Multi-Form Factor IHS with Reconfigurable Hardware Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile Information Handling Systems (IHSs) lack versatility in use cases and display postures, with limitations in compute power, portability, and display area, leading to uncomfortable form factors and inefficient use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-form factor IHS with automatically reconfigurable hardware keys, featuring a dual-display, foldable design that identifies postures and keyboard positions to dynamically adjust user interface features, such as resizing windows, moving windows between displays, and controlling ribbon areas and touch input areas.
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 compute power are improved, but the display area becomes small and the form factor becomes uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts UI features, keyboard event interpretations, and command executions based on detected display postures. The processor identifies posture changes and automatically reconfigures hardware key functions, allowing the same physical device to adapt to multiple display configurations (laptop mode, tablet mode, presentation mode) without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single device to serve multiple functions across different postures. The same keyboard hardware can function as a physical keyboard in laptop mode, be hidden in tablet mode, or repositioned in presentation mode. The system provides universal adaptability to various use cases including typing, viewing, and presenting through posture-based reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device provides versatility for many use-cases and display postures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects display postures using sensors and independently reconfigures UI features, keyboard mappings, and command interpretations without user intervention. The processor monitors posture changes and automatically adjusts hardware key functions, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing the perceived complexity for users
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors display posture through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust keyboard event interpretations and UI configurations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the device to automatically adapt to changing conditions, managing complexity through intelligent response to environmental input
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a multi-form factor Information Handling System (IHS) with automatically reconfigurable hardware keys with automatically reconfigurable hardware keys 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: identify a posture of a second display relative to a first display; and in response to a keyboard event, execute a command selected, at least in part, based upon the posture.