Input device with adaptive grip orientation

Abstract

A computer input system includes a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an interior volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the interior volume. A processor is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to the hand based on touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly. The mouse may also have a circular array of touch sensors or lights that detect hand positioning and provide orientation information to the user.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 472,17 filed on Sep. 21, 2023, and entitled “Input Device with Adaptive Grip Orientation,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 478,523 filed on Jan. 5, 2023, and entitled “Input Device,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 376,767 filed on Sep. 22, 2022, and entitled “Variable Friction and Multi-Texture Mouse,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 376,763 filed on Sep. 22, 2022, and entitled “Multi-Mode Mouse,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 376,764 filed on Sep. 22, 2022, and entitled “Input Device for Three-Dimensional Mouse.” The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,650, entitled “Input Device with Adaptive Grip Orientation,” filed on September 22, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,756, entitled “Input Device with Adaptive Grip Orientation,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The described embodiments generally relate to input devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to input devices with adaptive grips. Background Art

[0004] Computing devices and systems, such as portable computers, tablet computers, desktop computers, etc., receive input from users via input devices, such as mice, trackpads, or other input devices. Input devices allow users to move an input indicator, such as a cursor on a screen, and make selections in a graphical user interface (GUI) on a computer system. Input devices typically include buttons and position tracking devices, such as mechanical or optical motion trackers, accelerometers, or other motion trackers. Position tracking devices track user-directed movements, converting the user's movements into signals readable by the computer system. For example, a user may wish to select a feature displayed on the GUI. The user can direct the input device that converts the user's movements into the desired feature displayed on the GUI, and make the desired selection.

[0005] Conventional user input devices include mechanical buttons for data selection and command execution. Mechanical buttons are arranged near the top front of the user input device, thereby producing a one-way user interaction. This one-way user interaction requires the user to position his or her hand in a manner that may be uncomfortable or undesirable. Additionally, if the user input device is positioned in a direction relative to the user's hand, the user must reposition the user input device in order to function properly with the GUI. For example, if the user input device is positioned relative to the user's hand (e.g., a mechanical button arranged near the top front portion is positioned toward the user's palm rather than the user's finger), the input device may reversely interpret the user's intended movement on the GUI, thereby causing a confusing and frustrating user experience.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed in the art is an input device that can provide an improved user experience and can correctly interpret the user's intended movements independent of the orientation of the input device. Summary of the invention

[0007] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a computer input system may include a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an interior volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the interior volume. The system may also include a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a hand based on touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly.

[0008] In one example, the sensor assembly includes a first touch sensor disposed on the inner surface and a second touch sensor disposed on the inner surface, the input from the hand includes a plurality of touch inputs corresponding to contact positions between the outer surface and the hand, and the electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a hand position of the hand relative to the input device, and determine the orientation of the mouse based on the hand position. In one example, the sensor element is a first sensor element, and the sensor assembly includes a second touch sensor disposed on the inner surface. In one example, the first sensor element includes a capacitive sensor. In one example, the housing defines an outer surface of the mouse, the first touch sensor is configured to detect a first touch input at a first position on the outer surface, and the second touch sensor is configured to detect a second touch input at a second position on the outer surface of the housing. In one example, the orientation of the mouse is determined based on the relative positioning of the first position and the second position. In one example, the processor is configured to transmit a first function signal based on a first input gesture detected by the first touch sensor, and the processor is configured to transmit a second function signal based on a second input gesture detected by the second touch sensor. In one example, the orientation includes a direction facing a user that varies according to the relative positioning of the first position and the second position. In one example, the mouse also includes a lower surface configured to face a support surface, wherein the housing includes a circular cross-sectional plane parallel to the lower surface. In one example, the mouse also includes a light array disposed in the internal volume and coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to display the direction or the orientation via the light array.

[0009] In at least one example of the present disclosure, an electronic input device includes: a shell having an at least partially upward-facing surface, the shell including an interior surface defining an interior volume, the shell being at least translucent; a touch sensor array disposed in the interior volume; a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the input device on a supporting surface; and a light disposed in the interior volume and illuminable to direct light through the at least partially upward-facing surface of the shell in response to touch input detected by the sensor array.

[0010] In one example, the sensor array is configured to detect multiple touch inputs contacting the housing. In one example, the light is configured to direct light through the housing in response to determining the orientation of the electronic input device based on at least two touch points in the multiple touch inputs. In one example, the touch sensor array includes a plurality of capacitive sensors arranged in a circular manner. In one example, the plurality of capacitive sensors are disposed against the interior surface. In one example, the light includes a plurality of LED lights disposed in a circle concentric with the circular sensor array. In one example, the light includes a plurality of LED lights disposed in a circle concentric with the sensor array. In one example, the light is the first light in the circular array disposed concentrically with the touch sensor array.

[0011] In at least one example, a circular user input device includes: a shell defining a principal plane and having a circular cross-section in the principal plane centered on an axis perpendicular to the principal plane, the shell having an interior surface defining an interior volume; a capacitive sensor array including a group of sensing elements disposed in the interior volume and arranged circularly and concentric with the axis; and a lamp array disposed in the interior volume, the lamp array including a group of lamps arranged circularly and concentric with the axis.

