PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12197654-B2
Application Number: US-202318472173-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Input device with adaptive grip orientation

Abstract:
A computer input system includes a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume. A processor is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a hand based on a touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly. The mouse can also have a circular array of touch sensors or lights that detect hand position and provide orientation information to the user.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computer input system, comprising:
 a mouse, comprising:
 a housing including an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an internal volume; and 
 a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume; 
 
 a light; and 
 a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component, the memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine one of a plurality of different orientations of the mouse relative to a hand based on an input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly and to illuminate the light to indicate a current orientation of the plurality of different orientations. 
 
     
     
       2. The computer input system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the sensor assembly comprises a first touch sensor disposed on the interior surface and a second touch sensor disposed on the interior surface; 
 the input from the hand includes a plurality of touch inputs corresponding to contact locations between the exterior surface and the hand; 
 the electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a hand position of the hand relative to the mouse; and 
 the orientation of the mouse is determined based on the hand position. 
 
     
     
       3. The computer input system of  claim 2 , wherein the first touch sensor comprises a capacitive sensor element. 
     
     
       4. The computer input system of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the housing defines an external surface of the mouse; 
 the input from the hand includes a first touch input and a second touch input; 
 the first touch sensor is configured to detect the first touch input at a first location on the exterior surface; and 
 the second touch sensor is configured to detect the second touch input at a second location on the exterior surface. 
 
     
     
       5. The computer input system of  claim 4 , wherein the orientation of the mouse is determined based on relative positions of the first location and the second location. 
     
     
       6. The computer input system of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the processor is configured to send a first function signal based on a first input gesture detected by the first touch sensor; and 
 the processor is configured to send a second function signal based on a second input gesture detected by the second touch sensor. 
 
     
     
       7. The computer input system of  claim 4 , wherein the orientation includes a user-facing direction that varies depending on relative positions of the first location and the second location. 
     
     
       8. The computer input system of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower surface configured to face a support surface, wherein the housing includes a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane parallel to the lower surface. 
     
     
       9. The computer input system of  claim 1 , wherein the light is part of a light array disposed in the internal volume, and wherein the electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to display, via the light array, the current orientation of the mouse relative to the hand. 
     
     
       10. An electronic input device, comprising:
 a housing including an interior surface defining an internal volume, the housing having an at least partially upward-facing surface being at least semi-transparent; 
 a touch sensor array disposed in the internal volume; 
 a motion sensor configured to sense a movement of the housing on a support surface; and 
 a light disposed in the internal volume and illuminatable to direct light through the at least partially upward-facing surface of the housing responsive to an input detected by the touch sensor array, wherein the light is configured to indicate, dependent on the input, multiple different forward directions for the housing. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic input device of  claim 10 , wherein the touch sensor array is configured to detect multiple touch inputs contacting the housing. 
     
     
       12. The electronic input device of  claim 11 , wherein the light is configured to direct light through the housing in response to determining an orientation of the electronic input device based on at least two of the multiple touch inputs. 
     
     
       13. The electronic input device of  claim 10 , wherein the touch sensor array comprises multiple capacitive sensors arranged circularly. 
     
     
       14. The electronic input device of  claim 13 , wherein the multiple capacitive sensors are disposed against the interior surface. 
     
     
       15. The electronic input device of  claim 13 , wherein the light is a first light of a circular light array disposed concentrically with the touch sensor array. 
     
     
       16. A circular user input device, comprising:
 a housing defining a major plane and having a circular cross-section in the major plane centered on a central axis normal to the major plane, the housing having an internal surface defining an internal volume; 
 a capacitive sensor array including a set of sensing elements disposed in the internal volume and circularly arranged and concentric with the central axis; and 
 a light array disposed in the internal volume, the light array including a set of lights circularly arranged and concentric with the central axis, wherein each light of the set of lights is separately illuminable on different sides of the central axis. 
 
     
     
       17. The circular user input device of  claim 16 , wherein the set of sensing elements are disposed against the internal surface. 
     
     
       18. The circular user input device of  claim 16 , the housing comprising:
 an upper curved surface; and 
 a lower surface parallel to the major plane and configured to rest on a support surface. 
 
     
     
       19. The circular user input device of  claim 16 , further comprising a motion sensor configured to detect a movement of the housing on a support surface. 
     
