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 claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 472,177 filed on September 21, 2023 and entitled "Multi-Mode Mouse", U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,650 filed on September 22, 2022 and entitled "Input Device for Three-Dimensional Control", U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,756 filed on September 22, 2022 and entitled "Input Device with Adaptive Grip Orientation", U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,767 filed on September 22, 2022 and entitled "Variable Friction and Multi-Texture Mouse", U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 478,523 filed on January 5, 2023 and entitled "Input Device", and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,763 filed on September 22, 2022 and entitled "Multi-Mode Mouse", the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present specification.

[0002] The described embodiments generally relate to input devices. More specifically, the present embodiments relate to input devices having multiple modes.

Background Art

[0003] Computer systems and devices such as portable computers, tablets, and desktop computers receive input from users via input devices such as mice, trackpads, or other input devices. Input devices enable users to move an input pointer (i.e., a cursor) and make selections on a graphical user interface (GUI) on the computer system. Input devices generally include buttons and motion-tracking components, such as mechanical or optical trackers or other movement trackers. Motion-tracking components track the movement of user indications from the input device and can convert the user's movements into signals readable by the computer system. For example, a user may want to select a feature displayed on the GUI. The user can point the input device, which converts the user's movements into a cursor on the screen, at 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. These mechanical buttons are located in fixed locations on the user input device, creating orientation-specific user interactions between the device and the user. This orientation-specific interaction limits the user's ability to interact with the user input device in a more efficient manner, reducing user productivity and potentially causing frustration. Furthermore, the buttons and input functions of conventional input devices limit the ways in which the user can interact with the device. Some input devices may include a variety of buttons and selectors, including joysticks and rotary knobs, but these require additional components that complicate manufacturing and increase costs. These additional buttons, knobs, and joysticks, enabling different input modes from the user, also introduce more moving parts, which can lead to increased failure rates.

[0005] Therefore, what is needed in this field of technology is an input device that can provide an improved user experience with multiple input modes without requiring additional components or moving parts. [Overview of the Initiative]

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

[0007] In one example, a force sensor assembly is configured to detect the position of a user's first hand touching the housing based on a first set of capacitive sensing elements that detect contact between the hand and the housing, and to detect the position of the user's second hand touching the housing based on a second set of capacitive sensing elements that detect contact between the hand and the housing. In one example, a compass sensor may detect the rotation of the input device in response to the detection of the position of the first hand, and a force sensor may detect the direction of a force applied to the housing in response to the detection of the position of the second hand. In one example, the input device includes a touch sensor assembly configured to detect the position of a user's hand touching the housing. In one example, the touch sensor assembly includes two sensor elements arranged on the inner surface. In one example, the force sensor assembly includes two force sensors. In one example, the compass sensor includes (IMU, 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 which includes 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 being a force sensor that responds to the direction and magnitude of a force applied to the grip portion.

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

[0010] In at least one example, the mouse may include a housing defining an external grip and an internal volume, a sensor assembly positioned within the internal 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 containing information about the angular position of the grip. 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 containing information about the direction of the 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 and second touch inputs. In one example, the force vector sensor includes a first force sensor located at a first location within the internal volume and a second force sensor located at a second location within the internal volume.

[0012] The disclosure will be easily understood by the following detailed description, along with the attached drawings in which similar reference numbers specify similar structural elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the mouse and display is shown.

[0014] [Figure 2A] A perspective view of a mouse is shown.

[0015] [Figure 2B] This shows a bottom perspective view of a mouse.

[0016] [Figure 2C] The top and top views of the mouse are shown.

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

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

[0019] [Figure 5] This shows a lateral cross-sectional view of a mouse equipped with a sensor.

[0020] [Figure 6] Shows a top cross-sectional view of a mouse.

[0021] [Figure 7] Shows a perspective view of a mouse and an optical array.

[0022] [Figure 8] Shows a side cross-sectional view of a mouse having a sensor.

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

[0024] [Figure 9B] Shows a mouse that detects hand position.

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

[0026] [Figure 10B] Shows a mouse that detects hand position.

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

[0028] [Figure 11B] Shows a mouse that detects hand position. [Description of Embodiments]

[0029] Here, exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are described in detail. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] The following disclosure relates to an input device. More specifically, this embodiment relates to an input device, such as a mouse, having multiple input modes. The input device enables a user to interact with a digital environment by interacting with a computing device (e.g., a portable computer, desktop computer, tablet, etc.) and a display through the input device. The input device enables a user to make selections on a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display of the computing device by moving an input pointer (e.g., a cursor). The input device generally includes buttons and location tracking devices (e.g., mechanical movement trackers, optical movement trackers, or arrays of sensors that identify user input). When the input device is moved, for example, when translated across a support surface such as a mousepad or desktop surface, the input device tracks the user-induced movement and generates a signal readable by the computing device, which then presents the movement of the input device on the display, such as represented by a cursor or other visual object.

