Gimbal Motor Controller for Tablet Display Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems, such as tablets, face challenges in maintaining a desired viewing orientation during rotational inputs and in enhancing end-user interactions, particularly in gaming scenarios, where voice and text chat functions are difficult to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable information handling system that couples with a controller via a gimbal motor in a wheel input configuration, allowing rotation while maintaining the display orientation, and decouples to function as a peripheral device for enhanced input and communication, using gaze and voice inputs for chat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchscreen display is used as the input device in portable information handling systems, then the system portability and convenience are improved, but the system cannot effectively support heavier end user interactions such as typing into a word processing document
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the display function from the input control function by using an external controller device that can be coupled to the portable information handling system. The controller contains physical input devices (keyboard, touchpad, or wheel) while the main system maintains its touchscreen display, allowing each component to specialize in its optimal function.
Solution Approach 2:
An external controller acts as an intermediary device between the user and the portable information handling system. The controller receives input from the user through its dedicated input devices and transmits these inputs to the main system, enabling enhanced input capabilities without compromising the portability of the main system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If convertible information handling systems integrate keyboard and touchpad input devices, then the end user's ability to input information is improved, but the system size increases and becomes awkward to use when mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The input devices (keyboard, touchpad, or wheel) are segmented into a separate external controller that couples to the portable information handling system only when needed. This allows the main system to remain compact and portable while providing access to enhanced input capabilities through the external controller when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system configuration is made dynamic and adaptable. The portable information handling system can operate independently with its touchscreen, or couple with the external controller when enhanced input capabilities are needed. This dynamic coupling allows the system to adapt its form factor and input capabilities based on the user's immediate needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tablet information handling system is rotated to perform wheel inputs in gaming applications, then gaming input capability is improved, but the display orientation changes and disrupts the end user's view
Solution Approach 1:
The input control function is separated from the display function. The external controller handles all rotational wheel inputs for gaming, while the portable information handling system maintains its display in the optimal viewing orientation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both input capability and display stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external controller acts as an intermediary that absorbs all rotational input movements. The controller rotates to receive wheel inputs from the user while the main system remains stationary with its display in the correct orientation. The controller mediates between the user's input actions and the display system, preventing orientation disruption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If voice and text chat functions are integrated into the portable information handling system, then communication capability is improved, but the system becomes difficult to manage during gaming interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The external controller serves as an intermediary that manages communication functions during gaming. The controller can display chat interfaces and receive input through its physical buttons and wheel, separating communication management from the main gaming display and making it easier to handle both functions simultaneously without interruption.
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
This solution maintains the gaming content display in a constant orientation during rotational inputs, enabling smoother gaming interactions and uninterrupted voice and text chat functions, improving user experience by reducing confusion and enhancing input device management.
Implementation Method 1
A portable information handling system that couples with a controller via a gimbal motor in a wheel input configuration, allowing rotation while maintaining the display orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A controller couples to a rear surface of a portable information handling system at a gimbal motor that supports rotation of the controller relative to the portable information handling system. A gyroscopic sensor detects rotation of the controller for application to the gimbal motor so that the information handling system maintains a viewing position relative to an end user who rotates the controller. The controller selectively couples and de-couples from the information handling system to provide inputs to the information handling system both as an integrated input device and as a separate input device through a wireless interface.