Touch Function Row Keyboard Haptics Using Mouse Pad Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch-based function row keyboards on laptops lack tactile feedback, leading to a reduction in user experience and poor reception among consumers.
Innovation Solution
Implement a haptic feedback system using piezo-electric transducers in the mouse pad to provide tactile sensation when touch function row keys are pressed, leveraging existing components on laptop computers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If touch-based function row keyboards are used to reduce keyboard profile and modernize design, then device modernization and space savings are achieved, but tactile feedback is lost leading to reduced user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of electro-acoustic transducers and control logic that mediates between the touch input and the user's tactile senses. When a touch function row key is pressed, the system activates transducers to generate haptic feedback, effectively creating a mediator that restores tactile sensation without requiring mechanical key structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical key switch system with an electro-acoustic transducer system. Instead of using mechanical components that physically move and provide tactile feedback through resistance, the system uses electro-acoustic transducers to generate haptic feedback through electrical and acoustic fields, thereby eliminating mechanical parts while restoring tactile sensation.
2Ease of operation
If electro-acoustic transducers are added to provide haptic feedback, then tactile feedback is restored improving user experience, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using electro-acoustic transducers that serve dual purposes: they function as both audio output devices (for system sounds and notifications) and haptic feedback generators (for tactile response to key presses). This universal approach allows the system to provide tactile feedback without adding dedicated components, thereby reducing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing components within the laptop (electro-acoustic transducers already present for audio functions) to provide haptic feedback. Rather than requiring entirely new dedicated components, the invention makes existing components serve additional functions, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired tactile feedback.
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 user experience by providing tactile feedback, improving the usability and acceptance of touch-based function row keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
a mouse pad with one or more electro-acoustic transducers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein provide a haptic feedback system and method for touch-based function row keyboards that leverages existing components on laptop computers to provide tactile feedback for users when a touch function row key is pressed. According to one embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS) includes a keyboard with a touch function row having multiple touch keys, a mouse pad with one or more electro-acoustic transducers, and executable instructions that receive a message indicating that one of the touch keys of the touch function row has been pressed. In response to the received message, the instructions actuate at least one of the electro-acoustic transducers to provide haptic feedback for the one pressed touch key.