Input device with adaptive grip orientation - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The computer input system includes a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an interior volume and a sensor assembly disposed within the interior volume. A processor is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having stored thereon electronic instructions 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 touch sensor or a circular array of lights that detects the position of the hand and provides orientation information to the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 472,173, filed September 21, 2023, entitled "Input Device with Adaptive Grip Orientation," 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 Orientation." 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] The described embodiments relate generally to input devices, and more particularly to input devices with adaptive grips. [Background technology]

[0003] Computing devices and systems, such as portable computers, tablets, and desktop computers, receive input from users through input devices, such as a mouse, trackpad, or other input device. The input device allows a user to move an input pointer, such as a cursor, on a screen and make selections in a graphical user interface (GUI) on the computer system. Input devices generally include buttons and location tracking devices, such as mechanical or optical movement trackers or other movement trackers. The location tracking device can track user-directed movements and convert 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, which converts the user's movements, to point toward the desired feature displayed on the GUI and make the desired selection.

[0004] Conventional user input devices include mechanical buttons for data selection and command execution. The mechanical buttons are located near the upper front portion of the user input device, creating a one-way user interaction. This one-way user interaction requires the user to position their hand in a manner that may be uncomfortable or undesirable. Additionally, if the user input device is positioned opposite the user's hand, the user must reposition the user input device to function properly with the GUI. For example, if the user input device is positioned opposite the user's hand (e.g., mechanical buttons located near the upper front portion that are positioned toward the user's palm rather than the user's fingers), the input device may reverse the user's intended movements on the GUI, creating a confusing and frustrating user experience.

[0005] Therefore, what is needed in the art is an input device that provides an improved user experience and can accurately interpret a user's intended movements regardless of the orientation of the input device orientation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a computer input system can include a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an interior volume and a sensor assembly disposed within the interior volume. The system can also include a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having stored thereon electronic instructions 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.

[0007] 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 locations between the outer surface and the hand, and the electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a position of the hand relative to the input device, and an orientation of the mouse is determined based on the position of the hand. 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 touch sensor includes a capacitive sensor. In one example, the housing defines an outer surface of the mouse, the first touch sensor configured to detect a first touch input at a first location on the outer surface, and the second touch sensor configured to detect a second touch input at a second location on the outer surface of the housing. In one example, the orientation of the mouse is determined based on the relative positions of the first location and the second location. 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 in which the user is facing that changes depending on the relative positions of the first location and the second location. In one example, the mouse further includes a bottom surface configured to face a support surface, and the housing includes a circular cross-sectional planar circle in a plane parallel to the bottom surface. In one example, the mouse further includes a light array disposed within the internal volume and coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to display the direction or orientation via the light array.

[0008] In at least one example of the present disclosure, an electronic input device includes a housing having an at least partially upwardly facing surface including an interior surface defining an interior volume, the housing being at least translucent; a touch sensor array disposed within the interior volume; a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the input device over a support surface; and a light disposed within the interior volume and illuminable to direct light through the at least partially upwardly facing surface of the housing in response to touch input detected by the touch sensor array.

[0009] 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 the light through the housing in response to determining an orientation of the electronic input device based on at least two of the multiple touch points. In one example, the touch sensor array includes multiple capacitive sensors arranged in a circular configuration. In one example, the multiple capacitive sensors are arranged in contact with the inner surface. In one example, the light includes multiple LED lights arranged in a concentric circle with the circular sensor array. In one example, the light includes multiple LED lights arranged in a concentric circle with the sensor array. In one example, the light is a first light of a circular light array arranged in a concentric circle with the touch sensor array.

[0010] In at least one example, a circular user input device includes a housing defining a major plane and having a circular cross-section in the major plane centered on an axis perpendicular to the major plane, the housing having an inner surface defining an interior volume; a capacitive sensor array disposed within the interior volume and including a set of sensing elements arranged in a circle and concentric with the axis; and a light array disposed within the interior volume, the light array including a set of lights arranged in a circle and concentric with the axis.

[0011] In one example, the set of sensing elements is disposed on the inner surface. In one example, the housing includes an upper curved surface and a lower surface parallel to the major 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 for connecting to an external computing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] 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:

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mouse and a display.

[0014] [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mouse.

[0015] [Figure 2B] A bottom perspective view of the mouse is shown.

[0016] [Figure 2C] A top view of the mouse is shown.

[0017] [Figure 3] A cross-sectional side view of a mouse is shown.

[0018] [Figure 4] A bottom cross-sectional view of the mouse is shown.

[0019] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mouse and indicator(s).

[0020] [Figure 6] A cross-sectional side view of a mouse is shown.

