Variable friction and multi-texture mouse

Abstract

The input device can include a housing defining an interior volume and a lower portion, the lower portion defining an opening, an input sensor disposed within the interior volume, and a haptic assembly disposed within the interior volume. The haptic assembly can include an actuator and legs coupled to the actuator and aligned with the opening. The actuator can be configured to selectively extend the legs through the opening to vary the sliding resistance of the input device over a support surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 472,186, filed September 21, 2023, entitled "Variable Friction and Multi-Texture Mouse," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 478,523, filed January 5, 2023, entitled "Input Device," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,767, filed September 22, 2022, entitled "Variable Friction and Multi-Texture Mouse," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,763, filed September 22, 2022, entitled "Multi-Mode Mouse," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,650, filed September 22, 2022, entitled "Input Device for Three-Dimensional Control," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,650, filed September 22, 2022, entitled "Input Device with Adaptive Grip." This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,756, entitled "Primary Orientation," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to electronic input devices and, more particularly, to electronic input device feedback modes and variations thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] Recent advances in computing have enabled immersive user experiences, including desktop games on personal computers, alternative and virtual reality interaction consoles, three-dimensional computer-aided design software, high-resolution display screens, and the like. However, the user feedback provided by these computing systems and software is often limited to audio and visual feedback. Even parts of computing devices and systems with which users physically interact, such as game controllers, keyboards, mice, and other physical input devices, are limited to basic tactile user feedback, for example, from haptic engine vibrations. Desktop and laptop computers commonly used in home and office environments utilize input devices such as pens, styluses, and mice to enable user input. However, a typical computer mouse or stylus is similarly limited in its user feedback capabilities.

[0004] Therefore, what is needed in the art are input devices and systems capable of generating enhanced user feedback for a more immersive user computing experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In at least one example of the present disclosure, an input device may include a housing defining an interior volume and a lower portion, the lower portion defining an opening, an input sensor disposed within the interior volume, and a haptic assembly disposed within the interior volume. The haptic assembly may include an actuator and legs coupled to the actuator and aligned with the opening. The actuator may be configured to selectively extend the legs through the opening to vary the sliding resistance of the input device over a support surface.

[0006] In one example, the input sensor includes a plurality of capacitive sensing elements disposed on the housing, and the legs are movable between a first position and a second position via an actuator, wherein in the second position, the legs extend through the openings. In one example, when the legs are in the first position, a first coefficient of friction between the lower portion and a support surface on which the input device rests is different from a second coefficient of friction between the legs and the support surface when the legs are in the second position. In one example, the actuator is coupled to the legs to selectively extend the legs through the openings. In one example, the lower portion includes a support protrusion having a lower surface. In one example, the lower portion defines a lower surface configured to support the input device on the support surface. In one example, the actuator is configured to extend the legs through the openings such that contact surfaces of the legs support the input device on the support surface. In one example, the actuator is configured to extend the legs through the openings such that contact surfaces of the legs support the input device on the support surface. In one example, when the contact surface of the leg supports the input device, a frictional force between the input device and a support surface on which the input device rests changes. In one example, the leg is a first leg, the opening is a first opening, the housing defines a second opening, and the mouse includes a second leg extendable through the second opening.

[0007] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a mouse includes a housing defining an opening and a bottom surface, and legs movable between a first position and a second position, In such an example, in the first position, the bottom surface defines a bottom-most surface of the mouse, and in the second position, the legs extend through the opening and define a bottom-most surface of the mouse.

[0008] In one example, the bottom surface is configured to contact a support surface on which the mouse is placed while the legs are in the first position or while the legs are in the second position. In one example, the mouse further includes an actuator coupled to the legs, the actuator configured to selectively extend the legs through the openings. In one example, a sliding resistance between the contact surface and the support surface on which the mouse is placed varies based on whether the legs are in the first position or the legs are in the second position. In one example, the actuator includes a motor. In one example, the opening is a first opening, the housing defines a second opening, the legs are first legs, the input device further includes a second leg, and the second position further includes the second leg extending through the second opening.

[0009] In at least one example of the present disclosure, an input device includes a first aspect having a first sliding resistance on a surface thereof, a second aspect having a second sliding resistance on the surface thereof, the second sliding resistance being different from the first sliding resistance, and an actuator that selectively switches the input device from the first aspect to the second aspect. The input device may also include an input sensor that detects input from a user's hand holding the input device.

[0010] In one example, the actuator is an electric actuator operable to extend the legs relative to a bottom surface of the input device. In one example, the actuator is configured to selectively switch between a first modality and a second modality in response to a texture pattern. In one example, in the first modality, the input device includes a lower portion defining a first lower contact surface and an opening, and in the second modality, the input device includes legs extending through the opening and defining a second lower contact surface distinct from the first lower contact surface. In one example, the actuator selectively switches the input device from the first modality to the second modality by extending the legs through the opening. In one example, the input device may further include a processor programmed to control the actuator to extend the legs through the opening based on a location of a cursor controlled by the input device on a display screen. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] The disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structural elements and in which:

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of an input device for controlling visual objects on a display screen.

