Dual-Display Touch Input Switching Across Foldable IHS Postures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile Information Handling Systems (IHS) devices lack versatility in handling multiple use-cases and display postures, with limitations in portability, performance, and display area, especially when transitioning between tablet and laptop modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-form factor IHS system with a dual-display, foldable design that includes a processor and memory to process touch inputs differently based on display postures, using a secondary display for direct mode inputs and a primary display for pointer mode inputs, with features like a virtual trackpad for seamless cursor switching between displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional 2-in-1 device combines tablet portability with notebook performance, then portability and performance are improved, but the display area is reduced creating an uncomfortable form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into a primary display and a secondary display (stylus interface). The secondary display is projected from the primary display, allowing independent interaction areas. This segmentation enables the system to provide both a large primary display area for content viewing and a separate interaction area for input, resolving the contradiction between display area and input capability across multiple postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by projecting a secondary display from the primary display in 3D space. This allows the secondary display to appear in different positions and orientations relative to the primary display depending on the device posture, enabling versatile interaction without compromising the primary display area.
2Ease of operation
If touch input is processed in direct mode on the secondary display, then input responsiveness is improved, but cursor control across displays becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between direct mode and pointer mode based on the detected posture event. In direct mode, touch input on the secondary display directly controls elements on the secondary display. In pointer mode, touch input on the secondary display controls a cursor on the primary display. This dynamic adaptation simplifies operation for each specific posture while the system manages the complexity of mode switching automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects posture events (such as hinge angle changes or device orientation changes) and provides feedback by automatically switching input modes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to user needs without requiring manual mode selection, simplifying the user experience while managing input complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary display is integrated into the IHS with a hinge, then adaptability to different postures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary display serves multiple functions: it can be used for direct touch input in tablet mode, for cursor control in laptop mode, and can be projected at different angles to accommodate various postures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for different modes, managing complexity while maximizing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for providing touch input switching in a multi-form factor Information Handling System (IHS) are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an IHS may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: process a first input received via a secondary display in direct mode, at least in part, by producing or modifying an image on the secondary display; and in response to an event, process a second input received via the secondary display in pointer mode, at least in part, by producing or modifying an image on a primary display at a display location that corresponds to a contact location of the second input.