[0021] [Figure 7A]Shows the mouse and the user's hand.

[0022] [Figure 7B] 1 shows a display having a display screen.

[0023] [Figure 7C] A top view of the mouse is shown.

[0024] [Figure 8] A top view of the mouse is shown.

[0025] [Figure 9] A top view of the mouse is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] 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.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to input devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an input device for a computer system, such as a mouse, having an adaptive grip configuration and orientation sensing that allows a user to operate the input device regardless of orientation. An input device, such as a mouse, allows a user to interact with a digital environment by interacting with a computing device (e.g., a portable computer, a desktop computer, a tablet, etc.) and a display via the input device. The input device allows the user to move a cursor and make selections in a GUI on a display screen of the computing device. An input device, such as a computer mouse, generally includes a button and a location tracking device (e.g., a mechanical or optical movement tracker). As the mouse is translated (e.g., moved across a surface), the input device tracks the movement via the location tracking device, converts the user's mouse movements into signals readable by the computing device, and presents the user's movements on a display. Similarly, a user can press a button on the mouse (e.g., actuated via finger force) to make a selection in the display's GUI.

[0028] Traditional mice have buttons or touch sensors in fixed locations and require the user to interact with the mouse in a particular way. The location of the buttons or sensors on the mouse creates a frustrating experience, forcing the user to grip the mouse in a way that may be uncomfortable or undesirable. Additionally, mouse buttons may not be interchangeable, and mouse buttons do not dynamically change to accommodate left-handed or right-handed users, creating a difficult experience for left-handed and right-handed users who share the same mouse.

[0029] Furthermore, conventional mice are directionally biased, with a fixed coordinate system relative to the mouse button. For example, upward cursor movement relative to the display is determined by forward mouse movement relative to the button. Moving the mouse away from the button moves the cursor downward, regardless of the user's hand positioning or mouse orientation.

[0030] As noted above, using a mouse is advantageous for interacting with a computing device, but the location of the mouse buttons and the position of the mouse cursor relative to the user are important to providing a satisfying interactive user experience. This is especially true when multiple users of different handedness (e.g., left-handed or right-handed) occupy the same mouse. The following example details a mouse with features and functions for button placement and cursor position that create a more satisfying interactive user experience.

[0031] In at least one example, a computer input system includes a mouse having a housing and a sensor assembly disposed within an interior volume, and a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly, the processor capable of executing 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.

[0032] 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 can include an interior surface defining an interior volume. The light array can be disposed within the interior volume of the housing and can direct light through the housing based on input by the sensor array. In one example, the sensor array can be configured to detect multiple positions of a multi-touch input contacting the housing.

[0033] 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 on an axis perpendicular to the major plane, the housing having an inner surface defining an interior volume. The input device can also include a capacitive sensor array disposed relative to the inner surface and including sensing elements arranged in a circular and concentric circle about the axis, and a light array disposed within the interior volume, the light array including lights arranged in a circular and concentric circle about the axis.

[0034] In each of the aforementioned examples shown in the figures and described below, the input device can detect touch input from a user via a sensor array. The sensor array can be configured to detect touch input that is interpreted by a processing or computing device to determine the position of the user's hand relative to the outer surface of the input device. The orientation of the hand can infer or imply the user's intended action while the input device is being used. For example, the user's hand position can indicate the user's intended orientation of the input device. If the user grasps the device with particular fingers or palm resting in a first configuration on the outer surface, the computing device can predict that movement of the input device in a first direction (e.g., the direction the index finger is likely pointing) will cause an action through the user interface (e.g., a mouse cursor moving upward on the display). If the user releases the initial grip and grasps the device with the input device rotated from its initial position relative to the support surface (e.g., after picking up and rotating the device), the fingers or palm can be detected as resting in a second configuration relative to the outer surface of the input device. In that arrangement, movement of the input device in a second direction (e.g., the direction the index finger is currently pointing after reorienting the input device) can cause the same action through the user interface (e.g., the cursor still moves upward) despite the change in position of the input device. Thus, in some embodiments, the device can detect a user grip and use that grip to infer the user's intention when the user moves or otherwise interacts with the input device. In some embodiments, this inferred intention can include assigning the direction of movement of the input device as a "forward" direction or a "user-facing" direction relative to the user. This "forward" or "user-facing" direction can be a direction that is assumed to point away from the front of the user (i.e., the direction the user is facing), such as the direction a user's arm or hand moves when reaching forward to grasp or move an input device away from the user's torso.Thus, movement of the input device in that direction can be associated with a given action (e.g., a cursor moving upwards across a display screen), regardless of the physical orientation of the input device's internal (or external) components relative to the Earth (e.g., relative to the direction of gravity or geographic location).

