became plastic.
Where did the name come from?
Reliably no one remembers who first called this device a mouse. It was tested by 5-6 people, it is possible that one of them voiced the similarity. Moreover, the world's first computer mouse was equipped with a tail-wire at the back.
Further improvements
Of course, prototypes were far from ideal.
In 1968, at the computer conference in San Francisco, D. Engelbart introduced the improved first computer mice. They had three buttons, in addition to them, the keyboard was understaffed with a device for the left hand.
The idea was this: the right hand works with the mouse, selecting and activating objects. And the left one conveniently calls up the necessary commands with the help of a small keyboard with five long keys, like a piano. Then it became clear that the wire at hand with the operator is confused when using the device, and that it must be brought to the opposite side. Of course, the prefix for the left hand did not take root, but Douglas Engelbart used it on his computers until the last days.
Continued work on improvement
At further stages of the development of the mouse, other scientists entered the scene. The most interesting thing is that D. Engelbart never received royalties from his invention. Since he patented it as a specialist at the Stanford Institute, it was the institute that controlled the rights to the device.
So, in 1972, Bill English replaced the wheels with a trackball, which made it possible to recognize mouse movement in any direction. Since he then worked at Xerox PARC, this new product has become part of the advanced Xerox Alto system by that standards. It was a minicomputer with a graphical interface. Therefore, many mistakenly believe that the first computer mice were invented at Xerox.
The next round of development occurred with the mouse in 1983, when Apple entered the game. The entrepreneurial Steve Jobs estimated the cost of mass production of the device, which amounted to approximately $ 300. It was too expensive for the average consumer, so it was decided to simplify the design of the mouse and replace the three buttons with one. The price dropped to $ 15. And although this decision is still considered controversial, Apple is in no hurry to change its iconic design.
The first computer mice were rectangular or square; an anatomical rounded design appeared only in 1991. It was introduced by Logitech. In addition to an interesting form, the novelty was wireless: communication with a computer was provided using radio waves.
The first optical mouse appeared in 1982. She needed a special mat with a printed net to work. And although the ball in the trackball was quickly contaminated and caused inconvenience because it had to be cleaned regularly, the optical mouse until 1998 was commercially unprofitable.
What's next?
As you already know, tailed with a trackball are almost never used. Technology, appearance and ergonomics of computer mice are constantly being improved. And even today, when touchscreen devices become more and more popular, their sales are not falling.