Dynamic Trackpad Enclosure With Hidden, Reconfigurable Input Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional input devices in computing systems lack flexibility and adaptability, as they often feature large buttons or mechanically-actuated structures that permanently indicate their presence, limiting user interaction and customization.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated electronic device enclosure with a dynamic input surface defined by a translucent layer that can be selectively illuminated to create a customizable active input area, such as a virtual trackpad, allowing for reconfiguration of input functionality based on user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical buttons or keys are used as input devices, then the input functionality is clearly indicated and reliable, but the device lacks flexibility and adaptability, and the input device permanently occupies space on the device surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the input functionality from traditional mechanical buttons and integrates it into the display surface itself. The display panel serves dual purposes: showing visual information and receiving touch inputs, eliminating the need for separate mechanical input devices and enabling flexible reconfiguration of input areas
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays visual information and simultaneously serves as a touch-sensitive input device. The same surface area can be dynamically allocated between display and input functions based on user needs, achieving multi-functionality without adding separate components
2Ease of operation
If large mechanical buttons or keys are used, then the input device is easily detectable and operable, but it permanently indicates the presence of the input device and limits customization options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic input areas that can be adjusted in size, position, and shape based on user preferences and contextual needs. The touch-sensitive regions are not fixed but can be reconfigured dynamically, allowing the same physical surface to adapt to different input requirements while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display surface can have different properties and functions. Specific areas can be designated as touch-sensitive input zones while other areas remain purely for display, and these local characteristics can be customized and changed without affecting the entire surface
3Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure surface is made translucent to enable dynamic input region illumination, then the input functionality can be concealed or revealed as needed, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the enclosure material from opaque to translucent, enabling dynamic control over the visibility of input regions through illumination. This material parameter change allows the device to transition between different operational states (input mode vs. display mode) while maintaining aesthetic consistency
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 solution provides a flexible and adaptable input surface that can be resized, repositioned, and reassigned, enhancing user interaction by concealing or revealing input functionality as needed, while maintaining a seamless appearance when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamic input region may be defined along an exterior surface of the enclosure formed from a translucent layer that is selectively illuminated to define a customizable active input area
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having an illuminated body that defines a virtual or dynamic trackpad. The electronic device includes a translucent layer defining a keyboard region and a dynamic input region along an external surface. A keyboard may be positioned within the keyboard region and including a key surface and a switch element (e.g., to detect a keypress). A light control layer positioned below the translucent layer and within the dynamic input region may have a group of illuminable features. The electronic device may also include a group of light-emitting elements positioned below the optical diffuser. One or more of the light control layer or the group of light-emitting elements may be configured to illuminate the dynamic input region to display a visible boundary of an active input area. At least one of a size or a position of the visible boundary may be dynamically variable.