Multi-mode Mouse

Abstract

An input device, such as a mouse, can include a housing defining an exterior grip portion and an interior volume, a sensor assembly disposed within the interior volume, and an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the emitter transmits a first signal including information regarding the angular position of the grip portion. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter transmits a second signal including information regarding a direction of force applied to the housing from the second touch input.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 472,177, filed September 21, 2023, entitled "Multi-Mode Mouse," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,650, filed September 22, 2022, entitled "Input Device for Three-Dimensional Control," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,756, filed September 22, 2022, entitled "Input Device with Adaptive Grip Orientation," 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 / 478,523, filed January 5, 2023, entitled "Input Device," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 478,523, filed September 22, 2022, entitled "Multi-Mode This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,763, entitled "Anti-Theft Mouse," 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 having multiple modes. [Background technology]

[0003] Computer systems and devices, 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 (i.e., cursor) and make selections in a graphical user interface (GUI) on the computer system. The input device generally includes buttons and a motion tracking component, such as a mechanical or optical tracker or other motion tracker. The motion tracking component can track user-directed movements of the input device 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 point the input device, which converts the user's movements into an on-screen cursor, toward the desired feature displayed on the GUI. The user can then press or tap a button on the input device to make the desired selection.

[0004] Conventional user input devices may include mechanical buttons for data selection and command execution. The mechanical buttons are located in fixed locations on the user input device, creating an orientation-specific user interaction between the user input device and the user. This orientation-specific user interaction limits the user from interacting with the user input device in ways that may be more efficient, reducing user productivity and potentially frustrating the user. Additionally, the buttons and input functions of conventional input devices limit the ways in which a user can interact with the input device. Some input devices may include various buttons and selectors, including joysticks and rotary knobs, but require additional components that complicate manufacturing and increase costs. These additional buttons, knobs, and joysticks that enable different input modes from the user also introduce more moving parts, which may lead to increased failure rates.

[0005] Therefore, what is needed in the art is an input device that can provide an improved user experience with multiple input modes without requiring additional components and moving parts. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In at least one example of the present disclosure, an input device includes a housing having an interior surface defining an interior volume, a touch sensor assembly including an array of capacitive sensing elements disposed adjacent the interior surface, an orientation sensor disposed within the interior volume, and a force sensor assembly configured to detect a direction of a force applied to the housing.

[0007] In one example, the force sensor assembly is configured to detect a position of a first hand of a user touching the housing based on a first set of capacitive sensing elements that detect contact between the hand and the housing, and to detect a position of a second hand of a user touching the housing based on a second set of capacitive sensing elements that detect contact between the hand and the housing. In one example, the orientation sensor may detect a rotation of the input device in response to detecting the position of the first hand, and the force sensor may detect a direction of a force applied to the housing in response to detecting the position of the second hand. In one example, the input device includes a touch sensor assembly configured to detect a position of a user's hand touching the housing. In one example, the touch sensor assembly includes two sensor elements disposed on an inner surface. In one example, the force sensor assembly includes two force sensors. In one example, the orientation sensor includes an IMU, a compass, etc. In one example, the input device further includes a feedback module. In one example, the feedback module includes a haptic mechanism. In one example, the feedback mechanism includes a speaker.

[0008] In at least one example of the present disclosure, the mouse includes a housing including a base and a grip portion coupled to the base, a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the grip portion, and a force sensor disposed on the base portion, the force sensor responding to the direction and magnitude of force applied to the grip portion.

[0009] In one example, the mouse further includes grip detection. In one example, the mouse further includes a processor electrically coupled to the plurality of touch sensors and the force sensor. In one example, the mouse further includes an emitter electrically coupled to the processor, wherein when the plurality of touch sensors detect a position of a first hand contacting the grip portion, the emitter transmits information regarding a direction of a force applied to the grip portion detected by the force vector sensor, and when the plurality of touch sensors detect a position of a second hand contacting the grip portion detected by the force vector sensor, the emitter transmits information regarding an orientation of the mouse. The mouse further includes an orientation sensor electrically coupled to the processor.

[0010] In at least one example, a mouse can include a housing defining an external grip portion and an interior volume, a sensor assembly disposed within the interior volume, and an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. In such an example, in response to the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the emitter transmits a first signal including information regarding an angular position of the grip portion. Also in such an example, in response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter transmits a second signal including information regarding a direction of a force applied to the housing from the second touch input.

[0011] In one example, the first touch input includes a set of touch input locations on the housing. In one example, the second touch input includes a single touch location. In one example, the sensor assembly includes a force vector sensor, a touch sensor array, and an angle sensor. In one example, the touch sensor array includes a plurality of capacitive sensing elements configured to detect the first touch input and the second touch input. In one example, the force vector sensor includes a first force sensor disposed at a first location within the internal volume and a second force sensor disposed at a second location within the internal volume.

[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: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[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] 1 shows a top view and a plan view of the mouse.

[0017] [Figure 3] 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mouse and various sensors.

[0018] [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mouse and various sensors.

[0019] [Figure 5] 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mouse with a sensor.

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

[0021] [Figure 7] 1 shows a perspective view of a mouse and a light array.

[0022] [Figure 8] 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mouse with a sensor.

[0023] [Figure 9A] Shows the mouse and the user's hand.

[0024] [Figure 9B] A mouse that detects hand position is shown.

[0025] [Figure 10A] Shows the mouse and the user's hand.

[0026] [Figure 10B] A mouse that detects hand position is shown.

[0027] [Figure 11A] Shows the mouse and the user's hand.

