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New Logitech Dark Field Mice Operate On Glass

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the data-goes-in-here dept.

Slatterz writes "Logitech has introduced new mice that use two lasers rather than one to work on a variety of previously unusable surfaces. The first laser picks out imperfections in the surface of a tabletop while the second laser focuses on microscopic imperfections highlighted and uses those to direct the cursor. The technique, dubbed dark field microscopy, allows mice to be used on almost any surface, including glass (as long as it is more than 4mm thick)."

6 of 225 comments (clear)

  1. Dark Field Microscopy... by ruinevil · · Score: 4, Interesting

    It can also detect the spirochetes that cause syphillis, Treponema palladium.

  2. how's this compare to BlueTrack? by Trepidity · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This is pretty much the selling point for Microsoft's BlueTrack (video at Amazon) as well. Theirs appears to be based on a blue LED and some optics picking up / processing the scattering, rather than dual lasers, but since they're more or less aimed at the same problem and claim similar success, I'd be curious how they compare.

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    1. Re:how's this compare to BlueTrack? by Shadow+of+Eternity · · Score: 3, Interesting

      And people wonder why i still have a ball mouse. Periodically I find it useful to have something that works even on dirty windows.

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  3. Re:Umm... by imsabbel · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Sorry, but no ball mouse worked on my carpet for very long before being strangled, but the optical ones have no issue...

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  4. Re:Trackball by sznupi · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Not all trackballs are tailored to using them with a thumb, look up "Logitech Marble Mouse". It's quite different...I hate thumb-operated trackballs, but love this one.

    Now, if only Logitech somehow integrated proper scrollwheel into it... (or one day I will find that old MS one somehow similar to Marble Mouse, as far as which fingers you use)

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  5. Re:Umm... by Fizzl · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Actually, I think glass-top tables were big in 80's. Then they were deemed tasteless. And now they are hip and new again!

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