chsdbacks Chapter 95 Breakthrough in Optical Mouse Technology
Chapter 95 Breakthrough in Optical Mouse Technology
Lingyun was browsing user feedback reports on the "Spark Academy" forum, analyzing the pain points developers had when using the "Starflow" framework and the "Star Package" tool, when the phone on the table suddenly rang.
He immediately picked up the receiver: "This is Ling Yun."
Li Mo's voice, excited yet slightly weary, came through the phone, accompanied by some background noise. "Lingyun! Great news! The prototype of the optical mouse at Shandong University's lab is a success!"
Ling Yun's spirits lifted, and he unconsciously sat up straight: "Explain in detail."
"The lab has solved the problems of unstable spot positioning and poor surface compatibility," Li Mo said quickly, his voice brimming with excitement over the technological breakthrough. "The newly designed optical sensor and positioning algorithm can achieve precise tracking on most common desktop materials, with an error rate that is more than 80% lower than the ball mouse we currently use! Moreover, there is no mechanical wear, and its lifespan is estimated to be five to ten times that of a ball mouse!"
"Has the sample been tested?" Lingyun pressed for crucial details.
"The initial tests passed! It ran continuously for 72 hours without any frame drops or stuttering. The accuracy is sufficient for graphic design and daily office work, and it even handles some action games without much problem," Li Mo answered confidently. "The professors and students in the lab are ecstatic; we might really have developed something world-leading!"
Ling Yun's voice was unusually excited, "Li Mo, listen up, do two things right now."
He spoke quickly and clearly: "First, patent applications. Prepare the materials immediately and apply for utility model and invention patents domestically. At the same time, immediately initiate the international patent (PCT) application process, focusing on protecting the optical positioning algorithm, sensor structure design, and signal processing flow. This is the highest priority and must be done quickly!"
"Understood. The patent materials are being prepared, and I will personally oversee them," Li Mo replied immediately.
"Second," Ling Yun continued, "you coordinate with Xinghuo Electronics Factory to immediately set up a small pilot production line to produce one to two hundred engineering samples. We need to conduct more extensive real-world testing, collect user feedback, and explore the process for subsequent large-scale mass production."
"Understood, I'll prepare the patent matters immediately. Trial production requires coordination with Xinghuo Electronics Factory, I'll arrange it when I get back." Li Mo agreed, then changed the subject, "Lingyun, there are many things to handle regarding the subsequent engineering optimization and trial production of the optical mouse, I'm considering... returning to Jinan as soon as possible. Also, I think the motherboard designs from Alienware are quite good, I plan to go back and produce a few sets to test them. Although they won't reach the expected efficiency of high-end machines, they'll be sufficient for use as ordinary computer equipment."
He paused, then continued, "The pressure on Microsoft is increasing, and you're handling it all by yourself, while also having to focus on the browser and the developer ecosystem. I'm really worried about you. The joint project with AMD and Sun also needs someone to keep an eye on it."
"Before I go back, there's someone I'd like to recommend to you," Li Mo's voice became serious. "Have him come to Los Angeles to help you first."
"Who?"
"Jiang Feng. Do you remember him? That young man from Xinghuo Internet Cafe, a graduate of the University of Science and Technology of China's gifted youth program, now pursuing his master's degree at Shandong University, and he's been involved in our project."
Ling Yun immediately pictured a quiet, focused young face. He was primarily responsible for the maintenance and optimization of the Xinghuo Internet Cafe management system. "Him? I remember him. He had a good technical foundation and didn't talk much."
"Not just good!" Li Mo's tone was filled with undisguised admiration. "This kid is a genius! He felt that the internet cafe's original management system was too rudimentary; memberships still used physical cards, which were easy to lose, and the data was difficult to track. Without telling anyone, he used his spare time, referring to a book on database principles, and single-handedly built a simple database system using C!"
"He wrote a database himself?" Ling Yun was somewhat surprised. In 1996, this was not a task that a graduate student could easily complete.
"Yes! Although the functions are still relatively basic, it has implemented the storage, query, and modification of member information. He has now created a new client for internet cafes, where members can log in directly with their account and password without having to bring a card anymore. The backend can also see each member's usage time and consumption records, which makes it convenient for us to do activity analysis and targeted marketing," Li Mo explained in detail. "The system has been running stably in the internet cafes near Shandong University for over a month without any problems. I have checked his code; the structure is clear, the logic is rigorous, and the efficiency is very high."
Ling Yun listened, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. A young person capable of independently designing and implementing a usable database system is indeed a rare breed in this era.
"He's a bit young, still in graduate school, but his technical skills are solid, he's incredibly quick-witted, learns things very fast, and has a calm and focused mind," Li Mo summarized. "I think he's a promising talent, worth nurturing. Aren't we currently lacking talent in fundamental technologies? Browsers, app stores, backend services—everything relies on data storage and management. Having him come over would allow him to lead the development of our database."
Ling Yun pondered for a moment. The company urgently needed to build its own core technology stack, and a database was of paramount importance. Rather than hiring someone from outside who might not fit into Xingchen's culture and technical approach, it would be better to cultivate a promising newcomer internally. Jiang Feng had practical experience, and Li Mo strongly recommended him, making him highly credible.
"Okay." Ling Yun made the decision. "Have him prepare and complete the formalities to come to Los Angeles as soon as possible. Once he arrives, first establish a database team, with him in charge, to optimize the internet cafe's system and use it as a database for our internal non-core systems for trial use. At the same time, have him start researching how to design and develop a more powerful and versatile native database engine for the Starry Sky System."
"That's great!" Li Mo visibly breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll let him know right away. That kid'll be ecstatic to know he can come to America and work for you."
After hanging up the phone, Ling Yun's gaze returned to the forum's feedback report, but his mind had already wandered elsewhere.
The technological breakthrough in optical mice means that Spark Technology may have mastered a core technology with global competitiveness in the field of hardware peripherals.
Ling Yun pondered where to best place Jiang Feng, whom Li Mo had recommended. Having his own shadow help keep an eye on the company seemed like a waste of talent.
He picked up his pen and solemnly wrote "Jiang Feng, Database Team" on the schedule.
Jiang Feng's arrival foreshadows the planting of a new seed in the underlying software architecture.