AU2017101611A4

AU2017101611A4 - Mouse pads and lighting devices for mouse pads

Info

Publication number: AU2017101611A4
Application number: AU2017101611A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Boon Sim Chong; Tiong Ann Ong; Farrukh Raza RIZVI; Sreenath Unnikrishnan
Original assignee: Razer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Razer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-16
Filing date: 2017-11-16
Publication date: 2017-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-16
Also published as: CN208335146U; TWM566359U; DE202018006194U1; DE102018105533B4; DE102018105533A1

Abstract

MOUSE PADS AND LIGHTING DEVICES FOR MOUSE PADS According to various embodiments, there is provided a mouse pad including: a mat for receiving a computer mouse, the mat including an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface; a fibre optic cable secured to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mat, wherein the fibre-optic cable is a side glow fibre-optic cable; and a light emitter configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable. 218 110 224

Description

MOUSE PADS AND LIGHTING DEVICES FOR MOUSE PADS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various embodiments relate to mouse pads and lighting devices for mouse pads.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Gaming peripherals with lighting features have become increasingly popular. On top of being aesthetically pleasing, the lighting features may also convey ambience, or information relating to gaming applications. Mouse pads with lighting features have also become popular, as gamers seek to customize the appearance of their mouse pads to match the rest of their computer set up. Such mouse pads are typically expensive, due to their complex internal structure. Further, such mouse pads may also be significantly thicker than normal mouse pads due to additional components that are embedded in the mouse pads.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a mouse pad including: a mat for receiving a computer mouse, the mat including an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface; a fibre-optic cable secured to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mat, wherein the fibre-optic cable is a side glow fibre-optic cable; and a light emitter configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable.

[0004] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a lighting device for a mouse pad having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface, the lighting device including: a fibre-optic cable, the fibre-optic cable being a side glow fibre-optic cable; a light emitter configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable; and a securing member for detachably securing the lighting device to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mouse pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0006] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a mouse pad according to various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a box of the mouse pad according to various embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 3A shows a top internal view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3B shows a perspective internal view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 4B shows another perspective view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4C shows a bottom view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 5C shows an exploded bottom view of the box according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the mouse pad according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a base cover of the mouse pad according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a top view of a lighting device according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 9A shows a top perspective view of a box according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 9B shows a bottom perspective view of the box of FIG. 9A.

[0021] FIG. 10A shows an exploded view of a box according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 10B shows a close-up view of a grounding element.

[0023] FIG. 10C shows an exploded view of a box according to various embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 10D shows a close-up view of a grounding spring according to various embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of a box with back plate removed.

[0026] FIG. 12 shows a conceptual diagram of a mouse pad according to various embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 13 shows a conceptual diagram of a mouse pad according to various embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 14 shows a conceptual diagram of a lighting device for a mouse pad according to various embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

[0029] It will be understood that any property described herein for a specific device may also hold for any device described herein. Furthermore, it will be understood that for any device described herein, not necessarily all the components or steps described must be enclosed in the device, but only some (but not all) components or steps may be enclosed. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0030] In this context, the mouse pad or lighting device as described in this description may include a memory which is for example used in the processing carried out in the mouse pad or the lighting device. A memory used in the embodiments may be a volatile memory, for example a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory, for example a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), or a flash memory, e.g., a floating gate memory, a charge trapping memory, an MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) or a PCRAM (Phase Change Random Access Memory).

[0031] In an embodiment, a "circuit" may be understood as any kind of a logic implementing entity, which may be special purpose circuitry or a processor executing software stored in a memory, firmware, or any combination thereof. Thus, in an embodiment, a "circuit" may be a hard-wired logic circuit or a programmable logic circuit such as a programmable processor, e.g. a microprocessor (e.g. a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor or a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor). A "circuit" may also be a processor executing software, e.g. any kind of computer program, e.g. a computer program using a virtual machine code such as e.g. Java. Any other kind of implementation of the respective functions which will be described in more detail below may also be understood as a "circuit" in accordance with an alternative embodiment.

[0032] In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

[0033] The term “coupled” (or “connected”) herein may be understood as electrically coupled or as mechanically coupled, for example attached or fixed, or just in contact without any fixation, and it will be understood that both direct coupling or indirect coupling (in other words: coupling without direct contact) may be provided.

