Computer mouse module

Abstract

A computer mouse module (10) includes: a power supply assembly; a motion sensor (12); an encoder operable for encoding data collected by the motion sensor (12); a transmitter for transmitting the encoded data to a computer; and a physical connector (14) for detachably attaching a handle (11) to the computer mouse module. The computer mouse module (10) can be attached to the handle (11) to form a functional mouse, wherein a user holds the mouse handle (11) to control the mouse.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A computer mouse is typically a handheld device that detects two-dimensional (2D) movement relative to a surface. It serves as an input device for a computer, and the 2D movements detected by the mouse are input to the computer and used to control the pointer of a graphical user interface associated with the computer. There have been several variations on the original wired computer mouse, including: wireless computer mice that transmit data to the computer via infrared radiation or radio waves, including Bluetooth™ and Wi-Fi™; foldable computer mice, such as the Microsoft™ Wireless Curved Mouse™ which folds to increase portability; and ergonomic computer mice, such as the Microsoft™ Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse™, which are designed to increase comfort and prevent injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries. While ergonomic mice are designed to prevent injury, they may not offer an easily accessible design suitable for people with limited motor skills (which can arise from a variety of reasons, such as neurological disorders like cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease).

[0002] The examples described below are not limited to implementations that address any or all of the known shortcomings of mice. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following is a brief overview of this disclosure to provide the reader with a basic understanding. This overview is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts disclosed herein as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0004] According to the first aspect, there exists a computer mouse module comprising a power supply component, a motion sensor, an encoder operable to encode data collected by the motion sensor, a transmitter for transmitting the encoded data to a computer, and a physical connector for detachably attaching a handle to the computer mouse module.

[0005] The computer mouse module may also include a scroll wheel. The scroll wheel may include a scroll wheel or a scroll wheel connector for detachably attaching the scroll wheel to the computer mouse module.

[0006] The roller can have a reconfigurable rim. Rims of different thicknesses can be detachably attached to change the roller diameter.

[0007] The computer mouse module may also include a button section. The button section may include one or more mouse buttons, or one or more mouse button connectors for detachably attaching mouse buttons to the computer mouse module. Each mouse button may include a button, a touch-sensitive area, a visual display, or an actuator. The computer mouse module may also include one or more electrical connections configured to power the handle.

[0008] The computer mouse module may also include one or more electrical connections configured to transmit control signals to and / or receive control signals from the handle.

[0009] The computer mouse module may also include hardware logic. This hardware logic is operable to send control signals to the handle, thereby instructing the handle to initiate a vibration function.

[0010] The button portion can be positioned toward a first end of the computer mouse module, and the physical connector can be positioned toward a second end of the computer mouse module. The first end may be opposite to the second end. The computer mouse module may also include one or more magnets at the second end.

[0011] The physical connector can be a channel in a computer mouse module that is arranged to receive a protrusion of the handle.

[0012] The physical connector may also include one or more bias protrusions extending from the physical connector.

[0013] The diameter of the scroll wheel can be adjusted while the scroll wheel remains within the computer mouse module.

[0014] The computer mouse module may also include one or more movable modules. Each movable module may provide functionality as a scroll wheel, touch-sensitive area, mouse button, display, or actuated surface.

[0015] The power supply assembly may include at least one of a battery, a battery compartment for receiving the battery, or a wired connection for receiving power from a power source.

[0016] According to the second aspect, there exists a computer mouse comprising a handle and a computer mouse module. The handle includes a physical connector. The computer mouse module includes a power supply assembly, a motion sensor, an encoder operable for encoding data collected by the motion sensor, a transmitter for transmitting the encoded data to a computer, and the physical connector. The handle physical connector engages with the computer mouse module physical connector to detachably attach the handle to the computer mouse module.

[0017] The handle can be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. The handle may extend around at least two surfaces of the computer mouse assembly. The computer mouse module may be electrically connected to the handle and arranged to provide power to the handle. The electrical connection may be located at both the physical connection of the handle and the physical connection of the computer mouse module.

[0018] According to a third aspect, there is a method for assembling a computer mouse, the method comprising detachably attaching a handle to a computer mouse module. The computer mouse module includes a power supply assembly, a motion sensor, an encoder operable for encoding data collected by the motion sensor, a transmitter for transmitting the encoded data to a computer, and a physical connector. The handle includes a physical connector that is the reverse of the physical connector of the computer mouse module.