[0012] In one example, the set of sensing elements is disposed against the interior surface. In one example, the housing includes: an upper curved surface; and a lower surface, the lower surface being parallel to the main plane and configured to rest on a support surface. In one example, the input device further includes a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the housing on the support surface. In one example, the circular input device includes a communication interface to connect to an external computing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like structural elements, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of a mouse and a display is shown;

[0015] Figure 2A A perspective view of a mouse is shown;

[0016] Figure 2B A bottom perspective view of the mouse is shown;

[0017] Figure 2C A top view of the mouse is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A side cutaway view of a mouse is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A bottom cutaway view of the mouse is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 A perspective view of a mouse and pointer is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 A side cutaway view of a mouse is shown;

[0022] Fig. 7A A mouse and a user's hand are shown;

[0023] Figure 7B A display having a display screen is shown;

[0024] Figure 7C A top view of the mouse is shown;

[0025] Figure 8 shows a top view of a mouse; and

[0026] Fig. 9 A top view of the mouse is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included in the essence and scope of the described embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0028] The present disclosure relates to input devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to input devices (such as mice) for computer systems, which have adaptive grip configurations and orientation sensing, thereby allowing users to manipulate input devices regardless of orientation. Input devices (such as mice) allow users to interact with a digital environment by interacting with a computing device (e.g., a portable computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, etc.) and a display via an input device. The input device allows the user to move a cursor and make selections in a GUI on a display screen of a computing device. An input device (such as a computer mouse) typically includes a button and a position tracking device (e.g., a mechanical or optical motion tracker). As the mouse translates (e.g., moves across a surface), the input device tracks movement via a position tracking device, thereby converting the user's mouse motion into a signal that can be read by a computing device and presenting the user's motion on a display. Similarly, a user can press (e.g., actuated via finger force) a button on the mouse to make a selection in the GUI of the display.

[0029] Conventional mice have buttons or touch sensors in fixed locations, requiring the user to interact with the mouse in a specific way. The location of the buttons or sensors on the mouse creates a frustrating experience, forcing the user to hold the mouse in a way that may be uncomfortable or undesirable. Additionally, the mouse buttons may not be interchangeable, creating a difficult experience for left-handed users and right-handed users who share the same mouse, as the mouse's buttons do not dynamically change to accommodate left-handed or right-handed users.

[0030] Additionally, conventional mice are directional biased, with a fixed coordinate system relative to the mouse button. For example, upward movement of the cursor relative to the display is determined by the forward movement of the mouse relative to the button. If the mouse is moved in the opposite direction of the button, the cursor moves downward, regardless of the positioning of the user's hand or the orientation of the mouse.

[0031] While using a mouse is advantageous for interacting with a computing device, as described above, the location of the mouse buttons and the positioning of the mouse cursor relative to the user are important for providing a satisfying and interactive user experience. This is especially true when multiple users use the same mouse with different dominant hands (e.g., left or right hand). The following examples detail mice with features and functions regarding button placement and cursor positioning that produce a more satisfying and interactive user experience.

[0032] In at least one example, a computer input system includes: a mouse having a housing and a sensor assembly located in an interior volume; and a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. The processor can execute instructions stored on a memory component to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a user's hand based on user touch input detected by the sensor assembly.

[0033] In another example, an electronic input device includes a housing, a sensor array, and a light array. The housing can be at least translucent and include an interior surface defining an interior volume. The light array can be disposed within the interior volume of the housing and direct light through the housing based on input from the sensor array. In one example, the sensor array can be configured to detect multiple locations of a multi-touch input contacting the housing.

[0034] In yet another example, a circular user input device includes a housing defining a major plane and having a circular cross-section in the major plane centered about an axis perpendicular to the major plane, the housing having an interior surface defining an interior volume. The input device may also include: a capacitive sensor array including sensing elements disposed against the interior volume and circularly arranged and concentric about the axis; and a light array disposed in the interior volume, the light array including lights circularly arranged and concentric about the axis.

[0035] In each of the foregoing examples shown in the accompanying drawings and also described below, the input device may detect touch inputs from the user via a sensor array. The sensor array may be configured to detect touch inputs that are interpreted by a processing or computing device to determine the user's hand positioning relative to the outer surface of the input device. When using the input device, the orientation of the hand may infer or imply the user's intended action. For example, the user's hand positioning may indicate the user's intended orientation of the input device. If the user holds the device with certain fingers or their palm resting on the outer surface in a first arrangement, the computing device may expect that movement of the input device in a first direction (e.g., the direction in which their index finger may point) will cause an action via the user interface (e.g., a mouse cursor will move upward on the display). If the user releases their initial grip and grasps the device while the input device is rotated from its initial positioning relative to the support surface (e.g., after lifting and turning the device), the fingers or palm may be detected as resting in a second arrangement relative to the outer surface of the input device. In this arrangement, movement of the input device in a second direction (e.g., the direction their index finger is now pointing after the input device is reoriented) can cause the same action (e.g., the cursor will still move upward) via the user interface, regardless of the change in the positioning of the input device. Thus, in some embodiments, the device can detect the user's grasp and use the grasp to infer the user's intent as the user moves or otherwise interacts with the input device. In some embodiments, such inferred intent can include specifying the direction of movement of the input device as a "forward" direction or "facing the user" direction relative to the user. This "forward" or "facing the user" direction can be a direction that is assumed to be away from the front of the user (i.e., the direction the user is facing), such as the direction in which the user's arm or hand moves when the user reaches forward to grasp the input device or moves the input device away from their torso. Thus, movement of the input device in this direction can be associated with a predetermined action (e.g., the cursor moves upward across the display screen), regardless of the physical orientation of the internal (or external) components of the input device relative to the earth (e.g., relative to the direction of gravity or geographic location).

[0036] In this way, a circular input device can be used and the orientation of the device can be re-determined each time a user grasps or touches a surface of the input device with his or her hand. In this way, the user does not have to physically re-orient the input device each time he or she wants to use the input device. The user can grasp the input device in a way that he or she finds comfortable and convenient, and the controller or computing device of the input device will automatically determine the orientation based on how the user touches the device.