     
       20. The circular user input device of  claim 16 , further comprising a communications interface to connect to an external computing device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/478,523, filed 5 Jan. 2023, and entitled “Input Device,” to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,767, filed 22 Sep. 2022, and entitled “Variable Friction and Multi-Texture Mouse,” to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,763, filed 22 Sep. 2022, and entitled “Multi-Mode Mouse,” to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,650, filed 22 Sep. 2022, and entitled “Input Device for Three-Dimensional Control,” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,756, filed 22 Sep. 2022, and entitled “Input Device with Adaptive Grip Orientation,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to input devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to input devices with adaptive grips. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Computing devices and systems, such as portable computers, tablets, desktop computers, and so forth, receive input from a user via an input device such as a mouse, trackpad or other input device. The input device allows a user to move an input pointer, such as cursor on a screen, and make selections in a graphical user interface (GUI) on the computer system. The input device generally includes buttons and a location tracking device, for example, a mechanical or optical movement tracker or other movement tracker. The location tracking device tracks user directed movements translating the user&#39;s motion into signals readable by a computer system. For example, a user may wish to select a feature displayed on a GUI. The user can direct an input device that translates the user&#39;s motion toward the desired feature displayed on the GUI and make the desired selection. 
     Conventional user input devices include mechanical buttons for data selection and command execution. The mechanical buttons are disposed near the top front portion of the user input device creating a unidirectional user interaction. This unidirectional user interaction requires the user to position his or her hand in a manner that can be uncomfortable or undesired. Additionally, if the user input device is positioned in a direction opposite the user&#39;s hand, the user must reposition the user input device to function appropriately with the GUI. For example, if the user input device is positioned opposite the user&#39;s hand (e.g., the mechanical buttons disposed near the top front portion positioned toward the user&#39;s palm rather than the user&#39;s fingers) the input device may interpret the user&#39;s intended movements inverse on the GUI, creating a confusing and frustrating user experience. 
     Therefore, what is needed in the art are input devices capable of providing improved user experiences and interpreting user intended movements correctly independent of the orientation of the input device orientation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one example of the present disclosure, a computer input system can include a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume. The system can also include and a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component, the memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a hand based on a touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly. 
     In one example, the sensor assembly includes a first touch sensor disposed on the interior surface and a second touch sensor disposed on the interior surface, the input from the hand includes a plurality of touch inputs corresponding to contact locations between the exterior surface and the hand, the electronic instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a hand position of the hand relative to the input device, and the orientation of the mouse is determined based on the hand position. In one example, the sensor element is a first sensor element and the sensor assembly includes a second touch sensor disposed on the interior surface. In one example, the first touch sensor includes a capacitive sensor. In one example, the housing defines an external surface of the mouse, the first touch sensor is configured to detect a first touch input at a first location on the exterior surface, and the second touch sensor is configured to detect a second touch input at a second location on the exterior surface of the housing. In one example, the orientation of the mouse is determined based on relative positions of the first location and the second location. In one example, the processor is configured to send a first function signal based on a first input gesture detected by the first touch sensor, and the processor is configured to send a second function signal based on a second input gesture detected by the second touch sensor. In one example, the orientation includes a user-facing direction that varies depending on the relative positions of the first location and the second location. In one example, the mouse further includes a lower surface configured to face a support surface, wherein the housing includes a circular cross-sectional plane circle parallel to the lower surface. In one example, the mouse further includes a light array disposed in the internal volume and coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to display, via the light array, a direction or the orientation. 
     In at least one example of the present disclosure, an electronic input device includes a housing having an at least partially upward-facing surface, including an interior surface defining an internal volume, the housing being at least semi-transparent, a touch sensor array disposed in the internal volume, a motion sensor configured to sense a movement of the input device on a support surface, and a light disposed in the internal volume and illuminatable to direct light through the at least partially upward-facing surface of the housing responsive to the touch input detected by the sensor array. 
     In one example, the sensor array is configured to detect multiple touch inputs contacting the housing. In one example, the light is configured to direct light through the housing in response to determining an orientation of the electronic input device based on at least two of the multiple touch points. In one example, the touch sensor array includes multiple capacitive sensors arranged circularly. In one example, the multiple capacitive sensors are disposed against the interior surface. In one example, the light includes multiple LED lights disposed in a circle concentric with the circular sensor array. In one example, the light includes multiple LED lights disposed in a circle concentric with the sensor array. In one example, the light is a first light of a circular light array disposed concentrically with the touch sensor array. 
     In at least one example, a circular user input device includes a housing defining a major plane and having a circular cross-section in the major plane centered on an axis normal to the major plane, the housing having an internal surface defining an internal volume, a capacitive sensor array including a set of sensing elements disposed in the internal volume and circularly arranged and concentric with the axis, and a light array disposed in the internal volume, the light array including a set of lights circularly arranged and concentric with the axis. 
     In one example, the set of sensing elements are disposed against the internal surface. In one example, the housing includes an upper curved surface and a lower surface parallel to the major plane and configured to rest on a support surface. In one example, the input device further includes a motion sensor configured to detect a movement of the housing on a support surface. In one example, the circular input device includes a communications interface to connect to an external computing device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of a mouse and a display; 
         FIG.  2 A  shows a perspective view of a mouse; 
         FIG.  2 B  shows a bottom perspective view of a mouse; 
         FIG.  2 C  shows a top view of a mouse; 
         FIG.  3    shows a side cutaway view of a mouse; 
