Abstract: A method for controlling a user interface using an indirect input device includes determining a first touchdown location of an input object, determining a first subsequent location of the input object, calculating a first direction and a first distance between the first touchdown location and the first subsequent location, and moving a cursor representation on a display in a second direction and at a velocity. The method further includes detecting a touchdown event of at least two input objects, determining a second touchdown location of the at least two input objects, determining a second subsequent location of the at least two input objects, calculating a third direction and a second distance from the second touchdown location and the second subsequent location, and modulating a user interface action in a fourth direction at a magnitude.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that employ multi-function keys to present a preview of potential actions to be taken by user key presses. The input device includes a plurality of key assemblies having a touch sensitive surface. The processing system can sense when one or more respective key assemblies have been contacted or pressed by the object. When the one or more respective key assemblies has been contacted by the object, an indication of a potential action taken in the program is provided to the user. The method determines whether the one or more respective key assemblies have been contacted or pressed by an object. A potential action to be taken is determined and an indication of the potential action is provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling a user interface using an indirect input device includes determining a first touchdown location of an input object, determining a first subsequent location of the input object, calculating a first direction and a first distance between the first touchdown location and the first subsequent location, and moving a cursor representation on a display in a second direction and at a velocity. The method further includes detecting a touchdown event of at least two input objects, determining a second touchdown location of the at least two input objects, determining a second subsequent location of the at least two input objects, calculating a third direction and a second distance from the second touchdown location and the second subsequent location, and modulating a user interface action in a fourth direction at a magnitude.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing additional functionality using multi-function keys. The device includes key assemblies for receiving a contact input or a press input. A processing system is coupled to the key assemblies and configured to determine a number of objects contacting a key assembly. The processing system provides a first response when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and provides a second response when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects. The method includes determining a number of objects contacting a key assembly and whether the key assembly has received a contact input or a press input. A first response is provided when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and a second function is provided when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects.

Abstract: Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a first keyboard having a first layout configuration and a second keyboard having a second layout configuration. The method includes providing first and second substantially identical keyboard bases, each having an extended key assembly and an underlying sensor configured to detect keystroke motion and finger presence for the extended key assembly. First and second substantially identical extended keys are provided. A first legend is applied to a top surface of the first extended key, and second and third legends are applied to respective second and third regions of a top surface of the second extended key. The first extended key is installed into the first extended key assembly of the first keyboard base, and the second extended key is installed into the second extended key assembly of the second keyboard base.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing additional functionality using multi-function keys. The device includes key assemblies for receiving a contact input or a press input. A processing system is coupled to the key assemblies and configured to determine a number of objects contacting a key assembly. The processing system provides a first response when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and provides a second response when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects. The method includes determining a number of objects contacting a key assembly and whether the key assembly has received a contact input or a press input. A first response is provided when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and a second function is provided when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that employ multi-function keys to present a preview of potential actions to be taken by user key presses. The input device includes a plurality of key assemblies having a touch sensitive surface. The processing system can sense when one or more respective key assemblies have been contacted or pressed by the object. When the one or more respective key assemblies has been contacted by the object, an indication of a potential action taken in the program is provided to the user. The method determines whether the one or more respective key assemblies have been contacted or pressed by an object. A potential action to be taken is determined and an indication of the potential action is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for menu navigation and selection are described. The apparatus comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys for a user to enter information by interacting with one or more of the plurality of keys, and a multi-function key having a touch sensitive portion for the user to enter position information by a touch or gesture input or enter information via user interaction with the multi-function key. A processing system is coupled to the keyboard for processing the user entered information and user entered position information from the keyboard and a display coupled to the processing system for displaying the user entered information and a menu of options related to the user entered information. The user enters position information to navigate through the menu of options and selects an option from the menu of options by user entered interaction with the multi-function key.

Abstract: Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application.

Abstract: Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: An ergonomic mouse is described. A computer mouse may include a position tracking engine and a housing to encapsulate the position tracking engine. The housing may have a bottom portion with a substantially flat surface and an aperture for the position tracking engine. The housing may also have a top portion having a convex portion with a convex curved surface and a first concave portion with a first concave curved surface to receive a human thumb. The first concave portion may have an orientation relative to the bottom portion to cause a substantially neutral wrist deviation when a user grips the top portion.

Abstract: An ergonomic mouse is described. A computer mouse may include a position tracking engine and a housing to encapsulate the position tracking engine. The housing may have a bottom portion with a substantially flat surface and an aperture for the position tracking engine. The housing may also have a top portion having a convex portion with a convex curved surface and a first concave portion with a first concave curved surface to receive a human thumb. The first concave portion may have an orientation relative to the bottom portion to cause a substantially neutral wrist deviation when a user grips the top portion.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a rechargeable power store is discussed. The charging device includes a housing having a top surface and a bottom surface. The charging device has a ledge extending from the top surface. The charging device also includes a power source and a pair of charging terminals positioned under the ledge and connected to the power source. The charging device is configured to engage terminals on a wireless input device.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application.

Abstract: An input device charging system is presented. The input device charging system includes a base having a primary alignment feature and a charging connection. The alignment feature and charging connection protrude from a surface of the base and the charging connection includes components for forming an electrical connection with an input device. The input device charging system also includes an input device, such as a mouse, configured for horizontal placement on the base. The input device includes a primary alignment feature and a charging connection configured to correspond to the primary alignment feature and charging connection of the base. The input device may be placed on the base in any direction in a horizontal plane and rotated into a charging position in which both alignment features are connected.