[0028] [Figure 11B] A mouse that detects hand position is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] The following disclosure relates to input devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to an input device, such as a mouse, having multiple input modes. The input device 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 a user to move an input pointer (e.g., a cursor) to make selections in a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of the computing device. The input device generally includes buttons and a location tracking device (e.g., a mechanical movement tracker, an optical movement tracker, or an array of sensors that identify user input). As the input device is moved, for example, translated across a support surface such as a mouse pad or desktop surface, the input device tracks the movements initiated by the user and generates signals readable by the computing device, which then presents the movement of the input device on the display as represented by a cursor or other visual object.

[0031] In some cases, a user may desire to make a selection that is indicated on a display. Traditional user input devices require a user to interact with a specific location on the user input device to make a selection, for example, clicking a button while hovering over an icon to generate a signal readable by the computing device. Typically, buttons have specific inputs programmed by the manufacturer and are difficult or impossible to change. The location of the button and the fixed function of the button create a simple user-device interaction.

[0032] Unfortunately, many users require more advanced button functionality and prefer buttons in different locations. Fixed locations of buttons on a user input device create a frustrating experience and force users to grip the user input device in a manner that may be uncomfortable or undesirable. Additionally, buttons placed in fixed locations create a difficult user experience for left-handed and right-handed users who share the same user input device, because the buttons on the user input device may have fixed functions (e.g., left-click and right-click buttons) and locations.

[0033] Additionally, conventional user input devices are limited in orientation and functionality; for example, a user input device may have a fixed coordinate system, forcing the user to properly orient the user input device to produce the user's intended direction of movement.

[0034] As described above, having a user input device is advantageous for interacting with a computing device, but conventional user input devices have fixed button locations that cannot have a dynamic coordinate system that adapts to the user and cannot actively adjust to changes in the user's hand position. The example input devices described herein below detail user input devices with features and functions related to button placement and cursor position that create a more satisfying interactive user experience. Additionally, these features enable the input devices described herein to detect and interpret multiple types of user interactions depending on how the user holds the device in order to switch operational modes.

[0035] In at least one example, an input device includes a housing including an interior surface defining an interior volume. The input device further includes an orientation sensor disposed within the interior volume and a force sensor assembly. The force sensor and force sensor assembly are configured to detect a direction of a force applied to the housing. For example, a user can place their finger on the housing and press in a direction with a certain amount of force. The input device can detect a user force vector (e.g., direction and magnitude of the force) that moves a cursor in the direction intended by the user.

[0036] In another example, an input device, such as a mouse, includes a housing including a base and a grip portion coupled to the base. The input device further includes a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the grip portion. The base portion includes a force vector sensor disposed on the base portion capable of detecting a user input.

[0037] In such an example, the input device can be said to operate in joystick mode, and can manipulate itself like a joystick controls a cursor based on the detected position of a finger pressing on the device.

[0038] In another example, a user input device (e.g., a mouse) includes a housing defining an interior volume, a sensor assembly, and electrical components configured to transmit a user interface signal. The sensor assembly can detect a first touch input (e.g., a user's finger or hand) on the housing and convert the first touch input into a user interface signal via the electrical components. The user interface signal includes information regarding an angular position of the grip portion. The sensor assembly can detect a second touch input (e.g., a force applied by the user's finger or hand) on the housing. The user interface signal includes a direction of the force applied to the housing from the second touch input.

[0039] In such examples, the input device can be said to operate in a rotary knob mode or a dial mode, and the device itself can be manipulated or turned so that the dial controls a cursor or makes selections on a display screen based on the detected position of a finger pressing on the device. Additionally, the input device can automatically switch from one mode to another—for example, between a traditional mode, a joystick mode, and a dial mode—based on the detected position of the user's hand touching the input device. Because the sensor array can assign any location touched by the user to a functional input area or touch location, the functionality of the input device in each mode does not require a different or unique button, knob, or joystick. Thus, the complexity of the input device is reduced while the functionality of different operating modes is increased.

[0040] Thus, the electronic input devices described herein, including computer mice, can create a more satisfying interactive user experience by including multiple input modes without requiring additional components and moving parts.

[0041] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 1-11B. 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).

[0042] 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.

[0043] The term "mouse" is intended to describe an electronic input device or circular user input device described herein as mouse 100. In one or more examples, the electronic input devices or circular user input devices described herein, including mouse 100, may 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 .

[0049] 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.

[0050] In at least one example, grip surface 214 may be constructed of a material (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, etc.) that is penetrable by signals detected by a capacitive or other sensor type. 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. 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mouse 300 (e.g., an input device) including a housing 312 having an exterior surface (e.g., outer surface) 324 and an interior surface (e.g., inner surface) 326 that defines an interior volume 328. The housing 312 can include an upper / grip portion 314 and a lower portion 316 configured to rest on or be parallel to a support surface while the mouse 300 is in use. In at least one example, the mouse 300 can also include an orientation sensor 330 and a force sensor assembly 332 disposed within the interior volume 328. The force sensor assembly 332 and the orientation sensor 330 can be connected to a processor 334 via at least one electrical connection 336. The processor 334 can process signals transmitted from the force sensor assembly 332 and the orientation sensor 330.