[0031] In some cases, the user may wish to make a selection displayed on the screen. Conventional user input devices require the user to interact with a specific location on the user input device to make a selection, for example, by clicking a button while hovering over an icon to generate a signal readable by the computing device. Generally, buttons have specific inputs programmed by the manufacturer, which 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 for buttons on user input devices create a frustrating experience, forcing users to grip the device in potentially uncomfortable or undesirable ways. In addition, buttons placed in fixed locations may have fixed functions (e.g., left-click and right-click buttons) and locations, resulting in a difficult user experience for left-handed and right-handed users sharing the same user input device.

[0033] In addition, conventional user input devices are limited in terms of orientation and functionality. For example, a user input device may have a fixed coordinate system, forcing the user to appropriately orient the user input device to generate the intended direction of movement.

[0034] As mentioned above, having a user input device is advantageous for interacting with computing devices; however, conventional user input devices lack a dynamic coordinate system that adapts to the user and have fixed button locations that cannot actively adjust to changes in the user's hand position. The examples of input devices described below in this specification detail user input devices that have features and functions related to button arrangement and cursor positioning that produce a more satisfying user interaction experience. In addition, these features enable the input devices described herein to detect and interpret multiple types of user interactions depending on how the user grasps the device in order to switch operating modes.

[0035] In at least one example, the input device includes a housing with an inner surface defining an internal volume. The input device further includes an orientation sensor and a force sensor assembly positioned within the internal volume. The force sensor and force sensor assembly are configured to detect the direction of a force applied to the housing. For example, a user can place their finger on the housing and push in a certain 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 that includes a base and a grip portion coupled to the base. The input device further includes a plurality of touch sensors located on the grip portion. The base portion includes a force vector sensor located on the base portion that can detect user input.

[0037] In such an example, the input device can be said to operate in joystick mode, allowing the device itself to be manipulated so that the joystick controls the cursor based on the detected finger position pressing the device.

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

[0039] In such an example, the input device can be said to operate in rotary knob mode or dial mode, and based on the detected finger position pressing the device, the device itself can be operated or rotated so that the dial controls a cursor or makes selections on a display screen. In addition, the input device can automatically switch from one mode to another, for example, between conventional mode, joystick mode, and dial mode, based on the detected hand position of the user in contact with the input device. Since the sensor array can assign any location touched by the user to a functional input area or contact location, the function of the input device in each mode does not require different or unique buttons, knobs, or joysticks. Thus, the complexity of the input device is reduced while the functionality of different operating modes is increased.

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

[0041] These and other embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11B. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the embodiments for carrying out the inventions given herein with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature including at least one of the first, second, or third selections should be understood to mean a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that may include one of each enumerated selection (e.g., only one of the first selections, only one of the second selections, or only one of the third selections), multiple of a single enumerated selection (e.g., two or more of the first selections), two selections simultaneously (e.g., one of the first selections and one of the second selections), or a combination thereof (e.g., two of the first selections and one of the second selections).

[0042] Figure 1 shows an input device 100 positioned 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 can be connected wirelessly to the computing device 102. The computing device 102 may include a display screen 104 and an input pointer (e.g., a cursor) 108 displayed on the display screen 104. The mouse 100 is positioned on the support surface 106 and can be operated by a user interacting with the computing device 102 (e.g., a computer system). The mouse 100 or a processor within the computing device 102 can transmit user-induced movements of the mouse 100 to the cursor 108 on the display screen 104 of the computing device 102, and thus control 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, which is described herein as mouse 100. In one or more examples, the electronic input device or circular user input device described herein, including mouse 100, may be a remote control, volume control, pointer, or other electronic input device that can provide control signals to an electronic device such as the computing device 102 shown in Figure 1.

[0044] Mouse 100 can interact with various electronic devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, televisions, virtual reality headsets, etc.) that offer users a diverse set of functions. The mode of Mouse 100 can be changed depending on the connection between Mouse 100 and the electronic device. For example, Mouse 100 can operate as a computer mouse and can be switched (dynamically or manually) between devices to interact with a television set or other electronic device or computing system.

[0045] The mouse 100 can be connected to the computing device 102 via a connector 110. In one example, the connector 110 may be a cable (e.g., multiple wires for transmitting energy, signals, or other interface data) that creates a wired connection between the mouse 100 and another electronic device (e.g., a computer, display, television, etc.). In one example, the connector 110 between the mouse 100 and the computing device 102 or the other electronic device may be wireless (BLE, RF, WLAN, LAN, WPAN, etc.) and electronically communicate the movement of the mouse 100 to the computing device 102 or the other electronic device.

[0046] The user can grasp the mouse 100 in various grip configurations and hand positions. For example, the user may, in some cases, grasp the electronic device 100 with their left hand, and in other cases must grasp the mouse 100 with their right hand. In another example, the user can grasp the mouse 100 with all five fingers and part of their palm. In yet another example, the user can grasp the mouse 100 with only two or three fingers. The mouse 100 can actively and automatically reorient itself based on the user's hand position so that which direction corresponds to the direction of the cursor 108 on the display screen 104. In addition, as will be described in more detail below with reference to other figures, the circular design of the mouse 100 allows the user to grasp the electronic input device in different orientations without having to physically reorient the mouse for use or interrupt its function.

[0047] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 1, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 1.

