HinesLab announces a new technology for cordless computer mice and trackballs, using light rather than electrical signals to communicate with the computer. The HinesLab Light Mouse™ is comfortable to use because it is cordless and lacks the weight of the battery and electronics used in other cordless mice. Unlike all previous wired and cordless mice which are electrical devices, the HinesLab Light Mouse™ is a passive optical device with few parts, making it inexpensive to manufacture.

Infrared light radiates from the keyboard controller to enter the Light Mouse™ through a side opening near the front. Internal optics separate the light into narrow wavelengths which are modulated on and off by the mouse button and rotating chopper wheels as the mouse is moved. The signals are recombined and retroreflected out of the mouse back to the controller. The controller senses the returned IR to create electrical signals which are identical to those from a conventional wired mouse.