[0053] The term "force sensor" within the context of this application (e.g., strain gauge force sensor, thin film force sensor, piezoresistive force sensor, hydraulic force sensor, load cell force sensor, etc.) refers to a sensor that senses an input mechanical force (e.g., load force, weight force, tension force, compression force, torsion force, push force, etc.) and generates an output, such as a measurable electrical output signal. The electrical output signal is converted and normalized so that as the mechanical force increases or decreases, the electrical signal changes (e.g., proportional to the increase or decrease in mechanical force). For example, a user can apply pressure to the housing 312 of the mouse 300 such that the force sensor assembly 332 detects the change in mechanical force. The change in mechanical force is converted into an electrical signal and sent via connection 336 to the processor 334, which processes the electrical signal to determine the direction of the force applied to the mouse 300.

[0054] The force sensor assembly 332 can include one or more force sensors configured to sense the direction and / or magnitude of a force applied to the housing 312. In one example, the force sensor assembly 332 can include two or more sensors positioned at the interface between the grip portion 314 and the lower portion 316, such as on the lower portion 316 where the grip portion 314 contacts the lower portion 316, to detect the magnitude of a force applied to the housing 312 pressing the grip portion 314 against the lower portion 316. In one example, each of the force sensors in the force sensor assembly 332 can detect the magnitude of the applied force, and the direction of the force can be calculated based on the position of the sensor and the respective detected magnitude. In at least one example, the force sensor assembly 332 can include one or more strain gauges positioned on the housing 312 to detect deformation of the material of the housing 312 when a user applies force to the housing 312.

[0055] The term “orientation sensor” (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, compass, inertial measurement unit (IMU), etc.) within the context of this application refers to a sensor or combination of sensors that detects the orientation of an input device (e.g., mouse 300) in three-dimensional space. For example, an orientation sensor can measure a specific force relative to an axis, the direction of gravity, a magnetic field (e.g., the Earth's magnetic field), other signals (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) signals or nearby short-range electronic signals (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) emitters, etc.), angular velocity, linear acceleration, etc. Orientation sensor 330 can be a combination of orientation sensors; for example, an accelerometer can detect acceleration in a specific direction, a gyroscope can detect angular velocity, and a magnetometer can detect a magnetic field (e.g., direction relative to an object such as the Earth). The sensed orientation can be a relative orientation, an absolute orientation, a geomagnetic orientation, other types of orientation, or a combination thereof, depending on the types of sensors that are present and active when the orientation of the input device is detected.

[0056] 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.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mouse 400 including a housing 412, an interior surface 426 of the housing 412 defining an interior volume 428, a touch sensor assembly 440, an orientation sensor 430, a force sensor assembly 432, a base 416, and a processor 434.

[0058] The processor 434 can perform actions according to executable instructions stored or encoded on memory. In some embodiments, the processor 434 can be part of a controller device located within the housing 412, including a processor in electronic communication with a non-transitory computer-readable memory device or similar electronic storage device configured to store a set of instructions executable by the processor to perform a series of tasks or actions. There may be any type and / or number of processor(s) 434, including one or more central processing unit(s) (CPU(s)), digital signal processors (DSP(s)), 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 and / or force vector data transmitted by the sensors. The processor 434 can be coupled to the touch sensor assembly 440 via an electrical connection 436. The processor 434 can be configured to determine the orientation of the mouse 400 based on touch input detected by a sensor (e.g., touch sensor 443, orientation sensor 430, force sensor 432, etc.) (e.g., via a set of capacitive sensing elements, force sensing elements, or other input elements).

[0059] 9A-11A , the touch sensor assembly 440 can be configured to detect the position of a user's hand touching the housing 412. The touch sensor assembly 440 can include at least two sensor elements 442 disposed on the inner surface 426. In one example, the touch sensor assembly 440 includes at least two sensor elements 442 disposed on the inner surface 426 of the housing 412, and the touch sensor assembly includes a plurality of capacitive sensing elements 442 configured to detect touch input. The capacitive sensing elements 442 can send signals to a processor 434 coupled to the sensor assembly 440, thereby enabling the processor 434 to process signals from the user's touch input.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of a mouse 500 including a housing 512 defining a grip portion 514 and a bottom or base 516 configured to rest on or move parallel to a support surface during use. The housing 512 may include an interior surface 526 defining an interior volume 528, a touch sensor assembly 540 including a plurality of touch sensors 542, a force sensor assembly (e.g., including a first force sensor 532a and a second force sensor 532b), an antenna 546, which may also be referred to as an emitter, receiver, or wireless communication module, and a feedback module 544 connected to the processor via connection 536, and may be disposed within the interior volume 528. The feedback module 544 may include one or more of a haptic mechanism including a haptic motor, a light, and a speaker. These feedback modules 544 may use tactile, visual, or audio feedback means, respectively, to communicate with a user. Feedback communications may convey mouse or computing device information, such as confirmation signals, power status, operating mode status, etc., to a user of mouse 500 .

[0062] The force sensor assembly 532 includes at least two force sensors 532a, 532b, which are disposed on the lower portion 516 of the mouse 500 at first and second locations within the internal volume 528, respectively. The force sensors 532a, 532b can detect one or more forces applied to the housing 512, for example, from a user's hand or fingers, such as by compression of the housing 512 between the hand and a support surface below the lower portion 516. The force sensors 532a, 532b can be independent of one another. In one example, the force sensor 532a disposed at the first location can detect an X component of a force vector, and the force sensor 532b disposed at the second location can detect a Y component of the force, with the X and Y directions oriented perpendicular to one another. The magnitude of the force in either direction (or as a vector combining both directions) can also be detected by the two force sensors 532a, 532b.