[0019] Many of the incidental features will become easier to understand as they are made more readily apparent by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] This specification will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view of a first exemplary computer mouse including a mouse module;

[0022] Figure 2A This is a side view of a second exemplary computer mouse including a mouse module;

[0023] Figure 2B This is an isometric view of a second exemplary computer mouse including a mouse module;

[0024] Figure 3A This is an isometric view of a mouse module with a horizontal physical connector;

[0025] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A side view of the mouse module;

[0026] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A The rear view of the mouse module;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a rear view of a mouse module with a single vertical physical connector;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a rear view of a mouse module with an optional single vertical physical connector;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a rear view of a mouse module with dual vertical physical connectors;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a rear view of a mouse module with a horizontal physical connector spanning the width of the mouse module.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a rear view of a mouse module with a horizontal physical connector spanning the width of the mouse module, wherein the physical connector has a widened mouth.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a rear view of a mouse module with a horizontal physical connector spanning the width of the mouse module, where the magnet is inside the mouse module;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a rear view of a mouse module with a horizontal socket physical connector having multiple slots;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the mouse module with a flat top profile;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a rear view of a mouse module with a slot protruding within the physical connector;

[0036] Figure 13 This is a rear view of a mouse module having multiple electrical connectors housed within a physical connector.

[0037] Figure 14 This is the rear view of the mouse module with the flat mouse button section removed;

[0038] Figure 15 This is the rear view with the curved top of the mouse module removed;

[0039] Figure 16 This is the rear view of the mouse module, including the curved top of the mouse wheel, which has been removed.

[0040] Figure 17 It is a rear view of the mouse module with the curved top removed to provide close proximity to the mouse wheel;

[0041] Figure 18 This is the rear view of the mouse module with the button section removed;

[0042] Figure 19 It is an isometric sectional view of the internal components of the mouse module;

[0043] Figures 20A-20E An exemplary sequence of steps for modifying the mouse wheel is shown;

[0044] Figures 21A-21C An isometric view of a computer mouse, including the mouse module and the printed handle, is shown.

[0045] Figure 22A and 22BA cross-section of the detachable wheel structure is shown;

[0046] Figure 23A and 23B It shows Figure 22A and 22B Side view of the detachable wheel structure;

[0047] Figure 24 A top view of the mouse module with a module pocket is shown;

[0048] Figure 25 A top view of the mouse module with three module pockets is shown;

[0049] Figure 26A This is a schematic side view of the large wheel module;

[0050] Figure 26B yes Figure 26A Isometric view of the large wheel module;

[0051] Figure 27 This is a schematic side view of the small wheel module;

[0052] Figure 28A This is a schematic side view of the touch strip module;

[0053] Figure 28B yes Figure 28A An isometric view of the touch strip module;

[0054] Figure 29 This is a schematic side view of the button module;

[0055] Figure 30 This is a schematic side view of the dumb module;

[0056] Figure 31 This is a schematic side view of the display module; and

[0057] Figure 32 This is a schematic side view of the actuation module.

[0058] Use the same reference numerals in all the accompanying drawings to refer to the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The following detailed description, provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as an example description of the invention and is not intended to represent the only form in which the invention can be constructed or used. This description illustrates the functionality of the examples of the invention and the sequence of operations for constructing and operating them. However, the same or equivalent functionality and sequences can be accomplished through different examples.

