The invention relates generally to computer mice. More particularly, the present invention relates to mice with improved input mechanisms. According to Apple, it's for a configurable mouse with an extended sensing surface, which provides the mouse a customizable, programmable or adaptable way of generating inputs, the mouse including an arbitrarily shaped grippable member having a 3D shape, a position detection mechanism that detects the movement of the mouse along a surface, a multipoint touch detection mechanism that detects one or more objects that are contacting or in close proximity to a substantially large portion of the grippable member, and a controller for processing signals generated by the position detection mechanism and multipoint touch detection mechanism.

Users would be able to perform gestures, such as pinching or a virtual scroll wheel, as well as the normal range of left, right mouse clicks and scrolling. One embodiment of the touch-sensing mouse would use a light source within the mouse and an optically transmissive mouse top surface and internal sensors to determine the positions of the user's fingers.

According to [url=http://www.product-reviews.net/2007/07/05/apple-apply-for-patent-on-awesome-multitouch-mouse/]Product Reviews Net[/url], which examined the patent, if you add image processing software and processor you will have a mouse that is completely configurable and programmable plus adaptable way of generating inputs. "The way it really works is that there is detection mechanism that detects the movement of the mouse along a surface, plus a multipoint touch detection mechanism that detects one or more objects," says Product Reviews Net. "This is the next generation in the computer world and the computer mouse will in fact be very futuristic. It basically will work like the multi touch feature like the iPhone."

The inventors are Christoph H. Krah and Steve P. Hotelling.