Zoomorphic computer user interface

A zoomorphic computer user interface comprising,

• a computer system directable both to accept user input to modify its system state, and to provide user output,
• a zoomorphic unit having a recognizable zoomorphic shape and a deformable surface, wherein the zoomorphic unit is connected to the computer system to provide user input and react to computer system output, and
• a reference unit connected to the computer system and available for interaction with the zoomorphic unit, with positioning of the zoomorphic unit with respect to the reference unit directably modifying system state of the computer system,
• wherein the zoomorphic unit further comprises at least one sensor mesh coupled to the deformable surface to monitor deformation of the deformable surface.

A zoomorphic computer for controlling a computer system providing input and output, the zoomorphic computer comprising,

• a zoomorphic shell having a recognizable zoomorphic shape and a plurality of movable subregions,
• a transceiver attached to the zoomorphic shell for communicating with the computer system,
• a position detecting unit for determining position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system, with change of position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system changing state of at least one of the zoomorphic shell and the computer system,
• and a sensor mesh in contact with the zoomorphic shell, the sensor mesh detecting deformations within the movable subregions of the zoomorphic shell, and transmitting information related to multiple deformations within the movable subregions to the transceiver to provide input to the computer system.

A zoomorphic computer for controlling a computer system providing input and output, the zoomomorphic computer comprising,

• a zoomormphic shell having a recognizable zoomorphic shape,
• a transceiver attached to the zoomorphic shell for communicating with the computer system,
• a position detecting unit for determining position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system, with change of position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system changing state of at least one of the zoomorphic shell and the computer system,
• a movable element attached to the zoomorphic shell, and
• a feedback unit supported by the zoomorphic shell and maintainable in communication with the computer system, with the feedback unit modifying a position of a movable element in response to computer system output.