Abstract: An input device including a housing, a cover plate, and a shape-memory polymer (SMP) disposed between the cover plate and the housing. The SMP being a rectangular flat lattice structure formed into a cylinder, the cylinder having a top portion and a bottom portion, where the top portion is coupled to the cover plate, and where the bottom portion is coupled to the housing. The SMP can be conformable at temperatures at or above a threshold value, and non-conformable at temperatures below the threshold value. The input device can include a heating element coupled to the SMP and configured to control the temperature of the SMP. The SMP can be comprised of a conductive ink formed of a density of conductive particulates, an etched conductor structure on a non-conductive substrate, or a conductive and stretchable yarn formed into a coil.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a computer mouse includes a chassis to provide support for a user's hand, where the chassis includes a knuckle support region, a palm support region, a first side region having a first ledge to support a thumb, a second side region having a second ledge to support one or more of a pinky or ring finger, and a button region having one or more buttons to support one or more of a tip of an index finger or middle finger. Each region can be physically separated from one another on the surface of the chassis by a gap. The knuckle support region can include a coating or covering on a surface of the knuckle support region to provide a directionally dependent friction. The friction on the surface of the knuckle support region is higher for side-to-side movements then for front-to-back movements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to input devices configured for use with computing devices. The present invention relates to input device configured with a plurality of input members grouped into contoured-shaped bowls on a portion of the input devices. The input device may also be configured for use with multiple hand positions and multiple profiles based on the hand positions. The input device may enable switching between user-programmable profiles, and may include sensory feedback indicating the profiles active on the input device.