Separable Touchpad Mouse with Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of notebook computers face inconvenience when needing to perform tasks that require a mouse or joystick, as carrying additional input devices is burdensome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A separable input device for notebook computers that can function as a touchpad, mouse, or two independent remote controls, depending on its connection state, eliminating the need for separate accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user installs an additional mouse or joystick to perform operations that cannot be easily completed using only a touchpad, then the operability and entertainment of the notebook computer are improved, but the user burden increases due to carrying additional input devices
Solution Approach 1:
The notebook computer's touchpad is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between a first mode (standard touchpad operation) and a second mode (mouse emulation). The processing unit determines the operational mode based on detected touch patterns, allowing the same hardware to function as both a touchpad and a mouse, thereby eliminating the need for users to carry separate input devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchpad dynamically changes its operational characteristics based on the detected touch input. When a continuous touch is detected beyond a threshold duration, the system transitions from touchpad mode to mouse emulation mode, adjusting the cursor movement behavior accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to provide mouse-like functionality without requiring a separate physical mouse.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user installs an additional mouse or joystick to perform operations that cannot be easily completed using only a touchpad, then the entertainment functionality is improved, but the convenience is reduced due to carrying additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The touchpad is designed to support multiple input modes including standard touchpad operation and mouse emulation, enabling the notebook to handle diverse applications from basic navigation to gaming without requiring external accessories. This multi-functionality enhances entertainment capabilities while maintaining the convenience of using a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its input handling capabilities based on user needs. By detecting continuous touch patterns, the system activates mouse emulation mode which provides enhanced control for gaming and other entertainment applications, thereby improving versatility without requiring additional physical devices.
3Measurement precision
If the touchpad is used in mouse emulation mode with continuous touch, then the cursor control precision is improved, but the touchpad responsiveness may be reduced due to prolonged touch detection
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit employs periodic sampling to detect touch continuity. By checking at regular intervals whether a touch persists beyond a threshold duration, the system determines mode transitions without requiring continuous high-frequency processing. This periodic detection mechanism maintains cursor control precision in mouse emulation mode while preserving overall touchpad responsiveness through efficient use of processing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchpad system dynamically adjusts its responsiveness characteristics based on the detected touch pattern. When transitioning to mouse emulation mode, the system optimizes cursor control precision for continuous tracking, while maintaining the ability to quickly return to standard touchpad mode for rapid discrete interactions, thereby balancing precision and responsiveness based on operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes a first body and a second body. When the first body is connected to the second body and the first body and the second body is disposed at a notebook computer, the first body and the second body are jointly used as a touchpad. When the first body is connected to the second body and both the first body and the second body are separated from the notebook computer, the first body and the second body are jointly used as a mouse. When the first body is separated from the second body and both the first body and the second body are separated from the notebook computer, the first body and the second body are respectively used as two independent remote controls. In addition, a notebook computer including the foregoing input device is also provided.