[0037] Additionally, the input devices described herein may include feedback to the user (e.g., in the form of visual feedback) via an array of lights projected through the device's housing to indicate a detected forward direction of the input device or a direction facing the user once the device is grasped.

[0038] Thus, the electronic input devices described herein may produce a more satisfying, more intuitive, and more natural interactive user experience.

[0039] References below Figures 1 to 9 Discuss these embodiments and other embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive. In addition, as used herein, a system, method, product, component, feature, or sub-feature comprising at least one of the first option, the second option, or the third option should be understood to refer to a system, method, product, component, feature, or sub-feature comprising at least one of the first option, the second option, or the third option, which may include one option of each listed option (e.g., only one first option in the first option, only one second option in the second option, or only one third option in the third option), multiple options of a single listed option (e.g., two or more first options in the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one first option in the first option and one second option in the second option), or a combination thereof (e.g., one second option in the two first options in the first option and one second option in the second option).

[0040] Figure 1 An input device 100 located on a support surface 106 is shown connected to a computing device 102 via a connector 110. The input device 100 may also be referred to herein as a mouse 100. The connector 110 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that the connector 110 is optional. In one example, the mouse 100 may be wirelessly connected to the computing device 102. The computing device 102 may include a display screen 104 and an input indicator (e.g., a cursor) 108 displayed on the display screen 104. The mouse 100 may rest on the support surface 106 and be manipulated by a user interacting with the computing device 102 (e.g., a computer system). A processor in the mouse 100 or the computing device 102 may transmit movements of the mouse 100 caused by the user to the cursor 108 on the display screen 104 of the computing device 102, thereby controlling the cursor 108 on the display screen 104.

[0041] As used herein, the term "mouse" describes an electronic input device or circular user input device described herein as mouse 100. In one or more examples, the electronic input device or circular user input device described herein (including mouse 100) can be a remote control, a volume control, an indicator, or a device capable of providing a user input to an electronic device (such as a mouse). Figure 1The computing device 102 shown provides other electronic input devices for providing control signals.

[0042] The mouse 100 can interact with a variety of electronic devices that provide a different set of functions to the user (e.g., a laptop, a tablet, a television, a virtual reality headset, etc.). The mode of the mouse 100 can change corresponding to the connection between the mouse 100 and the electronic device. For example, the mouse 100 can act as a mouse for a computer and switch between devices (dynamically or manually) to interact with a television or other electronic device or computing system.

[0043] The mouse 100 can be connected to the computing device 102 via a connector 110. In one example, the connector 110 can be a cable (e.g., a plurality of wires for transmitting energy, signals, or other interface data) that creates a wired connection between the mouse 100 and another electronic device (e.g., a computer, a display, a television, etc.). In one example, the connector 110 between the mouse 100 and the computing device 102 or other electronic device can be wireless (BLE, RF, WLAN, LAN, WPAN, etc.), thereby electronically communicating the movement of the mouse 100 to the computing device 102 or other electronic device.

[0044] The user can hold the mouse 100 in a variety of grip configurations and hand positions. For example, in one instance, the user can hold the electronic device 100 with the left hand, while in another instance, the user must hold the mouse 100 with the right hand. In another example, the user can hold the mouse 100 with all five fingers and a portion of his or her palm. In another example, the user can hold the mouse 100 with only two or three fingers. The mouse 100 can actively and automatically reorient which direction corresponds to the direction of the cursor 108 on the display screen 104 based on the position of the user's hand. Additionally, as will be described in more detail below with reference to other figures, the circular design of the mouse 100 allows the user to hold the electronic input device in different orientations without having to physically reorient the mouse for use or without interrupting functionality.

[0045] Figure 1 Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Figure 1 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0046] Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe top and bottom perspective views of the mouse 200 are respectively illustrated, including a gripping surface 214, a lower portion defining a lower surface (eg, a contact surface) 216, and a housing 212. The mouse 200 may be Figure 1 216 is an exemplary embodiment of a mouse 100. The lower surface 216 is configured to rest on the support surface 106, whereby the mouse 200 can be slidably translated from one position to another by a user. The mouse 200 also includes a motion sensor 220 (e.g., an optical position, positioning or movement sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor), a mechanical position sensor (e.g., a mouse ball), a laser position, positioning or movement sensor, a similar device, or a combination thereof) aligned with a hole 218 defined in the lower surface 216. The motion sensor 220 aligned with the hole 218 can detect the support surface 106 and the movement (change in position) of the mouse 200 on the support surface 106 through the hole 218.

[0047] Figure 2C A top view of the mouse 200 is shown, wherein the housing 212 defines a circular shape or circular outer perimeter about a major cross-sectional plane 222, also referred to as a major plane 222. In at least one example, the major plane 222 can be parallel to the lower surface 216. The circular cross-sectional shape of the mouse 200 in the major plane 222 can be centered on a central axis 223 extending perpendicular to the major plane 222. The lower surface 216 can be secured to the gripping surface 214 of the housing 212, and the major plane 222 and the lower surface 216 can be parallel to each other.

[0048] In at least one example, the gripping surface 214 can be comprised of a material (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, etc.) that is permeable or transparent to wireless signals, waves, or fields that can be detected by capacitive sensors or other sensor types. Thus, in at least one example of the mouse 200, one or more sensors, such as touch sensors, can be disposed within the mouse 200 and configured to detect user contact with the gripping surface 214 through the housing 212 (e.g., from a finger, palm, wrist, etc.). The sensors can also be configured to detect movement of user contact on or across the gripping surface 214, such as when the user desires to perform a scrolling function or a swipe gesture. Additionally, at least one embodiment of the mouse 200 can include a transparent or translucent material such that light can be projected through the housing 212 and display feedback or other information to the user.

