Curved Multi-Touch Mouse Surface for Gesture Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices, such as multi-touch displays and computer mice, face challenges in providing comfortable and efficient interaction methods, with multi-touch displays causing user fatigue due to vertical orientation and limited natural movement-based interactions, while computer mice restrict opportunities for natural movement-based interactions with graphical user interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A computer mouse with a curved multi-touch surface equipped with a touch sensor array that detects location and pressure, allowing for gesture-based inputs without requiring users to lift their hand, and can be manufactured using simpler processes and less expensive materials compared to touch-sensitive displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a vertically-oriented multi-touch display is used, then touch-based input is enabled, but user fatigue increases due to arm position maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch-based inputVSAvoiduser fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming the mouse body with a curved geometric feature that conforms to the natural shape of a human hand. This curved surface allows users to interact with the mouse in a relaxed, natural position, eliminating the need to maintain an arm position on a vertical display, thereby reducing user fatigue while preserving touch-based input capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If a computer mouse with cursor-based input is used, then comfortable extended use is achieved, but opportunities for natural movement-based interactions are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfortable extended useVSAvoidnatural movement-based interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating both traditional cursor-based control and gesture-based interaction capabilities into a single mouse device. The touch-sensitive surface enables various gesture inputs (swipes, taps, palm-based movements) in addition to conventional button clicks, allowing the mouse to adapt to different user preferences and interaction styles while maintaining comfortable extended use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a touch-sensitive display is used, then multi-touch capability is provided, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-touch capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the touch-sensitive surface from a complex display device and implements it specifically on the mouse body. By isolating the touch sensing functionality to only the necessary area (the mouse surface rather than an entire display), the design achieves multi-touch capability while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to implementing a full touch-sensitive display

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If a flat mouse design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ergonomic comfort and natural hand conforming are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidergonomic comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a curved geometric feature that is relatively simple to manufacture using standard molding techniques while providing superior ergonomic comfort. The curved surface naturally conforms to the shape of a human hand, improving grip comfort and reducing strain during extended use, whereas a flat design would require users to adapt their hand position to the non-ergonomic surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables comfortable and efficient gesture-based interactions with reduced user fatigue and lower manufacturing costs, as users can perform touch inputs and navigate on-screen distances with minimal effort while maintaining hand contact with the mouse, enhancing the usability and cost-effectiveness of input devices.

Implementation Method 1

Multi-touch displays may detect touch via various mechanisms, including capacitive and vision-based mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

Multi-touch displays may detect touch via various mechanisms, including capacitive and vision-based mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVision-based detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2414921B1Detecting touch on a curved surface

Publication Date: 2017.03.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Embodiments are disclosed herein that are related to input devices with curved multi-touch surfaces. One disclosed embodiment comprises a touch-sensitive input device having a curved geometric feature comprising a touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising an array of sensor elements integrated into the curved geometric feature and being configured to detect a location of a touch made on a surface of the curved geometric feature.