Touchpad Control Icon Presentation for Videoconference Productivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable information handling systems face difficulties during videoconferences due to the lack of visible control icons when applications transition to full screen mode, leading to reduced productivity and user frustration.
Innovation Solution
A touchpad system that integrates both cursor and control icon inputs, allowing control icons to be presented at a touch detection surface, with automated adjustment of brightness independent of display and keyboard backlight illumination, and selective presentation based on application context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If applications transition to full screen mode, then the display area is maximized, but control icons become invisible and inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The touchpad surface is segmented into multiple zones: a first portion dedicated to cursor input and a second portion for presenting control icons. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide full-screen display functionality and accessible control icon interaction by spatially separating these functions on the touchpad surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Control icons are presented on the touchpad surface, which is a different spatial dimension than the main display screen. This dimensional relocation allows users to access control icons without reducing the display area, as the controls exist in a separate interaction plane (the touchpad surface) rather than competing for screen real estate.
2Ease of operation
If control icons are presented on the touchpad display, then control accessibility is improved, but the touchpad must simultaneously handle both cursor and icon inputs
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the touchpad surface are assigned different functional qualities: the first portion responds to touches as cursor inputs while the second portion presents and responds to touches as control icon inputs. This local differentiation allows the touchpad to handle multiple input types simultaneously without confusion, as each zone has its own designated purpose and touch interpretation rules.
3Productivity
If control icons are always visible on the touchpad, then user productivity is improved, but the system must continuously manage icon presentation state
Solution Approach 1:
The presentation of control icons on the touchpad is dynamic rather than static. Icons are selectively presented based on application context and user needs, and can be dynamically adjusted or removed. This dynamic approach maintains productivity by ensuring controls are available when needed while reducing management complexity by not forcing continuous, unnecessary icon presentation.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system touchpad includes an application area with a display to present control icons of an application executing on the information handling system, such as camera and microphone icons to control camera and microphone functions of a videoconference application. A cursor touch rejection logic is applied at the touchpad to interpret touches as inputs to the information handling system based upon a presented cursor position. A separate application touch rejection logic is applied to the application area with the control icons are presented.