[0013] [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example input device.

[0014] [Figure 2B] A bottom perspective view is shown.

[0015] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example input device.

[0016] [Figure 4A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an input device.

[0017] [Figure 4B] A bottom perspective view is shown.

[0018] [Figure 4C] The cross-sectional view is shown.

[0019] [Figure 4D] A bottom perspective view is shown.

[0020] [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example of a haptic assembly for an input device.

[0021] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example input device with a portion of the housing removed to reveal internal components.

[0022] [Figure 7]1 illustrates an example of an input device for controlling visual objects on a display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0024] The following disclosure relates generally to electronic input devices. More particularly, the disclosure relates to electronic input device feedback modes and variations thereof. User feedback provided by typical computing systems and software is often limited to audio and visual feedback. Even parts of computing devices and systems with which a user physically interacts, such as game controllers, keyboards, mice, and other physical input devices, are limited to basic tactile user feedback, for example, from haptic engine vibrations. Desktop and laptop computers commonly used in home and office environments utilize input devices such as pens, styluses, and mice to enable user input. However, a typical computer mouse or stylus is similarly limited in its user feedback capabilities.

[0025] The user input devices and systems described herein go beyond prior art user input devices to provide enhanced feedback to a user controlling or manipulating an image presented on a display screen. In at least one example, the input device includes a housing defining an interior volume and a lower portion, the lower portion defining an opening, and a haptic assembly disposed within the interior volume. The haptic assembly may include an actuator and legs coupled to the actuator and aligned with the opening. In at least one example, the actuator can selectively extend the legs through the opening. When the legs are extended through the opening, the lower surfaces of the legs become the contact surface between the input device and a supporting surface, such as a desktop surface, rather than the lower portion of the input device being the contact surface. That is, in at least one example, the portion of the input device that contacts the desktop surface can be changed during use.

[0026] Furthermore, because the undersides of the legs and the bottom of the input device can have different properties, such as different coefficients of friction or supporting contact areas, the force required to move the input device along the desktop surface can change as the legs extend through the opening. For example, the undersides of the legs can include a material with a higher coefficient of friction than the bottom defining the opening. The force required to slide the input device along the surface also depends on other factors, including the contact area and the downward force (normal force) applied to the input device. However, all else being equal, in a scenario in which the legs are extended through the opening such that the coefficient of friction of the legs is greater than the coefficient of friction of the bottom of the device and the contact surface between the input device and the desktop surface is the underside of the legs, the friction between the input device and the desktop surface can be increased. Thus, the force or torque required to slide the input device across the desktop surface can be selectively increased or decreased depending on the position of the legs and bottom of the device relative to the desktop surface.

[0027] The converse may also be true, with the underside of the leg having a lower coefficient of friction such that actuating the leg to extend through an opening can reduce friction between the input device and the desktop surface. Also, other examples may include multiple legs that selectively extend through multiple openings defined by the bottom of the input device, with the total surface area of ​​the undersides of the various legs being less than, greater than, or equal to the surface area of ​​the bottom of the device. Along these lines, examples including multiple legs may allow the individual legs to be actuated separately or together to generate a desired frictional force or torque that resists the input device being pushed or rotated across a surface.

[0028] As used herein, the term "selectively," when used to describe legs that selectively extend through openings or actuators that selectively extend legs through openings, is used to describe a mode of operation in which one or more legs of an input device can extend or not extend through an opening at any time during operation, and any leg can be changed from an extended position to a non-extended position at any time during operation. The selective extension of legs through openings of an input device described herein can be performed automatically via a processor of the computing device and / or the input device, such that a change in friction between the input device and a support surface due to the selective extension of the legs corresponds to the position of a cursor or visual object on a display screen.

[0029] In one example, friction between an input device and a support surface over which the input device is moved, such as a desktop surface, can be automatically modified to mimic the surface texture or environment, or changes thereto, over which a cursor controlled by the input device is moved on a display screen. One scenario can include a portion of the display screen visually representing ice and another portion of the display screen visually representing sand. When a visual object (e.g., a cursor) controlled by the input device is moved over the ice portion, the input device can maintain a first friction between the input device and the desktop. Then, as the visual object (e.g., a cursor) controlled by the input device is moved over the sand portion of the screen, the input device can increase the friction between the input device and the desktop surface via selective actuation of the feet to mimic the increased force actually required to move such an input device over sand compared to ice.

[0030] Other examples can include moving a game character through water and air, where the input device can provide different haptic feedback to the user via variable friction. In some examples, as a cursor or other object moves across the screen, different surface textures and features can be haptically conveyed to the user by responding to the timing of one or more legs that increase (or decrease) the frictional force required to move the input device to the position, shape, and size of the surface feature. For example, moving a cursor over a visual representation of "diamond plate" sheet metal could cause a leg to extend from an opening in the input device each time the cursor moves across an individual diamond protrusion. In such a scenario, as a user slides the input device across a desktop, the user can haptically feel simulated "bumps," as if the input device were moving on diamond plate sheet metal, even if the desktop surface is smooth. The legs can be actuated intermittently at any speed, depending on the position and spacing of the diamond features and how fast the user moves the cursor across the diamond pattern.