[0063] In one example, a user may press a finger against the housing 512 with a particular force in a particular direction. The force vector detected by the force sensor 532 is then transmitted to the processor 534 and processed in real time, so that the force vector information can be interpreted as a cursor movement on a display screen, such as the cursor 108 on the display screen 104 shown in FIG. 1 , a click, or other function. In another example, a user may press multiple fingers against the housing 512 with a particular force to produce a different function than a single finger pressing against the housing 512. It should be understood that the above example is provided to illustrate the functionality of the force sensor 532, and other embodiments are contemplated herein. Further details regarding detecting and responding to user input are described in connection with FIGS. 9A-11B herein.

[0064] In some examples, force sensor assembly 532 can include two force sensors 532a, 532b, as described above. Force sensor assembly 532 includes feedback module 544, which includes a speaker and a haptic mechanism that creates the experience of touch by applying force, vibration, or movement to the user. The haptic mechanism of feedback module 544 can include a haptic engine. The haptic engine can include electromechanical components or devices that vibrate, vibrate, or pulsate to provide haptic feedback to the user through housing 512. The haptic engine can include a linear resonant actuator (LRA) (e.g., a combination of multiple LRAs) to generate movement or haptic feedback in one or more axes for mouse 500. Similarly, the haptic engine can include one or more eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors to generate movement or haptic feedback in one or more axes for mouse 500. These haptic components can be driven by different waveforms to generate distinct haptic effects representing different functions. For example, when mouse 500 is rotated about its central vertical axis, it can generate an audible sound or vibration similar to a rotary dial or knob. In another example, a user can tap mouse 500 with a finger to select a feature or icon on the surface of the mouse or on a display screen connected via a cursor. Feedback module 544 of mouse 500 can generate different sounds or haptic effects that distinguish a user's taps or clicks from the rotation of mouse 500. 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 feedback module 544. In some embodiments, mouse 500 can be used as a speaker for playing audio media.It should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated herein and that the above description provides examples to illustrate the feedback module 544 .

[0065] The sensor assembly may include force vector sensor(s) 532a and 532b, a touch sensor array (e.g., touch sensor assembly 540), and an orientation sensor 530 (e.g., an angle or displacement sensor). For example, a sensor assembly disposed within mouse 500 senses a user interacting with mouse 500, which may include the user touching mouse 500 (thereby changing the capacitance or resistance in the touch sensors), applying pressure to mouse 500 (thereby affecting piezoresistive sensor elements), and / or pushing or manipulating mouse 500 (thereby affecting accelerometers, compasses, gyroscopes, or similar IMU sensors). The various sensors 532a, 532b, 540, 530 may send signals (e.g., touch signals, pressure vector signals, angle signals relative to an axis, etc.) to processor 534, which converts the sensor signals into computer-readable output that may be presented on display 104 and / or represented by cursor 106.

[0066] In some examples, mouse 500 includes a housing 512 defining an interior volume 528, a sensor assembly, and electrical components configured to transmit user interface signals. In some examples, the user interface signals are transmitted via an antenna 546, commonly referred to as an emitter. When the sensor assembly detects a first touch input on the housing 512, the user interface signals can include information regarding the angular position of a grip portion (e.g., grip surface 214), and when the sensor assembly detects a second touch input on the housing 512, the user interface signals can include a direction of force applied on the housing 512 from the second touch input. Each of the above-mentioned first and second touch inputs can include a distinct combination of contact areas of a user's hand and fingers relative to the housing 512 of the mouse 500, as detected by touch sensor assembly 540.

[0067] The antenna 546 of the mouse 500 or other wireless interface module may include a PCB antenna, a wire antenna, a chip antenna, or any other type of suitable antenna configuration. The antenna 546 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 access points with varying and unpredictable locations relative to the user, or for large-sector directional radiation and reception, such as a hemispherical pattern. In addition, antenna arrays can also be implemented to manipulate radiation / reception patterns to affect connectivity. The antenna 546 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). It is understood that other antenna embodiments are contemplated and the above description provides examples.

[0068] In another example, mouse 500 includes a base 516 with a grip portion (e.g., housing 512) coupled to base 516. The grip portion has multiple touch sensors 542 attached to it. For example, touch sensor(s) 542 can be disposed within interior volume 528 and against inner surface 526 of housing 512. Force vector sensor(s) 532 a, 532 b can be disposed on or within base 516. Mouse 500 can further include a processor 534 electrically coupled to the multiple touch sensors 540 and force sensor 532 (e.g., via connection 536). Emitter 546 can also be electrically coupled to processor 534.

[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 illustrates a bottom cross-sectional view of a mouse 600 including a housing 612 including a grip portion 614, a sensor assembly 640, a light array 650, and a processor 634 communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly 640 and the light array 650 via electrical connections 636. Certain electrical connections (e.g., 536) have been omitted. The housing 612 may include an interior surface 626. The interior surface 626 may define an interior volume 628. The sensor assembly 640 and the light array 650 may be disposed within the interior volume 628. In one example, the light array 650 may be concentrically located within the interior volume 628 and disposed on the interior surface 626. The light array 650 may include a plurality of individual LEDs 652 arranged in a circle having a first diameter. The sensor assembly 640 may be arranged in a circle, concentrically located within the housing, disposed on the interior surface 626, and include a second diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter (as shown in FIG. 6 ), 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.

