Microsoft Unveils Patent for Innovative Haptic Trackpad Loudspeaker in Surface Laptops

Microsoft’s laptops have changed significantly over the years. Initially, a 2013 Apple patent showed that Apple had created a MacBook with a detachable display. Apple decided against releasing it to avoid competing with the iPad, leading to the project’s cancellation. Microsoft then adopted the idea and developed it further. Subsequently, Microsoft redesigned the Surface Laptop to allow the display to slide over the keyboard, making it easier to watch videos and play games without the keyboard being in the way.

Recently, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a new Microsoft patent application concerning a potential feature for Surface laptops: a haptic trackpad loudspeaker.

This patent details a haptic trackpad loudspeaker that includes a printed circuit board (PCB) placed within a recess of the device. The PCB controls both haptic feedback and sound output. The design features resilient spacers that bond the PCB to the chassis, a touch sensor on the opposite side of the PCB that acts as both a haptic surface and a diaphragm for sound, and a haptic element that generates vibrations to provide feedback and sound. Additionally, a flexible sealing surrounds the speaker to support the touch sensor.

The patent also outlines methods for operating this haptic trackpad loudspeaker. It involves creating vibration feedback at frequencies below 400 Hz and producing sound at frequencies ranging from 400 Hz to 3 kHz. Frequencies above 3 kHz are also utilized to enhance sound quality.

Moreover, the patent describes a mobile device that incorporates this technology. It includes a chassis with a central recess, left and right channel speakers, and the haptic trackpad loudspeaker, which acts as a center channel speaker.

For more information, you can view Microsoft’s full patent application here.