Multi-mode Mouse with Integrated Touch and Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices, such as mice, have limited user interaction modes due to fixed button locations and orientations, which can lead to reduced user productivity and comfort, especially for left- or right-handed users, and introduce additional components that increase complexity and failure rates.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a housing featuring a touch sensor assembly, orientation sensor, and force sensor assembly that detects hand positions and forces, allowing for multiple interaction modes without additional components, such as joysticks or turn-knobs, by dynamically reorienting the cursor based on user grip and hand position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input modes are implemented using additional components (joysticks, turn-knobs), then input versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component and a touch-sensitive input surface. The same housing that provides mechanical support also detects touch inputs, force directions, and rotational gestures through integrated sensors, eliminating the need for separate input components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions (touch detection, force sensing, orientation detection) are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly mounted on the housing. This combines what would traditionally require separate joysticks, buttons, and knobs into one unified sensing system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input modes are implemented using additional components, then input versatility is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the input functionality from separate mechanical components and integrates it into the housing structure itself. By removing joysticks, turn-knobs, and additional buttons, the system eliminates the moving parts and mechanical wear associated with these components, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical input components (joysticks, turn-knobs, buttons) are replaced with an electronic sensing system consisting of capacitive touch sensors and force sensors. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that can wear out or fail, replacing them with solid-state sensors that have no moving parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed button locations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device transitions from a static configuration with fixed button locations to a dynamic system where the housing surface can detect inputs at any location and in any orientation. The sensor assembly detects touch inputs dynamically based on user grip and hand position, allowing the same physical housing to adapt to different user preferences and operations.
4Device complexity
If orientation-specific interaction is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetric sensing capabilities where the sensor assembly can detect inputs from different orientations and hand positions. Rather than requiring symmetric, fixed-button layouts, the system uses asymmetric touch and force sensing to detect user intent based on which part of the housing is touched and in what direction force is applied.
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 a more interactive and satisfying user experience by allowing multiple input modes, such as joystick and dial modes, without the need for extra components, enhancing usability and reducing complexity and failure rates.
Implementation Method 1
an array of capacitive sensing elements disposed against the interior surface
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor assembly configured to detect a direction of a force exerted on the housing
Implementation Method 3
an orientation sensor disposed in the internal volume
Data Source
AI summary
An input device, such as a mouse, can include a housing defining an exterior grip portion and an internal volume, a sensor assembly disposed in the internal 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 sends a first signal including information regarding an angular position of the grip portion. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a second signal including information regarding a direction of a force exerted on the housing from the second touch input.