[0035] In this way, a circular input device can be used and its orientation can be determined anew each time a user grips or touches the surface of the input device with their hands. In this way, a user does not have to physically reorient the input device each time they use it. A user can grip the input device as they deem appropriate for comfort and convenience, and a controller or computing device for the input device will automatically determine the orientation based on how the user touches the device.

[0036] Additionally, the input devices described herein may include feedback to the user when the device is gripped, for example in the form of visual feedback via a light array that projects through the housing of the device to indicate the detected forward or facing direction for the input device.

[0037] Thus, the electronic input devices described herein can create a more satisfying, intuitive, and natural interactive user experience.

[0038] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 1-9. 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).

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an input device 100 disposed on a support surface 106 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 with a dashed line 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 pointer (e.g., cursor) 108 displayed on the display screen 104. The mouse 100 may be placed on the support surface 106 and operated by a user interacting with the computing device 102 (e.g., a computer system). A processor within the mouse 100 or the computing device 102 may transmit user-initiated movements of the mouse 100 to the cursor 108 on the display screen 104 of the computing device 102, thus controlling the cursor 108 on the display screen 104.

[0040] As used herein, the term "mouse" describes an electronic input device or circular user input device, described as mouse 100. In one or more examples, the electronic input devices or circular user input devices described herein, including mouse 100, can be a remote control, a volume control, a pointer, or other electronic input device capable of providing control signals to an electronic device, such as computing device 102 shown in FIG.

[0041] Mouse 100 can interact with a variety of electronic devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, televisions, virtual reality headsets, etc.) that provide a user with a diverse set of features. The mode of mouse 100 can change depending on the connection between mouse 100 and an electronic device. For example, mouse 100 can operate as a computer mouse and switch (dynamically or manually) between devices to interact with a television set or other electronic device or computing system.

[0042] Mouse 100 can connect to computing device 102 via connector 110. In one example, connector 110 can be a cable (e.g., multiple wires for transmitting energy, signals, or other interface data) that creates a wired connection between mouse 100 and another electronic device (e.g., a computer, a display, a television, etc.). In one example, connector 110 between mouse 100 and computing device 102 or other electronic device can be wireless (BLE, RF, WLAN, LAN, WPAN, etc.) that electronically communicates movements of mouse 100 to computing device 102 or other electronic device.

[0043] A user can hold the mouse 100 in a variety of grip configurations and hand positions. For example, in some cases, a user may hold the electronic device 100 using their left hand, and in other cases, they must hold the mouse 100 with their right hand. In another example, a user may hold the mouse 100 with all five fingers and part of their palm. In another example, a user may hold the mouse 100 with only two or three fingers. The mouse 100 can actively and automatically reorient which direction corresponds to the orientation of the cursor 108 on the display screen 104 based on the position of the user's hand. Additionally, as described in more detail below with reference to other figures, the circular design of the mouse 100 allows a user to hold the electronic input device in different orientations without having to physically reorient the mouse for use or interrupt function.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 2A and 2B show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of mouse 200, including grip surface 214, a bottom portion defining a lower surface (e.g., contact surface) 216, and housing 212. Mouse 200 may be an exemplary embodiment of mouse 100 of FIG. 1. Lower surface 216 is configured to rest on support surface 106, thereby allowing mouse 200 to be slidably translated from one position to another by a user. Mouse 200 further includes a motion sensor 220 (e.g., an optical location, position, or displacement sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor), a mechanical location sensor (e.g., a mouse ball), a laser location, position, or displacement sensor, similar devices, or a combination thereof) aligned with an opening 218 defined in lower surface 216. A motion sensor 220 aligned with the opening 218 can detect the support surface 106 and the movement (change in location) of the mouse 200 on the support surface 106 through the opening 218 .

[0046] 2C shows a top view of mouse 200, with housing 212 defining a circular shape or perimeter around major cross-sectional plane 222, also referred to as major flat surface 222. In at least one example, major flat surface 222 can be parallel to bottom surface 216. The circular cross-sectional shape of mouse 200 at major flat surface 222 can be centered about central axis 223 that extends perpendicular to major flat surface 222. Bottom surface 216 can be secured to grip surface 214 of housing 212, and major flat surface 222 and bottom surface 216 can be parallel to one another.

[0047] In at least one example, grip surface 214 may be constructed from a material (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, etc.) that is penetrable by or transparent to radio signals, waves, or fields detectable by capacitive or other sensor types. Accordingly, in at least one example of mouse 200, one or more sensors, such as touch sensors, may be disposed within mouse 200 and configured to detect user contact (e.g., from a finger, palm, wrist, etc.) with grip surface 214 through housing 212. The sensors may also be configured to detect movement of a user's contact on or across grip surface 214, for example, when a user wishes to perform a scrolling function or a swipe gesture. Additionally, at least one embodiment of mouse 200 may include a transparent or translucent material to allow light to project through housing 212 to display feedback or other information to the user.