[0034] The reference to any conventional devices in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced conventional devices form part of the common general knowledge in Australia (or any other country).

[0035] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, various embodiments will now be described by way of examples and not limitations, and with reference to the figures.

[0036] Conventional mouse pads with lighting feature typically include red-green-blue (RGB) light emitting diodes (LED) embedded in the mouse pad. These mouse pads may be commonly known as RGB mouse pads. The RGB mouse pads may be bulky as compared to normal mouse pads, due to the electrical circuitry lying underneath the working surface of the mouse pad. The electrical circuitry may include electrical wires and LEDs embedded within the substrate that serves as the mouse pad. The substrate may also be referred herein as a mat. The working surface of the mouse pad may be the upper surface of the mat, where a user may glide the computer mouse across. The working surface of the conventional mouse pad may not be smooth, due to the underlying electrical circuitry.

[0037] According to various embodiments, a mouse pad may include lighting around its periphery with the user of a fibre-optic cable. By having the fibre-optic cable arranged outside of the mat, instead of within the mat, the smoothness and slim form factor of the mat may be retained. The fibre-optic cable may be a side-glow fibre-optic cable, also referred herein as a surface-flow fibre optic cable, and may also be commonly known as a side-emitting fibre-optic cable. A side-glow fibre-optic cable may be configured to leak light through side surfaces of the fibre-optic cable, unlike the classic end-emitting optic fibre that propagates light from one end to another end with minimal leakage of light through side surfaces of the fibre-optic cable. The fibre-optic cable may receive a light signal at one end, and propagate as well as release the light signal along a length of the cable. The resulting lighting effect may be a diffused glow along an entire length of the fibre-optic cable. The fibre-optic cable may receive a second light signal at an opposing end, and may similarly propagate as well as release the second light signal along the length of the cable. When the first light signal and the second light signal are identical, the resulting lighting effect may be an enhanced, brighter glow. When the first light signal and the second light signal are of different colours, the resulting lighting effect may be a blended colour glow. By arranging the fibre-optic cable around the mat and at least substantially uniform lighting effect may be provided along the perimeter of the mat, without requiring a strip of multiple LEDs. The quantity of LEDs required may be reduced, and the LEDs may be located at one small area rather than to be spread out across the periphery of the mouse mat. With the LEDs located at one small area, the electrical wiring may be simplified. The fibre-optic cable may be attached, or secured, to the mat using at least one of stitching, adhesive, or other securing means.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a mouse pad 100 according to various embodiments. The mouse pad 100 may include a mat 102. The mat 102 may include a resilient material, such as silicone or rubber. Alternatively, the mat 102 may include a rigid material, such as a hard plastic or metal. The mat 102 may take on any shape, for example a rectangle, a square, a circle or irregular shapes. The mat 102 may have a slim profile, for example, a thickness of at least substantially in a range of about 1mm to about 5mm, for example between about 2.5mm and about 3.5mm, for example between about 3mm and about 3.2mm. The mat 102 may have an upper surface 112 for receiving a computer mouse, a lower surface 114 (not shown in FIG. 1) opposing the upper surface 112, and a side surface 116 (not shown in FIG. 1) between the upper surface 112 and the lower surface 114. The upper surface 112 may be at least substantially parallel to the lower surface 114. The side surface 116 may be at least substantially perpendicular to each of the upper surface 112 and the lower surface 114. The upper surface 112 may provide a suitable working surface for a user to glide a computer mouse across. The upper surface 112 may be a smooth surface, in other words, low-friction surface, such as polished plastic or metal. Alternatively, the upper surface 112 may be a surface that provides grip, in other words, medium or high-friction surface, for example fabric. A smooth surface may facilitate fast gliding of the computer mouse across the upper surface 112, whereas a medium or high-friction surface may facilitate precise and accurate movements of the mouse across the upper surface 112.