[0031] It should be understood that the imitation of surface features such as those found on diamond plate sheet metal can be applied to any other surface features shown on a display screen or within a virtual / augmented reality system. These can include various surface textures, shapes, bumps, protrusions, objects, etc. Creating this haptic feedback that mimics on-screen features can provide a more immersive and realistic sensory feedback environment for users for any number of applications, including those mentioned above and discussed elsewhere herein. Applications can include three-dimensional (3D) design, games, web browsing, or any other visual display software application.

[0032] In addition to the above-mentioned examples in which the device can mimic texture and vary friction while sliding across a support surface, in some examples, the friction or sliding resistance of the devices described herein can be modified to maintain constant friction across different support surfaces. Typically, when an input device such as a computer mouse is slid by a user across a mouse pad and then removed from the mouse pad and slid onto a desktop surface surrounding the mouse pad, the user experiences different sliding resistance based on the differences in the materials of the mouse pad and the desktop surface. As mentioned above, devices described herein that utilize selectively articulated legs can modify the underside contact surface of the mouse to maintain constant friction as the user moves the mouse from one surface to another.

[0033] In the given example, the material of the mouse pad may have a higher coefficient of friction with the underside of the mouse than the finished wood surface of the desktop. In such a situation, the devices and systems described herein can change the coefficient of friction between the two materials by selectively actuating the feet as described herein so that the coefficient of friction between the underside contact surface of the mouse and both the mouse pad and the desktop surface remains the same. This allows the user to perceive no difference in the sliding resistance of the mouse regardless of the surface on which the mouse is slid. This can be done automatically to provide the user with a smooth and comfortable experience operating the mouse.

[0034] Thus, example input devices disclosed herein can create haptic feedback that mimics on-screen features to provide a user with a more immersive and realistic sensory feedback experience while interacting with any number of applications involving manual input devices, including those mentioned above and discussed elsewhere herein, including 3D design, games, web browsing, or any other visual display and / or interaction software application.

[0035] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 1-7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description provided herein with reference to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that includes at least one of a first selection range, a second selection range, or a third selection range should be understood to refer to a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that can include one of each enumerated selection range (e.g., only one of the first selection ranges, only one of the second selection ranges, or only one of the third selection ranges), multiple of a single enumerated selection range (e.g., two or more of the first selection ranges), two selection ranges simultaneously (e.g., one of the first selection ranges and one of the second selection ranges), or a combination thereof (e.g., two of the first selection ranges and one of the second selection ranges).

[0036] 1 illustrates an example of an input device 100 resting on a support surface 106. The input device 100 can be configured to manipulate visual objects 108 displayed on a display screen 104 of a display device 102. The display device 102 can include a computing device such as a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer. An electrical connection 110 between the input device 100 and the display device 102 is shown with a dotted line, as implementations of the device 100 can be either hardwired to the display device 102 or wirelessly connected to the display device 102 so that the input device 100 can visually manipulate the visual objects 108 on the display screen 104.

[0037] The display device 102 may be a computing device configured to execute software applications that display visual information to a user. The visual object 108 shown in FIG. 1 is a non-limiting example of an image whose movement on the display screen 104 may be controlled to correlate with movement of the input device 100 on the support surface 106. The visual object 108 may, in some examples, be a cursor. In other examples, the visual object 108 may include a game character or a three-dimensional part designed in computer-aided design (CAD) software. As a user moves the input device 100 across the support surface 106 on which the input device 100 rests, the visual object 108 may similarly move across the display screen 104.

[0038] Support surface 106 may include any surface upon which input device 100 may rest and slide during use. In one example, support surface 106 may include the top of a mouse pad. In another example, support surface 106 may include the top of a desk, counter, or table, including various materials.

[0039] In at least one example, the visual object 108 can be superimposed on one or more background images on the display screen 104. The input device 100 can be configured to move the visual object 108 over the background image, which can include one or more different surface structures, features, or textures. The visual object 108 can be translated on these features or textures as the visual object 108 is virtually moved on the display screen 104. The devices described herein, including the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , can provide haptic feedback to the user as the user's hand slides the input device 100 across the support surface 106, physically mimicking what it would feel like for the visual object 108 to actually be translated across the display screen 104.

[0040] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 1, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in any of the other example devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in the example devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 1.

[0041] 2A and 2B show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an example input device 200 including a housing 212 defining a gripping portion 214 and a lower portion 216. The gripping portion 214 may be curved, non-planar, or otherwise shaped to accommodate a user's grip of the input device 200. In at least one example, the lower portion 216 may be a planar, flat portion defining a lower contact surface 218. The lower contact surface 218 may also be referred to as a lower surface or a contact surface. The lower surface 218 is configured to contact a support surface on which the input device 200 rests, allowing a user to slide the input device 200 across the support surface during use. The gripping portion 214 and lower portion 216 of the housing 212 may have different shapes, sizes, and configurations in one or more other examples. The device 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is illustrative only and not limiting.