[0071] In one example, mouse 600 (e.g., electronic input device) includes a housing 612, a circular sensor array 640 including a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 642 disposed on or embedded within an inner surface 628 of housing 612, and a circular light array 650 disposed on inner surface 628 of housing 612. In at least one example, circular light array 650 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 652 (e.g., DIP LEDs, SMD LEDs, COB LEDs, similar light sources, and combinations thereof) oriented concentrically with circular sensor array 640. In at least one example, sensor array 640 can include a plurality of sensor elements 642. In one example, sensor elements 642 can include capacitive touch sensor elements.

[0072] The housing 612 can be a transparent or translucent material so that when the LEDs 652 on the circular light array 650 are energized and emit visible spectrum light, the light is visible to a user through the housing 612 on the exterior of the mouse 600. The LEDs 652 can change light intensity and color. For example, the light array 650 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 652 can provide indicators such as device battery life, device orientation, or other indicators. In at least one example, the LEDs 652 of the light array 650 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.

[0073] In one example, the processor 634 is configured to display the direction of orientation of the mouse 600. For example, when the mouse 600 is rotated about the normal / vertical axis 223 while aligning its bottom surface 216 parallel to the support surface 106, the LEDs 652 located on the circular light array 650 may illuminate, and the light may shift from a first energized LED 652 to a second energized LED 652, with the first LED 652 becoming de-energized as the second LED 652 becomes energized. In this manner, as the mouse 600 is rotated, the energized LEDs 652 may appear to remain in one location relative to the user's field of view.

[0074] In another example, processor 634 may be configured to display the mode that mouse 600 is operating in. The mode may depend on the position of a user's hand holding mouse 600 and may switch automatically upon sensing contact between the user's hand and housing 612 via sensor assembly 640. As noted elsewhere herein, various operational modes of mouse 600 may include a joystick mode, a dial mode, or a traditional mouse mode, depending on how a user holds mouse 600.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 7 shows a perspective view of a mouse 700 including a housing 712, a grip portion 714, a light sensor 750 disposed within the housing 712, and a "true north," "toward the user," or "forward" direction indicated by an illuminated LED 752 that can emit light from any of the LEDs 754 of the light sensor 750. The housing can be transparent or translucent to the visible light spectrum generated by the light sensor 750. The light sensor 750 can generate light that is visible to the user when in use.

[0077] The light array 750 can respond to user movements or indicate information or signals to the user. For example, the light array 750 can emit a particular color and / or pattern in response to a first movement (e.g., movement of the entire mouse 700, or movement, tap, gesture, etc., of the user's finger, stylus, hand, or other tool as detected by the touch sensor 542), and emit a different color and / or pattern in response to a second movement (e.g., a different movement of the entire mouse, a different movement of a tool, or detection of a different type of movement / detection by a different type of sensor (i.e., switching from detecting the user's hand to detecting movement of the entire mouse)). In some examples, the light array can generate a sequence such as a rotating circular pattern or a flashing / pulsating function. The light emitted to the user can signal confirmation of the user's intent to switch operational modes. The operational mode of the mouse 700 can depend on the position of the user's hand gripping the mouse 700 and can switch automatically upon sensing contact between the user's hand and the housing 712 via a sensor assembly within the mouse 700. As described above, various operational modes of mouse 700 may include joystick mode, dial mode, trackball mode, trackpad mode, traditional mouse mode, or any other type of operational mode, depending on how a user grasps the mouse. In some embodiments, additional three-dimensional mouse modes may also be detected based on signals indicating that the mouse has been grasped and lifted or otherwise moved perpendicularly from a supporting surface. Light array 750 may also indicate other communications or signals, including alerts, status, and other signals from the computing device or the mouse.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of a mouse 800 including a light array 850, a touch sensor assembly 840, a feedback module 854, an antenna 856, and electrical components 858. The antenna may also be referred to as an emitter and / or a receiver. The electrical components 858 may include multiple components. The housing 812 may include an exterior surface 826, an interior surface 826, a grip portion 814, and a base 816. In one example, the sensor assembly 840 may include individual touch sensor elements 842 arranged in a circle on the interior surface 826 of the housing 812. In one example, the light array 850 may include individual lights or LEDs 852 arranged in a circle on or near the interior surface 826 of the housing 812. The mouse 800 may also include a processor 834 electrically coupled to or in communication with other components via at least one electrical connection 836, including wires and other circuit components. Processor 834 may therefore be connected to touch sensor assembly 840, feedback module 854, antenna 856, and electrical component(s) 858. Processor 834 may receive signals transmitted via electrical connection 836 and transmit signals via antenna 856 to computing device and / or computing device 102 signaling commands for cursor 108.

[0080] 8 can collectively form a computer system interconnected via a bus (e.g., via electrical connections 836) for electrical communication to memory devices, power sources, electronic storage, network interfaces (e.g., wireless interfaces via antenna 856), input device adapters, and output device adapters. For example, one or more of these components can be connected to each other via a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board or other substrate) that supports the bus and other electrical connectors that provide electrical communication between the components. The bus can include a communication mechanism for communicating information between parts of the system.

[0081] Processor 834 may be a microprocessor or similar device configured to receive and execute a set of instructions stored by a memory of electrical component 858. Memory may be referred to as a main memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic electronic storage device, for storing information and instructions executed by processor 834. Memory may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions executed by processor 834. Processor 834 may include, for example, one or more processors or controllers, such as a CPU for mouse 700, and a touch controller or similar sensor or I / O interface used to control and receive signals from sensors being used (e.g., 842, any IMU or other orientation sensor, etc.). A power source for electrical component 858 may include a power source capable of providing power to processor 834 and other components connected to the bus, such as a connection to a power grid or a battery system.

