Non-line-of-sight Touch Input for Rotating Portable Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable information handling systems face challenges in enabling non-line-of-sight touch input functionality, particularly when transitioning from laptop to tablet mode, as existing input devices require direct line-of-sight operation.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a portable information handling system includes a solid-state keyboard and touch pad that activates/deactivates based on the angular rotation of the display device, allowing non-line-of-sight operation when the device is rotated greater than 340°, enabling touch input without direct visibility of the input devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device uses conventional touch input devices requiring line-of-sight operation, then the input accuracy is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates when transitioning to tablet mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight touch pad modes based on device orientation detection. When the device is rotated to tablet mode (greater than 340 degrees), the system automatically activates non-line-of-sight operation, allowing users to interact with the touch pad without visual feedback. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate operation modes for different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the touch pad based on device orientation. By detecting the rotation angle and switching between different operational states (line-of-sight vs. non-line-of-sight), the system adapts the input device characteristics to match the current usage context, thereby maintaining ease of operation across different modes.
2Ease of operation
If the touch pad is always active for non-line-of-sight operation, then the ease of operation in tablet mode improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic activation and deactivation of non-line-of-sight touch pad functionality based on detected device orientation. Rather than maintaining constant non-line-of-sight mode, the system intelligently switches modes based on whether the device is in laptop or tablet configuration, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining operational ease when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own orientation detection capabilities to automatically determine when non-line-of-sight operation should be activated. The device self-regulates the touch pad mode based on its physical state, eliminating the need for manual user configuration or additional external controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches input modes based on rotation angle, then the adaptability improves, but the measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational modes based on rotation angle thresholds (less than 180 degrees for laptop mode, greater than 340 degrees for tablet mode). This dynamic switching provides adaptability across different usage scenarios while using practical angle thresholds that account for real-world positioning variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses broad rotation angle thresholds (180 degrees and 340 degrees) that provide sufficient distinction between laptop and tablet modes without requiring extreme precision. This partial differentiation approach achieves adequate adaptability while tolerating reasonable measurement variations in practical deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system may be used in tablet-laptop mode, where a first body and a second body are rotatable about each other within an angular range of about 360°. Depending on the detected angular rotation of the first body about the second body, among other detectable usage aspects, line-of-sight operation or non-line-of-sight operation of touch input devices, such as a touch pad and/or a keyboard, may be activated.