[0049] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CAny of the features, components and / or parts shown (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures described herein. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0050] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an example of a mouse 300 is shown that includes a housing 312 that defines a lower surface 316 and a gripping surface or gripping portion 314. The housing 312 can also define an interior surface 326 that defines an interior volume 328. In at least one example, a sensor assembly 330 and a processor 334 communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly 330 via an electrical connection 336 can be disposed in the interior volume 328. Similarly, as described above with reference to Figure 1 As described in the example, Figure 3 The mouse 300 in the embodiment may include a wireless connection and one or more transmitter / receiver components to communicate wirelessly with a computing device. Figure 3 A processor 334 is shown in the interior volume 328 of the mouse 300, but one or more other embodiments may include an interface (e.g., a transmitter and a receiver) to electrically communicate with a computing device having a processor (e.g., wirelessly via WI-FI(R), Bluetooth(R), and similar protocols). In such examples, the mouse 300 may not include the processor 334 shown, but may include a wireless communication component that electrically couples the processor of the computing device with the sensor assembly 330 and other components of the mouse 300. However, in this disclosure, for purposes of explanation and illustration, Figure 3 The illustrated mouse 300 includes a processor 334 within its internal volume 328 .

[0051] In one example, the housing defines an exterior surface 324 (e.g., an outer surface) and an interior surface 326 (e.g., an inner surface). The interior surface 326 defines an interior volume 328. The sensor assembly 330 can be disposed in the interior volume 328, for example, with elements evenly spaced around the interior perimeter of the interior surface 326. In another example, the sensor assembly 330 can be disposed within the thickness of the gripping portion 314 of the housing 312, inside the exterior surface 324 but outside the interior surface 326. In another example, the sensor assembly 330 can be disposed on the gripping portion 314 outside the exterior surface 324. Figure 3As shown, when viewed from above the mouse 300, the upper portion of the housing 312 (e.g., the upper half / upper connector 336 in the figure) may have a convex dome shape. This dome shape may have a radius of curvature that is lower than the top surface 324 or lower than the bottom of the upper portion of the housing 312. The housing 312 may also have a lower portion (e.g., the sidewall of the bottom half of the housing 312 between the connector 336 and the lower surface 316), which has a concave shape when viewed from above the mouse 300. In other words, the lower portion may include a sidewall whose cross-section has a different center of curvature than the upper portion. The housing 312 may define a grippable sidewall of the mouse 300 in the case of the upper and lower portions combined, wherein the upper portion is overhanging and has a larger diameter than the wall of the lower portion and the lower surface 316, so that the user's fingers can pick up the mouse by placing his or her fingertips against the lower portion sidewalls and pulling upward on the housing 312.

[0052] Processor 334 can perform actions by executing executable instructions stored in or encoded on a memory component. Any type and / or number of processors 334 can be present, including one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, computer chips, and / or processing units configured to execute machine language instructions and process data (such as executable instructions), send sensor data, or send position data obtained from a sensor. Processor 334 can be coupled to sensor assembly 330 and configured to determine the orientation of mouse 300 based on touch input (e.g., finger, thumb, palm, etc.) detected by sensor assembly 330.

[0053] The sensor assembly 334 includes a plurality of sensor elements 332. The sensor elements 332 may include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor, or three, four, or more capacitive sensors. When a user interfaces with the mouse 300 (e.g., when the user contacts the external surface 324 with a finger or hand), the capacitive sensor elements 332 may measure / detect changes in capacitance. The user may use one, two, three, or more fingers to operate the mouse 300. One or more sensor elements 332 may send a signal to a processor 334 coupled to the sensor assembly 330, whereby the processor 334 may process the signal to determine engagement of the user's hand with the mouse 300. For example, the user may engage the mouse 300 by using all fingers and placing the palm of the hand on the mouse 300. The sensor element (e.g., capacitive sensor) 332 may send a change in the signal to the processor 334. Subsequently, the processor 334 may interpret or infer the placement of the user's hand (e.g., by detecting how many fingers or contact points or the size of the contact points) and react, thereby executing a command in response to the placement of the user's hand.

[0054] In at least one example, the mouse 300 may also include at least one force sensor 331. The force sensor 331 may be part of the sensor array 330 as shown, or the force sensor 331 may be located elsewhere on the mouse 300 or within its internal volume 328. The force sensor 331 may be configured to measure / detect the force applied to the grip portion 314 of the housing 312. In one example, the mouse 300 may include multiple force sensors. The mouse 300 with one or more force sensors 331 may be configured to detect the gripping force or the magnitude of the force pushing the grip portion 314 or other portion of the housing 312 downward or in any direction as the user manipulates the mouse 300 during use. The force sensor 331 may be used to distinguish between touch inputs where the fingers loosely grip the housing 312 and touch inputs where the fingers more firmly press the housing 312. In this way, the force sensor 331 may be used to detect the force applied to the grip portion 314 when the user taps on the outer surface compared to when the user intends to apply a "click" input to the mouse 300. In some embodiments, the amount of force detected by force sensor 331 can provide information for determining whether the detected touch is likely from a user's fingertip or from the user's palm, where a fingertip will exert a higher or more concentrated force than a palm.