[0048] Figures 2A and 2B show top and bottom perspective views of the mouse 200, including a grip surface 214, a lower part defining a bottom surface (e.g., a contact surface) 216, and a housing 212, respectively. The mouse 200 may be an exemplary embodiment of the mouse 100 of Figure 1. The bottom surface 216 is configured to rest on a support surface 106, thereby allowing the mouse 200 to be slidably translated by the user from one position to another. The mouse 200 further includes a motion sensor 220 (e.g., an optical location sensor, position sensor, or displacement sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor), a mechanical location sensor (e.g., a mouse ball), a laser location sensor, position sensor, or displacement sensor, similar devices, or a combination thereof) aligned with an opening 218 defined in the bottom surface 216. The motion sensor 220, which is aligned with the opening 218, can detect the movement (change in location) of the mouse 200 on the support surface 106 through the opening 218, as well as the support surface 106.

[0049] Figure 2C shows a top view of the mouse 200, where the housing 212 defines a circular shape or circular perimeter around a main cross-sectional plane 222, also called the main plane 222. In at least one example, the main plane 222 may be parallel to the bottom surface 216. The circular cross-sectional shape of the mouse 200 in the main plane 222 can be centered on a central axis 223 extending perpendicular to the main plane 222. The bottom surface 216 can be fixed to the grip surface 214 of the housing 212, and the main plane 222 and the bottom surface 216 can be parallel to each other.

[0050] In at least one example, the grip surface 214 may be made of a material (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, etc.) that can be penetrated by signals detected by a capacitive sensor or other sensor type. Thus, in at least one example of the mouse 200, one or more sensors, such as touch sensors, may be placed inside the mouse 200 and configured to detect user contact (e.g., from fingers, palm, wrist, etc.) with the grip surface 214 through the housing 212. In addition, at least one embodiment of the mouse 200 may include a transparent or translucent material so that light can be projected through the housing 212 to display feedback or other information to the user.

[0051] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 2A to 2C, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a side section view of a mouse 300 (e.g., an input device) including a housing 312 having an outer surface (e.g., an outer surface) 324 and an inner surface (e.g., an inner surface) 326 defining an internal volume 328. The housing 312 may 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 may also include an orientation sensor 330 and a force sensor assembly 332 located within the internal volume 328. The force sensor assembly 332 and the orientation sensor 330 may 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] In the context of this application, the term “force sensor” (e.g., strain gauge force sensor, thin film force sensor, piezoresistive force sensor, hydraulic pressure sensor, load cell force sensor, etc.) refers to a sensor that senses an input mechanical force (e.g., load force, gravitational force, tension, compression force, torsional force, pressing force, etc.) and generates an output such as a measurable electrical output signal. The electrical output signal is converted and standardized so that the electrical signal changes (e.g., proportionally to the increase or decrease in mechanical force) as the mechanical force increases or decreases. For example, a user can apply pressure to the housing 312 of the mouse 300 so that the force sensor assembly 332 detects a change in mechanical force. The change in mechanical force is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the processor 334 via connection 336, where the processor 334 processes the electrical signal to determine the direction of the force applied to the mouse 300.

[0054] The force sensor assembly 332 may 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 may include two or more sensors positioned at the interface between the grip portion 314 and the lower portion 316, for example, on the lower portion 316 where the grip portion 314 contacts the lower portion 316, which can detect the magnitude of the 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 may be able to 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 may include one or more strain gauges positioned on the housing 312 to detect deformation of the housing 312 material when a user applies force to the housing 312.

[0055] In the context of this application, the term “orientation sensor” (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, compass, inertial measuring unit (IMU), etc.) 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 an axis, gravity direction, magnetic field (e.g., Earth's magnetic field), a specific force with respect to 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.) or the like. The 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 with respect to an object such as the Earth). The sensed orientation can be relative orientation, absolute orientation, geomagnetic orientation, other orientation types, or a combination thereof, depending on the type of sensor 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, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of the mouse 400, which includes a housing 412, an inner surface 426 of the housing 412 defining an internal volume 428, a touch sensor assembly 440, a compass sensor 430, a force sensor assembly 432, a base 416, and a processor 434.

[0058] The processor 434 can perform actions by executable instructions stored or encoded in memory. In some embodiments, the processor 434 may be part of a controller device located within the housing 412, which includes a processor that electronically communicates with a non-temporary 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 processors 434, including one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, computer chips, and / or processing units, configured to execute machine language instructions, process data such as executable instructions, transmit sensor data, or transmit location and / or force vector data transmitted by sensors. The processor 434 may 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 sensors (e.g., a touch sensor 443, a compass sensor 430, a force sensor 432, etc.) (e.g., via a set of capacitive sensing elements, force sensing elements, or other input elements).

[0059] The touch sensor assembly 440 can be configured to detect the position of a user's hand touching the housing 412, as shown in Figures 9A to 11A. The touch sensor assembly 440 may 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 transmit signals to a processor 434 coupled to the sensor assembly 440, thereby enabling the processor 434 to process the signals from the user's touch input.