[0048] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 2A-2C, 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-2C.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example mouse 300 including a housing 312 defining a bottom surface 316 and a grip surface or portion 314. The housing 312 may 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 may be disposed within the interior volume 328. Similarly, as described above with reference to the example of FIG. 1, the mouse 300 of FIG. 3 may include a wireless connection and one or more emitter / receiver components for wirelessly communicating with a computing device. While the processor 334 is shown within the interior volume 328 of FIG. 3, one or more other embodiments may include an interface (e.g., an emitter and receiver) for electrically communicating with a computing device having the processor (e.g., wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and similar protocols). In such examples, mouse 300 may not include the processor 334 shown, but instead may include wireless communication components that electrically couple the processor of the computing device with sensor assembly 330 and other components of mouse 300. However, mouse 300 shown in Figure 3 includes processor 334 within its internal volume 328 for purposes of explanation and illustration in this disclosure.

[0050] 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 within the interior volume 328, for example, with elements evenly spaced around the inner circumference of the interior surface 326. In another example, the sensor assembly 330 can be disposed within the thickness of the grip 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 grip portion 314 outside the exterior surface 324. As shown in FIG. 3 , the top of the housing 312 (e.g., the top half / upper connection portion 336 in the figure) can have a convex dome shape when viewed from above the mouse 300. This dome shape can have a radius of curvature below the top surface 324 or below the bottom of the top of the housing 312. The housing 312 can also have a lower portion (e.g., a sidewall of the lower half of the housing 312 between the connecting portion 336 and the lower surface 316) that has a concave shape when viewed from above the mouse 300. In other words, the lower portion can include a sidewall with a cross-section that has a different center of curvature than the upper portion. With the upper and lower portions combined, the housing 312 can define a graspable sidewall of the mouse 300, with the upper portion flared and having a larger diameter than the lower wall and the lower surface 316, such that a user's fingers can lift the mouse by placing the user's fingertips against the lower sidewall and pulling the housing 312 upward.

[0051] The processor 334 may perform actions by executing executable instructions stored or encoded on memory components. There may be any type and / or number of processor(s) 334, including one or more central processing unit(s) (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, computer chips, and / or processing units configured to execute machine language instructions, process data such as executable instructions, transmit sensor data, or transmit location data obtained from sensors. The processor 334 may be coupled to the sensor assembly 330 and configured to determine an orientation of the mouse 300 based on touch input (e.g., finger, thumb, palm, etc.) detected by the sensor assembly 330.

[0052] The sensor assembly 334 includes multiple sensor elements 332. The sensor elements 332 can include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor, or three, four, five, or more capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensor elements 332 can measure / detect changes in capacitance when a user interfaces with the mouse 300, for example, when the user touches the exterior surface 324 with a finger or hand. The user can use one, two, three, or more fingers to operate the mouse 300. One or more sensor elements 332 can send a signal to a processor 334 coupled to the sensor assembly 330, which can process the signal to determine the user's hand engagement with the mouse 300. For example, a user can use all of their fingers to engage the mouse 300 and place their palm on the mouse 300. The sensor elements (e.g., capacitive sensors) 332 can send a signal change to the processor 334. The processor 334 can then interpret or infer the placement of the user's hands (e.g., by detecting the number of fingers or contact points, or the size of the contact points), react, and execute commands in response to the placement of the user's hands.

[0053] In at least one example, the mouse 300 can also include at least one force sensor 331. The force sensor 331 can be part of the sensor array 330 as shown, or the force sensor 331 can be located elsewhere on the mouse 300 or within its interior volume 328. The force sensor 331 can be configured to measure / detect force applied to the grip portion 314 of the housing 312. In one example, the mouse 300 can include multiple force sensors. A mouse 300 with one or more force sensors 331 can be configured to detect the grip force or magnitude of force applying downward or in any direction to the grip portion 314 or other portions of the housing 312 as a user manipulates the mouse 300 during use. The force sensor 331 can be used to distinguish between touch input from fingers loosely gripping the housing 312 and touch input from fingers pressing more firmly against the housing 312. In this manner, the force sensor 331 can be used to detect 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 used to determine whether a detected touch is likely to be from a user's fingertip or the palm of the user's hand, with the fingertip applying a higher or more focused force than the palm.