[0055] Figure 3 Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Figure 3 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0056] Figure 4 A bottom cross-sectional view of a mouse 400 is illustrated, which includes a housing 412, a sensor assembly 430, a light array 440, and a processor 434 communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly 430 and the light array 440 via electrical connections 436. Certain electrical connections (e.g., 336) are omitted. The housing 412 may include an exterior surface (e.g., Figure 3 324 in the housing) and an interior surface 426. The interior surface 426 defines an interior volume 428. The sensor assembly 430 and the light array 440 may be disposed in the interior volume 428. In one example, the light array 440 may be concentrically located within the interior volume 428 and disposed on the interior surface 426. The light array 440 may be arranged in a circular shape having a first diameter. The sensor assembly 430 may be circularly arranged and concentrically located within the housing, disposed on the interior surface 426, and include a second diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter (e.g., Figure 4 ), and in some embodiments, the second diameter is smaller, wherein the light array 440 surrounds the sensor assembly 430. Additionally, in some embodiments, the light array 440 and the sensor assembly 430 have substantially equal and concentric diameters, wherein the individual lights 442 are spaced between or overlap the capacitive sensor elements 432.

[0057] In one example, a mouse 400 (e.g., an electronic input device) includes a housing 412, a circular sensor array 430 including a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 432 disposed against or embedded within an interior surface 428 of the housing 412, and a circular light array 430 disposed against the interior surface 428 of the housing 412. In at least one example, the circular light array 430 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 442 (e.g., DIP LEDs, SMD LEDs, COB LEDs, similar light sources, and combinations thereof) oriented in a circle concentric with the circular sensor array 430. In at least one example, the sensor array 430 may include a plurality of sensor elements 432. In one example, the sensor elements 432 may include capacitive touch sensor elements.

[0058] The housing 412 may be a transparent or translucent material such that when the LEDs 442 on the circular light array 440 are powered, visible spectrum light is emitted that is visible to the user through the housing 412 on the exterior of the mouse 400. The LEDs 442 may vary in light intensity and color. For example, the light array 440 may provide notifications corresponding to hue, brightness, saturation, blinking, or color patterns or similar light indicator properties (e.g., text message notifications of connected computing devices, calendar notifications, time notifications, etc.). In another example, the LEDs 442 may provide indicators such as device battery life, device orientation, or other indicators. In at least one example, the LEDs 442 of the light array 440 may be synchronized over time to produce animated light that appears to move in one way or another to communicate with the user (e.g., in a pattern that moves around the circumference of a circle).

[0059] In one example, the processor 434 is configured to display the direction of the orientation of the mouse 400. For example, as the mouse 400 is rotated about the vertical / perpendicular axis 223 while having its bottom surface 216 parallel to the support surface 106, the LEDs 442 located on the circular light array 440 may illuminate, and light may transfer from the first powered-on LED 442 to the second powered-on LED 442, where the first LED 442 becomes de-energized when the second LED 442 is powered on. In this manner, as the mouse 400 is rotated, the powered-on LEDs 442 may appear to remain in one position relative to the user's viewing perspective.

[0060] Figure 4 Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in Figure 4 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0061] Figure 5 A perspective view of a mouse 500 including a housing 512, a grip portion 514, and a light array 540 is illustrated. The light array 540 may include a plurality of individual lights 542. In at least one example, the lights 542 may include LEDs. At least a portion of the housing 512 may include a translucent material defining an exterior surface 524. As previously discussed, the translucent material allows the lights 542 to transmit light through the housing 512 so that the light is visible to the user on the exterior surface 524. In one example, the mouse 500 includes a "north relative to the user," "forward," "in front of the user," or "facing the user" direction configured (by the processor 334) to be displayed on the exterior surface 524 of the mouse 500 via at least one illumination light 546 of the light array 540. For example, the illumination light 546 may indicate a determined forward direction or orientation of the mouse relative to the user's grip based on the position of the user's grip on the housing 512. The "north relative to the user" direction may also be referred to as the "forward" direction of the mouse 500 relative to the supporting surface. The forward direction may correspond to the upward direction of movement of the cursor on the display screen when the cursor is controlled by mouse 500. The "northward" or "forward" direction of mouse 500 relative to the user may correspond to the upward direction on the display screen on which mouse 500 is controlling the movable cursor.

[0062] Figure 5 The illustrated mouse 500 may include any and all of the features of the mice illustrated in the other figures, including an array of sensors within its internal volume, to detect a user's grip. In at least one example, when a user grips the mouse 500 to control a cursor on a display screen, the mouse 500 may detect the grip of the user's hand and fingers contacting the outer surface 524 of the grip portion 514 and orient accordingly to north relative to the user. In one example, upon reorientation based on the user's grip, the mouse 500 may communicate or confirm to the user via the light array 540 the new "north relative to the user" or "forward" orientation of the mouse 500.

[0063] In one example, the light array 540 can react to user movement or jostling of the mouse 500. For example, the lights 542 on the light array 540 can emit a particular color and / or LED pattern in response to a first movement, and a different color and / or pattern in response to a second movement. In some examples, the lights 542 in the light array 540 can produce a light sequence that selectively emits light in a particular pattern similar to a circular movement. The circular movement can indicate information to the user, such as that a particular function has been performed. In another example, the light array 540 can provide different information by pulsing, flashing, or selectively activating the lights, thereby indicating to the user that different functions have been performed or that the mouse or connected computing device has a particular state.

[0064] Figure 5 Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Figure 5 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0065] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of a mouse 600 is illustrated, the mouse including a housing 612 defining an interior surface 626 that defines an interior volume 628. The mouse 600 may also include a light array 640 having individual lights or LEDs 642 disposed against the interior surface 626 or elsewhere within or below the exterior surface of the housing 612. A sensor array 630 may include sensors (e.g., 632). The mouse 600 may also include a processor 634 disposed within the interior volume. Additionally, in at least one example, the mouse includes a tactile component 648, an antenna 650, and another electronic component 652.