[0060] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 4, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 4.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of a mouse 500, including a housing 512 that defines a grip portion 514 and a lower portion or base 516 configured to rest on or move parallel to a support surface during use. The housing 512 may include an inner surface 526 defining an internal 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 called an emitter, receiver, or wireless communication module, and a feedback module 544 connected to a processor via a connection 536, all of which can be located within the internal volume 528. The feedback module 544 may include one or more haptic mechanisms, including haptic motors, light, and speakers. These feedback modules 544 may use tactile, visual, or audio feedback means, respectively, to communicate with the user. Feedback communication can transmit mouse or computing device information, such as confirmation signals, power status, and operating mode status, to the user of the Mouse 500.

[0062] The force sensor assembly 532 includes at least two force sensors 532a, 532b, which are located on the lower part 516 of the mouse 500, at a first location and a second location 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 the user's hand or fingers, such as compression of the housing 512 between the hand and the support surface below the lower part 516. The force sensors 532a, 532b may be independent of each other. In one example, the force sensor 532a located at the first location can detect the X component of the force vector, and the force sensor 532b located at the second location can detect the Y component of the force, with the X and Y directions oriented perpendicular to each other. 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 specific force in a specific direction. The force vector detected by the force sensor 532 is then transmitted to the processor 534, where it is processed in real time, and the force vector information can be interpreted as movement of a cursor on a display screen, such as the cursor 108 on the display screen 104 shown in Figure 1, a click, or other function. In another example, a user may press multiple fingers against the housing 512 with a specific force to generate a function different from that of a single finger pressing against the housing 512. The above examples are provided to illustrate the function of the force sensor 532, and it should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated herein. Further details regarding the detection and response to user input are described in relation to Figures 9A to 11B herein.

[0064] In some examples, the force sensor assembly 532 may include two force sensors 532a, 532b, as described above. The force sensor assembly 532 includes a feedback module 544, which includes a speaker and a haptic mechanism that creates a touch experience by applying force, vibration, or motion to the user. The haptic mechanism of the feedback module 544 may include a haptic engine. The haptic engine may include an electromechanical component or device that vibrates, trembles, or pulsates and provides tactile feedback to the user through the housing 512. The haptic engine may include a linear resonant actuator (LRA) (e.g., a combination of multiple LRAs) that can generate motion or tactile feedback on one or more axes to the mouse 500. Similarly, the haptic engine may include one or more eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors to generate motion or tactile feedback on one or more axes to the mouse 500. These haptic components may be driven by different waveforms to produce distinct haptic effects representing different functions. For example, when the mouse 500 rotates around its central vertical axis, it can generate an audible sound or vibration similar to that of a rotary dial or knob. In another example, the user can tap the mouse 500 with their finger to select a feature or icon on the surface of the mouse or on a connected display screen via a cursor. The feedback module 544 of the mouse 500 can generate different sounds or haptic effects to distinguish the user's taps or clicks from the rotation of the mouse 500. In some examples, the haptics may have a resolution (e.g., detent resolution) that can be modified by the user according to specific user needs or specifications. In another example, an audio signal generated by music, games, movies, or other digital media can be converted into a haptic effect and relayed to the user via the feedback module 544. In some embodiments, the mouse 500 can be used as a speaker for playing audio media.Other embodiments are contemplated herein, and it should be understood that the above description provides examples to illustrate the feedback module 544.

[0065] The sensor assembly may include force vector sensors 532a and 532b, a touch sensor array (e.g., a touch sensor assembly 540), and an orientation sensor 530 (e.g., an angle or displacement sensor). For example, a sensor assembly placed within a mouse 500 may sense a user interacting with the mouse 500, which may include the user touching the mouse 500 (thus changing the capacitance or resistance in the touch sensor), applying pressure to the mouse 500 (thus affecting the piezoresistive sensor element), and / or pressing or manipulating the mouse 500 (thus affecting an accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, or similar IMU sensor). The various sensors 532a, 532b, 540, and 530 can transmit signals (e.g., touch signals, pressure vector signals, angle signals relative to an axis, etc.) to a processor 534, which converts the sensor signals into computer-readable output, which is presented on a display 104 and / or may be represented by a cursor 106.

[0066] In some examples, the mouse 500 includes a housing 512 defining an internal volume 528, a sensor assembly, and an electrical component 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 signal may include information regarding the angular position of the grip portion (e.g., the grip surface 214), and when the sensor assembly detects a second touch input on the housing 512, the user interface signal may include the direction of the force applied to the housing 512 from the second touch input. Each of the first and second touch inputs described above may include distinct combinations of the user's hand and finger contact areas with respect to the housing 512 of the mouse 500, as detected by the touch sensor assembly 540.

[0067] The antenna 546 of the mouse 500 or other wireless interface modules may include a PCB antenna, wire antenna, chip antenna, or any other suitable antenna configuration of any other type. Antenna 546 may include monopole, dipole, patch, slot, plate-shaped 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 where the location changes for the user, or for large-sector directional radiation and reception such as hemispherical patterns. In addition, the antenna array may also be implemented to manipulate the radiation / reception pattern to affect connectivity. Antenna 546 may operate in or be optimized for specific frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and / or radio frequency (RF) bands. The antenna may be a BLUETOOTH® device transmitting at similar frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz). It should be understood that other embodiments of the antenna are contemplated and the above description provides examples.

