Virtual Touchpad at Keyboard Location Using Infrared Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges with peripheral keyboards, including inconvenience in carrying and maintaining them, battery life issues due to added backlights, and potential for display damage from keyboard placement, along with position instability caused by magnetic interactions.
Innovation Solution
A dual display portable information handling system uses magnets and sensors to guide and position a peripheral keyboard on the display, adjusts touch detection calibration, provides keyboard illumination, and incorporates an expandable hinge for charging, allowing for a virtual touchpad and retractable feet to enhance user interaction and reduce contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a peripheral keyboard is used with a dual display portable information handling system, then typed inputs can be supported, but the system becomes inconvenient to carry and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the peripheral keyboard with the portable information handling system by allowing the keyboard to attach to and store within the housing. The keyboard integrates with the display assembly and can be positioned in front of the display, merging two separate devices into a unified system that provides both typing capability and portability.
2Illumination intensity
If a backlight is added to the peripheral keyboard, then keyboard visibility is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard backlight operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when typing is detected or when the system is in active use. This periodic illumination provides necessary visibility during typing while allowing the backlight to remain off during storage or idle periods, thereby extending battery life.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the keyboard is placed on the display, then typing position is stabilized, but the display may be damaged from keyboard contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force to hold the keyboard in position without direct mechanical contact with the display surface. Magnets embedded in the keyboard and corresponding magnetic elements in the display assembly create magnetic attraction that stabilizes the keyboard position while preventing physical contact that could damage the display.
4Ease of operation
If magnets are used to position the keyboard, then keyboard placement is guided, but position instability occurs from magnetic interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnets selectively at specific locations rather than uniformly across the keyboard and display. Magnets are positioned at key contact points and edges to provide guidance and stability only where needed, minimizing magnetic interference and position instability while maintaining effective placement guidance.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the keyboard bottom is exposed, then contaminants can accumulate, but covering it reduces aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard bottom cover is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to open or close it based on usage context. When the keyboard is stored or not in use, the cover is closed to protect against contaminants and maintain aesthetics. When typing is active, the cover can be opened or removed to allow proper ventilation and access.
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
This solution enhances user experience by maintaining keyboard readiness, improving touch responsiveness, and reducing the risk of display damage, while providing flexible input options and efficient battery management.
Implementation Method 1
magnets with opposing polarities disposed in the keyboard and display cooperate to position the keyboard on the display
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system touchscreen display detects touches at a touch detection surface as inputs to the information handling system to report as inputs to an embedded controller. An embedded controller detects placement of a keyboard on the touchscreen display in a forward position and in response commands an infrared position detector to activate to detect finger movement at a virtual touchpad disposed external to the information handling system housing. A microphone disposed proximate the virtual touchpad detects end user taps as inputs and a projector disposed proximate the virtual touchpad illuminates a boundary of the virtual touchpad. When the keyboard is moved from the forward position to a rearward position, a virtual touchpad may be presented on the display and the infrared position detector may be deactivated.