Dynamic Laptop Trackpad Regions Around the Keyboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laptop computers have static and limited trackpads that restrict user interaction and do not adapt to different applications, occupying valuable display space.
Innovation Solution
A laptop computer with a dynamic display interface that includes touch-sensitive input regions and displays surrounding the keyboard, providing adaptable trackpad regions and graphical outputs based on application needs, using haptic feedback to define boundaries and enhance user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional static trackpad is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user interface experience is suboptimal and lacks dynamic interaction capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The trackpad is transformed from a static component to a dynamic one by integrating it with a display screen. The trackpad region can be dynamically repositioned and resized based on the active application, allowing the input area to adapt to different user needs and contexts while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary display for visual output and the trackpad surface for input operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate dedicated trackpad hardware component, reducing device complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If a light-transmissive cover with additional displays is added, then dynamic graphical outputs and tactile feedback are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmissive cover, additional displays, and touch-sensitive regions are merged into a single integrated assembly. The cover itself becomes the interface for both visual output and tactile input, combining multiple functions into one component structure that enhances ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional displays under the light-transmissive cover provide dynamic graphical outputs that can change color, brightness, and content based on the active application. This visual feedback mechanism enhances the user interface experience by providing context-aware information display while using the existing cover structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If touch-sensitive regions extend over palm rest and keyboard sides, then adaptable trackpad regions are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmissive cover is divided into multiple touch-sensitive regions, each corresponding to different functional areas (palm rest region, left side, right side). Each region can be independently configured as a trackpad area, allowing adaptable trackpad regions while using standardized manufacturing processes for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmissive cover serves as both the structural housing component and the touch-sensitive input surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes for dedicated trackpad components, as the cover itself is manufactured to accommodate all touch-sensitive regions.
4Ease of operation
If haptic actuators are added to provide tactile feedback, then consistent interface elements are provided, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical haptic feedback mechanisms are replaced with electrostatic haptic actuators that can be integrated into the touch-sensitive cover. This substitution provides tactile feedback through electrical fields rather than mechanical components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmissive cover acts as an intermediary between the haptic actuators and the user's finger. The cover transmits the haptic feedback generated by the actuators to the user's touch, allowing tactile feedback to be provided through the existing cover structure without requiring direct mechanical contact components.
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
Enhances user interaction by dynamically adjusting trackpad regions and graphical outputs based on applications, freeing up display space and providing consistent control locations across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmissive cover defining a keyboard opening and a touch-sensitive input region adjacent at least one side of the keyboard opening
Implementation Method 2
The graphical output may resemble a visual appearance of the first surface texture. The electronic device may produce a haptic output via the light-transmissive cover in response to detecting a touch input
Data Source
AI summary
A laptop computer includes a display portion comprising a primary display and a base portion coupled to the display portion. The base portion includes a keyboard and a light-transmissive cover defining a first touch-sensitive input region along a first side of the keyboard and a second touch-sensitive input region along a second side of the keyboard. The base portion also includes a first display under the first touch-sensitive input region and a second display under the second touch-sensitive input region.