6
The old fashioned mice worked via two wheels that are turned by a ball:
One represented the x-axis while the other represtened the y-axis. Turning one, would move the mouse in that specified direction. Moving both resulted in a combined and (somewhat) smooth movement of the mouse.
With the advent of Lasers and optics, we now more commonly use the 'Laser Mouse'. How do they work exactly? How does a laser light and moving of the device translate into those x and y values for movement on the screen?
Detailed explanations are welcomed.
Why don't you type the question into google? it comes up with lots of answers. – Matt H – 2011-05-11T22:30:42.263
5@MattH yes I could do that, but then a lot of the question found within SU could be solved with a simple Google search and some reading, and would never be found here. Being able to Google the answer shouldn't prevent us asking such questions on SU. I'm giving my fellow Super Users an opportunity to gain rep answering a legit question. – James Mertz – 2011-05-11T22:33:24.210
@MattH 12 of my most recent 30 answers are somewhat based on the information contained in Linux/Mac OS X
man
pages. This question at least requires googling. – Daniel Beck – 2011-05-26T17:46:35.607