[0039] The mouse pad 100 may further include a fibre-optic cable 104. The fibre-optic cable 104 may include at least one optical fibre therein, for example, the fibre-optic cable 104 may include a bundle of optical fibres. The optical fibres may be strands of clear material such as glass, or polymer. The fibre-optic cable 104 may have a diameter of at least substantially in a range of 0.1mm to 10mm, for example from about 1mm to about 5mm, for example about 2mm. The mouse pad 100 may include a securing member 180. The securing member 180 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 to indicate that the securing member 180 may not be visible. Also, the position, size and shape of the securing member 180 shown in FIG. 1 is merely representative and should not be understood to be limiting. The securing member 180 may be configured to detachably secure the fibre-optic cable 104 to the mat 102. The securing member 180 may be provided on the side surface 116, in other words, the periphery of the mat 102. The securing member 180 may additionally, or alternatively, be provided on the upper surface 112. The securing member 180 may for example, include a groove on the mat 102 for receiving the fibre-optic cable 104. The groove may extend along at least substantially the entire perimeter of the mat 102. In another example, the securing member 180 may include a ferromagnetic or magnetic element for magnetic attracting a fibre-optic cable 104 that includes magnetic or ferromagnetic material. In another example, the securing member 180 may include at least one strap arranged along the perimeter of the mat 102, for strapping the fibre-optic cable 104 to the mat 102 at various positions along the perimeter. In yet another example, the securing member 180 may include stitching threads or knitting for securing the fibre-optic cable 104 to the mat 102. Alternatively, the fibre-optic cable 104 may be permanently adhered to the mat 102. The mouse pad 100 may further include a box 110. The box 110 may include electrical circuitry, for example light emitters, wires, controller and electrical interfaces. The mouse pad 100 may be connectable to a computing device, such as a personal computer or a gaming machine, through an interface of the box 110.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view 200 of the box 110 according to various embodiments. The box 110 may include a light emitter 220. The box 110 may further include an interface 218. The box 110 may optionally include a controller 222. The controller 222 may be part of the light emitter 220. The light emitter 220 and the controller 222 may housed within the box 110, in other words, enclosed by the box 110. The light emitter 220 and the controller 222 are shown in FIG. 2 as dashed lines to indicate that they may not be visible by virtue of being enclosed in the box 110. The light emitter 220 may be configured to emit light, or in other words, generate light signals. The light emitter 220 may emit pulsed light, i.e. light in discrete pulses, or may emit continuous light. The light emitter 220 may include at least one LED. The light emitter 220 may also include other forms of light producing devices.

[0041] The interface 218 may be configured to receive data from the computing device. The data may include instructions from the computing device, on how to operate the electrical circuitry, for example, the light emitters 220 or the controller 222. The interface 218 may also be configured to transmit data to the computing device, for example, a status report from the mouse pad 100, or an identifier of the mouse pad 100. The interface 218 may be a wired connector, for example, any one of Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, PS/2 cable and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable. The interface 218 may also be a wireless transceiver, for example, configured to transmit and receive any one of Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee or infrared signals.

[0042] The controller 222 may be configured to control operations of the light emitter 220. For example, the controller 222 may control at least one of the colour, duration, and frequency of light produced by the light emitter 220. The controller 222 may receive instructions for controlling the light emitter 220 from a computing device, through the interface 218. In an alternative embodiment, the box 110 may not include the controller 222. In the absence of the controller 222, the light emitter 220 may directly receive the operation instructions from the interface 218.

[0043] The box 110 may further include a cord holder 224. The cord holder 224 may be shaped to retain the computer mouse cord. The cord holder 224 may include a groove where the computer mouse cord may be inserted. The cord holder 224 may be a flexible clip. Alternatively, the cord holder 224 may be provided at the side surface 116 of the mat 102, instead of on the box 110. The box 110 may be fabricated out of plastic.