[0060] Figure 1This is a side view of a first exemplary computer mouse including a mouse module 10 and a handle 11. The mouse module 10 is detachable from and reattached to the handle 11. Unlike modern mice, the handle may be passive, while all active components are housed in the mouse module 10. The mouse module 10 includes a motion sensor 12, such as an optical sensor or a ball bearing. The motion sensor is contained within the body of the mouse module. The optical sensor may be located close to the surface on which the mouse is to move, or alternatively, the optical sensor may be located behind the edge of the module 10 but pointing towards the surface on which the mouse is to move. Movement detected by the motion sensor 12 is processed by an encoder within the mouse module 10. Figure 1 (not shown in the image) is encoded, and the encoded data is transmitted by the transmitter ( Figure 1 (Not shown) The battery is transmitted to the computer. Within the main body of the mouse module 10 is a battery compartment for housing a battery. The battery may be non-removable from the mouse module 10 or removable and replaceable externally. One or more batteries may be connected in series or parallel. The battery powers the mouse module 10 and the components therein. The mouse module 10 has a physical connector 14 that engages with a physical connector 15 of the handle 11. The battery is an example of a power supply assembly that can operate alone or with other devices to power the components within the mouse module. The foregoing description will generally follow this example, where the battery or battery compartment serves as the power supply assembly; however, the power supply assembly may include at least one of a battery, a battery compartment for receiving the battery, or a wired connection (such as a USB connection) for receiving power from a power source (such as a computer). In any of the foregoing examples, such a battery or battery compartment may be replaced by a different power supply assembly. If the mouse module is wired, the mouse module may include an attached wired connection or a connection for receiving a cable (such as a USB cable). The mouse module 10 also includes a protrusion 16 for contacting a surface on which the mouse module can move. The shape of the physical connector 14 of the mouse module 10 is the reverse of the shape of the physical connector of the handle 11, so that when the physical connectors 14 and 15 are engaged, the mouse can be used by a person holding the handle 11. The handle 11 is used for holding, gripping, and manipulating the mouse. Figure 1 In the example, motion sensor 12 is positioned to point toward a surface on which the mouse moves, and the length of mouse module 10 is supported by handle 11 to form an angle with the surface when the mouse is formed. Figure 1 In the example shown, mouse button 13 is positioned in front of mouse module 10.

[0061] Figure 2A This is a side view of a second exemplary computer mouse including mouse module 10. Mouse module 10 has a physical connector 14 that engages with physical connector 15 of handle 21. Handle 21 is arc-shaped. Figure 2AThe mouse is designed for use on a relatively flat surface, with the front of the mouse module 10 and the rear of the handle 21 contacting the surface, while the middle of the mouse rests above the surface, thus forming a bridge. The bridge shape angles the mouse module 10, causing the motion sensor of the mouse module 10 to be close to the surface.

[0062] Figure 2B It includes Figure 2A The image shows an isometric view of a second exemplary computer mouse. The mouse module 10 is shown in a slidably engaged state with the handle 21, whereby the handle 21 moves toward the mouse module 10 in the direction of the arrow to detachably attach the mouse module 10 to the handle 21.

[0063] Figure 3A , 3B The figures 3C and 3C show isometric, side, and rear views of a mouse module 30 with a horizontal physical connector 34. In this example, the mouse module 30 has a physical button 33 and a physical scroll wheel 35. In other examples, button and scroll wheel functionality may be provided by one or more tactile surfaces, and optionally, tactile feedback for button clicks and mouse scrolling vibrations may be provided by a haptic module (not shown). The physical connector 34 of the mouse module 30 is a channel across the mouse module 30 that partially opens toward the rear surface 36 of the mouse module 30 to allow the physical connector of the handle to be inserted into the channel, thereby securely engaging the mouse module 30 with the handle to form a mouse. In the example shown, the physical connector is a female connector, but a male connector forming part of the mouse module 30 and a handle with reciprocating female connectors are also within the scope of this disclosure. Additional connection means are described later in the detailed description section. Figure 3C A removable panel 37 is shown on the bottom surface of the mouse module 30, which can be removed to access one or more batteries used to power the mouse module 30. Figures 4 to 6 Alternative examples of physical connectors 44, 54, and 64 for powering the mouse module 30 are shown. Figure 4 A mouse module is shown with a single vertical physical connector 44 formed by a slot, whereby the mouse handle connector slides down from the top surface to engage the mouse handle with the mouse module. Figure 5 A rear view of a mouse module with an optional single vertical physical connector 54 is shown, from which the physical connector of the handle will... Figure 4 Insert it into the opposite side of the handle. Figure 4 and 5 The interchangeable handle engagement devices shown in these illustrations enable different uses for the mouse module, thereby generating forces in opposite directions when the mouse module is in use, and these forces can be best resisted by one of the two illustrated mouse modules. Figure 6This is a rear view of a mouse module with dual vertical physical connectors 64, and it shows multiple physical connectors that can be used with the mouse module. Although in Figure 6 The image shows two such connectors, but it is envisioned that the mouse module can use more than two connectors, and the angles of the multiple physical connectors can be orthogonal rather than... Figure 6 The horizontal arrangement allows the mouse handle to be connected to the mouse module in different ways.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a rear view of a mouse module 70 with a horizontal physical connector 74 spanning the entire width of the mouse module, allowing the physical connector for the handle to be inserted from either side of the mouse module 70 to form a mouse. This provides more customizable mouse designs and makes it easier for left- or right-handed mice to support complex handle shapes.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a rear view of a mouse module 80 having a horizontal physical connector 84 spanning the width of the mouse module 80, wherein the physical connector 84 has a widened mouth 840. The widened mouth 840 facilitates the insertion of the physical connector of the mouse handle into the channel, and thus allows anyone to insert the handle more easily, and is also an accessibility feature for people whose hand dexterity may be reduced. Figure 8 The widened mouth 840 can be applied to any channel opening disclosed in this document.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a rear view of a mouse module 90 with a horizontal physical connector 94 spanning the width of the mouse module 90, wherein a plurality of magnets 940 are located within the rear portion of the mouse module 90, such that the magnets 940 are close to the surface of the handle during mouse assembly. The handle will have co-positioning magnets or metal portions that are magnetically attracted to magnets within the mouse module 90. The magnetic force between the mouse module 90 and the handle helps maintain the engagement of the physical connector when the assembled mouse is in use. Although Figure 9 A magnet 940 forming part of a mouse module 90 is shown, but this disclosure extends to examples where one or more magnets are located in the handle or if the magnets are included in any other mouse module example described or illustrated.

