Transparent Touch Laptop for Closed-Mode Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laptops are not ergonomic for use while in motion due to the need to be open for display visibility and interaction, and tablet devices lack a full keyboard interface, limiting usability.
Innovation Solution
A laptop design incorporating a transparent touch-sensitive surface that allows display visibility and interaction when closed, using a transparent LCD or OLED display and touch-sensitive technology to enable touchscreen functionality from the bottom surface, maintaining partial functionality in a closed configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the laptop is closed to conserve space and power, then the display is not visible and the device cannot be used, but if the laptop is open then the display is visible and interactive while consuming more power
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple portions that can be selectively powered down. When the laptop is closed, only the portion of the display visible through the transparent surface remains active, while other portions are powered down to conserve energy. This allows partial functionality without full power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent surface changes its optical properties (from opaque to transparent) based on the laptop's configuration state. When closed, the surface becomes transparent to allow visibility of the display through it, enabling interaction without requiring the traditional open configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional keyboard is included, then full user interface functionality is provided, but the device cannot be used while closed and the visible display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both a protective cover and a touch-sensitive display surface. When the laptop is closed, the transparent surface enables touchscreen functionality, providing full user interface capabilities without requiring a separate keyboard or reducing display visibility.
3Area of stationary object
If the display is made fully transparent for visibility when closed, then the display is visible from the bottom surface, but the display cannot show content when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent surface dynamically adjusts its transparency based on the laptop's operational state. When content needs to be displayed, the surface becomes opaque to show the display content. When the laptop is closed and no content needs to be displayed, the surface becomes transparent to allow visibility of the display through it.
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
Enables users to interact with the laptop while in motion and conserve power by selectively powering down display portions, with user-configurable content and interface adaptations based on usage modes and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
using a transparent LCD or OLED display
Implementation Method 2
using a transparent LCD or OLED display
Implementation Method 3
touch-sensitive technology to enable touchscreen functionality from the bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
In general, in one aspect, a laptop computer that maintains at least a subset of its operational capability (e.g., some display visibility, some user interface ability) in a closed configuration. The base includes a transparent surface to enable at least part of the display to be visible from the bottom when in the closed configuration. The transparent surface is touch sensitive to enable a touchscreen user interface with the display in the closed configuration and a touchpad user interface with the display in an open configuration. The transparent surface may display varying portions of the user interface device and possibly other images in the open configuration. The laptop computer may function as a tablet in the closed configuration.