[0044] FIG. 3A shows a top internal view 300A of the box 110 according to various embodiments. The light emitter 220 may include a first light bulb 330a and a second light bulb 330b. The first light bulb 330a may be positioned at a first end of the fibre-optic cable 104. The second light bulb 330b may be positioned at a second end of the fibre-optic cable 104. Each of the first light bulb 330a and the second light bulb 330b may be embedded within the first end and the second end of the fibre-optic cable 104 respectively. Both the first light bulb 330a and the second light bulb 330b may be LEDs, or may produce light based on other technologies. The first light bulb 330a may emit a first light signal into the first end of the fibre-optic cable 104. The second light bulb 330b may emit a second light signal into the second end of the fibre-optic cable 104. The fibre-optic cable 104 may propagate the first light signal from the first end to the second end, and also propagate the second light signal from the second end to the first end. As each of the first light signal and the second light signal is propagated along the length of the fibre-optic cable 104, the fibre-optic cable 104 may “leak” or lose part of the light energy from each of the first light signal and the second light signal through its surfaces along its length. The fibre-optic cable 104 may be “lossy” through its surface, such that the light energy that it propagates may leak out and thus the fibre-optic cable 104 may glow along its entire length. The second light signal may be at least substantially identical to the first light signal, such that the second light signal serves to enhance the intensity or brightness of the glow in the fibre-optic cable 104. Alternatively, the second light signal may differ from the first light signal, for example different in colour or pulse intensity. The light emitter 220 may produce special lighting effects, by having the second light signal in a different colour from the first light signal such that the fibre-optic cable 104 glows with a plurality of colours that form a colour gradient along the length of the fibre-optic cable 104. The box 110 may include holders 326 that may secure the light emitter 220, or the first light bulb 330a and the second light bulb 330b, to the inner surface of the box 110. The box 110 may further include attachment members for securing the portions of the fibre-optic cable 104 that are located within the box 110. The holders 326 and the attachment members may be made of plastic. Alternatively, the light emitter 220 and the portions of the fibre-optic cable 104 located within the box 110 may be adhered to the box 110 with adhesive. The portions of the fibre-optic cable 104 that are arranged within the box 110 may be covered with a jacket 328. The jacket 328 may fit on the fibre-optic cable 104 tightly, for example, may be a shrink on jacket. The jacket 328 may be opaque, for example black in colour. The jacket 328 may also have a reflective inner surface facing the fibre-optic cable 104. The jacket 328 may be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other suitable material. The jacket 328 may prevent light from escaping through the portions of the fibre-optic cable 104 that is arranged within the box 110. Light energy escaping through the box 110 may be minimized. Thus, the light energy emission throughout the rest of the fibre-optic cable 104, in other words, light glow from the exposed portion of the fibre-optic cable 104, may be maximized. In other words, brightness of the emitted light for the portion of the fibre-optic cable 104 around the periphery of the mat 102 may be maximized.

[0045] FIG. 3B shows a perspective internal view 300B of the box 110 according to various embodiments. The box 110 may include a base 334. The base 334 may be anchored, or attached to the mat 102. The base 334 may include grooves 332 for routing the fibre-optic cable 104 to the light emitter 220 or the respective light bulbs 330a and 330b. The grooves 332 may extend through the entire thickness of the base 334. Alternatively, the grooves 332 may extend only partially through the thickness of the base 334. The base 334 may include through holes that lead to the grooves 332, such that the fibre-optic cable 104 may be threaded through the through holes into the grooves 332, to be connected to the light bulbs 330a and 330b. The grooves 332 may vary in depth along its length, such that the ends of the fibre-optic cable 104 may lie partially within the grooves 332 at an inclined angle. The base 334 may include a cord holder 224 for retaining a cord or cable of a computer mouse. The base 334 may include a base cover 338. The holders 326 and the light bulbs 330a, 330b, may be attached to a top surface of the base cover 338. The cord holder 224 may also be coupled to the base cover 338, or may be formed integral with the base cover 338.

[0046] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view 400A of the box 110 according to various embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 4B shows another perspective view 400B of the box 110 according to various embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 4C shows a bottom view 400C of the box 110 according to various embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 5A shows an exploded view 500A of the box 110 according to various embodiments. The box 110 may include the base 334, the base cover 338, and a roof 540. An adhesive tap 538 may be overlaid on the base cover 338. The roof 540 may enclose the upper surface of the base cover 338, such that the light emitter 220 and the connection between the fibre-optic cable 104 and the light emitter 220 is concealed, or enclosed within the box 110. The roof 540 may protect the circuitry of the mouse pad 100, for example from unintentional user contact, or atmospheric dust and humidity.

