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US 7,924,266 B2Granted
Stand alone module mouse with replaceable cover
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorGlen Larsen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer mouse includes two components. A fully functional module mouse and a shell mouse that fits over the module mouse. The module mouse is configured to perform at least one complete mouse function, independently of the shell mouse. Other functions can be split between the shell mouse and the module mouse, in any desired way.
Claims20
A computer mouse for use on a work surface and configured to perform mouse functions, the computer mouse comprising:
- a mouse module having at least a first set of logical mouse function components configured to perform a first set of logical mouse functions in the mouse module;
- and
- a shell configured to mechanically receive the mouse module therein and having an overall outer periphery on a work surface engaging side that is different from the outer periphery of the mouse module, wherein the mouse module is configured to perform the first set of logical mouse functions independently of the shell, and wherein the shell includes a second set of logical mouse function components configured to perform at least one second logical mouse function that is different than the first set of logical mouse functions such that the mouse functions performed by the computer mouse comprise at least a combination of the first set of logical mouse functions and the at least one second logical mouse function.
A computer mouse assembly configured to perform a plurality of mouse functions, the assembly comprising:
- a computer mouse having a first set of mouse function components configured to perform a first set of mouse functions, wherein the first set of mouse function components comprises a first battery;
- and
- a shape retaining shell having an opening disposed to connectably receive the computer mouse therein, the shell including a second set of mouse function components configured to perform at least one mouse function, wherein the second set of mouse function components comprises a second battery configured to be electrically connected to at least partially power the first set of mouse function components when the computer mouse is received within the opening of the shape retaining shell.
A computer mouse, comprising:
- a mouse module including a navigation module having navigation components mounted in a fixed physical orientation relative to one another and being configured to detect movement of the navigation module relative to a work surface, the mouse module including one or more clutching solutions components configured to selectively modify operation of the navigation module based on a status of the mouse module detected by the one or more clutching solutions components;
- and
- a mouse shell, separate from, but configured to be disconnectably connected to, the mouse module such that the navigation module detects movement of the mouse shell relative to the work surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.