[0054] 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.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a bottom cross-sectional view of a mouse 400 including 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) have been omitted. The housing 412 may include an exterior surface (e.g., 324 in FIG. 3 ) and an interior surface 426. The interior surface 426 may define an interior volume 428. The sensor assembly 430 and the light array 440 may be disposed within 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 circle having a first diameter. The sensor assembly 430 may be arranged in a circle, 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 (as shown in FIG. 4 ), and in some embodiments, the second diameter is smaller and 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 concentric diameters and the individual lights 442 are spaced between or overlap the capacitive sensor elements 432.

[0056] 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 on or embedded within an inner surface 428 of the housing 412, and a circular light array 430 disposed on the inner 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 concentrically with the circular sensor array 430. In at least one example, the sensor array 430 can include a plurality of sensor elements 432. In one example, the sensor elements 432 can include capacitive touch sensor elements.

[0057] The housing 412 can be a transparent or translucent material so that when the LEDs 442 on the circular light array 440 are energized and emit visible spectrum light, the light is visible to a user through the housing 412 on the exterior of the mouse 400. The LEDs 442 can vary in light intensity and color. For example, the light array 440 can provide notifications (e.g., text message notifications, calendar notifications, time notifications, etc.) corresponding to a hue, brightness, saturation, blinking or color pattern, or similar light indicator characteristic. In another example, the LEDs 442 can 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 can be synchronized over time to produce animated light that appears to move in one direction or another (e.g., in a pattern that moves around the circumference of a circle) to communicate with a user.

[0058] In one example, the processor 434 is configured to display a direction of orientation of the mouse 400. For example, when the mouse 400 is rotated about the normal / vertical axis 223 while aligning its bottom surface 216 parallel to the support surface 106, the LEDs 442 located on the circular light array 440 may illuminate, and the light may shift from a first energized LED 442 to a second energized LED 442, with the first LED 442 becoming de-energized as the second LED 442 becomes energized. In this manner, as the mouse 400 is rotated, the energized LEDs 442 may appear to remain in one location relative to the user's field of view.

[0059] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 4, 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 4.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a mouse 500 including a housing 512, a grip portion 514, and a light array 540. The light array 540 can include several individual lights 542. In at least one example, the lights 542 can include LEDs. At least a portion of the housing 512 can include a translucent material defining an exterior surface 524. As previously described, the translucent material allows the lights 542 to transmit light through the housing 512, such that the light is visible to a user on the exterior surface 524. In one example, the mouse 500 includes a “user-north,” “forward,” “user-forward,” or “user-facing” direction configured (by the processor 334) to be displayed on the exterior surface 524 of the mouse 500 via at least one light 546 of the light array 540. For example, the light 546 can indicate a determined forward direction or orientation of the mouse relative to the user's grip based on where the user grips the housing 512. The “user-north” direction can also be referred to as the “forward” direction of the mouse 500 relative to the support surface. The forward direction may correspond to the upward direction of cursor movement on a display screen when the cursor is controlled by mouse 500. The "north relative to the user" or "forward" direction of mouse 500 may correspond to the upward direction on a display screen where mouse 500 is controlling a movable cursor.

[0061] 5 may include any and all of the features of the mice shown in the other figures, including a sensor array within its internal volume for detecting a user's grip. In at least one example, when a user holds mouse 500 to control a cursor on a display screen, mouse 500 may detect the grip of the user's hand and fingers contacting outer surface 524 of grip portion 514 and orient north relative to the user accordingly. In one example, upon reorienting based on the user's grip, mouse 500 may communicate or confirm to the user via light array 540 the new "north relative to the user" or "forward" direction of mouse 500.

[0062] In one example, the light array 540 can respond to user movements or presses 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 on the light array 540 can generate a light sequence that selectively emits light in a particular pattern resembling a circular movement. The circular movement can indicate information to a user, such as that a particular function has been performed. In another example, the light array 540 can provide different information by pulsing, blinking, or selectively activating lights to indicate to a user that different functions have been performed or that the mouse or connected computing device has a particular status.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mouse 600 that includes a housing 612 that defines an interior surface 626 that defines an interior volume 628. The mouse 600 can further include a light array 640 having individual lights or LEDs 642 disposed relative to the interior surface 626 or elsewhere within or below the exterior surface of the housing 612. The sensor array 630 can include sensors (e.g., 632). The mouse 600 can also include a processor 634 disposed within the interior volume. Additionally, in at least one example, the mouse includes a haptic component 648, an antenna 650, and another electrical component 652.