         FIG.  4    shows a bottom cutaway view of a mouse; 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of a mouse and indicator(s). 
         FIG.  6    shows a side cutaway view of a mouse; 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a mouse and a user&#39;s hand; 
         FIG.  7 B  shows a display with a display screen; 
         FIG.  7 C  shows a top view of a mouse; 
         FIG.  8    shows a top view of a mouse; and 
         FIG.  9    shows a top view of a mouse. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The present disclosure relates to input devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to input devices for computer systems, such as a mouse, that have adaptive grip configurations and orientation sensing allowing a user to manipulate the input device irrespective of orientation. Input devices, such as a mouse, allow a user to interact with a digitized environment by interacting with a computing device (e.g., portable computer, desktop computer, tablet, etc.) and display via the input device. The input device allows the user to move a cursor and make selections in a GUI on a display screen of the computing device. Input devices, such as a computer mouse, generally include buttons and a location tracking device (e.g., mechanical or optical movement tracker). As the mouse is translated (e.g., moved across a surface) the input device tracks the movement via a location tracking device, translating the user&#39;s motion of the mouse into signals readable by the computing device and presenting the user&#39;s motion on a display. Similarly, the user can press (e.g., actuate a via finger force) a button on the mouse to make a selection in a GUI of a display. 
     Conventional mice have buttons or touch sensors at fixed locations, requiring the user to interact with the mouse in a particular way. The location of the buttons or sensors on the mouse creates a frustrating experience, forcing the user to grip the mouse in a way that can be uncomfortable or undesired. Additionally, the mouse buttons may be non-interchangeable, creating a difficult experience for a left handed user and a right handed user sharing the same mouse, since the buttons of the mouse do not dynamically change to accommodate the left handed user or the right handed user. 
     Additionally, a conventional mouse is directionally biased having a fixed coordinate system relative to the mouse buttons. For example, upward movement of the cursor relative to the display is determined by the forward motion of the mouse relative to the buttons. A cursor moves downward if the mouse is moved in the direction opposing the button, regardless of the positioning of the user&#39;s hand or the orientation of the mouse. 
     While using a mouse is advantageous for interacting with a computing device, as described above, the mouse button location and the mouse cursor position relative to a user are important to provide a satisfying and interactive user experience. This is especially true when multiple users with different dominate hands (e.g. left handed or right handed) occupy the same mouse. The examples below detail a mouse with features and functions relative to button placement and cursor position that create a more satisfying and interactive user experience. 
     In at least one example, a computer input system includes a mouse having a housing and a sensor assembly located in an internal volume, and a processor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. The processor can execute instructions stored on a memory component to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to the user&#39;s hand based on a user touch input detected by the sensor assembly. 
     In another example, an electronic input device includes a housing, a sensor array, and a light array. The housing can be at least semi-transparent and include an interior surface defining an internal volume. The light array can be disposed in the internal volume of the housing and direct light through the housing based on an input by the sensor array. In one example, the sensor array can be configured to detect multiple positions of a multi-touch input contacting the housing. 
     In yet another example, a circular user input device includes a defining a major plane and having a circular cross-section in the major plane centered on an axis normal to the major plane, the housing having an internal surface defining an internal volume. The input device can also include a capacitive sensor array including sensing elements disposed against the internal surface and arranged circularly and concentric around the axis and a light array disposed in the internal volume, the light array including lights arranged circularly and concentric around the axis. 
     In each of the foregoing examples, which are shown in the figures and also described below, the input devices can detect a touch input from a user via the sensor array. The sensor array can be configured to detect touch inputs that are interpreted, by a processing or computing device, to determine a hand position of the user relative to the input device&#39;s outer surface. The orientation of the hand can infer or imply an intended action by the user while the input device is being used. For example, the hand position of the user can indicate the user&#39;s intended orientation of the input device. If the user grips the device with certain fingers or their palm resting in a first arrangement on the outer surface, the computing device can expect that movement of the input device in a first direction (e.g., the direction in which their index finger is likely pointing) will cause an action via a user interface (e.g., a mouse cursor will move upward on the display). If the user releases their initial grip and grasps the device with the input device rotated from its initial position relative to the support surface (e.g., after lifting and turning the device), the fingers or palm may then be detected as resting in a second arrangement relative to the outer surface of the input device. In that arrangement, movement of the input device in a second direction (e.g., the direction in which their index finger is now pointing after reorientation of the input device) can cause the same action via the user interface (e.g., the cursor will still move upward) despite the change in position of the input device. Thus, in some embodiments, the device can detect the user grip and use that grip to infer user intent when then user moves or otherwise interacts with the input device. In some embodiments, this inferred intent can include assigning a movement direction of the input device as a “forward” direction or “user facing” direction relative to the user. This “forward” or “user facing” direction can be the direction assumed to be facing away from the front of the user (i.e., the direction the user is facing), such as the direction that the user&#39;s arm or hand moves when reaching forward to grasp or move the input device away from their torso. Thus, movement of the input device in that direction can be associated with a predetermined action (e.g., a cursor moving upward across a display screen), regardless of the physical orientation of internal (or external) components of the input device relative to the earth (e.g., relative to a gravitational direction or a geographical location). 
     In this way, a circular input device can be used and its orientation can be newly determined each time the user grips or touches the surface of the input device with his or her hand. This way, the user does not have to physically reorient the input device each time he or she wants to use the input device. The user can grip the input device as they see fit for comfort and convenience and the controller or computing device for the input device will determine orientation automatically based on how the user contacts the device. 
     In addition, the input devices described herein can include feedback to the user, for example in the form of visual feedback, via the light array projecting through the housing of the device, to indicate the detected forward or user-facing direction for the input device once the device is gripped. 