[0066] The tactile component 648 may include an electromechanical component or device that vibrates to provide tactile feedback to the user. The tactile component 648 may include a linear resonant actuator (LRA) or a combination of LRAs to produce motion or tactile feedback on one or more axes relative to the mouse 600. Similarly, the tactile component 648 may include one or more eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors to produce motion or tactile feedback on one or more axes relative to the mouse 600. These tactile components can be driven by different waveforms to produce different tactile effects representing different functions. For example, when rotating around its central axis 623, the mouse 600 can produce audible sounds or vibrations when it rotates or at specific increments of the angular displacement of the housing 612. This may include providing tactile feedback in a manner similar to a mechanical knob or dial that emits a "click" sound or otherwise provides taps or vibrations indicating different stages or speeds of angular movement when it rotates around the axis 623. In another example, the user can tap the outer surface of the mouse 600 with a finger on a feature or icon on the outer surface. In response, the haptic member 648 of the mouse 600 may generate a different kind of sound or haptic effect corresponding to a user tap or click, such as by outputting a different sound or vibrating in a different manner, as compared to the rotation of the mouse 600. In some examples, the haptics may have a resolution (e.g., a positioning resolution) that may vary from user to user according to certain user needs or specifications. In another example, an audio signal generated by music, a game, a movie, or other digital media may be converted into a haptic effect and relayed to the user via the haptic member 648. It should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated herein and that the above description provides examples to illustrate the haptic member 648.

[0067] Antenna 650 or other wireless interface of mouse 600 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna, a wire antenna, a chip antenna, or any other type of suitable antenna configuration. Antenna 650 may include a monopole, a dipole, a patch, a slot, a planar inverted F (PIFA), or any other type of antenna suitable for omnidirectional antenna radiation and reception, which is advantageous for short-range connectivity and unpredictable access points that vary in position relative to the user or large sector directional radiation and reception (such as a hemispherical pattern). Additionally, antenna arrays may be implemented to manipulate radiation / reception patterns to affect connectivity. Antenna 650 may operate at or be optimized for certain specific frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and / or radio frequency (RF) bands. The antenna may be a Bluetooth(R) device that transmits at a similar frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz). The antenna may be part of or include a communication interface that is configured to wirelessly connect to an external computing device (e.g., Figure 1 Computing device 102 shown).

[0068] Electronic components 652 may include accelerometers (e.g., piezoelectric accelerometers, piezoresistive accelerometers, capacitive accelerometers, etc.), proximity sensors (e.g., conductive proximity sensors, optical proximity sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, magnetic proximity sensors, ultrasonic proximity sensors, etc.), pressure sensors or force sensors (strain gauge pressure sensors, piezoelectric pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, solid-state pressure sensors, etc.), and other electronic components.

[0069] In at least one example, the sensors 632 are sensing elements of the sensor array 630 that are disposed against the interior surface 626 and are circularly and concentrically arranged around the central axis 623 of the mouse 600. Additionally, in at least one example, the light array 640 can include lights 642 (e.g., LEDs) disposed in the interior volume 628, wherein the lights 642 are circularly and concentrically arranged around the central axis 623. In at least one example, the housing 612 is symmetrical about the central axis 623. For example, the housing 612 can be circular, wherein the central axis 623 is the central axis of rotation and / or axis of rotational symmetry of the mouse 600. In at least one example, the user can initially grasp the mouse 600 (including its housing 612) in any orientation, and the mouse 600 is oriented as the user intends based on the user's grip or hand positioning, regardless of the actual orientation of the mouse 600, as described herein.

[0070] Figure 6 Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in Figure 6 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0071] Fig. 7A The mouse 700 is illustrated as being contacted by a user's hand 754, where the user's hand 754 grasps a grip portion 714 of the housing 712. The circular profile of the mouse 700 enables the user to grasp the mouse 700 from any orientation, regardless of how the mouse 700 is rotated on the supporting surface before the user's hand 754 reaches it. When the mouse 700 is used, the computing device can sense the user's movements via sensors in the sensor array (such as Figure 6The sensor 632 in the sensor array 630 shown in the mouse 600 of the embodiment of the present invention is used to detect the touch point of the hand 754 and the finger 756 against the housing 712. Therefore, the sensor 630 can be used to determine the placement and positioning of the hand 754 and the finger 756 on the mouse 700 to then dynamically determine the orientation of the mouse 700 relative to the user's hand 754 positioned on the grip portion 714 of the mouse 700. The user's hand 754 can be left or right hand depending on user preference. The mouse 700 can dynamically detect left or right hand placement, thereby providing convenience and efficiency for multi-handed users or multiple users of the same mouse 700.

[0072] like Figure 7B , the mouse 700 may send user-induced movements to the display 702, where a cursor 708 may move back and forth on the display screen 704 in response to translation of the mouse across the supporting surface. The cursor 708 may move around the display screen 704, upward or "north" (N), downward or "south" (S), right or "east" (E), or left or "west" (W) relative to an axis presented on the display screen 704. Moving the mouse 700 in a north direction relative to the user (where the user pushes the mouse away from their torso) may move the cursor upward / north (N) on the display screen 704, as determined in response to contact between a finger and the housing 712. For example, the user may move the mouse 700 in a direction representing an upward direction on the display screen (e.g., north). The mouse 700 interprets the positioning of the user's hand 754 and the user's finger 756, thereby determining a direction relative to the user's north (e.g., north) relative to the placement of the user's hand 754 and finger 756. Figure 7C ), moves icon 708 in a north direction on display screen 704 of display 702. In addition, movement of the cursor may be in any direction of north, south, east, west, or any combination thereof in response to a corresponding amount of horizontal movement of the mouse to the left, right, or back. It should be understood that other embodiments of movement of cursor 708 relative to display screen 702 caused by mouse 700 are contemplated herein, and the above examples are for illustration purposes only.