[0042] In at least one example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the lower portion 216 of the input device 200 can define one or more openings 220a, 220b, and 220c. The openings 220a-220c can be collectively referred to as openings 220. The openings 220 defined by the lower portion 216 can form through-holes that extend entirely through the thickness of the housing 212 of the lower portion 216. In addition to these openings 220, the lower portion 216 can define another opening 222 through which a visual sensor 224 can emit and receive light. The visual sensor 224 detects the movement and position of the input device 200 on a support surface.

[0043] Lower portion 216 defines a lower surface 218 configured to contact a support surface and support the weight of input device 200. Lower surface 218 contacts the support surface and supports the weight of input device 200, as well as any weight or force applied by a user's hand placed on input device 200. Thus, when a user slides or rolls input device 200 across a support surface, sliding resistance, frictional force, or frictional torque acting between lower surface 218 and the support surface on which input device 200 rests resists or redirects such movement.

[0044] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 2A-2B, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in any of the other example devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in the example devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figures 2A-2B.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of another example of an input device 300. The input device 300 includes a grip portion 314 and a lower portion 316 defining one or more openings 320a, 320b, and 320c. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lower portion 316 also includes one or more support protrusions 326a, 326b, and 326c, which may collectively be referred to as lower support protrusions 326. The lower support protrusions 326 may extend downwardly from the lower portion 316 to define a lower contact surface 318. Again, the lower contact surface 318 may also be referred to as a contact surface or a lower surface, and includes any surface that contacts a support surface during use.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the support protrusions 326 extend downward to contact a support surface against which the input device 300 rests and slides during use, thereby defining the lower contact surface 318. Therefore, as used herein, the term “lower contact surface” or other related terms is used to describe any surface that supports the weight of the input device 300 and is configured to contact a support surface during use. Accordingly, one or more other examples of the input device may include other features or portions that define a lower contact surface against which the input device rests. These other features may be similar to or different from the lower support protrusions 326 shown in FIG. 3 or the lower portion 216 shown in FIG. 2B .

[0047] The total surface area, material, surface texture, and other surface or material properties of the lower contact surface of the various input devices described herein can be designed and adjusted to achieve a desired frictional force or sliding resistance as a user slides the input device across a support surface during use.

[0048] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 3, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in any of the other example devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in the example devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 3.

[0049] 4A-4D show an example of an input device 400 in two different configurations. In each configuration, described in more detail below, one or more legs are positioned in a different position relative to the input device 400. Each configuration or position of the legs of the input device 400 provides a unique underside contact surface of the input device 400 that alters the sliding force, frictional force, or frictional torque of the input device 400 as the input device 400 is slid or rotated across a support surface by a user. One or more legs of the input device 400 may be movable to selectively extend through one or more openings in the input device 400 and generate variable frictional force, torque, and sliding resistance during use. For example, one leg (or a set of legs) may extend from the device 400 in an off-center position on the underside to cause the user to experience frictional torque. For example, one or more legs may extend to increase friction on one side of the bottom centerline of the device (e.g., below the user's grip on the device 400). The increased friction can give a user of device 400 a unidirectional rotational sensation or bias when the user moves device 400 along an axis or direction that does not intersect the extended legs (i.e., along a direction that does not equally balance the frictional resistance applied by multiple legs positioned on each side of the axis of motion).

[0050] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of an input device 400. In at least one example, the input device 400 can include a housing 412 defining a grip portion 414 and a lower portion 416. The lower portion 416 defines an opening 420 (e.g., similar to openings 320a-320c) and a lower contact surface 418. The housing 412 also includes or defines the grip portion 414, which a user can grasp in their hand and manipulate the input device 400 across a support surface. In particular, in the version of the device 400 shown in FIG. 4A , the lower contact surface 418 defined by the lower portion 416 supports the input device 400 and allows it to slide across a support surface. As mentioned above, a support surface can include any surface on which the input device 400 rests, including a desktop surface, a mouse pad, a tabletop, etc.

[0051] The housing 412 can define an exterior surface 430 and an opposing interior surface 428. In at least one example, the interior surface 428 defines an interior volume 432 of the input device 400. In at least one example, the input device 400 can include one or more input sensors 439a and 439b configured to receive input from a user. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4A , the input device 400 includes two separate touch sensors 439a and 439b disposed relative to the interior surface 428 of the housing 412. These touch sensors 439a and 439b can include capacitive touch elements configured to sense when and where a user's fingers, palm, or other portion of the user's hand contacts the exterior surface 430 of the housing 412. A user can contact the input device 400 at the exterior surface 430 at positions corresponding to the touch sensors 439a and 439b to provide commands using touches, taps, squeezes, touch gestures, etc.

