Trackpad Input State Detection for Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current position input devices in portable computers, such as trackpads, suffer from misoperation issues due to unintentional thumb touches during keyboard input, leading to decreased efficiency and accuracy, especially when trying to perform complex operations like gaming or drawing.

Innovation Solution

An information input device with a touch unit, current detection unit, and input state acquisition unit that automatically recognizes the user's input state to control the trackpad's on/off status, preventing misoperation by distinguishing between keyboard and trackpad inputs, thereby enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a trackpad is integrated into a portable computer to provide position input functionality, then the device size is reduced and integration is improved, but misoperation occurs due to unintentional thumb touches during keyboard input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of position input deviceVSAvoidaccuracy of position input

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by detecting the input state through the touch unit and current detection unit. The system continuously monitors touch patterns and provides feedback control by determining whether to activate or deactivate trackpad input based on detected keyboard input states, thereby preventing misoperation while maintaining integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the trackpad and the input processing system. The touch unit and current detection unit act as intermediaries that detect unintentional thumb touches during keyboard input and trigger the input state determination logic to deactivate trackpad input, preventing direct misoperation transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the trackpad remains active during keyboard input to maintain responsiveness, then ease of operation is improved, but misoperation increases due to unintentional touches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness of position inputVSAvoidmisoperation from unintentional touches

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the trackpad input state adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between active and inactive states based on real-time detection of keyboard input through the touch unit and current detection unit, optimizing both responsiveness and preventing misoperation according to actual usage conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the trackpad is deactivated during keyboard input to prevent misoperation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to delayed response when switching back

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of position inputVSAvoidtime for switching between input modes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring the input state through the touch unit and current detection unit even when the trackpad is deactivated. The system detects keyboard input patterns in advance and automatically reactivates trackpad input when keyboard input ceases, reducing the time users need to manually switch between input modes while maintaining reliability during keyboard typing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution effectively prevents misoperations by automatically recognizing normal and erroneous trackpad usage, improving manipulation convenience and work efficiency with minimal hardware cost increases.

Implementation Method 1

a touch unit for perceiving the touch from a user and generating a change in current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8330728B2Information input device for portable electronic apparatus and control method

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

The present invention discloses an information input device for a portable electronic apparatus comprising a touch unit for perceiving the touch from a user and generating a change in current, a current detection unit for detecting said change in current and sending associated detection signal, an input information generating unit for generating input information based on said detection signal and an output interface for transferring said input information to said electronic apparatus, which further comprises: an input state acquisition unit for acquiring the input state when the user uses said portable electronic apparatus; and an input switch unit for parsing said input state and control the on and off of trackpad-type input of said portable electronic apparatus based on said input state. An information input control method for a portable electronic apparatus is also disclosed.