[0073] Figure 7C A top view of the mouse 700 and housing 712 including a grip portion 714 is shown. Contact areas 758a-758f (representing detected contact areas between a user's hand 754 and fingers 756 and the mouse 700) are shown with dashed line boundaries. In the illustrated example, the detected touch areas 758a-758f may include a first finger sensor contact area 758a, a second finger sensor contact area 758b, a third finger sensor contact area 758c, a fourth finger contact area 758d, a fifth finger contact area 758e, and a palm sensor contact area 758f. As noted above with reference to other examples, 7A to 7CThe mouse 700 shown may be equipped with sensors and sensor arrays to detect touch areas of a user's hand 754 and fingers 756. The contact areas 758a-758f may be collectively referred to as a contact outline 758.

[0074] Contact profile 758 includes sensor readings from the portion of hand 754 that is in contact with mouse 700. For example, a user may hold mouse 700 with all of his or her fingers 756 and a portion of the palm, thereby creating Figure 7C . The first contact area 758a representing the first finger 756 contacting the mouse 700 may be different from the second contact area 758b, thereby generating a unique sensor profile for each finger and / or each palm in contact with the outer surface 712 of the mouse 700. For example, the sensor profile 758 may be a real-time capacitance reading of the finger based on unique user hand contact characteristics (e.g., finger contact length, finger contact width, finger contact cross-sectional area, etc.). These hand contact characteristics are used by at least a first touch sensor and a second touch sensor, the first touch sensor being configured to detect a first touch at a first location on the grip portion 714 (e.g., to identify / detect the first contact area 758a), and the second touch sensor being configured to detect a second touch at a second location on the grip portion 714 (e.g., the second finger contact area 758b). In this manner, the orientation of the mouse 700 is determined based on the relative positioning of the first location (e.g., the first finger contact area 758a and the second finger contact area 758b).

[0075] In one example, the first touch sensor of the mouse 700 may be configured to detect a first contact area 758a at a first position on the grip portion 714 of the housing 712, and the second touch sensor may be configured to detect a second contact area 758b at a second position on the grip portion 714. In this manner, the orientation of the mouse 700 may be determined based on the relative positioning of the first position at the contact area 758a and the second position of the second contact area 758b. The first position and the second position may include any position on the grip portion 714 of the mouse 700. For example, the first position may be a first finger outline and the second position may be a second finger outline. In another example, the first position may be a first finger outline at the contact area 758e, and the second position may be a palm outline at the contact area 758f. In yet another example, the first position may be a fourth finger outline at the contact area 758d, and the second position may be a third finger outline at the contact area 758c. In at least one example, the mouse 700 requires at least two locations (e.g., touch points, locations, etc.) anywhere on the gripping portion 714 of the mouse 700 for the mouse 700 to determine an orientation or north direction relative to the user, as discussed above.

[0076] The orientation of the mouse 700 may include a north direction relative to the user that varies depending on the relative positioning of the various contact areas 758a-758f. Figure 7C In the illustrated example, the orientation of the mouse is indicated relative to the user's north direction, as communicated or confirmed to the user via the illuminated LED 746. The light array 640 is configured to direct light through the housing 712 to indicate the determined orientation of the mouse 700 (i.e., the orientation in the "forward" direction) based on at least two of the plurality of contact areas 758a-758f detected by the sensor array of the mouse 700.

[0077] 7A to 7C Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including arrangements and configurations thereof) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. 7A to 7C Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0078] Figure 8 Another example of a contact profile including a plurality of contact areas 858a to 858f on a gripping portion 814 of a housing 812 is shown. Figure 8 , the internal components of mouse 800 may be located in the same locations as mouse 700. However, as a user interacts with mouse 800, the position of the user's hand and fingers on mouse 800 may change. Thus, mouse 800 may be configured to detect placement of a user's hand on grip portion 814 of housing 812 of the mouse (e.g., hand positioning), and based on the positioning of the user's hand (including the user's fingers), sense ground (e.g., by detecting the capacitive positions of different finger contact areas 858a-858f) to determine a north direction relative to the user. Thus, Figure 8 Shows that different from Figure 7C The user's hand is positioned as shown. Figure 8 In the middle, the hand is relative to Figure 7C The position of is offset at an angle. Figure 7C and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 8 , even if the mouse 800 has not yet been moved relative to Figure 7C The positioning of the mouse 700 in the mouse 700 is physically rotated, and the north direction relative to the user can also be dynamically shifted based on the real-time changes in the positioning of the user's hand on the outer surface of the mouse, as indicated by the illumination LED 746. For example, the first contact area 858a, the second contact area 858b, the third contact area 858c, the fourth contact area 858d, the fifth contact area 858e, and the sixth contact area 858f are used to determine the position of the user's hand and locate the north direction relative to the user relative to the changes in the hand positioning.

[0079] Figure 8 Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown or described in other figures. Figure 8 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0080] Fig. 9 Another example of a mouse 900 including a housing 912 having a grip portion 914 is illustrated. The mouse 900 may include a sensor array similar to the sensor arrays described with reference to other examples shown in other figures to detect contact areas 958a to 958c representing contact locations between a user's fingers or other parts of a user's hand and the grip portion 914. When manipulated by a user, the mouse 900 determines the locations of a first contact area 958a, a second contact area 958b, and a third contact area 958c via the touch sensors. In the illustrated example, the user may touch the mouse 900 with only three fingers corresponding to the locations of the illustrated contact areas 958a to 958c. In such an example, the mouse 900 may be equipped with a processor and a memory component storing instructions that may be executed by the processor to determine a direction for the mouse 900 relative to the user's north. This direction and orientation may be confirmed and communicated to the user by the illumination LED 946.

