Mouse with Two Angled Scroll Wheels for Sideways Feedback
This patent describes a pointing device, like a computer mouse, that uses two scroll wheels, one of which is angled to allow for both vertical scrolling and a unique sideways haptic feedback when scrolled.
Original patent title: “Double-wheel assembly”
This patent describes a pointing device, like a computer mouse, that uses two scroll wheels, one of which is angled to allow for both vertical scrolling and a unique sideways haptic feedback when scrolled. Granted to Microsoft Technology Licensing in 2026 with 22 claims, and it is expected to expire in 2044.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a pointing device, such as a computer mouse, equipped with two scroll wheels. A "first scroll wheel" handles typical up-and-down scrolling, controlling a "first movement" of an object on a screen in a "first direction" (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1). The innovation lies with a "second scroll wheel," which is positioned at a "non-90 degree angle" (for example, between 15 and 35 degrees, Claim 11) relative to the first wheel. When a user scrolls this second wheel in the usual forward/backward manner, it generates a signal for a "second movement" of the object, often horizontally, and also provides a unique "haptic feedback" (a physical sensation like a nudge or vibration) in a direction "substantially perpendicular" to the user's scrolling motion (Claim 1). For instance, scrolling the angled wheel forward might move a spreadsheet horizontally while providing a subtle sideways click or resistance.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- A pointing device that only has a single scroll wheel for all movements.
- A second scroll wheel that is positioned at a 90-degree angle relative to the first scroll wheel.
- Haptic feedback that is not substantially perpendicular to the user's primary scroll manipulation direction.
- A pointing device where the second scroll wheel does not provide any haptic feedback.
- A second scroll wheel whose movement signal does not correspond to its non-90 degree arrangement.
- A second scroll wheel that is not coaxially arranged with the first scroll wheel, if that is the claimed configuration.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in the combination of an angled second scroll wheel that, when scrolled in the primary direction, both controls a secondary movement *and* provides haptic feedback in a direction perpendicular to the user's scroll input. This creates a distinct physical sensation that intuitively guides the user about the secondary movement, making complex navigation more natural.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Advanced computer mice for professional use
Gaming mice with specialized input features
Specialized input devices for CAD software
Ergonomic mice designed for productivity tasks
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent from Microsoft aims to enhance how users interact with computer interfaces, particularly for tasks that involve navigating large digital spaces like expansive spreadsheets or complex timelines. By incorporating a second, angled scroll wheel that provides perpendicular haptic feedback, it offers a more intuitive and comfortable method for controlling secondary movements, potentially improving precision and reducing user strain during extended use. This could lead to more sophisticated input devices tailored for professional applications.
Filed
November 8, 2024
Granted
March 24, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Microsoft, as the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is actively exploring and developing this technology for its own line of input devices, such as Surface accessories or specialized mice aimed at enhancing productivity. Other peripheral manufacturers in the computer hardware space may also be investigating similar multi-axis input methods to differentiate their products.
Market impact
This technology could lead to the development of more sophisticated input devices, particularly for professional users who frequently navigate complex digital environments. It aims to improve the user experience by offering more intuitive control over multiple dimensions of movement, potentially creating a niche for advanced mice that go beyond simple vertical scrolling and offering a competitive advantage in the high-end peripheral market.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a pointing device, such as a computer mouse, equipped with two scroll wheels. A "first scroll wheel" handles typical up-and-down scrolling, controlling a "first movement" of an object on a screen in a "first direction" (Claim 1). The innovation lies with a "second scroll wheel," which is positioned at a "non-90 degree angle" (for example, between 15 and 35 degrees, Claim 11) relative to the first wheel. When a user scrolls this second wheel in the usual forward/backward manner, it generates a signal for a "second movement" of the object, often horizontally, and also provides a unique "haptic feedback" (a physical sensation like a nudge or vibration) in a direction "substantially perpendicular" to the user's scrolling motion (Claim 1). For instance, scrolling the angled wheel forward might move a spreadsheet horizontally while providing a subtle sideways click or resistance.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in the combination of an angled second scroll wheel that, when scrolled in the primary direction, both controls a secondary movement *and* provides haptic feedback in a direction perpendicular to the user's scroll input. This creates a distinct physical sensation that intuitively guides the user about the secondary movement, making complex navigation more natural.
What it does not cover
- A pointing device that only has a single scroll wheel for all movements.
- A second scroll wheel that is positioned at a 90-degree angle relative to the first scroll wheel.
- Haptic feedback that is not substantially perpendicular to the user's primary scroll manipulation direction.
- A pointing device where the second scroll wheel does not provide any haptic feedback.
- A second scroll wheel whose movement signal does not correspond to its non-90 degree arrangement.
- A second scroll wheel that is not coaxially arranged with the first scroll wheel, if that is the claimed configuration.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$37K – $120K
Midpoint $75K · 18.1 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
22 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Fukumoto, M. (2026). Mouse with Two Angled Scroll Wheels for Sideways Feedback (U.S. Patent No. 12,585,346). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12585346/double-wheel-assembly
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mouse with Two Angled Scroll Wheels for Sideways Feedback cover?
This patent describes a pointing device, like a computer mouse, that uses two scroll wheels, one of which is angled to allow for both vertical scrolling and a unique sideways haptic feedback when scrolled.
Who owns patent US 12585346?
Microsoft Technology Licensing owns this patent, granted in 2026.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on November 8, 2044, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent from Microsoft aims to enhance how users interact with computer interfaces, particularly for tasks that involve navigating large digital spaces like expansive spreadsheets or complex timelines. By incorporating a second, angled scroll wheel that provides perpendicular haptic feedback, it offers a more intuitive and comfortable method for controlling secondary movements, potentially improving precision and reducing user strain during extended use. This could lead to more sophisticated input devices tailored for professional applications.
What does this patent NOT cover?
A pointing device that only has a single scroll wheel for all movements.
Same assignee
More from Microsoft Technology Licensing
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