[0068] In another example, the mouse 500 includes a base 516 to which a grip portion (e.g., housing 512) is coupled. Multiple touch sensors 542 are mounted on the grip portion. For example, the touch sensors 542 may be arranged within an internal volume 528, in contact with the inner surface 526 of the housing 512. Force vector sensors 532a, 532b may be arranged on or within the base 516. The mouse 500 may further include a processor 534 electrically coupled (e.g., via a connection 536) to the multiple touch sensors 540 and force sensors 532. An emitter 546 may also be electrically coupled to the processor 534.

[0069] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 5, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 5.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a bottom cross-sectional view of a mouse 600, which includes a housing 612 with a grip portion 614, a sensor assembly 640, an optical array 650, and a processor 634 communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly 640 and the optical array 650 via an electrical connection 636. Specific electrical connections (e.g., 536) are omitted. The housing 612 may include an inner surface 626. The inner surface 626 can define an internal volume 628. The sensor assembly 640 and the optical array 650 can be arranged within the internal volume 628. In one example, the optical array 650 may be arranged concentrically within the internal volume 628 and on the inner surface 626. The optical 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 within the housing, on the inner surface 626, and may include a second diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter (as shown in Figure 6), and in some embodiments, the second diameter is smaller, and the optical array 440 surrounds the sensor assembly 430. In addition, in some embodiments, the optical array 440 and the sensor assembly 430 have substantially equal concentric diameters, and the individual light 442 is spaced apart between or overlaps with the capacitive sensor element 432.

[0071] In one example, the mouse 600 (e.g., an electronic input device) includes a housing 612, a circular sensor array 640 including a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 642 arranged in contact with or embedded in the inner surface 628 of the housing 612, and a circular light array 650 arranged in contact with the inner surface 628 of the housing 612. In at least one example, the 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 the circular sensor array 640. In at least one example, the sensor array 640 may include a plurality of sensor elements 642. In one example, the sensor elements 642 may include capacitive touch sensor elements.

[0072] The housing 612 can be made of 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 the user through the housing 612 outside the mouse 600. The LEDs 652 can change light intensity and color. For example, the light array 650 can provide notifications corresponding to hue, brightness, saturation, blinking or color patterns, or similar light indicator characteristics (e.g., text message notifications, calendar notifications, time notifications, etc., for connected computing devices). 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 the other (e.g., in a pattern moving around the circumference of a circle) to communicate with the user.

[0073] In one example, the processor 634 is configured to display the orientation of the mouse 600. For example, when the mouse 600 is rotated around the normal / vertical axis 223 with its bottom surface 216 parallel to the support surface 106, the LEDs 652 located on the circular light array 650 can be illuminated, and the light can shift from the first energized LED 652 to the second energized LED 652, so that when the second LED 652 is energized, the first LED 652 is de-energized. In this way, as the mouse 600 rotates, the energized LEDs 652 can appear to remain in one location relative to the user's field of view.

[0074] In another example, the processor 634 is configured to display the mode in which the mouse 600 is operating. The mode may depend on the position of the user's hand gripping the mouse 600 and may switch automatically when contact between the user's hand and the housing 612 is detected via the sensor assembly 640. As described elsewhere in this specification, the various operating modes of the mouse 600 may include joystick mode, dial mode, or conventional mouse mode, depending on how the user grips the mouse 600.

[0075] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 6, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 6.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the mouse 700, which includes a housing 712, a grip portion 714, a light sensor 750 located within the housing 712, and an illuminated LED 752 that can emit light from either the LED 754 of the light sensor 750, indicating a "true north," "user-facing," or "forward" direction. The housing may 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 optical array 750 can respond to user movement or display information or signals to the user. For example, the optical array 750 can emit a specific color and / or pattern in response to a first movement (e.g., movement of the entire mouse 700, or movement, tapping, gestures, etc., of the user's finger, stylus, hand, or other tool detected by the touch sensor 542), and emit a different color and / or pattern in response to a second movement (e.g., different movement of the entire mouse, different movement of a tool, or detection of different types of movement / detection by different types of sensors (i.e., switching from detection of the user's hand to detection of movement of the entire mouse)). In some examples, the optical array can generate sequences such as a rotating circular pattern or a flashing / pulsating function. The light emitted to the user can indicate a confirmation signal of the user's intention to switch operating modes. The operating mode of the mouse 700 can depend on the position of the user's hand gripping the mouse 700 and can switch automatically when contact between the user's hand and the housing 712 is detected via the sensor assembly within the mouse 700. As described above, the various operating modes of the mouse 700 may include joystick mode, dial mode, trackball mode, trackpad mode, conventional mouse mode, or any other type of operating mode, depending on how the user grips the mouse. In some embodiments, additional three-dimensional mouse modes may also be detected based on signals indicating that the mouse has been gripped and lifted, or otherwise moved vertically away from the support surface. The optical 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, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 7.