[0081] Fig. 9 958a-958c are shown in order to illustrate that various contact areas and hand positioning can be used to grasp and manipulate the mouse 900. The grip profile and contact area can vary from one user to the next or from one usage session to another for a single user. In at least one example, the memory component and processor of the mouse 900 can be configured to store and execute instructions to identify certain combinations of contact area locations and corresponding north positions or directions relative to the user, respectively. In at least one example, these combinations of touch areas are preset into the mouse 900. In at least one example, these combinations of touch areas are learned via an artificial intelligence algorithm that is configured to learn over time and repeated use where the north is relative to the user relative to the user's unique hand positioning on the mouse 900. Using such an algorithm, the input device of the present disclosure can learn to identify a user based on unique hand positioning, contact area size, varying degrees of force applied to the mouse 900, and / or by the weight of the user's hand and fingers.

[0082] Thus, in the example of the input device of a computer mouse described herein, a circular configuration may be employed so that the user can grasp the input device in any orientation or direction and, when grasping the input device, will automatically reorient relative to the user's north direction. This can be accomplished without requiring the user to physically point the input device in a particular direction before knowing which way to move the input device in order to manipulate the cursor on the screen. Since the input device described herein may be circular, no feature indicating orientation is visually apparent. Instead, the user simply grasps the circular input device and begins moving it so that forward movement always corresponds to upward movement of the cursor, regardless of the physical orientation of the input device.

[0083] Fig. 9 Any of the features, components, and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or parts shown or described with reference to other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown or described in other figures. Fig. 9 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0084] In at least one example, in addition to or in lieu of the sensors of the mouse, the determination or sensing of hand positioning on a mouse (including the mice described herein) may be accomplished by one or more sensors in a computing device that communicates with the mouse. In such an example, the mouse may include "dumb" electrical, magnetic, or ultrasonic elements that communicate wirelessly or by hardwire with sensors and / or processors within the computing device, such that the computing device may determine hand positioning on the mouse based on how signals from such "dumb" components in the mouse are modified. Furthermore, while a circular mouse is shown in the drawings and described herein, other examples of a mouse may include other shapes, including ovals, rectangles, ergonomic wedges, or other regular or irregular shapes that may be gripped differently by different users. In each of these cases, the mouse may include the components described herein to reorient and determine the up / forward direction based on the detected hand positioning of the user.

[0085] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0086] For the purpose of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the disclosed precise forms. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible.

Claims

1. A computer input system, comprising: A mouse, comprising: a housing comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior volume; and a sensor assembly disposed within the interior volume; and a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and to a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to the hand based on input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly.

2. The computer input system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor assembly includes a first touch sensor disposed on the interior surface and a second touch sensor disposed on the interior surface; the input from the hand includes a plurality of touch inputs corresponding to contact locations between the external surface and the hand; The electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a hand positioning of the hand relative to the input device; and The orientation of the mouse is determined based on the hand positioning. 3 . The computer input system of claim 2 , wherein the first touch sensor comprises a capacitive sensor element.

4. The computer input system according to claim 2, wherein: The housing defines an exterior surface of the mouse; The input from the hand includes a first touch input and a second touch input; the first touch sensor being configured to detect the first touch input at a first location on the exterior surface; and The second touch sensor is configured to detect the second touch input at a second location on the exterior surface.

5. The computer input system of claim 4, wherein the orientation of the mouse is determined based on the relative positioning of the first position and the second position.

6. The computer input system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor is configured to transmit a first function signal based on a first input gesture detected by the first touch sensor; and The processor is configured to transmit a second function signal based on a second input gesture detected by the second touch sensor.

7. The computer input system of claim 4, wherein the orientation comprises a direction toward a user that varies depending on the relative positioning of the first position and the second position.

8. The computer input system of claim 1, further comprising a lower surface configured to face a support surface, wherein the housing comprises a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane parallel to the lower surface.

9. The computer input system of claim 1 , further comprising a light array disposed in the internal volume and electrically coupled to the processor, wherein the electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to display a forward direction via the light array.

10. An electronic input device, comprising: a housing including an interior surface defining an interior volume, the housing having an at least partially upwardly facing surface that is at least translucent; a touch sensor array disposed in the interior volume; a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the input device on a supporting surface; and A light is disposed in the interior volume and is illuminable to direct light through the at least partially upwardly facing surface of the housing in response to input detected by the touch sensor array.

11. The electronic input device of claim 10, wherein: The touch sensor array is configured to detect a plurality of touch inputs contacting the housing.

12. The electronic input device of claim 11, wherein the light is configured to direct light through the housing in response to determining an orientation of the electronic input device based on at least two of the plurality of touch inputs.

13. The electronic input device of claim 10, wherein the touch sensor array comprises a plurality of capacitive sensors arranged in a circular pattern.

14. The electronic input device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of capacitive sensors are disposed against the interior surface.

15. The electronic input device of claim 13, wherein the light is the first light in a circular array of lights disposed concentrically with the touch sensor array.

16. A circular user input device, the circular user input device comprising: a housing defining a major plane and having a circular cross-section in the major plane centered about an axis perpendicular to the major plane, the housing having an interior surface defining an interior volume; a capacitive sensor array comprising a set of sensing elements disposed in the interior volume and arranged circularly and concentrically with the axis; and A lamp array is disposed in the interior volume, the lamp array comprising a group of lamps arranged circularly and concentric with the axis.

17. A circular user input device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the set of sensing elements are disposed against the interior surface.

18. The circular user input device of claim 16, wherein the housing comprises: upper surface; and A lower surface is parallel to the major plane and is configured to rest on a support surface.

19. The circular user input device of claim 16, further comprising a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the housing on a supporting surface.

20. The circular user input device of claim 16, further comprising a communication interface to connect to an external computing device.

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