     Accordingly, electronic input devices described herein can create a more satisfying, intuitive, and natural interactive user experience. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 9   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option). 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an input device  100  located on a support surface  106  being connected via a connector  110  to a computing device  102 . The input device  100  can also be referred to herein as a mouse  100 . The connector  110  is shown in broken lines to indicate that the connector  110  is optional. In one example, the mouse  100  can be wirelessly connected to the computing device  102 . The computing device  102  can include a display screen  104  and an input pointer (e.g., a cursor)  108  displayed on the display screen  104 . The mouse  100  can rest on a support surface  106  and be manipulated by a user interacting with the computing device  102  (e.g., a computer system). A processor in the mouse  100  or in the computing device  102  can transmit the user induced movement 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 . 
     The term “mouse” as used herein describes an electronic input device or circular user input device that is described herein as a mouse  100 . In one or more examples, the electronic input devices or circular user input devices described herein, including the mouse  100 , can be a remote control, volume control, pointer, or other electronic input device capable of providing control signals to an electronic device like the computing device  102  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     The mouse  100  can interact with a variety of electronic devices (e.g. laptops, tablets, televisions, virtual reality headsets, etc.) providing a diverse set of functions to users. The mode of the mouse  100  can change corresponding to the connection between the mouse  100  and an electronic device. For example, the mouse  100  can act as a mouse for a computer and switch (dynamically or manually) between devices to interact with a television set or other electronic device or computing system. 
     The mouse  100  can be connected to the computing device  102  via the connector  110 . In one example, the connector  110  can be a cable (e.g. a plurality of wires for transmitting energy, signals, or other interface data) creating a wired connection between the mouse  100  and another electronic device (e.g. computer, display, television, etc.). In one example, the connector  110  between the mouse  100  and the computing device  102  or other electronic device can be wireless (BLE, RF, WLAN, LAN, WPAN, etc.) electronically communicating movements of the mouse  100  to the computing device  102  or other electronic device. 
     A user can grip the mouse  100  in a variety of grip configurations and hand positions. For example, a user can use a left hand to grip electronic device  100  in one instance and a right had to grip the mouse  100  in another instance. In another example, the user can grip the mouse  100  with all five fingers and a portion of his or her palm. In another example, the user can grip the mouse  100  with only two or three fingers. The mouse  100  can actively and automatically reorient which direction corresponds to direction of the cursor  108  on the display screen  104  based on the position of the user&#39;s hand. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below with reference to other figures, the circular design of the mouse  100  allows the user to grip the electronic input device in different orientations without having to physically reorient the mouse for use or interrupt functionality. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  1    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  1   . 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a mouse  200  including a grip surface  214 , a lower portion defining a lower surface (e.g., contact surface)  216 , and a housing  212 . The mouse  200  can be an example embodiment of the mouse  100  of  FIG.  1   . The lower surface  216  is configured to rest on a support surface  106  whereby the mouse  200  can be slidably translated from one position to another position by a user. The mouse  200  further includes a motion sensor  220  (e.g., an optical location, position, or movement sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor), a mechanical location sensor (e.g., a mouse ball), a laser location, position, or movement sensor, a similar device, or combinations thereof) aligned with an aperture  218  defined in the lower surface  216 . The motion sensor  220 , aligned with the aperture  218 , can detect the support surface  106  and movement (changes in location) of the mouse  200  on the support surface  106  through the aperture  218 . 
       FIG.  2 C  shows a top view of the mouse  200  wherein the housing  212  defines a circular shape or circular outer perimeter around a major cross-sectional plane  222 , otherwise referred to as the major plane  222 . In at least one example, the major plane  222  can be parallel to the lower surface  216 . The circular cross-sectional shape of the mouse  200  in the major plane  222  can be centered on a central axis  223  extending normal to the major plane  222 . The lower surface  216  can be secured to the grip surface  214  of the housing  212 , and the major plane  222  and the lower surface  216  can be parallel to each other. 
     In at least one example, the grip surface  214  can be composed of materials (e.g. plastics, metals, rubbers, etc.) being penetrable by or transparent to wireless signals, waves, or fields detectable by capacitive sensors or other sensor types. Accordingly, in at least one example of the mouse  200 , one or more sensors, such as touch sensors, can be disposed within the mouse  200  and configured to detect a user&#39;s contact (e.g., from a finger, palm, wrist, etc.) with the grip surface  214  through the housing  212 . The sensors can also be configured to detect movement of user contact on or across the grip surface  214 , for example, when the user wants to perform a scrolling function or swiping gesture. In addition, at least one embodiment of the mouse  200  can include a transparent or semi-transparent material such that light can project through the housing  212  and display feedback or other information to a user. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . 
       FIG.  3    shows a side cutaway view of an example of a mouse  300  including a housing  312  defining a lower surface  316  and a grip surface or grip portion  314 . The housing  312  can also define an interior surface  326  defining an internal volume  328 . In at least one example, a sensor assembly  330  and a processor  334  communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly  330  via an electrical connection  336  can be disposed in the internal volume  328 . Similarly, as noted above with reference to the example of  FIG.  1   , the mouse  300  in  FIG.  3    can include a wireless connection and one or more emitter/receiver components to wirelessly communicate with a computing device. While a processor  334  is shown in the internal volume  328  of  FIG.  3   , one or more other embodiments can include an interface (e.g., emitters and receivers) to electrically communicate with a computing device having the processor (e.g., wirelessly via WI-FI®, BLUETOOTH®, and similar protocols). In such examples, the mouse  300  may not contain the processor  334  shown and can instead include wireless communication components electrically coupling a processor of a computing device with the sensor assembly  330  and other components of the mouse  300 . However, the mouse  300  shown in  FIG.  3    includes a processor  334  in the internal volume  328  thereof for purposes of explanation and illustration in the present disclosure. 
