Multi-Form Factor IHS Work Area Adjustment for Keyboard Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile Information Handling Systems (IHS) devices struggle to provide versatility across various use-cases and display postures, while also offering a larger display area with reduced size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A multi-form factor IHS system that includes a processor and memory with program instructions to produce a work area on a second display coupled to a first display via a hinge, detect a keyboard placement, and adjust the work area to accommodate the keyboard, thereby optimizing the user interface and display configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional 2-in-1 device combines the portability of a tablet with the performance of a notebook, then portability and performance are improved, but the display area is reduced resulting in an uncomfortable form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the work area and user interface based on keyboard placement detection. When a keyboard is detected on the second display, the system automatically modifies the display configuration to accommodate it, enabling the device to adapt between tablet mode and laptop mode without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and display area
Solution Approach 2:
The second display serves multiple functions: it can be used as a full display surface when no keyboard is present, or as a keyboard support surface when a keyboard is placed on it. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain versatility across different use-cases while preserving the full display area when needed
2Ease of operation
If the work area is reduced to accommodate keyboard placement, then the user interface becomes optimized for keyboard use, but the available display space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The work area is dynamically adjusted based on keyboard detection. The system continuously monitors for keyboard placement and automatically modifies the work area configuration, transitioning between full-screen mode and keyboard-accommodating mode, thus optimizing ease of operation without permanently reducing display space
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameters (work area boundaries, UI element positioning) in response to keyboard detection. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the user interface for keyboard use when needed while restoring full display area when the keyboard is removed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for application management for a multi-form factor Information Handing 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: produce a work area on a second display, wherein the second display is coupled to a first display via a hinge; detect that a keyboard is placed on the second display; and in response to the detection, reduce the work area into one or more areas unobstructed by the keyboard.