[0050] FIG. 5B shows an exploded view 500B of the box 110 according to various embodiments. In addition to the base 334, the base cover 338 and the roof 540, the box 110 may further include a weight 546. The box 110 may also include a back plate 548. The weight 546 may be a flat layer that at least substantially overlaps the base cover 338. The base cover 338 may include at least one slit 542 formed therein. The slit 542 may be arranged to at least partially overlap the grooves 332 of the base 334, such that the two ends of the fibre-optic cable 104 that are partially embedded in the grooves 332 may extend out of the slit 542 to connect to the light emitter 220. The base cover 338 may optionally include at least one fastening hole 544. The fastening holes 544 may correspond in position, to further fastening holes on the base 334, such that the base cover 338 may be attached to the base 334 by fasteners, such as screws or nails. Alternatively, the base cover 338 may exclude the fastening holes 544 and may be adhered to the base 334. The weight 546 may be made of metal. The weight 546 may add to the mass of the box 110. The weight 546 may make the box 110 heavier such that the mouse pad 100 stays on a working surface such as a table top, even as the user moves the mouse on the mouse pad 100. The back plate 548 may be attached to a bottom surface of the base 334. The bottom surface may oppose the base cover 338. The back plate 548 may provide support to the portion of the fibre-optic cable 104 that is threaded through the grooves 332. The back plate 548 may include fastening holes 544, for fastening the back plate 548 to the base 334.

[0051] FIG. 5C shows an exploded bottom view 500C of the box 110 according to various embodiments. The bottom surface of the back plate 548 may include a depression or a recessed area, or in other words, the periphery of the bottom surface may be raised relative to the non-periphery portion of the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the back plate 548 may oppose the base 334. A concealment sheet 560 may be fitted into the depression of the back plate 548 to hide the fasteners and the fastening holes 544. The concealment sheet 560 may be at least substantially equal in area and shape as, though no larger than, the back plate 548. The concealment sheet 560 may be adhered onto to the back plate 548, for example, by adhesive tape. Alternatively, the concealment sheet 560 may include small pieces that directly cover an area at least substantially equal to the aperture of the fastening holes 544.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows a top view 600 of the mouse pad 100 according to various embodiments. The bottom view 600 does not show the back plate 548. The grooves 332 may be cut through the thickness of the base 334. The fibre-optic cable 104 may terminate in the box 110, in other words, the ends of the fibre-optic cable 104 may be arranged in the box 110. The ends of the fibre-optic cable 104 may be slotted into the grooves 332, and may extend towards the light emitter 220 inside the box 110.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows a top view 700 of the base cover 338 according to various embodiments. The base cover 338 may include at least one slit 542. The base cover 338 may include two slits 542, to accommodate the two ends of the fibre-optic cable 104. The slits 542 may be formed through an entire thickness of the base cover 338. At one end of each slit 542, there may be an inclined plane 762 that may prop up, or guide, the ends of the fibre-optic cable 104 towards the light emitter 220.

[0054] The mouse pad 100 may be produced at a lower cost as compared to conventional RGB mouse pads, as the mouse pad 100 may only require one fibre-optic cable 104 and at least one light emitter whereas conventional RGB mouse pads may require a plurality of LEDs to be embedded within the mouse pad. Also, as the mat 102 is free from being embedded with additional layers such as electrical circuits and LEDs, the mouse pad 100 may have a small thickness, and may have a uniform thickness throughout. By virtue of being free from embedded layers, the mat 102 may be made of a flexible and soft material, unlike conventional RGB mouse pads which are restricted to hard and rigid materials to prevent damage to the LEDs embedded within the mat.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a top view of a lighting device 800 according to various embodiments. The lighting device 800 may be adapted to couple to a mouse pad, or be secured to the mouse pad. The lighting device 800 may be shaped to fit onto the mouse pad, or fit around the mouse pad. The lighting device 800 may be similar to the mouse pad 100, except that it excludes the mat 102. The lighting device 800 may include the fibre-optic cable 104, the light emitter 220 and a securing member 880. The lighting device 800 may further include a controller 222 for controlling operations of the light emitter 220. The securing member 880 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8 to indicate that the securing member 880 may not be visible in the top view. Also, the position, size and shape of the securing member 880 shown in FIG. 8 is merely representative and should not be understood to be limiting. The securing member 880 may be similar to the securing member 180. The securing member 880 may be used to detachably secure the lighting device 800 to a mouse pad, or a mat 102. The lighting device 800 may be secured to at least one of an upper surface of the mouse pad or mat 102, or the side surface of the mouse pad or mat 102. The side surface may lie between the upper surface and a lower surface opposing the upper surface. The securing member 880 may include threads, such as nylon, cotton or polymer threads. The threads may be wound around the fibre-optic cable 104 and may be thread through a periphery of the mouse pad. The securing member 880 may include adhesive, for example glue, or adhesive tape.