[0065] Haptic component 648 can include an electromechanical component or device that vibrates to provide tactile feedback to the user. Haptic component 648 can include a linear resonant actuator (LRA) or a combination of LRAs to generate movement or tactile feedback in one or more axes for mouse 600. Similarly, haptic component 648 can include one or more eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors to generate movement or tactile feedback in one or more axes for mouse 600. These haptic components can be driven by different waveforms to generate distinct haptic effects representing different functions. For example, when mouse 600 is rotated about its central axis 623, it may generate an audible sound or vibration as it is rotated or at certain increments of angular displacement of housing 612. This can include providing haptic feedback in a manner similar to a mechanical knob or dial that “clicks” when rotated about axis 623, or providing taps or vibrations that indicate different stages or rates of angular movement. In another example, a user can tap a feature or icon on the exterior surface of mouse 600 with a finger. Accordingly, haptic component 648 of mouse 600 can generate different types of sounds or haptic effects corresponding to a user tap or click compared to a rotation of mouse 600, such as by outputting a different sound or vibrating in a different manner. In some examples, the haptics can have a resolution (e.g., detent resolution) that a user can change according to particular user needs or specifications. In another example, audio signals generated by music, games, movies, or other digital media can be converted into haptic effects and relayed to the user via haptic component 648. It should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated herein and that the above description provides examples to illustrate haptic component 648.

[0066] The antenna 650 or other wireless interface of the mouse 600 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna, a wire antenna, a chip antenna, or any other type of suitable antenna configuration. The antenna 650 may include a monopole, dipole, patch, slot, 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 whose location changes relative to the user, or for large-sector directional radiation and reception, such as a hemispherical pattern. Additionally, antenna arrays can be implemented to manipulate radiation / reception patterns to affect connectivity. The antenna 650 may operate at or be optimized for a particular frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and / or radio frequency (RF) band. The antenna may be a BLUETOOTH® device transmitting at a similar frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz). The antenna may be part of or include a communication interface configured to wirelessly connect to an external computing device, such as the computing device 102 shown in FIG. 1.

[0067] The electrical 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 or force sensors (strain gauge pressure sensors, piezoelectric pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, solid-state pressure sensors, etc.), and other electrical components.

[0068] In at least one example, sensors 632 are disposed on inner surface 626 and are sensing elements of sensor array 630 arranged in a circular and concentric pattern around central axis 623 of mouse 600. Additionally, in at least one example, light array 640 can include lights 642 (e.g., LEDs) disposed within interior volume 628, where lights 642 are arranged in a circular and concentric pattern around central axis 623. In at least one example, housing 612 is symmetrical about central axis 623. For example, housing 612 can be circular, and central axis 623 can be a central axis of rotation and / or an axis of rotational symmetry for mouse 600. In at least one example, a user can initially hold mouse 600, including its housing 612, in any orientation and, as described herein, orient mouse 600 as intended by the user based on the user's grip or hand position, regardless of the actual orientation of mouse 600.

[0069] 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.

[0070] FIG. 7A shows mouse 700 in contact with a user's hand 754, with the user's hand 754 grasping the grip portion 714 of the housing 712. The circular profile of mouse 700 allows the user to grasp mouse 700 from any orientation, regardless of how mouse 700 was rotated on the support surface prior to the arrival of the user's hand 754. While mouse 700 is in use, a computing device can detect touch points from hand 754 and fingers 756 relative to housing 712 via sensors in a sensor array, such as sensor 632 of sensor array 630 shown in mouse 600 of FIG. 6. Thus, sensors 630 can be used to determine the placement and positioning of hand 754 and fingers 756 on mouse 700, which can then dynamically determine the orientation of mouse 700 relative to the user's hand 754, which is positioned on grip portion 714 of mouse 700. The user's hand 754 can be left-handed or right-handed, depending on the user's preference. The mouse 700 can detect either left- or right-hand placement, thereby dynamically providing convenience and efficiency for ambidextrous users or multiple users of the same mouse 700.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7B , the mouse 700 can transmit user-initiated movements to the display 702, and a cursor 708 can move around on the display screen 704 in response to translation of the mouse across the support surface. The cursor 708 can move around the display screen upward or “north” (N), downward or “south” (S), right or “east” (E), or left or “west” (W) relative to axes presented on the display screen 704. Moving the mouse 700 in a north direction relative to the user, i.e., the user pushing the mouse away from their torso, as determined by contact between the finger and the housing 712, can move the cursor upward / north (N) on the display screen 704. For example, the user can move the mouse 700 in a direction representing an upward direction (e.g., north) on the display screen. The mouse 700 interprets the position of the user's hand 754 and the user's finger(s) 756, determines north relative to the user relative to the placement of the user's hand 754 and finger(s) 756, and moves the icon 708 in a north direction on the display screen 704 of the display 702, as shown in FIG. 7C . Furthermore, the cursor movement may be in any direction north, south, east, west, or any combination thereof, e.g., north-west, south-east, or other combinations, depending on the corresponding amount of left, right, or backward horizontal movement of the mouse. It will be understood that other embodiments of movement of the cursor 708 relative to the display screen 702 caused by the mouse 700 are contemplated herein, and the above examples are for illustrative purposes only.