     In one example, the housing defines an exterior surface  324  (e.g. outer surface) and an interior surface  326  (e.g. inner surface). The interior surface  326  defines an internal volume  328 . The sensor assembly  330  can be disposed in the internal volume  328 , for example, with elements evenly spaced around the internal perimeter of the interior surface  326 . In another example, the sensor assembly  330  can be disposed within a thickness of the grip portion  314  of the housing  312  internal to the exterior surface  324  but external to the interior surface  326 . In another example, the sensor assembly  330  can be disposed on the grip portion  314  external to the exterior surface  324 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , an upper portion of the housing  312  (e.g., the top half/above connection  336  in the figure) can have a convex dome shape when viewed from above the mouse  300 . This dome shape can have a radius of curvature below the top surface  324  or below the bottom of the upper portion of the housing  312 . The housing  312  can also have a lower portion (e.g., the sidewall of the bottom half of the housing  312  between connection  336  and the lower surface  316 ) having a concave shape when viewed from above the mouse  300 . In other words, the lower portion can include a sidewall with a cross-section having a center of curvature different from the upper portion. The housing  312  can, with the upper and lower portions combined, define a grippable sidewall of the mouse  300 , wherein the upper portion overhangs and has a greater diameter than the wall of the lower portion and the lower surface  316  so that a user&#39;s fingers can pick up the mouse by placing his or her fingertips against the lower portion sidewall and pulling upward on the housing  312 . 
     The processor  334  can perform actions by executing executable instructions stored or encoded on/in a memory component. Any kind and/or number of processor(s)  334  may be present, including one or more central processing unit(s) (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, computer chips, and/or processing units configured to execute machine-language instructions and process data, such as executable instructions, transmit sensor data, or transmit location data obtained from sensors. The processor  334  can be coupled to the sensor assembly  330  and configured to determine an orientation of the mouse  300  based on a touch input (e.g. finger, thumb, palm, etc.) detected by the sensor assembly  330 . 
     The sensor assembly  334  includes a plurality of sensor elements  332 . The sensor elements  332  can include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor, or three, four, or more than four capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensor elements  332  can measure/detect a change in capacitance when a user interfaces with the mouse  300 , for example, when the user contacts the exterior surface  324  with a finger or hand. The user may use one, two, three or more fingers to operate the mouse  300 . One or more sensor elements  332  can transmit a signal to the processor  334  coupled to the sensor assembly  330 , whereby the processor  334  can process the signal to determine user hand engagement with the mouse  300 . For example, a user may engage the mouse  300  using all fingers and placing the palm on the mouse  300 . The sensor elements (e.g., capacitive sensors)  332  can transmit the change in signal to the processor  334 . The processor  334  can then interpret or infer the placement of the user&#39;s hand (e.g. by detecting how many fingers or points of contact or size of contact points) and react, executing commands in reaction to the placement of the user&#39;s hand. 
     In at least one example, the mouse  300  can also include at least one force sensor  331 . The force sensor  331  can be a part of the sensor array  330  as shown or the force sensor  331  can be located elsewhere on the mouse  300  or within the internal volume  328  thereof. The force sensor  331  can be configured to measure/detect a force exerted on the grip portion  314  of the housing  312 . In one example, the mouse  300  can include multiple force sensors. The mouse  300  having one or more force sensors  331  can be configured to detect a grip force or a magnitude of a force pushing downward or in any direction on the grip portion  314  or other portion of the housing  312  as the user manipulates the mouse  300  during use. The force sensor  331  can be used to differentiate between a touch input from a finger loosely grasping the housing  312  and a touch input from a finger pressing more firmly against the housing  312 . In this manner, the force sensor  331  can be used to detect a force applied to the grip portion  314  when a user taps on the outer surface as compared to when the user intends to apply a “click” input to the mouse  300 . In some embodiments, the amount of force detected by the force sensor  331  can provide information used to determine whether a detected touch is likely from a fingertip of the user or from a palm of the user, wherein a fingertip would apply higher or more concentrated force than a palm. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  3    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a bottom cutaway view of the mouse  400  including a housing  412 , a sensor assembly  430 , a light array  440 , and a processor  434  communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly  430  and a light array  440  via an electrical connection  436 . Certain electrical connections (e.g.,  336 ) are omitted. The housing  412  can include an exterior surface (e.g., at  324  in  FIG.  3   ) and an interior surface  426 . The interior surface  426  defines an internal volume  428 . The sensor assemblies  430  and the light array  440  can be disposed in the internal volume  428 . In one example, the light array  440  can be located concentrically within the internal volume  428  and disposed on the interior surface  426 . The light array  440  can be arranged in a circular shape having a first diameter. The sensor assembly  430  can be arranged circularly and located concentrically within the housing, disposed on the interior surface  426 , and include a second diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter (as shown in  FIG.  4   ), and in some embodiments, the second diameter is smaller, wherein the light array  440  surrounds the sensor assembly  430 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the light array  440  and sensor assembly  430  have substantially equal and concentric diameters, wherein individual lights  442  are spaced between or overlapping with capacitive sensor elements  432 . 
     In one example, the mouse  400  (e.g. electronic input device) includes the housing  412 , a circular sensor array  430  including a plurality of capacitive sensor elements  432  disposed against or embedded within the interior surface  428  of the housing  412 , and a circular light array  430  disposed against the interior surface  428  of the housing  412 . In at least one example, the circular light array  430  includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  442  (e.g., DIP LED, SMD LED, COB LED, similar light sources, and combinations thereof) oriented in a circle concentric with the circular sensor array  430 . In at least one example, the sensor array  430  can include a plurality of sensor elements  432 . In one example, the sensor elements  432  can include capacitive touch sensor elements. 
     The housing  412  can be a transparent or semi-transparent material such that when an LED  442  on the circular light array  440  is energized, emitting visible spectrum light, the light is visible to a user through the housing  412  external to the mouse  400 . The LED  442  can vary in light intensity and color. For example, the light array  440  can provide notifications (e.g. text message notification, calendar notification, time notification, etc. for a connected computing device) corresponding to a hue, brightness, saturation, blinking or color pattern, or similar light indicator property. In another example, the LED  442  can provide indicators such as device battery life, device orientation, or other indicators. In at least one example, the LEDs  442  of the light array  440  can be synchronized over time to produce animated light appearing to move one way or the other to communicate with the user (e.g., in patterns moving around the circumference of the circle). 