[0052] In at least one example, input device 400 can include more than the two input sensors 439a and 439b shown in FIG. 4A . Other examples of input devices can also include other types of input sensors and mechanisms, including physical buttons, TAC switches, strain gauges, microphones, or other types of touch sensors or buttons located elsewhere within interior volume 432, on exterior surface 430, or elsewhere within or on input device 400. Input signals detected by such sensors, including input sensors 439a and 439b shown in FIG. 4A , can be relayed to a computing device wirelessly or through one or more hardwired connections between input device 400 and the computing device to execute instructions based on those signals. In this manner, input device 400 can be used to control one or more visual objects on a display screen of a computing device, as described with reference to FIG. 1 and discussed above.

[0053] 4A , an array of input sensors, including input sensors 439a and 439b shown in FIG. 4A , may be disposed on or within input device 400 to detect input signals and touches from a user. These input signals may determine the presence and / or location of finger taps and gestures or hand positions of the user's hand in contact with exterior surface 430 of input device 400.

[0054] At least one example of the input device 400 can include a haptic assembly 440 disposed within the interior volume 432. The haptic assembly 440 can include an actuator 436 and a leg 434 coupled to the actuator and aligned with the opening 420. The actuator 436 is coupled to the leg 434 such that the actuator 436 is configured to extend the leg between a first position and a second position. The leg in FIG. 4A is shown in a first position in which the leg does not extend below a lower contact surface 418 of the input device 400. The bottom perspective view of the input device 400 shown in FIG. 4B illustrates the input device 400 having a plurality of openings 420a, 420b, and 420c defined by a lower portion 416. In this first position of the leg 434, the lower portion 416 defines a lower contact surface 418 upon which the input device 400 rests and is supported on a support surface.

[0055] In at least one example, actuator 436 includes a motor configured to physically move legs 434 in and out of interior volume 432, with legs 434 selectively movable in and out through openings 420 defined by lower portion 416. Input device 400 may also include one or more processors 438 electrically coupled to actuators 436 of haptic assembly 440 via one or more wires or circuit components 442. Processor 438 may be part of a controller that determines when and how legs 434 are moved in and out of openings 420.

[0056] It should also be noted that input device 400 may include one or more other electronic devices or components configured to transmit one or more signals to and from actuator 436 and to and from a computer electrically coupled to input device 400. In some examples, input device 400 does not include processor 438, but a processor on a computing device determines when and how actuator 436 moves leg 434. In such examples, hardwired or wireless connections and / or antennas on the computing device and / or input device 400 may be used to transmit and receive such signals. However, for purposes of explanation and by way of example, input devices described herein, including input device 400 of FIG. 4A , may include processor 438 for purposes of controlling actuator 436.

[0057] In at least one example, the housing 412 is symmetrical (e.g., rotationally symmetrical) about a central axis 453 oriented generally perpendicular to a surface on which the input device 400 may rest or be manipulated. For example, the housing 412 may be circular with the central axis 453 being the central axis of rotation and / or symmetry of the input device 400. In at least one example, a user may initially grasp the input device 400, including the housing 412, in any orientation and, as described herein, orient the input device 400 in an orientation intended by the user based on the user's grip or hand position, regardless of the actual orientation of the input device 400. In such an example, the processor 438 may determine the hand position and intended orientation of the input device 400 based on the position of the user's hands grasping the housing 412 via the touch sensors 439a-439b.

[0058] In at least one example, the housing 412 of the input device 400 is circular or dome-shaped, as shown in FIG. 4A , such that the housing 412 can rotate about a central axis 453 that serves as the central axis of rotation for the circular housing 412. In such an example, the mouse is agnostic to the actual orientation of the housing 412 relative to the support surface on which the housing 412 rests. Rather, the housing 412 can be digitally or computationally oriented and / or reoriented by the processor 434 based on the position of the user's hands as detected by the touch sensors 439 a-b, without the need to physically move or rotate the input device 400 when grasping the housing 412.

[0059] As described above, the actuator 436 can be configured to extend the leg 434 through the opening 420. The actuator 436 can be configured to selectively extend the leg 434 between a first position and a second position to change which surface comprises the lower contact surface of the input device 400. Again, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the leg 434 is in a first position that includes the leg 434 not extending through the opening 420 and the lower portion 416 defining the lower contact surface 418. With the leg 434 in this first position, the input device 400 can be considered to be in a first regime in which the frictional force or sliding resistance of the input device 400 is determined by the interaction between the lower contact surface 418 defined by the lower portion 416 and the support surface on which the input device 400 rests. In this first regime, the lower portion 416 can define a first coefficient of friction with the support surface.

[0060] 4C and 4D show input device 400 in a second configuration in which leg 434 has been extended or moved through opening 420 by actuator 436. In the second configuration, the lower portion or surface of leg 434 defines lower contact surface 418 such that the friction and sliding resistance force and coefficient of friction between input device 400 and a support surface are generated by the interaction between leg 434 or multiple legs 434a, 434b, and 434c extending through respective openings 420a, 420b, and 420c. In the second configuration, the friction force, friction torque, coefficient of friction, or sliding resistance of input device 400 sliding across a support surface with leg 434 or multiple legs 434a-434c extending through opening 420 in the second position may be different from the friction force and sliding resistance of input device 400 in the first configuration. 4C and 4D, the contact surface 418 is defined at least partially, and in some cases completely, by the legs 434. Thus, in the second configuration of the input device 400, the interaction between the legs 434 and the support surface determines the coefficient of friction and sliding resistance of the input device 400 on the support surface.

