Touch Function Row With Secondary Display for Keyboard-Free Fn 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, which disrupts workflow and attention from the display.
Innovation Solution
A touch function row is integrated between the keyboard and display, using a capacitive touch sensor to detect inputs and present function key values on-screen, allowing for customizable and gesture-based interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical keys with vertical travel are used in a portable housing, then positive feedback and user friendliness are improved, but the size of keys and amount of vertical travel are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a display to present visual copies of keyboard keys and their functions, allowing users to see key values without physically seeing the small mechanical keys. The display creates a larger visual representation that compensates for the reduced physical size of the keys in the portable housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an embedded controller as an intermediary that receives inputs from the small mechanical keys and translates them into corresponding key press events. This intermediary layer allows the small physical keys to function effectively by mediating between the limited key travel and the required input detection.
2Volume of moving object
If function keys are made smaller to fit portable housing, then device compactness is improved, but users must hunt and peck for correct keys which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent presents all function key values and options on the display before the user needs to input anything. The system proactively displays the function row, key values, and available functions, allowing users to plan their inputs in advance without having to physically search for keys during the input moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements visual feedback by displaying real-time information about which function keys are available, what their current states are, and what will happen when pressed. This feedback loop allows users to make informed decisions quickly without trial and error, improving input efficiency despite smaller key sizes.
3Measurement precision
If users look at the keyboard to find correct function keys, then input accuracy is improved, but attention from the display is lost which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the keyboard interface and display interface into a unified interaction system. Both the physical keys and the display present the same information simultaneously, allowing users to maintain their focus on the display while still accurately selecting function keys. The function row is displayed both on the physical keyboard and on the screen, creating a redundant information pathway.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical keys are used in convertible information handling systems, then positive feedback is provided, but the amount of vertical travel is reduced due to small housing size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reliance on mechanical vertical travel with an embedded controller system that uses electrical sensing to detect key presses. The embedded controller detects the input event through electrical changes when a key is pressed, eliminating the need for significant mechanical travel while still providing input detection functionality.
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 usability by allowing users to interact with function keys without looking at the keyboard, maintaining focus on the display and improving efficiency through customizable and interactive input methods.
Implementation Method 1
using a capacitive touch sensor to detect inputs
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system includes a touch function row between a keyboard and a display that accepts touches at plural locations to initiate an on-screen-display user interface for a selected of plural functions based upon a touch location. The touch locations may be identified with illumination points and unlabeled as to an associated function since the function associated with a touch 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.