Who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (mouse). The evolution of a computer mouse

Today, without this adaptation, no modern stationary computer can manage. And on laptops, many professionals prefer to connect it, desperately screwing up the touchpad 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.

Few facts

About who invented the computer mouse, today is for certain. This fact is not even disputed, as in many cases with other, not less necessary adaptations invented by inventors. There was a presentation of a new device at a computer conference in the US (San Francisco). Who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (the mouse was then called that way)? Developed and demonstrated to the world by her Douglas Engelbart (Douglas Engelbart), and she was born even earlier, in 1964. Although the legendary inventor of the computer mouse himself claimed that the idea of such a device appeared in him 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 immerses into the past, it becomes overgrown with its legends. If the answer to the question who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (mouse) seems to be clear, then opinions about who this device was created for, so to say, on whose orders it is made, diverge. Some sources say that the prototype of the mouse was developed for the company Xerox. Others - that ordered her development in Apple. The inventor himself says that there was no special order per se on the work. The manipulator appeared quite unexpectedly, as a by-product (as is often the case with ingenious things, they are not specially invented, but they seem to appear themselves). When Englebart 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 acting copy was built. So begins the history of a computer mouse, the creator of which - the inventor and scientist Douglas Engelbart.

What did the first mouse look like?

Its case was carved out of wood and shaped like a box. Inside there was a button and two wheels. They rolled around the table while the device was moving, which made it possible to calculate the direction and magnitude of the movement of the mouse. And the resulting data was converted into cursor movements on the monitor. Subsequently, the device was improved and improved. And the software was written by Jeff Ralifson. For that time, the manipulator had absolutely terrific possibilities (as seen from the demonstration film, dated 1968 and located in the Museum of the Mouse in Stanford). Then this device has not yet gained worldwide fame and popularity.

Next step

Then came the improved version of the mouse from the company Xerox (1972). Finished it by Bill English, who worked in the laboratory with Engelbart, and then moved to this firm. Therefore, sometimes the question of who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (mouse), and redirect to this leading company. After all the adaptation has been finished by them rather essentially: instead of two large wheels there was one bearing with two rollers. And most importantly - the design of the mouse body has already become reminiscent of the modern outlines that are familiar to our eye. But the patent still remained with Engelbart. So the question of who is the inventor of the computer manipulator (mouse), it will be more correct to answer, indicating this name.

Further development

But nevertheless the manipulator as a computer device remained a thing quite exotic right up to 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 employees or by him. Low popularity of the mouse as a device for a computer could be argued by its very high price in those years. Xerox mice cost around 400 dollars, and the boards to which they had to be connected - another 300. And the device itself had structural flaws: it was quite complex and very unreliable. Thus, for the average wide user the mouse remained unavailable. Its destiny - researchers and developers who invented the latest computer technology.

Apple's role in mouse history

When developing their subsequently very popular PC it was decided to equip the mice. It was Jobs ordered to develop a reliable and unpretentious device that would cost only 20-30 bucks and would not break down every few days. And now, please, know-how: instead of a bearing, a rubber ball appears, which rolls around in the body. A different 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.

Loud success

The results of the revolution in the mouse history did not take long. The Apple computers, equipped with mice, were sold out in 1984 as pies, and had a stunning success all over the world. And in 1995, the start of Windows 95 was also greatly contributed by these tailed manipulators.

Mouse. Types of computer mice

Today, these devices in the world there are much more than computers themselves. This is reasonable, because for its short (until the model is out of date, and this happens very quickly in our high-speed time) life - 3-5 years maximum - the average PC changes not one mouse, but several, depending on the predilections of its owner. The types of computer mice also vary. Both appearance and internal content. In terms of design and data, computer manipulators (mice) are divided into mechanics, optics, laser, trackball.

Mechanical mice are traditional ball-shaped models with a cord drive that require constant ball cleanings and are bulky in appearance. Opticals work by using a different principle. They do not have a ball, but there is a LED and a sensor. Laser functions using a laser. And trackballs have a convex ball, which reduces the motor skills of the hand (as a result, you can act with one finger). And by the principle of connection, these devices are divided into wired and wireless. Wired use as a connection to the computer wire, which is connected to it and through which the signal is transmitted. A wireless receiver uses a special receiver that establishes a connection with the PC. Such devices are good for laptops, since they are mobile enough. A significant disadvantage: 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 not available), but the types of cases for different manufacturers may differ significantly from one another: from classics to modernity.