[0056] The lighting device 800 may provide a cost-effective solution to convert a normal mouse pad into a “RGB mouse pad” or a mouse pad that can generate lighting effects.

[0057] FIG. 9A shows a top perspective view of the box 110 according to various embodiments. In addition to the cord holder 224, the box 110 may further include a second cord holder 924. The second cord holder 924 may be similar, or identical to the cord holder 224 in shape and construction. The second cord holder 924 may be arranged in an opposite manner as compared to the cord holder 224, in other words, it may face a different direction from the cord holder 224. For example, the cord holder 224 may be arranged to receive the mouse cord from a first direction whereas the second cord holder 924 may be arranged to receive the mouse cord from a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The cord holder 224 and the second cord holder 924 may collectively retain the mouse cord.

[0058] FIG. 9B shows a bottom perspective view of the box 110 of FIG. 9A. At least one of the cord holder 224 or the second cord holder 924 may include a bump 944. The bump 944 may extend out of the cord holder 224 towards the box 110, in other words, towards the mouse pad 100. There may be a gap between the bump 944 and the box 110 such that the mouse cord can be inserted into the cord holder 224 or the second cord holder 924 through the gap. The gap may be slightly narrower than a width of the mouse cord, such that the cord holder 224 or the second cord holder 924 flexes outwards when the mouse cord is inserted.

The bump 944 may hold the mouse cord within the cord holder 224 or the second cord holder 924.

[0059] FIG. 10A shows an exploded view of the box 110 according to various embodiments. The box 110 may include a roof 540, a weight 546, a circuit board 1022, a base cover 338, a base 334, LED 330a and LED 330b, an interface 218, holders 326 and back plate 548. The circuit board 1022 may house the controller 222, in other words, the controller 222 may be provided on the circuit board 1022. The base cover 338 may include a grounding element 1044. The grounding element 1044 may be a grounding eyelet.

[0060] FIG. 10B shows a close-up view of the grounding element 1044.

[0061] FIG. 10C shows an exploded view of a box 110 according to various embodiments. The box 110 may be similar to the box shown in FIG. 10A. The grounding element may be a grounding spring 1054 instead of a grounding eyelet. The grounding spring 1054 may electrically connect the metal back plate 548 with a grounding pad 1064 on the circuit board 1022.

[0062] FIG. 10D shows a close-up view of the grounding spring 1054 according to various embodiments. In an assembled state of the box 110, the grounding spring 1054 may be provided in a recess in the box 110. The recess may be a through hole such that a top end of the grounding spring 110 may contact the grounding pad 1064, and a bottom end of the grounding spring 110 may contact the back plate 548.

[0063] FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the box 110, with the back plate 548 removed to show the internal components of the box 110.

[0064] FIG. 12 shows a conceptual diagram of a mouse pad 1200 according to various embodiments. The mouse pad 1200 may be identical to, or at least substantially similar to, the mouse pad 100. The mouse pad 1200 may include a mat 102 for receiving a computer mouse. The mat 102 may include an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface. The mouse pad 1200 may also include a fibre-optic cable 104 secured to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mat 102, wherein the fibre-optic cable 104 is a side-glow fibre-optic cable. The mouse pad 1200 may also include a light emitter 220 configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable 104. The mat 102, the fibre-optic cable 104, and the light emitter 220 may be coupled with each other, like indicated by lines 990, for example electrically coupled, for example using a line or a cable, and/ or mechanically coupled.

[0065] In other words, the mouse pad 1200 may include a mat 102, a fibre-optic cable 104 and a light emitter 220. The mat 102 may provide a surface for a computer mouse to glide on.

