Keyboard Microphone Array for Directional Voice Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling system mice face issues with recyclability, durability of scroll wheels and input buttons, power management, and audio quality, particularly in quiet environments and during video conferences.
Innovation Solution
A mouse with a plastic chassis and magnetic scroll wheel for tactile feedback, electropermanent magnets for configurable button response, and a motion power switch for power management, integrated with a keyboard featuring directional microphones and AI filtering for improved audio capture and KVM switch control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used in the scroll wheel to provide tactile feedback, then the tactile feedback is improved, but the scroll wheel wears out over time degrading the feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based tactile feedback system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned behind the scroll wheel to create magnetic attraction/repulsion forces that provide tactile feedback without physical contact wear. This substitution of mechanical components with magnetic fields resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable tactile feedback while eliminating the wear that limited scroll wheel lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and interaction mechanism from mechanical contact to magnetic field interaction. By adjusting magnetic field strength and positioning, the system provides variable tactile feedback parameters without the degradation associated with mechanical wear, thus improving both reliability and duration of action.
2Ease of operation
If a cantilever key plate is used for input buttons to provide greater button motion, then the input motion is improved, but the input precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cantilever key plate system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic sensors detect button press events through changes in magnetic field patterns, providing precise input detection without requiring large mechanical motions. This allows the button to have generous travel distance for ease of operation while the magnetic detection maintains high input precision independent of motion amplitude.
3Measurement precision
If a spring rotation mechanism is used for input buttons to provide precise input, then the input precision is improved, but the button motion is reduced with less tactile feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces both spring rotation and cantilever mechanisms with a unified magnetic field detection system. This allows the physical button to be optimized for user comfort with larger motion ranges, while the magnetic sensors provide precise detection of the press event. The magnetic field changes detect the button state regardless of the exact motion amplitude, resolving the trade-off between motion and precision.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional microphones are used for audio capture, then the audio coverage is broad, but the audio quality is poor with environmental noise and distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an array of multiple microphones positioned at different locations on the keyboard, each capturing audio from specific directions. By assigning different functional roles to different microphones (some for voice, some for ambient noise), the system achieves both broad coverage and high quality voice capture through localized optimization of each microphone's purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard integrates multiple microphones that serve dual purposes: capturing voice for communication and detecting ambient sounds for context awareness. The same hardware infrastructure supports both functions, with software processing distinguishing between voice and environmental sounds to deliver high-quality voice capture while maintaining broad audio awareness.
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 recyclability, durability, power efficiency, and audio quality, providing a more intuitive and efficient user experience with improved KVM switch control and high-quality audio capture.
Implementation Method 1
A scroll wheel couples into the chassis at the inner frame and includes variable magnetic attraction applied to the scroll wheel as it turns to provide an end user a tactile feedback of scroll wheel rotation
Implementation Method 2
The button switch is located in an acoustic isolation box to selectively adjust audible feedback provided by a switch input
Implementation Method 3
An array of microphones disposed around a perimeter of a display of the keyboard provide direction and range to spoken voices so that only voices in a defined zone are included in audio communicated through an information handling system conference
Implementation Method 4
An artificial intelligence engine of a digital signal processor interfaces with the microphones to filter only voices in the defined zone and filter out non-voice sounds
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system keyboard includes an array of microphones having a defined layout that supports location of human voice sounds captured by the array of microphones to isolate voices originating from a defined distance and orientation while filtering other voices and non-voice sounds. A display included in the keyboard depicts a visual indication of voice quality that can include instructions to a speaker regarding adjustments to help obtain a desired voice capture quality to support a video or audio conference of an information handling system interfaced with the keyboard. The keyboard display also supports an interface to control a keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch interfaced with the keyboard.