[0082] The storage of electrical component 858 may include a read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device coupled to the bus for storing static or long-term (i.e., non-dynamic) information and instructions for the processor. For example, the storage may include a magnetic or optical disk (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD)), solid-state memory (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)), or equivalent device.

[0083] The instructions may include information for performing processes and methods using components of the system, including, for example, the methods and processes described in connection with other embodiments elsewhere herein, including, for example, the methods and processes described in connection with Figures 9A-11B.

[0084] The network interface may include an adapter for connecting the system to external devices via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the network interface may provide a connection to a computer network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a separate device capable of wirelessly communicating with the network interface, other external devices or network locations, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the network interface is a wireless networking adapter configured to connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth mesh, or a related wireless communication protocol to another device having interface capabilities using the same protocol. In some embodiments, a network device or a set of network devices within a network may be considered part of the system. In some cases, a network device may be considered connected to the system but not part of it.

[0085] The input device adapter can be configured to provide the system with connectivity to a variety of input devices, such as, for example, touch sensor assembly 840, orientation sensors (e.g., 530), optical sensors, force sensors (e.g., 532a, 532b), associated devices, and combinations thereof. Sensors can be used to detect physical phenomena (e.g., light, sound waves, electric fields, forces, vibrations, etc.) in the vicinity of the mouse (or caused by movement of the mouse) and convert those phenomena into electrical signals.

[0086] The output device adapter can be configured to provide the system with the ability to output information to a user, such as by providing visual output using one or more displays (e.g., light array 650 / 750 / 850 or an external display screen), by providing audible output using one or more speakers, or by providing touch-sensitive haptic feedback via one or more haptic feedback devices (e.g., 544). Other output devices can also be used. Processor 834 can be configured to control the output device adapter to provide information to the user via the output device connected to the adapter.

[0087] In at least one example, feedback module 854 can include a haptic mechanism such as a haptic engine. In at least one example, feedback module 854 can include a speaker. In at least one example, haptic module 854 can include a light. In at least one example, electronic component 858 can include a memory component that stores electronic instructions executable by processor 834. In at least one example, in response to sensor assembly 840 detecting a first touch input on housing 812, antenna 856 transmits a first signal that includes information regarding the angular position of grip portion 814, and in response to sensor assembly 840 detecting a second touch input on housing 812, antenna 856 transmits a second signal that includes information regarding a direction of a force applied to housing 812 from the second touch input.

[0088] In at least one example, the housing 812 is symmetrical (e.g., rotationally symmetrical) about a central axis 853 oriented generally perpendicular to a surface on which the mouse 800 may rest or be operated. For example, the housing 812 may be circular with the central axis 853 being the central axis of rotation and / or symmetry of the mouse 800. In at least one example, a user may initially grasp the mouse 800, including its housing 812, in any orientation and, as described herein, orient the mouse 800 as intended by the user based on the user's grip or hand position, regardless of the actual orientation of the mouse 800. In such an example, the processor 834 may determine the hand position and intended orientation of the mouse 800 based on the position of the user's hand grasping the housing 812 via the touch sensor element 842.

[0089] 8 such that the housing 812 can rotate about a central axis 853 that serves as the central axis of rotation for the circular housing 812. In such an example, the mouse is unable to know the actual orientation of the housing 812 relative to the support surface on which the housing 812 rests. Rather, the housing 812 can be digitally or computationally oriented and / or reoriented by the processor 834 based on the position of the user's hand as detected by the touch sensor elements 842, without having to physically move or rotate the mouse 800 when gripping the housing 812.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 9A shows a mouse 900 being operated by a user's hand 960, which grasps a grip portion 914 of a housing 912 of the mouse 900. The circular profile of the mouse 900 allows the user to grasp the mouse 900 from any orientation, and the mouse 900 interprets touch points or contact areas from the hand 960 and fingers 962 via sensors in a sensor array, such as sensor elements 842 of sensor array 840 shown in mouse 800 of FIG. 8. The sensor elements determine the placement and positioning of the hand 960 and fingers 962 on the mouse 900 and dynamically orient the mouse 900 based on perceptually determining the positioning of the user's hand 960 and fingers 962 on the grip portion 914 of the mouse 900. The user's hand 954 can be left-handed or right-handed, depending on the user's preference. The mouse 900 can dynamically detect either left- or right-hand placement, providing convenience and efficiency for ambidextrous users or multiple different users of the same mouse 900.

[0092] In one example, a user may grasp the grip portion 914 of the mouse 900. The plurality of touch sensors may detect a first hand position, such as when the user initially grasps the grip portion 914. The emitter 546 may transmit information regarding the direction of a force applied to the grip portion 914 as detected by the force sensor (e.g., force vector sensor) 532. When the plurality of touch sensors 840 detects a second hand position, for example, when the user adjusts the hand 960 or fingers 962 on the mouse 900, the emitter transmits information regarding the orientation of the mouse 900. The orientation of the mouse 900 may be determined by the orientation sensor 330 and transmitted via the emitter 546.

[0093] FIG. 9B is a top view of a mouse 900 and a housing 912, including a grip portion 914. Contact regions 964a-964f, representing detected contact between a user's hand 960 and fingers / thumb 962 and the mouse 900, are shown with dashed lines to indicate the general contact area between the hand and the housing 912. In the illustrated example, the detected touch regions 964a-964f may include a first finger sensor contact region 964a, a second finger sensor contact region 964b, a third finger sensor contact region 964c, a fourth finger contact region 964d, a fifth finger contact region 964e, and a palm sensor contact region 964f. As described above with reference to other examples, the mouse 900 shown in FIGS. 9A-9B may include sensors and sensor arrays for detecting touch regions of a user's hand 960 (e.g., palm) and fingers / thumb 962. The contact regions 964a-964f may collectively be referred to as a contact profile 964.