The mat 102 may include a resilient layer and a fabric covering the resilient layer. The mat 102 may include a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface. The side surface may lie between the top surface, in other words, upper surface and the bottom surface, in other words, lower surface, and may be at least substantially perpendicular to the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface may oppose the bottom surface, and may be at least substantially parallel to the bottom surface. The fibre-optic cable 104 may be secured to the top surface. The fibre-optic cable 104 may also be secured to the side surface, for example the fibre-optic cable 104 may at least substantially surround a periphery of the mat 102. The fibre-optic cable 104 may be secured on top of the mat 102, or secured to the sides of the mat 102. The fibre-optic cable 104 may be secured to the mat 102 may one of stitching or adhesive. The fibre-optic cable 104 may be detachable from the mat 102. The light emitter 220 may be external to the mat 102. The light emitter 220 may generate light signals and couple the light signals into the fibre-optic cable 104. The fibre-optic cable 104 may have two opposing ends - the first end and the second end. The light emitter 220 may be coupled to at least one of the first end or the second end. The light emitter 220 may include a plurality of LEDs. Each LED may be configured to emit light of a respective colour. The light emitter 220 may further include a control circuit configured to operate the plurality of LEDs. The control circuit may be the controller 222. The light emitter 220 may include a first LED coupled to the first end of the fibre-optic cable 104, and may further include a second LED coupled to the second end of the fibre-optic cable 104. The first LED and the second LED may be the first light bulb 330a and the second light bulb 330b respectively. The first LED may be configured to emit a different light signal from the second LED. The fibre-optic cable 104 may be a side-glow optic cable such that it releases light energy throughout its length, as it propagates the light signal from a first end to a second end. In other words, the fibre-optic cable 104 may be configured to leak light through side surfaces of itself. The fibre-optic cable 104 may include a plurality of optical fibres, wherein each optical fibre is coupled to a respective LED of the light emitter 220. The fibre-optic cable 104 may have a diameter at least substantially in a range of about 1mm to about 5mm.

[0066] FIG. 13 shows a conceptual diagram of a mouse pad 1300 according to various embodiments. The mouse pad 1300 may be identical to, or at least substantially similar to, the mouse pad 100. The mouse pad 1300 may include the mouse pad 1200, in that it may also include the mat 102, the light emitter 220 and the fibre-optic cable 104. In addition, the mouse pad 1300 may further include a box 110 and an interface 218. The box 110 may also be referred herein as a controller casing. The box 110 may be attached to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mat 102. The box 110 may house the light emitter 220 and at least one end of the fibre-optic cable 104. The box 110 may include a base plate. The base plate may include at least one recess formed therein to at least partially accommodate part of the at least one end of the fibre-optic cable 104. The base plate may include at least one of the base 334 and/or the base cover 338. The box 110 may include at least one holder therein. The at least one holder may be configured to secure at least one of the light emitter 220 or the at least one end of the fibre-optic cable 104 to an inner surface of the box 110. The holder may include the holder 326. A portion of the fibre-optic cable 104 housed within the box 110 may be covered with an opaque jacket. The opaque jacket may be the jacket 328. The interface 218 may be configured to connect to a computing device, for receiving commands from the computing device for controlling the light emitter 220. The mat 102, the fibre-optic cable 104, the light emitter 220, the box 110 and the interface 218 may be coupled with each other, like indicated by lines 1010, for example electrically coupled, for example using a line or a cable, and/ or mechanically coupled.

[0067] FIG. 14 shows a conceptual diagram of a lighting device 1400 for a mouse pad according to various embodiments. The lighting device 1400 may include, or may be part of, the lighting device 800. The mouse pad may have an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface. The lighting device 1400 may include a fibre-optic cable 104 that may be a side glow fibre-optic cable. The lighting device 1400 may also include a light emitter 220 configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable 104. The lighting device 1400 may also include a securing member 880 for detachably securing the lighting device to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mouse pad. The securing member 880, the fibre-optic cable 104, and the light emitter 220 may be coupled with each other, like indicated by lines 1110, for example electrically coupled, for example using a line or a cable, and/ or mechanically coupled.

[0068] The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

[0069] Example 1 is a mouse pad including: a mat for receiving a computer mouse, the mat including an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface; a fibre-optic cable secured to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mat, wherein the fibre-optic cable is a side glow fibre-optic cable; and a light emitter configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable.

