Customizable Computer Input Device

• US 20100231514A1
• Filed: 11/29/2006
• Published: 09/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte. Ltd. (Razer Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Ng Chern Ann, Tan Min-Liang
• Inventors: Ann, Ng Chern, Min-Liang, Tan
• Granted Patent: US 8,547,334 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

A customer user input device such as a computer mouse is disclosed. A core module can house the sensor, micro-controller and RF modules (if any). It may or may not also house the microswitches and scroll wheel. The core module can accept inserts having differing or variable button configurations so that the user can customize the location of the buttons in accordance with the user'"'"'s intentions.

Claims

1. A user-customizable computer mouse, comprising:

a sensor;

a microcontroller;

an exterior case having a first side, wherein said exterior case comprises a thumb groove;

a first detachable insert for connecting to said thumb groove having a plurality of buttons in a first configuration; and

a second detachable insert for connecting to said thumb groove having a plurality of buttons in a second configuration,

whereby said user may selectively attach said first insert or said second insert to said thumb groove for use with said computer mouse.

2. The user-customizable computer mouse of claim 1, wherein said exterior case comprises a mechanical connector, and wherein said thumb groove is detachable from said mechanical connector.

3. The user-customizable computer mouse of claim 2, wherein said mechanical connector comprises a pocket on said first side of said exterior case.

4. The user-customizable computer mouse of claim 2, wherein said mechanical connector comprises a clip mounted on said first side of said exterior case.

5. The user-customizable computer mouse of claim 1, wherein said first and said second detachable inserts further comprise an electrical contact connector for creating a signal path between said plurality of side buttons and said microcontroller.

6. The user-customizable computer mouse of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of microswitches for electrically coupling to said plurality of buttons.

7. The user-customizable computer mouse of claim 6, wherein said microswitches are disposed within said insert.

8. The user-customizable computer mouse of claim 6, wherein said microswitches are disposed within said exterior case.

9. A user-customizable input device, comprising:

a sensor;

a microcontroller;

an exterior case having a first side;

a first detachable insert for selectively connecting to said first side having a plurality of buttons in a first configuration; and

a second detachable insert for selectively connecting to said first side having a plurality of buttons in a second configuration.

10. The user-customizable input device of claim 9, wherein said first side comprises a pocket.

11. The user-customizable input device of claim 9, wherein said first side comprises a clip mounted thereon.

12. The user-customizable input device of claim 9, wherein said first and said second inserts further comprise an electrical contact connector for creating a signal path between said plurality of side buttons and said microcontroller.

13. The user-customizable input device of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of microswitches for electrically coupling to said plurality of buttons.

14. The user-customizable input device of claim 13, wherein said microswitches are disposed within said insert.

15. The user-customizable input device of claim 13, wherein said microswitches are disposed within said exterior case.