Abstract: A computer mouse for use with a computing device is provided. The computer mouse may include a mouse body with an ulnar side digit support structure having a front concave region and a rear convex region formed proximate and behind the front concave region. The front concave region may include an overhang portion on a top side and an outwardly flared region on a bottom side. The front concave region may be sized to receive a distal end of a digit of a user, and the rear convex region may be sized to support a proximate end of a digit of a user. The mouse body may additionally include a radial side digit support structure that has a concave region with an outwardly flared region on a bottom side of the concavity.

Abstract: A computer mouse for use with a computing device is provided. The computer mouse may include a mouse body with an ulnar side digit support structure having a front concave region and a rear convex region formed proximate and behind the front concave region. The front concave region may include an overhang portion on a top side and an outwardly flared region on a bottom side. The front concave region may be sized to receive a distal end of a digit of a user, and the rear convex region may be sized to support a proximate end of a digit of a user. The mouse body may additionally include a radial side digit support structure that has a concave region with an outwardly flared region on a bottom side of the concavity.

Abstract: A computer mouse for use with a computing device is provided. The computer mouse may include a mouse body with an ulnar side digit support structure having a front concave region and a rear convex region formed proximate and behind the front concave region. The front concave region may include an overhang portion on a top side and an outwardly flared region on a bottom side. The front concave region may be sized to receive a distal end of a digit of a user, and the rear convex region may be sized to support a proximate end of a digit of a user. The mouse body may additionally include a radial side digit support structure that has a concave region with an outwardly flared region on a bottom side of the concavity.

Abstract: A computer mouse for use with a computing device is provided. The computer mouse may include a mouse body with an ulnar side digit support structure having a front concave region and a rear convex region formed proximate and behind the front concave region. The front concave region may include an overhang portion on a top side and an outwardly flared region on a bottom side. The front concave region may be sized to receive a distal end of a digit of a user, and the rear convex region may be sized to support a proximate end of a digit of a user. The mouse body may additionally include a radial side digit support structure that has a concave region with an outwardly flared region on a bottom side of the concavity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for enabling a microphone module that connects to a headset jack on a game controller. The microphone may include directional or omni-directional microphone element(s) that pick up voice input from people near a peripheral, such as a game controller, but reject background sounds from the room. User controls may also be available to set the microphone gain level, either manually or automatically, and/or to mute or unmute the microphone. The microphone of the invention can be used on a wired or wireless game controller. When used with a wireless game controller, wireless microphone capabilities and freedom of movement are provided without headdress requirements imposed by headsets.

Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of improved ergonomic keyboards for interfacing with a user's arms, wrists, hands and fingers in a more natural way, i.e., in ways that are optimally suited to human typing. In various non-limiting embodiments, the invention provides optimal finger pressing angles, provides optimal range(s) for “gable” angling, flattens the outer edges of the gable, thins key patterns of split key arrangements, raises (or lowers) the wrist rest to an optimal position, and/or splits the wrist rest into two (or more) components.

Abstract: A video game controller is equipped with an electronic input that can read a game identification code from an electronic key. When the user presents the key to the game controller, it relays the game ID to the game console. This electronic key may be read via RFID from a detachable faceplate for the controller. The game console utilizes the game ID to quickly find and launch the game from game storage. The game console itself may also be equipped with such an electronic input. The game storage can be built into the console, or on a server accessed through a home network or through the internet. Such use of an electronic key and detachable faceplate is extended to rapid and easy personalization, customization, and function enhancement of entertainment and other consumer electronics devices as well.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive device for use as an electronic input device for controlling by scrolling the visible portion of a document or image relative to a display. The device can include various improved configurations such as physically separate opposed input surfaces at opposite longitudinal ends and/or lateral sides. The end regions of a touch sensitive surface may be rounded and/or tapered to provide relative positional feedback to the user. Tactile positional feedback can also include surface texture changes on the scrolling area and/or changes in the surface of the frame in the region immediately adjacent the scrolling area. The touch sensitive areas may be provided within a split alphanumeric section of an ergonomic keyboard to enable scrolling without the user having to remove his or her hands from the alphanumeric section.

Abstract: A computer keyboard may include an assembly for scrolling and navigating an image in multiple directions relative to a display screen. A computer keyboard may include an assembly for control of a graphical object, insertion point or mouse cursor in multiple directions relative to objects on a display screen. Two control devices are provided onto each side of a computer keyboard. The devices are configured such that both control a graphical cursor. One device controls a graphical cursor and the other device controls view scrolling of an image. In yet another aspect, the functionality of the devices for cursor control or view scrolling is selectable.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The finger-engagable scrolling device may contain rotation sensor within a scroll wheel assembly. The finger-engagable scrolling device may also contain lateral arms extending laterally from the finger-engabable scrolling device.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The portion of the scrolling device may further be depressed to activate a switch.

Abstract: A mouse has sufficient width to support the distal phalanges of a user's ring finger and little finger while the user's middle finger is positioned over a secondary button of the mouse. The mouse also provides at least one side button positioned so that it is not contacted by the user's thumb during “pinching” of the mouse but is easily accessible by the user's thumb. In addition, the mouse provides a wheel with a large number of ribs that increase friction between the user's finger and the wheel.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis may lie in a common plane or otherwise be close to one another to provide a large range of possible angular motion. A sensor is preferably positioned within the finger-engagable scrolling device for rotational movement of the rotational portion of the finger-engagable scrolling device. A pivot sensor may be provided on the second axis or laterally disposed from the scrolling device. A cover with an aperture may be provided over the scrolling device to help prevent dust and other contaminates from entering the housing through the opening for the scrolling device.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.

Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.