Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an input device comprising a housing having a region, a haptic element coupled to the housing, the haptic element configured to generate a haptic feedback and couple the haptic feedback to the region of the housing, and a force-sensitive element coupled to the housing, the force-sensitive element configured to detect a threshold input force applied-to and removed-from the region of the housing, the force-sensitive element being different from the haptic element. The haptic element may generate a first haptic feedback in response to the force-sensitive element detecting the threshold force being applied to the region of the housing, and the haptic element may generate a second haptic feedback in response to the force-sensitive element detecting the threshold force being removed from to the region of the housing, the first haptic feedback being different than the second haptic feedback.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an input device comprising a housing having a region, a haptic element coupled to the housing, the haptic element configured to generate a haptic feedback and couple the haptic feedback to the region of the housing, and a force-sensitive element coupled to the housing, the force-sensitive element configured to detect a threshold input force applied-to and removed-from the region of the housing, the force-sensitive element being different from the haptic element. The haptic element may generate a first haptic feedback in response to the force-sensitive element detecting the threshold force being applied to the region of the housing, and the haptic element may generate a second haptic feedback in response to the force-sensitive element detecting the threshold force being removed from to the region of the housing, the first haptic feedback being different than the second haptic feedback.

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: A wireless control device includes a control circuit coupled to the control device, the control device having six sides and a plurality of modes of operation. Each of the plurality of modes of operation are selected by the control circuit based on the orientation of the control device as determined by an accelerometer. A first mode of operation is selected when a first side of the control device is oriented in a predetermined direction. The first mode of operation is configured to provide cursor control, a scroll function, and a side scroll function on a visual display. A second mode of operation is selected when a second side of the control device is oriented in the predetermined direction. The second mode of operation is configured to control pan and zoom functions, or control navigation and selection of media files on the visual display.