[0094] The contact profile 964 includes sensor readings from the portion of the hand 960 in contact with the mouse 900. For example, a user may grasp the mouse 900 with all of their fingers 962 and a portion of their palm to create the sensor contact profile shown in FIG. 9B . A first contact area 964a, representing a first finger 962 in contact with the mouse 900, may be different from a second contact area 964b, resulting in a unique sensor profile for each finger and / or palm in contact with the exterior surface of the housing 912 of the mouse 900. For example, the sensor profile 964 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 response at a first location, e.g., a first touch sensor configured to identify / detect a first contact area 964a on the grip portion 914, and a second touch sensor configured to detect a second touch response at a second location, e.g., a second finger contact area 964b on the exterior surface. In this manner, the intended operational mode of the mouse 900 can be automatically determined. Examples of different intended operational modes corresponding to different contact profiles are shown in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A-11B.

[0095] In the illustrated example of Figure 9B, the contact profile detected as a combination of contact areas 964a-964f may indicate an intent by a user to operate mouse 900 in a traditional mode in which mouse 900 is slid back and forth and side to side across a support surface, such as a mouse pad or desktop surface. Contact profile 964 shown in Figure 9B may be referred to as a traditional mouse grip configuration, a full-hand grab configuration, a "pinch grip" configuration, or a "claw grip" configuration, which, when detected, causes the system to enable use of mouse 900 if it were a traditional mouse with buttons (e.g., interpreting certain inputs (e.g., tapping a designated portion of the outer surface while maintaining a minimal amount of contact with the mouse with other parts of the hand or other parts of the mouse) as inputs intended by the user to mimic actuation of a left-click button, a right-click button, a middle-click button, a side mouse button, etc.). Similarly, after detecting a traditional mouse grip by the user, the system can interpret certain gestures on designated portions of the exterior surface of the mouse 900 as inputs intended by the user to mimic use of a touchpad / trackpad or mouse wheel (e.g., interpreting one to three finger drags on the top surface to enable scrolling, zooming, and control of user interface elements (e.g., window control functions)). In one example, the system can identify that the user intends to use the mouse as a traditional mouse while maintaining consistent thumb contact (e.g., at 964a) and at least one contralateral finger contact (e.g., at 964d or 964e) with the mouse; other fingers (e.g., at 964b-d) can be moved or not sensed without changing the system's touch interpretation mode. The processor of the mouse 900 (or a computing device in electronic communication with the mouse) can identify the contact profile and correlate it to the user's intent via pre-set instructions, or in one or more other examples, a memory component of the mouse 900 can include instructions to execute a machine learning algorithm to learn the user's intent based on each user's contact profile and movements over time.

[0096] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 9A-9B, 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 9A-9B.

[0097] FIG. 10A shows a user's hand 1060 touching the grip portion 1014 of the mouse 1000 with a single finger 1062. In the illustrated example, the contact profile can include a touch input detected at a single touch input location represented by contact area 1064 shown in FIG. 10B. In at least one example, the sensors and sensor assemblies disclosed herein with reference to other examples and figures can include a touch sensor located anywhere relative to the grip portion 1014, including a central, top location where a user presses a single finger, as shown in FIG. 10B. The locations and configurations of multiple sensor elements of the touch sensor assembly disclosed herein and shown in the figures are exemplary and not intended to be limiting. One or more other examples, including the example shown in FIG. 10B, can include a touch sensor assembly having touch sensors and elements located anywhere within the device such that a single finger touch or multiple finger touches anywhere on the grip portion 1014 can be detected.

[0098] The sensor assembly detecting the single touch input can transmit the angular position and force applied by the finger 1062 at the contact area 1064 via the force sensor(s) of the mouse 1000 to a processor. The processor can then process and transmit the received touch input location and vector information to cause the mouse 1000 to operate in a "joystick" mode. That is, a single finger touch can be detected, and the user can operate the mouse 1000 as if they were operating a joystick by changing the direction of force on the grip portion 1014 (e.g., by tilting the user's finger while the fingertip remains substantially stationary, or by changing the predominant direction of pressure being applied by the finger while the fingertip is in a single position 1064, similar to an "eraser head" type mouse). Rather than operating in a traditional mode where the mouse 1000 must be moved across a support surface, the mouse 1000 can automatically switch to a joystick mode and detect the direction of force applied by the finger 1062, allowing the user to control an on-screen cursor via the mouse 1000 as if the mouse 1000 were a joystick.

[0099] The contact profile shown in FIG. 10B including a single contact area 1064 can correspond to a user's intent to operate the mouse 1000 in joystick mode. However, the illustrated contact profile is exemplary only and is not intended to be limiting. Other contact profiles including multiple contact areas at certain other locations on the grip portion 1014 of the mouse 1000 can also indicate a user's intent to operate the mouse 1000 in joystick mode, for example, two to five fingers touching the top of the mouse in a bunched or clustered configuration within a single contact area (e.g., 1064). Other modes of operation are also contemplated herein. The fingers 1062 can be detected via a touch sensor (e.g., from the sensor assembly 840).

[0100] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 10A-10B, 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 10A-10B.

