Dynamic I/O Keyboard With Touch Display for Input Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards are static and limited in space, requiring users to switch modes and move their hands between the keyboard and mouse, leading to inefficient input methods and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic input and output (I/O) device system that includes a touch-sensitive secondary display integrated with a physical keyboard, allowing for the display of application-specific and system-level affordances in response to changes in focus on a primary display, reducing the need for mode switching and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional keyboard is used, then the device structure is simple, but the input efficiency is low and requires frequent mode switching between keyboard and mouse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the keyboard and mouse functions into a single integrated device. The keyboard includes a touch-sensitive display area that can function as a touchpad, allowing users to access application functions and navigate without switching between separate keyboard and mouse devices. This merging eliminates mode switching and improves input efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is designed with multi-functionality, where the touch-sensitive display area can serve multiple purposes: displaying application-specific affordances, system-level affordances, functioning as a touchpad for navigation, and providing haptic feedback. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple input devices and functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated keyboard with many keys is provided, then all functions are accessible, but the device size increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the keyboard by integrating a touch-sensitive display that can show multiple layers of information including application-specific affordances, system-level affordances, and haptic feedback indicators. This dimensional addition allows comprehensive function accessibility without increasing the horizontal footprint of the keyboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard features a dynamic touch-sensitive display that can change its content and functionality based on the active application and user interactions. The display area can dynamically show different affordances, function as a touchpad, or provide haptic feedback, allowing full function accessibility through a compact, adaptive interface rather than static physical keys for every function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user accounts are supported, then user customization is improved, but the log-in process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting biometric information (such as fingerprint) and automatically determining the corresponding user account before the user needs to log in. The log-in interface proactively displays prompts tailored to the detected user, and the system prepares the appropriate user profile and settings in advance, reducing the time and steps required for log-in while maintaining user customization.
4Productivity
If a touch-sensitive display is integrated with the keyboard, then interaction efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the keyboard into distinct functional zones: a touch-sensitive display area for showing affordances and receiving input, a haptic feedback mechanism area, and a traditional keyboard area. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately using specialized processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high interaction efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances user-device interface efficiency by providing direct access to needed functions, reducing power usage, and improving battery life by minimizing interactions required to activate desired functions.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic feedback mechanism integrated with the touch-sensitive secondary display
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first display portion, a second display portion, and a hinge connecting the first display portion to the second display portion. The electronic device displays, on the first display portion, a calendar application. The electronic device receives a request to display information about a first event that is associated with the calendar application. The electronic device, in response to receiving the request, displays on the first display portion event details for the first event. The event details include a start time and an end time for the first event. The electronic device displays, on the second display portion, an affordance for navigating the calendar application. The affordance indicates a range of time that at least includes the start time and the end time.