[0061] Thus, in at least one example, a first coefficient of friction between lower portion 416 and the support surface on which input device 400 rests in a first position is different from a second coefficient of friction between legs 434 and the support surface in a second position in which legs 434 define lower contact surface 418. In one example, the first coefficient of friction is greater than the second coefficient of friction. In one example, the second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction. In either case, legs 434 may be selectively movable and extendable through openings 420 to change the coefficient of friction defined by input device 400 resting or sliding on a support surface.

[0062] Many factors affect the coefficient of friction defined by two materials or surfaces interacting statically or dynamically. Normal force between the surfaces or materials, material type, surface texture, total surface area, humidity, and many other factors can affect the coefficient of friction and ultimately the sliding resistance between the input device 400 and a support surface. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , in a first configuration and first position with legs 434, the lower contact surface 418 defined by the lower portion 416 can include one set of characteristics or factors that affect a first coefficient of friction, while in a second configuration, the lower contact surface 418 defined by the lower surface of legs 434 in a second position extending through openings 420 can include another set of characteristics or factors that affect a second coefficient of friction. In general, however, references to coefficient of friction as used herein generally refer to the magnitude of the frictional force or sliding resistance experienced by a user as the user presses and / or slides the input device 400 across a support surface.

[0063] Examples of input devices described herein, including the device 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, show three legs 434a-434c selectively extendable through three respective openings 420a-420c. However, this configuration is used for exemplary and illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting. One or more other examples of the devices described herein may include fewer than three legs 434 and openings 420 based on the design needs and desired frictional changes of the input device 400. Furthermore, each leg 434 of the multiple legs of any one input device can be individually actuated and extend through an opening independently of the other legs. In such examples, a single leg on one side of the device 400 can extend more or less than another to tilt, steer, torque, or otherwise encourage the mouse in a direction based on the difference in frictional sliding force from one side of the device 400 to the other. In one example, all legs of a single input device can be actuated in unison. Also, the size, shape, and other design aspects of the legs 434 may vary in one or more other examples.

[0064] In at least one example, the actuator 436 of the device 400 can push or extend the legs 434 with a variable force. In this way, the input device 400 can maintain contact with a support surface when a user's hand is placed on the device 400. If the force extending the legs 434 is less than the opposing force from the user's hand on the device 400, the variable force from the actuator 434 can result in a force from one or more of the legs 434 that variably increases or decreases the sliding resistance of the device 400 along a spectrum. In such examples, the device 400 is not limited to only two distinct sliding resistance or frictional forces on a support surface. Thus, while first and second positions of the legs 434 are illustrated and described herein, these positions and resulting frictional forces are not meant to be limiting. Rather, while these positions are shown for illustrative purposes, the legs 434 can include any position between the illustrated first and second positions and can be acted upon with a variable force by the actuator 436 to provide a variable sliding force felt by the user.

[0065] Signals to actuate one or more legs 434 can be sent by a computing device and received by input device 400 to vary the frictional force of input device 400 on a supporting surface. These changes can be correlated to the movement of a visual object on the display screen of a competing device controlled by input device 400. In this manner, the sliding resistance of input device 400 can be altered to different degrees over time to generate different sliding resistances tactilely perceived by a user. This perceived tactile feedback of varying friction based on the position of legs 434 of input device 400 can mimic the visual representation of different unique surface textures and features displayed on the display screen of a competing device as a user visually drags an object, such as a cursor, across those textures and features.

[0066] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 4A-4D, including their arrangements and configurations, either alone or in any combination, may be included in any of the other example devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangements and configurations, either alone or in any combination, may be included in the example devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figures 4A-4D.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows an example of a haptic assembly including an actuator 536 coupled to a leg 534. The actuator 536 can be a motor engaged with the top or surface of the leg 534 via a cam 546. The bottom 516 of the input device can define an opening 520 through which the actuator 536 can selectively extend the leg 534. The haptic assembly 540 can also include a bracket 544 to guide the linear translation of the leg 534 through the opening 520, and a biasing element 548, such as a coil spring or other biasing mechanism, can maintain contact between the leg 534 and the cam 546. As the cam 546 rotates due to shaft rotation provided by the actuator 536, the vertical position of the leg 534 can vary and the leg 534 can extend in and out of the opening 520.

[0068] One or more other embodiments can include a haptic assembly that utilizes other actuation components and methods. In one or more examples, the haptic assembly can include magnetically actuated legs. One or more examples can include various types of motors, including solenoids, stepper motors, brushless DC motors, brushed DC motors, AC motors, gears and gearboxes, and the like.

[0069] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 5, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in any of the other example devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in the example devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 5.