     In one example, the processor  434  is configured to display a direction of the orientation of the mouse  400 . For example, as the mouse  400  is rotated about the normal/vertical axis  223  while having its bottom surface  216  parallel to the support surface  106 , an LED  442  located on the circular light array  440  can illuminate, and the light can shift from a first energized LED  442  to a second energized LED  442 , with the first LED  442  becoming de-energized as the second LED  442  is energized. In this way, as the mouse  400  is rotated, the energized LED  442  can appear to remain in one location relative to the user&#39;s viewing perspective. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  4    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  4   . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of a mouse  500  including a housing  512 , a grip portion  514 , and a light array  540 . The light array  540  can include a number of individual lights  542 . In at least one example, the lights  542  can include LEDs. At least a portion of the housing  512  can include a semi-transparent material defining an external surface  524 . As previously discussed, the semi-transparent material allows the lights  542  to transmit light through the housing  512  so that it is visible to a user on the external surface  524 . In one example, the mouse  500  includes a “user-relative north,” “forward,” “user-forward,” or “user-facing” direction configured (by the processor  334 ) to display on the external surface  524  of the mouse  500 , via at least one illuminated light  546  of the light array  540 . For example, the illuminated light  546  can indicate a determined forward direction or orientation of the mouse relative to a user&#39;s grip based on where the user grips the housing  512 . The “user-relative north” direction can also be referred to as a “forward” direction of the mouse  500  relative to a support surface. The forward direction can correspond with an upward direction of movement of a cursor on a display screen when the cursor is controlled by the mouse  500 . The “user-relative north” or “forward” direction of the mouse  500  can correspond to an upward direction on a display screen on which the mouse  500  is controlling a movable cursor. 
     The mouse  500  shown in  FIG.  5    can include any and all of the features of mice shown in other figures, including sensor arrays in the internal volume thereof, to detect a user&#39;s grip. In at least one example, when the user grips the mouse  500  to control a cursor on a display screen, the mouse  500  can detect the grip of the user&#39;s hand and fingers contacting the external surface  524  of the grip portion  514  and orient to the user-relative north accordingly. In one example, upon reorienting based on the user&#39;s grip, the mouse  500  can communicate or confirm the new “user-relative north” or “forward” direction of mouse  500  to the user via the light array  540 . 
     In one example, the light array  540  can react to user movements or jostling of the mouse  500 . For example, the lights  542  on the light array  540  can emit a certain color and/or LED pattern in reaction to a first movement and a different color and/or pattern in reaction to a second movement. In some examples, the lights  542  of the light array  540  can produce a light sequence, selectively emitting light in a certain pattern to resemble a circular movement. The circular movement can indicate information to a user, such as that a certain function has been executed. In another example, the light array  540  may provide different information by pulsating, flashing, or selectively activating lights, thereby indicating to a user that a different function has been executed or that the mouse or connected computing device has a certain status. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  5    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  5   . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a side cutaway view of a mouse  600  including a housing  612  defining an interior surface  626  defining an internal volume  628 . The mouse  600  can further include a light array  640  with individual lights or LEDs  642  disposed against the interior surface  626  or elsewhere within or under the outer surface of the housing  612 . The sensor array  630  can include sensors (e.g.,  632 ). The mouse  600  can also include a processor  634  disposed in the internal volume. Additionally, in at least one example, the mouse includes a haptic component  648 , an antenna  650 , and another electrical component  652 . 
     The haptic component  648  can include electromechanical components or devices that vibrate to provide tactile feedback to a user. The haptic component  648  may include linear resonant actuators (LRA) or combination of LRAs to create motion or tactile feedback in one or more axes relative to the mouse  600 . Similarly, the haptic component  648  can include one or more eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors to create motion or tactile feedback in one or more axes relative to the mouse  600 . These haptic components can be driven by different waveforms to create distinct haptic effects representing different functions. For example, the mouse  600 , when rotated about its central axis  623 , may produce an audible sound or vibration as it is rotated or at certain increments of angular displacement of the housing  612 . This can include providing haptic feedback in a manner resembling a mechanical knob or dial that “clicks” as it rotates about axis  623  or otherwise provides taps or vibrations that indicate different stages or speeds of angular movement. In another example, a user may tap the external surface of the mouse  600  with a finger on a feature or icon on the external surface. In response, the haptic component  648  of the mouse  600  can create a different kind of sound or haptic effect corresponding to a user tap or click as compared to a rotation of the mouse  600 , such as by outputting a different sound or vibrating in a different manner. In some examples, the haptics can have a resolution (e.g. detent resolution) that can be user varied according to a certain user need or specification. In another example, audio signals produced by music, games, movies, or other digital media can be converted to haptic effects and relayed to the user via the haptic component  648 . It should be appreciated that other embodiments are contemplated herein and the above description provides examples to illustrate the haptic component  648 . 
     The antenna  650  or other wireless interface of the mouse  600  may include printed circuit board (PCB) antennas, wire antennas, chips antennas, or any other type of suitable antenna configuration. The antenna  650  may include monopole, dipole, patch, slot, planar inverted-F (PIFA), or any other type of antenna suited for omnidirectional antenna radiation and reception, which is advantageous for short-range connectivity and unpredictable access points that vary in location relative to the user, or large sector directional radiation and reception such as hemispherical patterns. Additionally, antenna arrays can be implemented to steer radiation/reception patterns to affect connectivity. The antenna  650  can operate at or be optimized for certain specific frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and/or radio frequency (RF) bands. The antenna can be a BLUETOOTH® device transmitting at a similar frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz). The antenna can be a part of or include a communications interface configured to connect wirelessly to an external computing device, for example the computing device  102  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     The electrical component  652  can include accelerometers (e.g., piezoelectric accelerometers, piezo resistant accelerometers, capacitive accelerometers, etc.), proximity sensors (e.g., conductive proximity sensors, optical proximity sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, magnetic proximity sensors, ultrasonic proximity sensors, etc.), pressure sensors or force sensors (strain gage pressure sensors, piezoelectric pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, solid state pressure sensors, etc.), and other electrical components. 