[0079] Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the mouse 800, including an optical array 850, a touch sensor assembly 840, a feedback module 854, an antenna 856, and an electrical component 858. The antenna may also be referred to as an emitter and / or receiver. The electrical component 858 may include multiple components. The housing 812 may include an outer surface 826, an inner 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 in contact with the inner surface 826 of the housing 812. In one example, the optical array 850 may include individual lights or LEDs 852 arranged in a circle in contact with or near the inner surface 826 of the housing 812. The mouse 800 may also include a processor 834 that electrically couples with or communicates with other components via at least one electrical connection 836, which includes wires and other circuit components. The processor 834 may therefore be connected to the touch sensor assembly 840, the feedback module 854, the antenna 856, and the electrical component(s) 858. The processor 834 can receive signals transmitted via the electrical connection 836 and transmit signals signaling commands to the cursor 108 to the computing device and / or computing device 102 via the antenna 856.

[0080] The electrical components 858, processor 834, antenna 856, feedback module 854, touch sensor assembly 840, optical array 850, and other electrical components in Figure 8 can collectively form a computer system interconnected via a bus (e.g., via electrical connection 836) for electrical communication to memory devices, power supplies, electronic storage devices, network interfaces (e.g., wireless interfaces via antenna 856), input device adapters, and output device adapters. For example, one or more of these components may be connected to each other via a board (e.g., a printed circuit board or other board) supporting the bus and other electrical connectors that provide electrical communication between the components. The bus may include a communication mechanism for communicating information between components of the system.

[0081] The processor 834 may be a microprocessor or similar device configured to receive and execute a set of instructions stored in the memory of the electrical component 858. The memory may be called main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic electronic storage device, for storing information and instructions executed by the processor 834. The memory may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions executed by the processor 834. The processor 834 may include one or more processors or controllers, such as a CPU for the 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 sensors). The power supply for the electrical component 858 may include a power supply that can provide power to the processor 834 and other components connected to the bus, such as a connection to a power grid or a battery system.

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

[0083] Instructions may include information for performing processes and methods using components of the system. Such processes and methods may include, for example, the methods and processes described in relation to Figures 9A to 11B, and also methods described elsewhere in this specification in relation to other embodiments.

[0084] A network interface may include adapters for connecting the system to external devices via wired or wireless connections. For example, a network interface may provide connectivity to computer networks such as cellular networks, the Internet, local area networks (LANs), separate devices capable of wireless communication with the network interface, other external devices or network locations, and combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the network interface is a wireless networking adapter configured to connect to another device having interface capabilities using the same protocol via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, BLE, Bluetooth Mesh, or related wireless communication protocols. In some embodiments, a network device or a set of network devices in a network may be considered part of the system. In some cases, a network device may be considered connected to the system but not a part of it.

[0085] The input device adapter can be configured to provide the system with connectivity to various input devices, such as, for example, a touch sensor assembly 840, a compass sensor (e.g., 530), an optical sensor, a force sensor (e.g., 532a, 532b), related devices, and combinations thereof. The 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 the movement of the mouse) and to convert these phenomena into electrical signals.

[0086] The output device adapter can be configured to provide the system with the ability to output information to the user, for example, by providing visual output using one or more displays (e.g., optical array 650 / 750 / 850 or external display screens), 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 may also be used. The processor 834 can be configured to control the output device adapter and provide information to the user via the output devices connected to the adapter.

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

[0088] In at least one example, the housing 812 is symmetrical (e.g., rotationally symmetrical) with respect to a central axis 853 oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the mouse 800 may be placed or operated. For example, the housing 812 may be circular having a central axis 853 which is the central axis of rotation and / or symmetry of the mouse 800. In at least one example, the user first grasps the mouse 800, including its housing 812, in any orientation, and then, regardless of the actual orientation of the mouse 800, can orient the mouse 800 as intended by the user based on the user's grip or hand position, as described herein. In such an example, the processor 834 can 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] In at least one example, the housing 812 of the mouse 800 is circular or dome-shaped, as shown in Figure 8, so that the housing 812 can rotate about a central axis 853 that acts as the central axis of rotation for the circular housing 812. In such an example, the mouse cannot know the actual orientation of the housing 812 relative to the support surface on which it rests. Rather, the housing 812 can be oriented and / or reoriented digitally or computationally by the processor 834 based on the position of the user's hand, such as that detected by the touch sensor element 842, without requiring the mouse 800 to be physically moved or rotated when gripping the housing 812.

[0090] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figure 8, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 8.

[0091] Figure 9A shows a mouse 900 operated by a user's hand 960, which grasps the grip portion 914 of the mouse 900's housing 912. The circular profile of the mouse 900 allows the user to grasp the mouse 900 from any direction, 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 element 842 of the sensor array 840 shown in the mouse 800 of Figure 8. The sensor elements determine the positioning and placement 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 may be the left hand or the right hand, depending on the user's preference. The Mouse 900 can dynamically detect whether the user is using their left or right hand, providing convenience and efficiency to users who use both hands or to multiple different users of the same Mouse 900.