[0067] Figure 10This is a rear view of a mouse module 100 having a horizontal socket physical connector 104 with multiple slots 1040. In this example, the handle and mouse module do not slide together from the side; instead, a protrusion of the handle is inserted into the socket 104 of the mouse module. Upon insertion, each slot 1040 engages with a notch on the physical connector of the handle to maintain engagement between the handle (not shown) and the mouse module 100. The slots can be biased to maintain their extension from the socket 104. The example shown has four slots, but this number is not intended to be limiting for the purposes of this disclosure. This bias can be provided by spring-loading the slots.

[0068] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the mouse module 110 with a flat top profile. The flat top 113 allows the handle to extend more easily from the rear of the mouse module to the top of the mouse module 110, and also creates a more robust and stable fit between the mouse module and the handle of the mouse to be formed. In this example shown above, there is a socket 114 that allows the handle to slide from the side.

[0069] Figure 12 This is a rear view of a mouse module 120 having a slot 1240 protruding within the channel of the physical connector 124. The slot 1240 is biased to remain extended into the channel to provide a more secure engagement between the mouse module 120 and the handle. The slot can be biased by including a spring-loaded mechanism not shown in the figures.

[0070] Figure 13 This is a rear view of a mouse module 130 having multiple electrical connectors 1300 disposed within a physical connector. The electrical connectors can supply power to devices within the handle. Alternatively or supplementarily, the electrical connectors 1300 can transmit one or more control signals to devices within the handle. In one example, the electrical connectors 1300 receive signals from devices attached to the handle. The handle used with the mouse module 130 has corresponding electrical connectors that engage with the electrical connectors 1300 of the mouse module, thereby enabling the transmission of power and / or signals between the two components. Figure 13 The diagram shows three electrical connectors 1300, but more or fewer electrical connectors may be provided. A device within the handle may be able to generate vibrations that are used to provide feedback to the mouse user or to provide a constant stimulus to the user so that the user can better control the mouse.

[0071] Figure 14This is a rear view of the mouse module 140 with the removable flat top button portion 143 removed. The removal of the top 143 exposes one or more electrical connectors 1430 that can engage with the handle to provide data to the mouse module 140 and optionally provide power and / or data to the attached handle. The flat top 143 may include one or more controls, such as a touch-sensitive area operated as a virtual scroll wheel, such that the entire top surface 143 of the mouse module 140 is removed. In this example, removing the top surface of the mouse module allows for improved engagement between the handle and the mouse module 140, and the top can be replaced by a different top with alternative button configurations, layouts, or physical designs (such as a physical scroll wheel or multiple buttons or switches). Furthermore, it allows the handle to be level with the mouse module 140, resulting in a mouse better suited to support accessibility requirements, where the size and profile of the mouse handle are of paramount importance to the user. In this example and others, the removable top of the mouse may include only the front area of ​​the mouse module, or even a larger area in which the entire upper surface of the mouse module is removable.

[0072] Figure 15 This is a rear view of the mouse module 150 with the curved top 153 removed. This example further illustrates how the adaptability of the mouse section 150 can be improved by removing part or all of the top surface. A custom handle can be made to better fit the mouse module 150 with a flat top surface, which also has a thinner profile in contrast to the removed curved surface.