     In at least one example, the sensors  632  are sensing elements of the sensor array  630  disposed against the internal surface  626  and arranged circularly and concentric around the central axis  623  of the mouse  600 . In addition, in at least one example, the light array  640  can include lights  642  (e.g., LEDs) disposed in the internal volume  628  with the lights  642  arranged circularly and concentric around the central axis  623 . In at least one example, the housing  612  is symmetric about the central axis  623 . For example, the housing  612  can be circular with the central axis  623  being a central axis of rotation and/or an axis of rotational symmetry of the mouse  600 . In at least one example, the user can initially grasp the mouse  600 , including the housing  612  thereof, in any orientation and have the mouse  600  be oriented as intended by the user based on the user&#39;s grip or hand position regardless of the actual orientation of the mouse  600 , as described herein. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  6    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  7 A  illustrates a mouse  700  contacted by a user&#39;s hand  754 , with the user&#39;s hand  754  gripping the grip portion  714  of the housing  712 . The circular profile of the mouse  700  enables the user to grip the mouse  700  from any direction and no matter how the mouse  700  was rotated on a support surface prior to arrival of the user&#39;s hand  754 . While the mouse  700  is being used, a computing device can detect touch points from the hand  754  and fingers  756  against the housing  712  via the sensors in the sensor array, such as sensors  632  of sensor array  630  shown in the mouse  600  of  FIG.  6   . The sensors  630  can therefore be used to determine placement and positioning of the hand  754  and fingers  756  on the mouse  700  to then dynamically determine the orientation of the mouse  700  relative to the user&#39;s hand  754  positioned on the grip portion  714  of the mouse  700 . The user&#39;s hand  754  can be a left hand or a right hand depending on user preference. The mouse  700  can detect either a left hand or right hand placement, thereby dynamically providing convenience and efficiency for multi-handed users or multiple users of the same mouse  700 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7 B , the mouse  700  can transmit user induced movement to a display  702  where a cursor  708  can move about on the display screen  704  in response to translation of the mouse across a support surface. The cursor  708  can move about the display screen, relative to the axis presented on the display screen  704 , upward or “North” (N), downward or “South” (S), to the right or “East” (E), or to the left or “West” (W). Moving the mouse  700  in a user-relative north direction, wherein the user pushes the mouse away from their torso, as determined in response to contact between the fingers and the housing  712 , can move the cursor upward/north (N) on the display screen  704 . For example, a user may move the mouse  700  in a direction representing an upward direction (e.g. North) on the display screen. The mouse  700  interprets the position of the user&#39;s hand  754  and the user&#39;s finger(s)  756 , determining a user-relative north, as shown in  FIG.  7 C  relative to the user&#39;s hand  754  and finger(s)  756  placement, moving the cursor  708  in the North direction on the display screen  704  of the display  702 . Furthermore, the movement of the cursor can be in any direction North, South, East, West or any combination thereof, for example, North-West, South-East, or other combinations in response to corresponding amounts of left, right, or rearward movement horizontal movement of the mouse. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the cursor  708  movement relative to the display screen  702  induced by the mouse  700  are contemplated herein and the above example is solely for illustrative purposes. 
       FIG.  7 C  shows a top view of the mouse  700  and the housing  712  including the grip portion  714 . Contact regions  758   a - f  representing detected contact areas between the user&#39;s hand  754  and fingers  756  and the mouse  700  are shown with dotted line boundaries. In the illustrated example, the detected touch regions  758   a - f  can include a first finger sensor contact region  758   a , a second finger sensor contact region  758   b , a third finger sensor contact region  758   c , a fourth finger contact region  758   d , a fifth finger contact region  758   e , and a palm sensor contact region  758   f . As noted above with reference to other examples, the mouse  700  shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  can be equipped with sensors and sensor arrays to detect the touch regions of the user&#39;s hand  754  and fingers  756 . The contact regions  758   a - f  can be referred to collectively as a contact profile  758 . 
     The contact profile  758  includes sensor readings from portions of the hand  754  in contact with the mouse  700 . For example, a user may grip the mouse  700  with all of his or her fingers  756  as well as with a portion of the palm, creating the sensor profile illustrated in  FIG.  7 C . The first contact region  758   a  representing a first finger  756  contacting the mouse  700  can vary from the second contact region  758   b  resulting in unique sensor profiles for each finger and/or palm in contact with the outer surface  712  of the mouse  700 . For example, the sensor profile  758  can be a real-time capacitive reading of the finger based on unique user hand contact characteristic, for example finger contact length, finger contact width, finger contact cross-sectional area, and so forth. These hand contact characteristics are used by at least the first touch sensor configured to detect a first touch at a first location on the grip portion  714  (for example to identify/detect the first contact region  758   a ) and to detect the second touch sensor configured to detect a second touch at a second location on the grip portion  714  (for example the second finger contacting region  758   b ). In this way, the orientation of the mouse  700  is determined based on relative positions of the first location, for example the first finger contact region  758   a , and the second finger contact region  758   b.    
     In one example, a first touch sensor of the mouse  700  can be configured to detect the first contact region  758   a  at a first location on the grip portion  714  of the housing  712  and a second touch sensor can be configured to detect a second contact region  758   b  at a second location on the grip portion  714 . In this way, the orientation of the mouse  700  can be determined based on relative positions of the first location at contact region  758   a  and the second location of the second contact region  758   b . The first location and the second location can include any location on the grip portion  714  of the mouse  700 . For example, the first location can be a first finger profile and the second location can be a second finger profile. In another example, the first location can be the first finger profile at contact region  758   e  and the second location a palm profile at contact region  758   f . In yet another example, the first location can be a fourth finger profile at contact region  758   d  and the second location a third finger profile at contact region  758   c . In at least one example, the mouse  700  require at least two locations (e.g., touch points, positions, etc.) anywhere on the grip portion  714  of the mouse  700  for the mouse  700  to determine an orientation or user-relative north direction as discussed above. 