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

[0093] Figure 9B is a top view of the mouse 900 and the housing 912 including the grip portion 914. Contact areas 964a to 964f, representing detected contact between the user's hand 960 and fingers / thumb 962 and the mouse 900, are shown by dashed lines to indicate the general contact area between the hand and the housing 912. In the illustrated example, the detected touch areas 964a to 964f may include a first finger sensor contact area 964a, a second finger sensor contact area 964b, a third finger sensor contact area 964c, a fourth finger contact area 964d, a fifth finger contact area 964e, and a palm sensor contact area 964f. As described above with reference to other examples, the mouse 900 shown in Figures 9A to 9B may be equipped with sensors and sensor arrays for detecting touch areas of the user's hand 960 (e.g., palm) and fingers / thumb 962. The contact areas 964a to 964f may be collectively referred to as the 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 can grasp the mouse 900 with all of their fingers 962 and part of their palm to create the sensor contact profile shown in Figure 9B. A first contact area 964a, representing the contact of a first finger 962 with the mouse 900, may differ from a second contact area 964b, resulting in a unique sensor profile for each finger and / or palm in contact with the outer 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 unique contact characteristics of the user's hand, such as finger contact length, finger contact width, finger contact cross-sectional area, etc. These hand contact characteristics are utilized by at least a first touch sensor configured to detect a first response at a first location, for example, 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, for example, a second finger contact area 964b on the outer surface. In this way, the intended operating mode of the mouse 900 can be automatically determined. Examples of different intended operating modes corresponding to different contact profiles are shown in more detail below with reference to Figures 10A to 11B.

[0095] In the illustrated example in Figure 9B, the contact profile detected as a combination of contact areas 964a to 964f can indicate the user's intent in operating the mouse 900 in a conventional mode where the mouse 900 slides back and forth and left and right on a support surface such as a mousepad or desktop surface. The contact profile 964 shown in Figure 9B can be called a conventional mouse grip configuration, a full-hand grasp configuration, a "pinch grip" configuration, or a "claw grip" configuration, and when detected, these allow the system to use the mouse if the mouse 900 is a conventional mouse with buttons (for example, interpreting a specific input (such as tapping a designated part of the outer surface while maintaining minimal contact with the mouse with other parts of the hand or other parts of the mouse) as an input intended by the user to mimic the operation of the left-click button, right-click button, middle-click button, side mouse buttons, etc.). Similarly, after detecting a conventional mouse grip by the user, the system can interpret certain gestures on a designated portion of the outer surface of the mouse 900 as input intended by the user to mimic the use of a touchpad / trackpad or mouse wheel (e.g., interpreting a drag of one to three fingers on the top surface to enable scrolling, zooming, and control of user interface elements (e.g., window control functionality)). In one example, the system can identify that the user intends to use the mouse as a conventional mouse while maintaining consistent thumb contact with the mouse (e.g., in 964a) and contact of at least one opposite finger (e.g., in 964d or 964e), with the other fingers (e.g., in 964b-d) being moved or not detected without changing the system's touch interpretation mode. The processor of the mouse 900 (or a computing device electronically communicating with the mouse) can identify a contact profile and correlate it to the user's intent via pre-configured instructions, or, in one or more other examples, the memory components of the mouse 900 may include instructions that execute a machine learning algorithm to learn the user's intent based on each user's contact profile and movement over time.

[0096] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 9A to 9B, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figures 9A to 9B.

[0097] Figure 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 may include a touch input detected at a single touch input location represented by the contact area 1064 shown in Figure 10B. In at least one example, sensors and sensor assemblies disclosed herein with reference to other examples and other figures may include a touch sensor positioned at any location relative to the grip portion 1014, including the upper central location where a user presses a single finger, as shown in Figure 10B. The locations and configurations of the multiple sensor elements of the touch sensor assemblies disclosed herein and shown in the figures are illustrative and not intended to limit. One or more other examples, including the example shown in Figure 10B, may include touch sensor assemblies having touch sensors and elements positioned at any location within the device so that a single-finger or multiple-finger touch at any location on the grip portion 1014 can be detected.

[0098] A sensor assembly that detects a single touch input can transmit the angular position and force applied by a finger 1062 in the contact area 1064 to a processor via the force sensor(s) of the mouse 1000. The processor then processes and transmits the received touch input location and vector information, allowing the mouse 1000 to operate in “joystick” mode. That is, it can detect a single finger touch, and the user can operate the mouse 1000 as if operating a joystick by changing the direction of force on the grip portion 1014 (for example, by tilting the user's finger while the fingertip remains substantially stationary, or by changing the dominant direction of pressure applied by the finger while the fingertip is in a single position 1064, similar to an “eraser head” type mouse). Instead of operating in a conventional mode where the mouse 1000 must be moved on a support surface, the mouse 1000 can automatically switch to joystick mode, which can detect the direction of force applied by finger 1062, and as a result, the user can control the cursor on the screen via the mouse 1000 as if it were a joystick.

[0099] A contact profile including a single contact area 1064, as shown in Figure 10B, can correspond to the intention of a user operating the mouse 1000 in joystick mode. However, the illustrated contact profile is illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Other contact profiles including multiple contact areas at specific other locations on the grip portion 1014 of the mouse 1000 can also represent the intention of a user operating the mouse 1000 in joystick mode, for example, two to five fingers touching the top of the mouse in a bundled or clustered manner within a single contact area (e.g., 1064). Other operating modes are also contemplated herein. A finger 1062 can be detected via a touch sensor (e.g., from a sensor assembly 840).