[0070] In example 2, the subject-matter of example 1 can optionally include that the fibre-optic cable at least substantially surrounds a periphery of the mat.

[0071] In example 3, the subject-matter of example 1 or example 2 can optionally include that the light emitter is external to the mat.

[0072] In example 4, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 3 can optionally include that the fibre-optic cable is configured to leak light through side surfaces of the fibre-optic cable.

[0073] In example 5, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 4 can optionally include: a box attached to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mat, the box housing the light emitter and at least one end of the fibre-optic cable.

[0074] In example 6, the subject-matter of example 5 can optionally include that the box includes a base plate, the base plate having at least one recess formed therein to at least partially accommodate part of the at least one end of the fibre-optic cable.

[0075] In example 7, the subject-matter of example 5 or example 6 can optionally include: at least one holder in the box, the at least one holder configured to secure at least one of the light emitter or the at least one end of the fibre-optic cable to an inner surface of the box.

[0076] In example 8, the subject-matter of any one of examples 5 to 7 can optionally include that a portion of the fibre-optic cable housed within the box is covered with an opaque jacket.

[0077] In example 9, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 8 can optionally include that the light emitter is coupled to at least one end of the fibre-optic cable.

[0078] In example 10, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 9 can optionally include that the light emitter includes a first light emitting diode coupled to a first end of the fibre-optic cable; and further includes a second light emitting diode coupled to a second end of the fibre-optic cable, wherein the second end opposes the first end.

[0079] In example 11, the subject-matter of example 10 can optionally include that the first light emitting diode is configured to emit a different light signal from the second light emitting diode.

[0080] In example 12, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 11 can optionally include that the light emitter includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein each light emitting diode is configured to emit light of a respective colour.

[0081] In example 13, the subject-matter of example 12 can optionally include that the light emitter further includes a control circuit configured to operate the plurality of light emitting diodes.

[0082] In example 14, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 13 can optionally include: an interface configured to connect to a computing device, for receiving commands from the computing device for controlling the light emitter.

[0083] In example 15, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 14 can optionally include that the fibre-optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibres, wherein each optical fibre is coupled to a respective light emitting diode of the light emitter.

[0084] In example 16 the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 15 can optionally include that the fibre-optic cable has a diameter at least substantially in a range of 1mm to 5 mm.

[0085] In example 17, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 16 can optionally include that the mat includes a resilient layer, and a fabric covering the resilient layer.

[0086] In example 18, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 17 can optionally include that the fibre-optic cable is secured to the mat by one of stitching or adhesive.

[0087] In example 19, the subject-matter of any one of examples 1 to 18 can optionally include that the fibre-optic cable is detachable from the mat.

[0088] Example 20 is a lighting device for a mouse pad having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface, the lighting device including: a fibre-optic cable, the fibre-optic cable being a side glow fibre-optic cable; a light emitter configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable; and a securing member for detachably securing the lighting device to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mouse pad.

[0089] While embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced. It will be appreciated that common numerals, used in the relevant drawings, refer to components that serve a similar or the same purpose.

[0090] It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0091] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

Claims

Claims

1. A mouse pad comprising: a mat for receiving a computer mouse, the mat comprising an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface; a fibre-optic cable secured to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mat, wherein the fibre-optic cable is a side glow fibre-optic cable; and a light emitter configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable.
2. The mouse pad of claim 1, wherein the fibre-optic cable at least substantially surrounds a periphery of the mat.
3. The mouse pad of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light emitter comprises a first light emitting diode coupled to a first end of the fibre-optic cable; and further comprises a second light emitting diode coupled to a second end of the fibre-optic cable, wherein the second end opposes the first end.
4. The mouse pad of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: an interface configured to connect to a computing device, for receiving commands from the computing device for controlling the light emitter.
5. A lighting device for a mouse pad having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface, the lighting device comprising: a fibre-optic cable, the fibre-optic cable being a side glow fibre-optic cable; a light emitter configured to emit light into the fibre-optic cable; and a securing member for detachably securing the lighting device to at least one of the upper surface or the side surface of the mouse pad.