[0073] Figure 16 This is a rear view of the mouse module 160 with the removable curved top surface 163, which comprises the mouse wheel 165, removed. By removing the curved top surface 163 and the physical mouse wheel 165, the adaptability of the mouse module 160 is greatly improved. The multiple curved surfaces of the top surface 163 make a tight fit with the attachable handle difficult and imprecise; this problem is solved by making the top removable and optionally reproducible with an alternative top having a different configuration. In some examples, the functionality provided by one or more buttons and / or the scroll wheel may be lost due to the removal of these components; however, the overall accessibility of the mouse is improved when a more suitable custom handle is provided.

[0074] Figure 17This is a rear view of the mouse module 170 with the curved top 173 removed to provide proximity to the mouse wheel 175. In this example, the scroll wheel protruding from the top surface of the mouse module 170 can be removed or replaced to improve the engagement between the mouse module 170 and the handle. Replacing the scroll wheel 175 with a replacement wheel provides different ergonomic benefits to the user and allows for the recycling of the modular mouse by providing a replacement design. Removing the mouse wheel 175 and replacing the top 173 will reduce the mouse's profile, thereby improving the engagement between the mouse module 170 and the handle. Alternatively, the mouse wheel 175 can be replaced with a mouse wheel of a larger or smaller diameter for better use with the handle attached to the mouse module 170.

[0075] Figure 18 This is a rear view of the mouse module 180 with the curved top 183 and scroll wheel 185 removed. In this example, the button area is formed by at least two surfaces, meaning that one or more surfaces can be removed to provide a proper engagement with the handle to meet user accessibility requirements.

[0076] Figure 19 This is an isometric cross-sectional view of the internal components of the mouse module. The mouse wheel 195, motion sensor, and pressure sensor for detecting the pressing of the external mouse button are formed as small and compact units on a printed circuit board (PCB) 196 within the mouse module 190, thereby allowing the upper surface of the mouse module to be removed as shown in the aforementioned figures without exposing the more vulnerable internal components of the mouse module.

[0077] Figures 20A-20E An exemplary sequence of steps for modifying the mouse wheel is shown; in the example shown, the diameter of the wheel ranges from... Figure 20A The relatively small diameter shown increases to Figure 20E The relatively large diameter is shown. Figure 20B In this process, a portion of the outer roller rim is applied to the inner roller. Figure 20D In this example, the inner scroll wheel is rotated to expose another portion of it, and a second portion of the outer scroll wheel is applied to the inner scroll wheel. In the illustrated example, the outer rim is formed by two equal-sized portions, but there can be more than two portions of unequal size. This example allows for changing or adding the external material or grip point of the scroll wheel while it remains attached to the mouse or mouse module. Optionally, the inner and outer parts of the scroll wheel assembly can be magnetically attracted to each other, allowing for detachable attachment, or the inner and outer scroll wheel assemblies can have specified mounting features that physically engage with each other, allowing for detachable attachment.

[0078] Figures 21A-21CAn isometric view of a computer mouse including a mouse module 210 and an exemplary additively manufactured handle 211 is shown. The handle 211 encloses the mouse module 210 on its upper, lower, and rear surfaces. The handle 211 has two channels 2111 to support the user's fingers. This example includes a handle 211 specifically designed to provide an accessible mouse when the handle 211 is attached to the modular mouse 210. A protrusion 2112 from the handle 211 ensures that pressure from the user entering the channels 2111 will only provide pressure for activating one of a plurality of buttons on the mouse module 21. Figure 1 and 2A The illustration shows an alternative exemplary mouse design; however, none of the examples shown should be construed as a limiting example of a mouse handle, and alternative handle designs may be provided to meet user preferences or specific needs.

