Touch Function Row With Hover Detection for Convertible Key Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible information handling systems face inefficiencies in function key interactions due to reduced key size and vertical travel, requiring users to hunt and peck for correct keys, disrupting workflow and attention from the display.
Innovation Solution
A touch function row replaces mechanical function keys with a capacitive touch detection surface that interacts with a touch on-screen-display user interface, allowing users to select functions by touch or proximity, with configurable options and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical function keys are used in convertible information handling systems, then users can access function inputs, but the reduced key size and vertical travel require users to hunt and peck for correct keys, disrupting workflow and attention from the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves function key inputs from the traditional mechanical keyboard plane to the display screen plane. The touch function row is presented on the display as visual icons that users can see and select, transitioning the interaction from physical key pressing in three-dimensional space to visual selection on the two-dimensional display surface. This allows users to locate and select function keys by sight rather than physical search, eliminating the hunting and pecking problem while maintaining workflow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the function keys on the display screen. Instead of relying on physical mechanical keys with limited size and travel, the system presents visual icons on the display that replicate the function key interface. Users interact with these visual representations through touch input, which are then mapped to the corresponding function key operations, providing both visual guidance and efficient selection.
2Volume of moving object
If mechanical function keys with reduced size are used in portable housings, then the system fits in smaller portable form factors, but users experience hunting and pecking at keys particularly with unfamiliar key input values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the function key interface from the physical keyboard dimension to the display screen dimension. By presenting function keys as visual icons on the display, the system maintains the compact portable housing design while providing large, easily visible, and easily selectable function inputs. The display screen serves as the new interface plane where function keys are presented at full visual size with clear labeling, eliminating the accessibility problems of miniaturized mechanical keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of function keys on the display that are not constrained by physical size limitations. These visual representations can be made as large as the display allows, with clear icons and labels that are easily distinguishable. The touch-sensitive overlay captures user selections and translates them to the appropriate function key operations, providing full accessibility without compromising portable form factor.
3Volume of moving object
If function keys are made smaller to fit portable housings, then the device becomes more portable, but users must divert attention from the display to locate and press correct keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function key interface with the display screen into a single integrated interface. The touch function row is presented directly on the display, combining the information display function and the input function into one unified interaction surface. Users maintain their attention on the display content while simultaneously accessing function keys through touch input on the same screen, eliminating the need to shift focus between keyboard and display and thereby maintaining workflow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions function key interaction to the display plane, allowing users to access functions by touching the display screen where visual information is already presented. This integration allows users to keep their eyes on the display content while using touch input to select function keys, maintaining spatial and attentional continuity and improving productivity in portable form factors.
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 interaction efficiency by maintaining focus on the display, providing interactive and customizable function key inputs through touch detection, reducing workflow disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
A portable information handling system processes information with a processor and memory that cooperate to execute instructions and present the information as visual images at an integrated display. A keyboard coupled to a housing of the information handling system has mechanical keys that accept end user inputs with vertical travel of mechanical keys. A touch function row couples at the upper side of the keyboard in the place of mechanical function keys and between the keyboard and display. A capacitive touch sensor detects touch locations of the touch function row to accept function inputs
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system includes a touch function row between a keyboard and a display that accepts touches or proximity detection at plural locations to initiate an on-screen-display user interface for a selected of plural functions based upon a touch location. The touch and/or proximity locations may be identified with illumination points and unlabeled as to an associated function since the function associated with a touch and/or proximity location is presented at the display. Alternatively, a secondary display presents function key images at the touch function row. The on-screen-display user interface presents different control interfaces when touches include multiple fingers and drag versus non-drag inputs.