Input device with a customizable contour
Certain embodiments of the invention include an input device (e.g., a computer mouse) including a processor, a housing including a top side, the housing configured to support a user's hand, and a detachable cover plate configured to attach to the top side of the housing and support a user's hand. The cover plate can include a shape memory polymer (SMP) disposed thereon, where the SMP is pliable and operable to conform to the user's hand when a temperature of the SMP is at or above a threshold value. Furthermore, the SMP can be firm and non-conforming when the temperature of the SMP falls below the threshold value. A heating unit controlled by the processor can be configured to control the temperature of the shape memory polymer. The detachable cover plate can include the shape memory polymer disposed in areas configured to contact a user's palm and thumb.
1. An input device comprising:
a processor;
a housing including a top side;
a detachable cover plate to attach to the top side of the housing and to support a user's hand;
a shape memory polymer (SMP) disposed on the detachable cover plate; and
a heating element disposed on the SMP and controlled by the processor to control the temperature of the SMP,
wherein the SMP is pliable and conformable to the user's hand when the processor controls the heating element to raise the temperature of the SMP at or above a threshold value, and
wherein the SMP is firm and non-conforming to the user's hand when the processor controls the heating element to reduce the temperature of the SMP below the threshold value.
2. The input device of claim 1 wherein the detachable cover plate includes shape memory polymer disposed in areas configured to contact a user's palm and thumb.
3. The input device of claim 1 wherein the input device is a computer mouse.
4. A method for customizing a surface of an input device, the method comprising:
receiving data, by a processor disposed in the input device, to activate a heating element disposed on a shape memory polymer (SMP) configured on a surface of the input device;
activating the heating element, by the processor, to heat a temperature of the SMP to at least a threshold temperature in response to receiving the data, wherein the SMP is pliable and conformable to the user's hand when the SMP at or above the threshold value;
receiving data to deactivate the heating element to cause the temperature of the SMP to drop below the threshold temperature, wherein the SMP is firm and non-conforming to the user's hand when the SMP below the threshold value; and
deactivating the heating element.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the received data to activate the heating element is received from a sensor that detects the presence of a user's hand on the surface of the input device.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the received data to activate the heating element is generated by an activated switch on the surface of the input device.
7. A computer mouse comprising:
a processor;
a housing including a top side;
a shape memory polymer (SMP) disposed on the top side of the housing; and
a heating element, controlled by the processor and directly coupled to the SMP, to control the temperature of the SMP,
wherein the SMP is pliable and conformable to the user's hand when the processor controls the heating element to raise the temperature of the SMP at or above a threshold temperature, and
wherein the SMP is firm and non-conforming to the user's hand when the processor controls the heating element to reduce the temperature of the SMP below the threshold temperature.
8. The computer mouse of claim 7 further comprising a switch coupled to the processor to activate and deactivate the heating element.
9. The computer mouse of claim 7 wherein the SMP is configured on the top side of the housing to contact a user's hand when the computer mouse is in use.