[0079] Figure 22A and 22B The cross-section of the detachable mouse wheel structure is shown from a top-down perspective, and Figure 23A and 23B A side view of the same detachable wheel structure is shown. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed in and in connection with these figures can be used in conjunction with mouse modules described elsewhere herein. In the figures, one side of the mouse wheel 220 has an encoder shaft 221 for engaging with an encoder 222; the encoder 222 typically has a hexagonal head shape. The other side of the mouse wheel 220 has a shaft 223 for pushing a center button switch 224. A small gap 226A (e.g., 5 mm) exists between the wheel 220 and the center button switch 224. The length of the gap 226A is greater than the length of the encoder shaft 221. Typical mice have no gap or a very small gap, making it difficult to remove the mouse wheel assembly from the mouse body without disassembling the mouse body and the printed circuit board (PCB) 225. The gap 226A allows the mouse wheel 222 to be detached from the mouse body without completely disassembling the mouse. An exemplary process for repairing or replacing the mouse wheel includes the following steps: removing the top cover of the mouse assembly (not shown); Figure 22B Slide the mouse wheel 220 in the direction of the arrow shown to remove the encoder shaft 221 from the encoder 222; remove the original mouse wheel 220; insert the new mouse wheel 220; and in conjunction with... Figure 22BSlide the new mouse wheel 220 in the opposite direction of the arrow shown to insert the encoder shaft 221 into the encoder 222; and replace the top cover of the mouse assembly. This exemplary structure allows users to use personal or custom scroll wheels, whereby the mouse wheel is customized not only in size but also in shape, color, or material. Large wheels (e.g., approximately 25 mm in diameter, approximately 6 mm wide, and with a rubber surface) provide good usability, which can benefit the productivity of some users. Alternatively, small wheels (e.g., approximately 20 mm in diameter, approximately 4 mm wide, and with a metal surface) will provide a more usable mouse for other users. If the mouse wheel 222 is not needed, the above method also makes it possible to remove the mouse wheel 222 from the mouse housing simply, easily, and non-destructively.

[0080] Figure 24 A top view of a mouse module 240 with a left button 241, a right button 243, and a module pocket 242 is shown, the module pocket 242 being positioned corresponding to a typical mouse wheel between the left button 241 and the right button 243. The module pocket 242 is a notch in the mouse module 24 with a signal connector 2420 including multiple electrical connectors. Three electrical connectors are shown in this and other figures; however, the number and layout of connectors / pins are not intended to be limiting in these examples. The wheel module 260 shown in Figure 26a can be inserted into the module pocket 242 of the mouse module 240. The wheel module 260 shown in Figures 26a and 26b has a signal connector including multiple electrical connectors. The wheel module signal connector contacts the module pocket signal connector 2420 to provide mouse wheel functionality, where the center button can be activated by pushing the wheel down. If this module structure is used only for the mouse wheel, a 4-pin signal connection may be sufficient. However, alternative signal structures, protocols, and connections can be used, such as I... 2 The C protocol can be operated using a 3-pin connection and joint asynchronous communication; the JACDAC protocol can be operated using a 3-pin connection, while the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol can be operated using a 4-pin connection. The above describes how the wheel module 261 of Figures 26a and 26b can be inserted into the module pocket 242 of the mouse module 240; however, alternative functional modules can be inserted into the module pocket 242 and thus connected to the mouse module 240 to provide additional or alternative functionality.

[0081] Exemplary mouse module in Figure 26A-32 The diagram shows that each of them provides different capabilities or configurations for the mouse module, which is coupled to the mouse module and the mouse containing such a mouse module.

[0082] Figure 26A-32 An example module that connects to the mouse module is explained, in which the corresponding electrical connector (if any) is also connected.

[0083] Figure 26A and 26B The large wheel module 260 is shown. The 'large' wheel 261 may be approximately 25 mm in diameter, approximately 6 mm in width, and have a rubber surface.

[0084] Figure 27 The small mouse wheel module 270 is shown. The 'small' mouse wheel can be about 20mm in diameter, about 4mm in width, and has a metal surface.

[0085] Figure 28A and 28B A touch strip module 280 is shown, including a flat, touch-sensitive surface 281. The touch-sensitive surface 281 may utilize a capacitive touch sensor and may be used to provide mouse wheel functionality, or may be able to detect touch input tracking up to two dimensions (across the surface) and the force of the touch.

[0086] Figure 29 It shows that it can be used with Figure 24 A button module 290 is used in conjunction with a mouse module 240 to provide an S3-button mouse configuration that will be beneficial for performing computer-aided design operations. The button module 290 includes a button 291 for detecting the force associated with a button press.

[0087] Figure 31 A display module 310 is shown, which provides a display 311 on the mouse module when the display module 310 is attached to the mouse module. The display 311 may include an LCD screen and is driven by a processor within the mouse module or the display module 310.

[0088] Figure 32 An actuator module 320 is shown, including an actuator 321 and a pin 322 for providing information to a user via a tactile device. In one example, the mouse module can provide information to the user in Braille format.

[0089] If a user does not want to use one or more functions in the mouse module, they can use, for example... Figure 30 The dumb module 300 is shown. The dumb module 300 has no electrical connectors. All other modules are shown as having electrical connectors, as previously stated, the number, size, location, and format of which may vary.