[0100] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 10A to 10B, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figures 10A to 10B.

[0101] Figure 11A shows a user's hand 1160 touching the grip portion 1114 of the mouse 1100 with several fingers 1162. In the illustrated example, the contact profile may include touch inputs detected at multiple spaced-out touch input locations represented by contact areas 1164a, 1164b, and 1164c shown in Figure 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, as shown in Figure 11A. The contact areas 1164a-1164c may differ from the contact areas 964a-964f (see Figure 9B) due to their positioning on the surface (i.e., positioned higher on the outer surface than the 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 964f). A sensor assembly that detects a single touch input can transmit the angular position and force profiled by the finger 1162 in the contact areas 1164a-1164c to the processor via the force sensor(s) of the mouse 1100. The processor then processes and transmits the received touch input location and vector information to operate the mouse 1100 in rotary knob or dial mode. That is, a specific combination of detected contact areas 1164a-1164c can indicate the user's intention to operate the mouse 1100 as a dial. In such operating mode, the user can rotate the mouse 1100 as if it were a rotatable dial to control the cursor in the GUI displayed on the screen or scroll through menu items. In this way, the mouse can automatically switch to dial mode based on the user's hand position.

[0102] The mouse 1100 shown in Figures 11A and 11B may include any or all of the components of other examples of mice shown in other figures and described herein. For example, the mouse 1100 may include one or more orientation sensors, including an IMU sensor, an angle sensor, an accelerometer, etc., which can detect the orientation of the mouse 1100 to an initial orientation or position when the user twists the mouse in dial mode.

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

[0104] The features, components, and / or parts shown in Figures 11A to 11B, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of the apparatus, 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, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of the apparatus, features, components, and parts shown in Figures 11A to 11B.

[0105] It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be governed by privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding 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 the user.

[0106] In the preceding description, certain technical terms have been used for illustrative purposes to provide a complete 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. Therefore, the preceding descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the exact form 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. An input device, A housing having an inner surface that defines the internal volume and is circular with respect to its central axis, A touch sensor assembly including an array of capacitive sensing elements arranged on the inner surface, A compass sensor is placed within the aforementioned internal volume, A force sensor assembly configured to detect the direction of the force applied to the housing, Equipped with, The aforementioned touch sensor assembly is Based on a first set of capacitive sensing elements that detect contact between the hand and the housing, the position of the user's first hand touching the housing is detected. It is configured to detect the position of the user's second hand touching the housing based on a second set of capacitive sensing elements that detect contact between the hand and the housing, The orientation sensor detects the rotation of the input device in response to detecting the position of the first hand, The force sensor assembly is an input device that detects the direction of the force applied to the housing in response to detecting the position of the second hand.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an inner surface defining the internal volume, and the touch sensor assembly includes two sensor elements disposed on the inner surface.

3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the force sensor assembly includes two force sensors.

4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the orientation sensor includes an inertial measuring unit (IMU).

5. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a feedback module.

6. The aforementioned feedback module is Haptic mechanism, Light, or, The input device according to claim 5, comprising at least one of the following: a speaker.

7. The input device further comprises a processor electrically coupled to the touch sensor assembly. The processor is configured to determine the intended orientation of the housing based on the position of the user's hand detected by the touch sensor assembly. The input device according to claim 5.

8. It is a mouse, A housing including a base and a grip portion coupled to the base, Multiple touch sensors arranged in the grip portion, A compass sensor and, A force sensor disposed on the base, wherein the force sensor is a force sensor that responds to the direction and magnitude of the force applied to the grip portion, A processor that communicates with the plurality of touch sensors, the orientation sensor, and the force sensor, An emitter electrically coupled to the processor, Memory components that store electronic instructions, The electronic instruction, when executed by the processor, sends to the emitter, In response to the plurality of touch sensors detecting the position of a first hand in contact with the grip portion, a first signal is transmitted that includes first information regarding the direction of the force applied to the grip portion detected by the force sensor. A mouse wherein, in response to the detection of the position of a second hand in contact with the grip portion by the plurality of touch sensors, the mouse transmits a second signal containing second information regarding the orientation of the mouse.

9. It is a mouse, A housing that defines the external grip portion and the internal volume, A sensor assembly disposed within the internal volume, comprising a force vector sensor, a touch sensor array, and an angle sensor. The sensor assembly comprises an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly, In response to the touch sensor array of the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the first touch input includes a set of touch input locations on the housing, and the emitter transmits a first signal including information about the angular position of the grip portion detected by the angular sensor. In response to the touch sensor array of the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the second touch input includes a single touch input location on the housing, and the emitter transmits a second signal containing information about the direction of the force applied to the housing from the second touch input detected by the force vector sensor, in a mouse.

10. The mouse according to claim 9, wherein the touch sensor array includes a plurality of capacitive sensing elements configured to detect the first touch input and the second touch input.

11. The mouse according to claim 9, wherein the force vector sensor includes a first force sensor located at a first location within the internal volume and a second force sensor located at a second location within the internal volume.

Images