     The orientation of the mouse  700  can include the user-relative north direction that varies depending on the relative positions of the various contact regions  758   a — f. In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7 C , the user-relative north direction is communicated or confirmed to the user via the illuminated LED  746  indicating the orientation of the mouse. The light array  640  is configured to direct light through the housing  712  to indicate the determined orientation of the mouse  700  (i.e., the orientation of the “forward” direction) based on at least two of the multiple contact regions  758   a - f  detected by the sensor array of the mouse  700 . 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C , can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C . 
       FIG.  8    shows another example of a contact profile including multiple contact regions  858   a - f  on the grip portion  814  of the housing  812 . In  FIG.  8   , the internal components of the mouse  800  may be located in the same positions as in mouse  700 . However, a user&#39;s hand and finger position on the mouse  800  can vary as the user interacts with the mouse  800 . The mouse  800  can therefore be configured to detect the user&#39;s hand placement (e.g. hand position) on the grip portion  814  of the housing  812  of the mouse and sensorally (e.g., by detecting capacitive locations of the different finger contact regions  858   a - f ) determine the user-relative north direction based on the positioning of the users hand, including the user&#39;s fingers. Thus,  FIG.  8    shows a user hand position different than that shown in  FIG.  7 C . In  FIG.  8   , the hand is angularly offset relative to the position of  FIG.  7 C . As shown in  FIG.  7 C  and  FIG.  8   , even if the mouse  800  hasn&#39;t been physically rotated relative to the position of the mouse  700  in  FIG.  7 C , the user-relative north direction can dynamically shift, as indicated by the illuminated LED  746 , based on the real-time changes to the user&#39;s hand position on the outer surface of the mouse. For example, the first contact region  858   a , second contact region  858   b , third contact region  858   c , fourth contact region  858   d , fifth contact region  858   e , and sixth contact region  858   f , are used to determine a location of a user&#39;s hand and position the user-relative north direction relative to the change in hand position. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  8    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  8   . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates another example of a mouse  900  including a housing  912  having a grip portion  914 . The mouse  900  can include sensor arrays similar to those described with reference to other examples shown in other figures in order to detect contact regions  958   a - c  representing contact location between a user&#39;s fingers or other portions of a user&#39;s hand and the grip portion  914 . The mouse  900  via touch sensors, determines the locations of the first contact region  958   a , the second contact region  958   b , and the third contact region  958   c  when manipulated by the user. In the illustrated example, the user may only touch the mouse  900  with three fingers corresponding to the locations of the contact regions  958   a - c  shown. In such an example, the mouse  900  can be equipped with a processor and memory component storing instructions executable by the processor to determine the direction of user-relative north for the mouse  900 . This direction and orientation can be confirmed and communicated to the user by the illuminated LED  946 . 
     This unique combination and positioning of user contact regions  958   a - c  is shown in  FIG.  9    to illustrate that a variety of contact regions and hand positions can be used to grasp and manipulate the mouse  900 . The grip profile and contact regions can vary from one user to the next or from one usage session to another for a single user. In at least one example, the memory component and processor of the mouse  900  can be configured to store and execute instructions, respectively, to identify certain combinations of contact region locations and corresponding locations or directions of user-relative north. In at least one example, these combinations of touch regions are pre-set into the mouse  900 . In at least one example, these combinations of touch regions are learned via an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to learn where user-relative north lies relative to a user&#39;s unique hand positioning on the mouse  900  over time and with repeated use. Using such an algorithm, input devices of the present disclosure can learn to identify users based on unique hand positions, contact region sizes, varying degrees of forces applied to the mouse  900 , and/or by the weight of the user&#39;s hand and fingers. 
     Accordingly, in the examples of input devices a computer mice described herein, circular configurations can be employed such that users can grasp the input devices in any orientation or direction and the user-relative north direction will be automatically reoriented upon grasping the input device. This can be done without the need for the user to physically point the input device in a certain direction before knowing which way to move the input device in order to manipulate a cursor on a screen. Because the input devices described herein can be circular, no features indication orientation are visibly obvious. Rather, the user simply grasps the circular input device and begins moving it around such that a forward movement always corresponds to an upward movement of the cursor, regardless of the physical orientation of the input device. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  9    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     In at least one example, the determination or sensing of a hand position on a mouse, including mice described herein, can be accomplished by one or more sensors in a computing device in communication with the mouse, in addition to or instead of the sensors of the mouse. In such an example, the mouse can include “dumb” electrical, magnetic, or ultrasonic elements, which communicate wirelessly or by hard-wire with sensors and/or processors within the computing device such that the computing device can determine the hand position on the mouse based on how signals from such “dumb” components in the mouse are modified. In addition, while circular mice are shown in the figures and described herein, other examples of mice can include other shapes, including oval, oblong, ergonomic wedge shapes, or other regular or irregular shapes that may be gripped differently by different users. In each of these cases, the mouse can include components described herein to reorient and determine an upward/forward direction based on the detected hand position of the user. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230921
Publication Date: 20250114
Grant Date: 20250114
Priority Date: 20220922
Inventors: ANDRE, BART K.
GLEESON, BRIAN T.
BAUERLY, KRISTI E.
LINDMEIER, WILLIAM D.
Sundstrom, Matthew J.
LUO, Geng
KIM, SEUNG WOOK
CHRISTODOULOU, EVANGELOS
SAPP, Megan M.
Kwon-Perez, Kainoa
BLOOM, DAVID H.
TAYLOR, STEVEN J.
MORRELL, JOHN B.
HE, Miao
KASHIF, Hamza
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F2203/0337", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04815", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S5/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01P13/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0381", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0383", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03544", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S5/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0381", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03544", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0383", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/043", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0381", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0337", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04815", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0383", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03544", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S5/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01P13/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 90245043