[0070] 6 shows a perspective view of an example of an input device 600 including a grip portion 614 shown with dotted lines to indicate transparency to reveal various components within the input device 600. In the example shown, three separate haptic assemblies 640a, 640b, and 640c are disposed within the input device 600. The various haptic assemblies 640a, 640b, and 640c can be collectively referred to as haptic assemblies 640. Each haptic assembly 640 can include a respective actuator 636a-636c and leg 634a-634c aligned with and selectively extendable through a respective opening 620a-620c defined by a bottom portion 616 of the input device 600.

[0071] A processor 638 may be disposed within the input device 600 and electrically coupled to each haptic assembly 640a-640c via one or more wires or other circuitry 642, shown by dashed lines. The size, number, and position of each haptic assembly 640a-640c may vary in one or more other examples. The illustrated example of FIG. 6 shows three haptic assemblies 640a-640c that selectively extend three legs 634a-634c through three respective openings 620a-620c to vary the frictional characteristics of the input device 600 against a support surface.

[0072] As described above with reference to other examples, the processor 638 can cause one or more actuators 636a-636c to extend the haptic legs 634a-634c through the openings 620a-620c based on the location of a cursor controlled by the input device 600 on the display screen of the computing device.

[0073] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 6, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in any of the other example devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in the example devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 6.

[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an input device 700 being manipulated by a user's hand 750 on a support surface including a first support surface 706a and a second support surface 706b. The input device 700 may be referred to as a mouse or computer mouse configured to manipulate a visual object, such as a cursor 708, across a display screen 704 of the computing device. FIG. 7 also illustrates a computing device, also referred to as a display device 702, including a display screen 704. As shown in FIG. 7, the display screen 704 may visually present distinct surfaces, surface textures, or physical features in various regions or positions on the display screen 704. In the illustrated display screen 704 of FIG. 7, four distinct display regions 709a, 709b, 709c, and 709d of the display screen 704 each visually represent objects having different surface textures, materials, and other features.

[0075] For example, the first display area 709a visually depicts a "diamond plate" sheet metal material, while the second display area 709b depicts a wood material. The third display area 709c of the display screen 704 shows a gradient of change in friction force, with darker areas representing higher friction and lighter areas representing lower friction or sliding resistance. As a user manipulates the input device 700 to control the position of the cursor 708 across the display screen 704, such as in the third display area 709c, the user can receive haptic feedback from the input device 700 as the input device 700 varies its sliding resistance relative to the first support surface 706a, as described elsewhere herein. The sliding resistance on the first support surface 706a can be varied based on and in response to the position of the cursor 708 relative to the dark, high-friction and light, low-friction areas displayed in the third display area 709c. The fourth display area 709d shows a glass surface.

[0076] In some embodiments, as a user manipulates input device 700 with their hand 750 across one or more support surfaces 706 a and 706 b, a cursor 708 or other graphical interface object or indicator displayed on display screen 704 may move across display screen 704 accordingly. As cursor 708 moves across different display areas 709 a- 709 d, input device 700 is configured to change the frictional appearance and position of the feet of input device 700 as described herein to physically mimic and haptically simulate the different surface textures, features, and frictional appearances depicted on display screen 704. For example, as a user moves cursor 708 on display screen 704 over a diamond plate sheet metal image displayed in first display area 709 a, input device 700 may extend and retract its feet to correspond to the diamond protrusions, thus physically creating the tactile sensation of the diamond protrusions on the user's hand 750. The input device 700 can also generate the physical sensation of dragging a mouse over a wooden surface, including references to portions of the wood grain, as displayed in the second display area 709b when the cursor 708 is manipulated over that area.

[0077] 7, it will be understood that while particular surface features and textures are depicted on the display screen 704 shown in FIG. 7, these are used for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. One or more other examples of input devices and display screens can generate and mimic any number of surfaces, textures, features, or other scenarios, where the physical modality is visually represented on the display screen 704 and the user tactilely feels the simulated scenario through adjustment of one or more legs of the input device. For example, these scenarios may include adjusting the horizontal movement of the input device 700 to be easier or more difficult for the user depending on the game modality (e.g., the virtual state or position of the game character when the character is injured, wading through water, or carrying heavy equipment, compared to when the character is healthy or unburdened).

[0078] Within third display region 709c, as the user manipulates cursor 708 over friction gradients displayed on display screen 704, input device 700 can mimic these friction gradients even if the friction characteristics of first support surface 706a are otherwise consistent (i.e., first support surface 706a has a consistent texture, material, smoothness, etc. where input device 700 moves). In some embodiments, as the user moves the input device over multiple support surfaces (e.g., 706b and 706a) to move cursor 708 across fourth display region 709d on display screen 704, input device 700 can adjust the sliding resistance between device 700 and each surface 706a, 706b, so that the user feels as if they are moving input device 700 on a consistent glass virtually displayed in region 709d. Thus, even if a user physically moves input device 700 across two surfaces 706a, 706b that have different frictional feel and sliding resistance characteristics relative to a non-adjustable input device, input device 700 can dynamically adjust the sliding resistance of device 700 as it moves from one surface to the other, thereby reducing or eliminating any difference in sliding resistance or texture feel experienced by the user as they slide device 700.

