Notch Taskbar Utilizing Bezel Space for Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trend of thinner bezels on information handling devices has made it challenging to incorporate sensors like cameras and light sensors into the display screen, leading to notched display panels where the bezel extension into the active area is unused, necessitating a solution to utilize adjacent spaces for functionality.
Innovation Solution
A notch taskbar is positioned adjacent to the notch in the bezel, allowing for the display of notifications and user input interactions, independent of the device's operating system, to provide custom configuration and functionality in previously unused spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the bezel is made thinner to increase display area, then the display area is increased, but the space available for sensors and functional elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bezel area by introducing a notch that extends into the active display area, creating a dedicated functional zone separated from both the main display and the thin bezel. This segmentation allows sensors and functional elements to be housed in the notch portion while maintaining the overall thin bezel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the bezel inward into the active display area to create the notch. This dimensional approach provides additional space for sensors without increasing the lateral bezel thickness, effectively adding functional capacity in the Z-direction rather than compromising the X-Y plane display area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a notch is introduced into the active display area to house sensors, then sensor integration is improved, but the usable display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the notch area multi-functional by implementing a taskbar within it that can display notifications, provide quick access controls, and show additional information. This transforms the notch from a purely structural sensor housing into an active functional interface, maximizing its utility and offsetting the loss of display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The taskbar acts as an intermediary element between the sensor notch and the main display area. It provides a bridge that delivers functional capabilities (notifications, controls) directly at the notch location without requiring users to interact with the main display, thus maintaining usability while accommodating sensors.
3Area of stationary object
If the notch area is left unused to maintain maximum display area, then display area is maximized, but functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a taskbar in the notch area that provides self-service functionality by automatically displaying notifications, alerts, and quick controls without requiring user initiation. This allows the notch to serve functional purposes autonomously, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining maximum display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The taskbar in the notch area performs preliminary actions by displaying notifications and controls before the user needs to access the main display. This anticipatory functionality allows users to quickly access important information and controls without navigating away from their current display content, improving operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at a notch taskbar integrally coupled to an information handling device, an indication to perform an action, wherein the notch task bar is positioned adjacent to a notch of the information handling device; and performing, using a processor, the action Other aspects are described and claimed.