[0101] FIG. 11A shows a user's hand 1160 with multiple fingers 1162 touching a grip portion 1114 of a mouse 1100. In the illustrated example, the contact profile may include touch input detected at multiple spaced apart touch input locations represented by contact areas 1164a, 1164b, and 1164c shown in FIG. 11B. These contact areas 1164a-1164c may correspond to the locations of contact between the user's fingers 1162 and the housing 1112 of the mouse 1100 shown in FIG. 11A. Contact areas 1164a-1164c may differ from contact areas 964a-964f (see FIG. 9B) due to their positioning on the surface (i.e., positioned higher on the lateral surface than in a claw grip configuration), the number of contacts (i.e., 2-3 vs. 5 or more), and the type of contact (e.g., finger-sized contact areas 1164a-1164c vs. palm-sized contact area 964f). A sensor assembly detecting a single touch input can transmit the angular position and force profiled by the finger 1162 at contact areas 1164a-1164c via the force sensor(s) of the mouse 1100 to a processor. The processor can then process and transmit the received touch input location and vector information to operate the mouse 1100 in a rotary knob or dial mode. That is, a particular combination of detected contact areas 1164a-1164c can indicate a user's intent to operate the mouse 1100 as a dial. In such an operating mode, a user can rotate the mouse 1100 as if it were a rotatable dial to control a cursor or scroll through menu items in a GUI displayed on the screen. In this manner, the mouse can automatically switch to dial mode based on the position of the user's hand.

[0102] 11A and 11B may include any or all of the components of other example mice shown in other figures and described herein. For example, mouse 1100 may include one or more orientation sensors, including IMU sensors, angle sensors, accelerometers, etc., to detect the orientation of mouse 1100 relative to a starting orientation or position when a user twists the mouse in dial mode.

[0103] The contact profile including the three contact areas 1164a-1164c shown in FIG. 11B can correspond to a user's intent to operate the mouse 1100 in dial mode. However, the illustrated contact profile is exemplary only and is not intended to be limiting. Other contact profiles including one or more contact areas at other specific locations on the grip portion 1114 of the mouse 1100 can also indicate a user's intent to operate the mouse 1100 in dial mode. Other modes of operation are also contemplated herein. Accordingly, the touch sensor array of the mouse 1100 can include a plurality of capacitive sensing elements configured to detect a first touch input including the first contact profile shown in FIG. 10B and a second touch input including the second contact profile shown in FIG. 11B.

[0104] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 11A-11B, 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 11A-11B.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 having an interior surface defining an interior volume; a touch sensor assembly including an array of capacitive sensing elements disposed against the inner surface; an orientation sensor disposed within the interior volume; a force sensor assembly configured to detect a direction of a force applied to the housing; An input device comprising:

2. The touch sensor assembly includes: Detecting a position of a first hand of the user touching the housing based on a first set of capacitive sensing elements that detect contact between the hand and the housing; and detecting a position of a second hand of the user touching the housing based on a second set of capacitive sensing elements detecting contact between the hand and the housing; the orientation sensor detects a rotation of the input device in response to detecting the position of the first hand; the force sensor detects the direction of the force applied to the housing in response to detecting the position of the second hand. The input device according to claim 1 .

3. The input device of claim 2 , wherein the housing includes an interior surface defining the interior volume, and the touch sensor assembly includes two sensor elements disposed on the interior surface.

4. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the force sensor assembly includes two force sensors.

5. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the orientation sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

6. The input device of claim 1 further comprising a feedback module.

7. The feedback module: Haptic mechanism, Light, or 7. The input device of claim 6, comprising at least one of: a.

8. The input device of claim 6 , wherein the housing is circular about a central axis.

9. the input device further comprising a processor electrically coupled to the touch sensor assembly; 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 assembly. The input device according to claim 6.

10. A mouse, a housing including a base and a grip portion coupled to the base; a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the grip portion; a force sensor disposed on the base portion, the force sensor responding to a direction and magnitude of a force applied to the grip portion; A mouse.

11. The mouse of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of touch sensors are configured to detect the position of a hand in contact with the grip portion.

12. The mouse of claim 11 , further comprising a processor in electrical communication with the plurality of touch sensors and the force sensor.

13. an emitter electrically coupled to the processor; and a memory component storing electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the emitter to: transmitting a first signal including first information regarding a direction of a force applied to the grip portion detected by the force vector sensor in response to the plurality of touch sensors detecting a first hand position among the positions; The mouse of claim 12, wherein the plurality of touch sensors transmit a second signal including second information regarding the orientation of the mouse in response to detecting a second hand position contacting the grip portion.

14. The mouse of claim 13 , further comprising an orientation sensor electrically coupled to the processor.

15. A mouse, a housing defining an exterior gripping portion and an interior volume; a sensor assembly disposed within the interior volume; an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly; In response to the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the emitter transmits a first signal including information regarding an angular position of the grip portion; A mouse, wherein in response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter transmits a second signal including information regarding the direction of force applied to the housing from the second touch input.

16. The mouse of claim 15 , wherein the first touch input comprises a set of touch input locations on the housing.

17. The mouse of claim 15 , wherein the second touch input comprises a single touch input location.

18. The sensor assembly includes: a force vector sensor; a touch sensor array; 16. The mouse of claim 15, further comprising: an angle sensor.

19. 20. The mouse of claim 18, wherein the touch sensor array includes a plurality of capacitive sensing elements configured to detect the first touch input and the second touch input.

20. 20. The mouse of claim 18, wherein the force vector sensor includes a first force sensor disposed at a first location within the interior volume and a second force sensor disposed at a second location within the interior volume.

Images