[0072] FIG. 7C is a top view of a mouse 700 and a housing 712, including a grip portion 714. Contact regions 758a-758f, representing detected contact areas between a user's hand 754 and fingers 756 and the mouse 700, are shown with dotted borders. In the illustrated example, the detected touch regions 758a-758f include a first finger sensor contact region 758a, a second finger sensor contact region 758b, a third finger sensor contact region 758c, a fourth finger contact region 758d, a fifth finger contact region 758e, and a palm sensor contact region 758f. As described above with reference to other examples, the mouse 700 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C can include sensors and sensor arrays for detecting the touch regions of the user's hand 754 and fingers 756. The contact regions 758a-758f can be collectively referred to as a contact profile 758.

[0073] The contact profile 758 includes sensor readings from the portion of the hand 754 in contact with the mouse 700. For example, a user may hold the mouse 700 with all of their fingers 756 and a portion of their palm to create the sensor profile shown in FIG. 7C . A first contact area 758a, representing a first finger 756 in contact with the mouse 700, may be different from a second contact area 758b, resulting in a unique sensor profile for each finger and / or palm in contact with the outer surface 712 of the mouse 700. For example, the sensor profile 758 may be real-time capacitive readings of the fingers based on the contact characteristics of a unique user's hand, such as 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 configured to detect a first contact at a first location on the grip portion 714 (e.g., to identify / detect the first contact area 758a) and a second touch sensor configured to detect a second contact 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 first location, e.g., the relative positions of the first finger contact area 758a and the second finger contact area 758b.

[0074] In one example, a first touch sensor of mouse 700 can be configured to detect a first contact area 758a at a first location on grip portion 714 of housing 712, and a second touch sensor can be configured to detect a second contact area 758b at a second location on grip portion 714. In this manner, the orientation of mouse 700 can be determined based on the relative positions of the first location in contact area 758a and the second location in second contact area 758b. The first and second locations can include any locations on grip portion 714 of mouse 700. For example, the first location can be a first finger profile and the second location can be a second finger profile. In another example, the first location can be a first finger profile in contact area 758e and the second location can be a palm profile in contact area 758f. In yet another example, the first location may be a fourth finger profile at contact area 758d, and the second location may be a third finger profile at contact area 758c. In at least one example, mouse 700 requires at least two locations (e.g., touch points, positions, etc.) anywhere on grip portion 714 of mouse 700 in order for mouse 700 to determine an orientation or north direction relative to the user, as described above.

[0075] The orientation of the mouse 700 can include a north direction relative to the user that varies depending on the relative positions of the various contact areas 758a-758f. In the illustrated example of Figure 7C, the north direction relative to the user is communicated or confirmed to the user via an illuminated LED 746 that indicates the orientation of the mouse. The light array 640 is configured to direct light through the housing 712 to indicate an orientation of the mouse 700 (i.e., an orientation in the "forward" direction) determined based on at least two of the plurality of contact areas 758a-758f detected by the sensor array of the mouse 700.

[0076] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 7A-7C, 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 7A-7C.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows another example of a contact profile including multiple contact areas 858a-858f on the grip portion 814 of the housing 812. In FIG. 8, the internal components of the mouse 800 can be positioned in the same positions as the mouse 700. However, the position of the user's hand and fingers on the mouse 800 can change as the user interacts with the mouse 800. Thus, the mouse 800 can be configured to detect the placement (e.g., hand position) of the user's hand on the grip portion 814 of the mouse housing 812 and intuitively determine the north direction for the user based on the positioning of the user's hand, including the user's fingers (e.g., by detecting the capacitive locations of the different finger contact areas 858a-858f). Thus, FIG. 8 shows a different user's hand position than that shown in FIG. 7C. In FIG. 8, the hand is at an angle relative to the position in FIG. 7C. 7C and 8, even though the mouse 800 is not physically rotated relative to the position of the mouse 700 in FIG. 7C, the north direction relative to the user can dynamically shift as indicated by the illuminated LED 746 based on real-time changes to the position of the user's hand on the outer surface of the mouse. 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 location of the user's hand and position the north direction relative to the user relative to changes in the hand position.

[0078] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 8, 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 8.