[0090] Figure 25A second mouse module 250 with three module pockets is shown: a left module pocket 251, a middle module pocket 252, and a right module pocket 253. This second mouse module 250 can be customized and enhanced by adding multiple mouse modules (including, but not limited to, those types described above). All three module pockets 251, 252, and 253 are compatible with all described modules because each of the three module pockets 251, 252, and 253 has electrical connections 2510, 2520, and 2530, which can be used to power and control the respective module and receive data from the respective module as needed. Any combination of modules can be configured, such as button / wheel / button, button / button / wheel, wheel / wheel / display, etc. Another configuration, not described, is a large touch panel module, which is a single unit occupying all three module pockets and can provide 2D scrolling or other multi-finger touch functionality. This large touch panel module can be coupled to an electrical connector of a single module pocket, such as, for example, the middle module pocket 252.

[0091] This document describes a handle for a mouse module that can be repeatedly detached and reattached. The handle can be interchanged with another handle having a connector that is the reverse of the mouse module's connector, depending on the degree to which the engagement between the mouse module and the handle is maintained during mouse use. The engagement can be maintained by one or more of the following: reversed male and female parts on the mouse module and the handle; magnetic force acting between the mouse module and the handle; or frictional engagement between one or more male and female parts in a plug and socket arrangement. Connecting or disconnecting the mouse module and the handle can be performed by sliding the mouse module relative to either side of the handle (top, bottom, left, or right), as shown in the accompanying drawings. Alternatively, if the mouse module or the handle has a helical protrusion, and the corresponding other mouse module or handle has a reverse connection to the helical protrusion, a torsional motion can be used to perform the connection or disconnection. Non-fastening protrusions from one or both of the mouse module or the handle can help maintain the engagement between the mouse module and the handle. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the cross-section of the male physical connector is shown as largely circular, but its cross-section may be irregular and / or angular. The handle is part of the mouse and is designed to be held or gripped by the user; the arrangement and size of the handle are adapted to the user's palm. In one example, the mouse module is arranged such that if the mouse module is placed flat on a surface, the motion sensor does not point towards the surface. In use, it may be necessary to attach to the handle of the mouse module to maintain the angle between the lower surface of the mouse module and the surface against which the motion sensor detects movement. In different examples, the mouse module includes a motion sensor that is arranged to face the surface when the mouse module is placed flat on a surface and is neither supported by the handle nor by the user.

[0092] As an alternative or supplement, the functionality described herein for the mouse module is performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components contained within the mouse module. By way of example and not limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components optionally used include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-Specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-Chip (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Computer Processing Units (CPUs). The one or more hardware logic components are operable to receive and transmit data between components of the mouse module. The one or more hardware logic components are also operable to control data reception and transmission between components within the mouse module and components within the mouse handle using one or more protocols. In this way, the devices within the handle can be controlled by one or more hardware logic components. If the mouse handle includes one or more sensors, data collected from such sensors can be transmitted to the one or more hardware logic components. The one or more hardware logic components are also operable to receive and transmit data between components within the mouse module and a connected computer.

[0093] As used herein, the term 'computer' or 'computation-based device' refers to any device with processing power to execute instructions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such processing power is incorporated into many different devices, and therefore the terms 'computer' and 'computation-based device' each include personal computers (PCs), servers, mobile phones (including smartphones), tablet computers, set-top boxes, media players, game consoles, personal digital assistants, wearable computers, and many other devices.

[0094] While the examples described above are analogous to a battery-powered mouse with a battery compartment, alternative examples include wired mouse modules that are externally powered and do not have a battery or battery compartment. A wired mouse can be powered by a wired connection that provides power and transmits data along its length between connected devices, such as, for example, the mouse module and a computer. In one such example, the connection could be a USB connection, and the mouse module includes a USB transceiver, etc. Another alternative is to replace the battery with one or more capacitors or one or more supercapacitors that use the movement of the mouse module to generate charge stored in the capacitor / supercapacitor. The stored charge can then be used to power the modular mouse.

[0095] The above describes how mouse handles can be formed using additive manufacturing techniques, which allows for simplified prototyping and customized mouse handle designs for individual users; however, mouse handles can also be manufactured using rapid manufacturing techniques or another technique that forms the handle by adding or removing materials.

[0096] In some examples, the methods described herein are executed by software in a machine-readable form on a tangible storage medium, such as a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted, when the program is run on a computer, to perform all operations of one or more of the methods described herein, and wherein the computer program may be embodied on a computer-readable medium. The software is adapted to execute on a parallel or serial processor such that the method operations can be performed in any suitable order or simultaneously.

