Patent ID: 8188974
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An input device communicatively coupled to a host, wherein a movement of the input device is measured relative to a surface upon which the input device is placed, wherein friction between the input device and the surface is dynamically reducible, the input device comprising: a housing; a foot which rests on the surface, the foot comprising: a first layer of a piezo-electric material to which an AC voltage is applied; a second layer bonded to the first layer, wherein the second layer is a different material than the first layer, wherein the application of the AC voltage results in a layer of air being trapped between the foot and the surface, wherein the layer of air reduces the friction from a first amount of friction to a second amount of friction between the input device and the surface, wherein the first amount of friction is an amount of friction without the air being trapped by application of the AC voltage, and wherein the movement of the input device is measured relative to the surface; and a piezo-support configured to contact the first layer at a nodal circle, wherein the piezo-support is configured to support the first layer without dampening oscillations in the second layer.