[0079] Additionally, in at least one example, a user can slide device 700 across different support surfaces that may have different frictional interactions with input device 700, but input device 700 is configured to change its underside so that the sliding resistance or frictional force between input device 700 and the support surface remains constant as perceived by the user. This can be done regardless of the state of cursor 708 or graphic (e.g., any of 709a-709d) shown on display 702. In one example, first support surface 706a can include the top surface of a mouse pad. Second support surface 706b can include a sliding surface that has a lower coefficient of friction with the bottom or legs of input device 700 compared to the coefficient of friction between first support surface 706a and input device 700.

[0080] In such a scenario, as a user slides the input device 700 with their hand 750 from a first support surface 706 a to a second support surface 706 b, rather than experiencing a difference in sliding resistance or frictional force between the input device 700 and the various support surfaces 706 a and 706 b, the input device 700 may be configured to switch from a first modality to a second modality that increases the coefficient of friction between the input device 700 and the second support surface 706 b. For example, the total contact area between the input device 700 and the support surfaces may be dynamically adjusted. In this manner, the coefficient of friction between the input device 700 and both support surfaces 706 a and 706 b may remain constant as the user moves the input device 700 across both support surfaces 706 a and 706 b. This constant sliding resistance, tactilely perceived by the user or the user's hand 750, can create a pleasant and consistent user experience with the input device despite moving across inconsistent support areas.

[0081] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 7, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in any of the other example devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures described herein. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, either alone or in any combination, may be included in the example devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 7.

[0082] It is well understood that use of personally identifiable information should comply with generally recognized privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

[0083] In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, specific terminology was used 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 to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. An input device, a housing defining an interior volume and a lower portion, the lower portion defining an opening; an input sensor disposed within the interior volume; a haptic assembly disposed within the interior volume, the haptic assembly comprising: An actuator; a leg coupled to the actuator and aligned with the opening.

2. the input sensor includes a plurality of capacitive sensing elements disposed on the housing; the legs are movable between a first position and a second position via the actuator, and in the second position, the legs extend through the opening; The input device according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The input device of claim 2, wherein a first coefficient of friction between the lower portion and a support surface on which the input device rests when the legs are in the first position is different from a second coefficient of friction between the legs and the support surface when the legs are in the second position.

4. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is operable to selectively extend the legs through the openings.

5. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion includes a support protrusion having a lower surface.

6. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion defines a lower surface configured to support the input device on a support surface.

7. The input device of claim 6 , wherein the actuator is configured to extend the legs through the openings such that contact surfaces of the legs support the input device on the support surface.

8. The input device of claim 7 , wherein when the contact surfaces of the legs support the input device, the frictional force between the input device and the support surface on which the input device rests changes.

9. A mouse, A housing, An opening; a housing defining a lower surface; a leg portion movable between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the lower surface defines a lowermost surface of the mouse; In the second position, the legs extend through the opening and define a bottom surface of the mouse.

10. 10. The mouse of claim 9, wherein the bottom surface is configured to contact a support surface on which the mouse rests while the feet are in the first position or while the feet are in the second position.

11. The mouse of claim 9 , further comprising an actuator coupled to the legs, the actuator configured to selectively extend the legs through the openings.

12. The mouse of claim 11 , wherein a sliding resistance between the contact surface and a support surface on which the mouse rests varies based on whether the feet are in the first position or whether the feet are in the second position.

13. the leg is a first leg; the opening is a first opening, the housing defines a second opening; the mouse includes a second leg extendable through the second opening; The mouse of claim 9.

14. The housing is circular about a central axis, The input device is A touch sensor; a processor electrically coupled to the touch sensor; the processor is configured to determine an intended orientation of the housing based on a position of a user's hand detected by the touch sensor. The mouse of claim 9.

15. An input device, a first feature having a first sliding resistance on a surface thereof; a second feature having a second sliding resistance on the surface, the second sliding resistance being different from the first sliding resistance; an actuator for selectively switching the input device from the first modality to the second modality; an input sensor that detects an input from a user's hand holding the input device; An input device comprising:

16. 16. The input device of claim 15, wherein the actuator is an electric actuator operable to extend legs relative to a bottom surface of the input device.

17. The input device of claim 15 , wherein the actuator is configured to selectively switch between the first modality and the second modality in response to a texture pattern.

18. In the first aspect, the input device includes a lower portion defining a first lower contact surface and an opening; In the second aspect, the input device includes a leg extending through the opening, the leg defining a second lower contact surface distinct from the first lower contact surface.

16. The input device of claim 15.

19. 20. The input device of claim 18, wherein the actuator selectively switches the input device from the first modality to the second modality by extending the leg through the opening.

20. 20. The input device of claim 19, further comprising a processor programmed to control the actuator to extend the leg through the opening based on the location of a cursor controlled by the input device on a display screen.

Images