[0079] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a mouse 900 including a housing 912 having a grip portion 914. The mouse 900 may include a sensor array similar to that described with reference to other examples shown in other figures to detect contact areas 958a-958c representing contact locations between a user's fingers or other portions of the user's hand and the grip portion 914. The mouse 900, when operated by a user, 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 need only touch the mouse 900 with three fingers corresponding to the locations of the illustrated contact areas 958a-958c. In such an example, the mouse 900 may include a processor and a memory component storing instructions executable by the processor to determine a north direction relative to the user relative to the mouse 900. This direction and orientation may be confirmed and communicated to the user by an illuminated LED 946.

[0080] This unique combination and positioning of user contact areas 958a-958c is illustrated in FIG. 9 , which shows that various contact areas and hand positions can be used to grasp and manipulate the mouse 900. Grip profiles and contact areas can vary from user to user or from one use session to another for a single user. In at least one example, the memory components and processor of the mouse 900 can be configured to store and execute instructions, respectively, for identifying specific combinations of contact area locations and corresponding locations or north directions relative to the user. In at least one example, these combinations of touch areas are pre-configured in the mouse 900. In at least one example, these combinations of touch areas are learned via an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to learn where north is relative to the user in relation to the user's unique hand positions on the mouse 900 as they are repeatedly used over time. Using such algorithms, an input device of the present disclosure can learn to identify users based on unique hand positions, contact area sizes, varying degrees of force applied to the mouse 900, and / or the weight of the user's hands and fingers.

[0081] Thus, the example computer mouse input device described herein may use a circular configuration so that a user can grip the input device in any orientation or direction and the north direction relative to the user is automatically reoriented upon gripping the input device. This can be done without the user having to physically point the input device in a particular direction before knowing which way to move the input device to manipulate the cursor on the screen. Because the input devices described herein may be circular, the orientation of the feature indication is not visually apparent. Rather, the user simply grips the circular input device and begins moving it such that forward movement always corresponds to upward movement of the cursor, regardless of the physical orientation of the input device.

[0082] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 9, 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 9.

[0083] In at least one example, determining or sensing hand position on a mouse, including a mouse described herein, can be achieved by one or more sensors in a computing device that communicate with the mouse, in addition to or instead of a sensor in the mouse. In such an example, the mouse can include “dumb” electric, magnetic, or ultrasonic elements that communicate wirelessly or via wires with sensors and / or a processor in the computing device, and the computing device can determine hand position on the mouse based on how signals from such “dumb” components in the mouse are modified. Additionally, while a circular mouse is shown in the figures and described herein, other example mice can include other shapes, including oval, elliptical, ergonomic wedge, or other regular or irregular shapes that can be gripped differently by different users. In each of these cases, the mouse can include components described herein to reorient and determine an up / forward direction based on the user's detected hand position.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

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

2. 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 locations between the exterior surface and the hand; The electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a hand position of the hand relative to the input device; the orientation of the mouse is determined based on the position of the hand; 10. The computer input system of claim 1.

3. The computer input system of claim 2 , wherein the first touch sensor comprises a capacitive sensor element.

4. 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 is configured to detect the first touch input at a first location on the exterior surface; the second touch sensor is configured to detect the second touch input at a second location on the exterior surface.

3. The computer input system of claim 2.

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

6. the processor is configured to transmit a first function signal based on a first input gesture detected by the first touch sensor; the processor is configured to transmit a second function signal based on a second input gesture detected by the second touch sensor.

5. The computer input system of claim 4.

7. 5. The computer input system of claim 4, wherein the orientation includes a direction in which the user is facing that varies depending on the relative positions of the first location and the second location.

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

9. 2. The computer input system of claim 1, further comprising a light array disposed within the interior 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. 1. An electronic input device comprising: a housing including an interior surface defining an interior volume, said housing having at least a partially upwardly facing surface that is at least translucent; a touch sensor array disposed within the interior volume; a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the electronic input device over a support surface; a light disposed within the interior volume and 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; 1. An electronic input device comprising:

11. the touch sensor array is configured to detect a plurality of touch inputs contacting the housing.

11. The electronic input device of claim 10.

12. 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 circle.

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

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

16. 1. A 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 disposed within the interior volume, the capacitive sensor array including a set of sensing elements arranged in a circle and concentric with the axis; a light array disposed within the interior volume, the light array including a set of lights arranged in a circle and concentric with the axis; 1. A circular user input device comprising:

17. The circular user input device of claim 16 , wherein the set of sensing elements is disposed against the interior surface.

18. The housing includes: an upper curved surface; 17. The circular user input device of claim 16, comprising: a lower surface parallel to the major plane and configured to rest on a support surface.

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

20. 17. The circular user input device of claim 16, further comprising a communications interface for connecting to an external computing device.

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