[0097] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the desired effect.

[0098] Although the subject matter of the invention has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

[0099] It is understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one example or several examples. The examples are not limited to those embodiments that solve any or all of the problems set forth, or those embodiments that have any or all of the benefits and advantages set forth. It will be further understood that a reference to 'one' item means one or more of those items.

[0100] The steps of the methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual boxes can be removed from any method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above can be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the desired effect.

[0101] The term 'comprising' is used herein to mean including the frame or element of the identified method, but such frame or element is not included in an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may include additional frames or elements.

[0102] It is understood that the above description is given only as an example and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The above description, examples, and data provide a comprehensive description of the structure and use of each example. Although the examples have been described above with a degree of specificity or by reference to one or more individual examples, many changes can be made to the disclosed examples by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A computer mouse module, comprising: Power supply components; Mobile sensor; It can operate an encoder for encoding the data collected by the mobile sensor; A transmitter used to transmit encoded data to a computer; A physical connector for detachably attaching the handle to the computer mouse module; Roller section, wherein the roller section includes: Roller; or A scroll wheel connector for detachably attaching the scroll wheel to the computer mouse module; The roller has a reconfigurable rim, whereby rims of different thicknesses can be detachably attached to change the diameter of the roller.

2. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a button portion, wherein the button portion includes: One or more mouse buttons; or One or more mouse button connectors for detachably attaching mouse buttons to the computer mouse module.

3. The computer mouse module according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each mouse button includes a button, a touch-sensitive area, a visual display, or an actuator.

4. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes one or more electrical connections configured to supply power to the handle.

5. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes one or more electrical connections configured to transmit control signals to the handle and / or receive signals from the handle.

6. The computer mouse module according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes hardware logic, wherein the hardware logic is operable to transmit a control signal to the handle instructing the handle to activate a vibration function.

7. The computer mouse module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The button portion is positioned so that it faces the first end of the computer mouse module. The physical connector is positioned toward the second end of the computer mouse module, and The first end is opposite to the second end.

8. The computer mouse module according to claim 7, characterized in that, One or more magnets are also included at the second end.

9. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The physical connector is a channel in the computer mouse module that is arranged to receive the protrusion of the handle.

10. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The physical connector also includes one or more biased protrusions extending from the physical connector.

11. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the scroll wheel is adjustable while it is held within the computer mouse module.

12. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes one or more movable modules, each of which provides functionality as a scroll wheel, touch-sensitive area, mouse button, display, or actuated surface.

13. The computer mouse module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply assembly includes at least one of a battery, a battery compartment for receiving the battery, or a wired connection for receiving power from a power source.

14. A computer mouse, comprising: A handle, wherein the handle includes a physical connector; as well as Computer mouse module, wherein the computer mouse module includes: Power supply components; Mobile sensor, It can operate an encoder for encoding the data collected by the moving sensor. A transmitter used to transmit encoded data to a computer, and Physical connectors; and Roller section, wherein the roller section includes: Roller; or A scroll wheel connector for detachably attaching the scroll wheel to the computer mouse module; The roller has a reconfigurable rim, whereby rims of different thicknesses can be detachably attached to change the diameter of the roller. The handle physical connector engages with the computer mouse module physical connector to detachably attach the handle to the computer mouse module.

15. The computer mouse according to claim 14, characterized in that, The handle extends around at least two surfaces of the computer mouse assembly.

16. The computer mouse according to claim 14, characterized in that, The computer mouse module is electrically connected to the handle and is arranged to provide power to the handle.

17. The computer mouse according to claim 16, characterized in that, The electrical connection is located on the physical connection of the handle and the physical connection of the computer mouse module.

18. A method for assembling a computer mouse, comprising: The handle is detachably attached to the computer mouse module, in which The computer mouse module includes: Power supply components; Mobile sensor, It can operate an encoder for encoding the data collected by the moving sensor. A transmitter used to transmit encoded data to a computer, and Physical connectors; and Roller section, wherein the roller section includes: Roller; or A scroll wheel connector for detachably attaching the scroll wheel to the computer mouse module; The roller has a reconfigurable rim, whereby rims of different thicknesses can be detachably attached to change the diameter of the roller. The handle includes a physical connector that is the reverse of the physical connector of the computer mouse module.

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