Summary of MOUSE-CONTROLLED MOUSE CONTROLLER IS SILLY, BUT COULD BE USEFUL
This article describes a creative "useless machine" where an XY gantry moves a computer mouse. The system is controlled by a Raspberry Pi that processes G-Code based on the movement of a second mouse plugged into it. The Pi communicates with an Arduino, which drives stepper motors through a CNC controller shield. While primarily a fun project, the author suggests potential utility for controlling legacy systems with non-standard mice or converting the setup into a pen plotter.
Parts used in the Mouse-Controlled Mouse Controller:
- XY gantry
- Standard computer mouse (the one being moved)
- Raspberry Pi (single-board computer)
- Second computer mouse (plugged into the Pi)
- Arduino
- Stepper motors
- CNC controller shield
Useless machines are generally built as a fun pastime, as they do nothing of value by their very definition. The most popular type generally involves a self-cancelling switch. However, there’s plenty of other useless machines to build, and we think [Jeffery’s] build is particularly creative.
The build consists of an XY gantry that moves a standard computer mouse. To control the gantry, a Raspberry Pi feeds the system G-Code relative to the motion of a second mouse plugged into the single-board computer. It’s pretty standard fare overall, with the Pi sending commands to an Arduino that runs the various stepper motors via a CNC controller shield.
Yes, it’s a mouse that moves a mouse – and on the surface, this appears to be a very useless machine. However, we could imagine it being useful for remote control of a very old system that uses a non-standard mouse that is otherwise difficult to emulate. Additionally, it wouldn’t take much extra work to turn the XY gantry into a competent pen-plotter – of which we’ve seen many. Video after the break.
Source: MOUSE-CONTROLLED MOUSE CONTROLLER IS SILLY, BUT COULD BE USEFUL
- How does the system control the motion of the mouse?
The Raspberry Pi feeds G-Code relative to the motion of a second mouse plugged into the single-board computer. - What component runs the various stepper motors?
An Arduino runs the various stepper motors via a CNC controller shield. - Can this machine be useful for anything other than being a pastime?
It could be useful for remote control of a very old system that uses a non-standard mouse that is otherwise difficult to emulate. - What is the most popular type of useless machine generally built?
The most popular type generally involves a self-cancelling switch. - Does the build involve moving a standard computer mouse?
Yes, the build consists of an XY gantry that moves a standard computer mouse. - What is another potential application for the XY gantry mentioned?
It would not take much extra work to turn the XY gantry into a competent pen-plotter. - How does the Raspberry Pi communicate with the motor drivers?
The Pi sends commands to an Arduino that runs the motors. - Is the project described as having value by its definition?
No, useless machines do nothing of value by their very definition.
