Touchpad Dynamic Scaling for Videoconference Control Icons
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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 the ability to selectively present or remove icons based on context or gestures.
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 patent moves control icons from the traditional display plane to a separate touchpad surface, creating a third-dimensional solution. The touchpad display presents control icons in a different spatial dimension (below the keyboard), allowing them to remain accessible even when the main display is in full-screen mode. This dimensional separation resolves the conflict between maximizing display area and maintaining control accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user interface by separating control icons from the main application display. Control icons are presented on the touchpad surface as a distinct, independent interface element, while the main display can be fully utilized for application content. This segmentation allows both full-screen display and control icon visibility to coexist without interference.
2Ease of operation
If control icons are presented on the touchpad display, then control accessibility is improved, but the touchpad surface area for cursor input is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scaling of the touch detection surface that adjusts based on the presence and state of control icons. When control icons are displayed, the cursor input area is dynamically scaled to utilize the remaining touchpad surface efficiently. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the allocation of touchpad real estate between control icons and cursor input, resolving the area conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the touch detection surface, including its active area, sensitivity, and scaling factors, depending on whether control icons are being displayed. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between control icon visibility and cursor input functionality, ensuring both can operate effectively within the constrained touchpad surface area.
3Ease of operation
If control icons are always visible on the touchpad, then user frustration is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously displaying control icons, the patent implements periodic or conditional display based on application state and user interaction. Control icons are presented when relevant (e.g., when an application needs control) and hidden when not needed, reducing visual clutter and simplifying the interface. This periodic action maintains control accessibility when needed while avoiding the complexity of always-on displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the display state of control icons based on application context and user behavior, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The touchpad system self-adjusts when and how control icons are displayed, reducing the complexity burden on the user while maintaining ease of operation. This self-service approach handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user.
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. The touchpad dynamically scales between a first configuration that accepts cursor inputs at the full touch detection surface area and a second configuration that limits cursor inputs to touches in a first portion of the touch detection surface and presents control icons in a second portion, such as by applying different touch analysis logic to end user touches in the first and second portions.