Description

The Virtual Laser Keyboard  leverages thepower of laser and infrared technology and projects a full-sizekeyboard onto any flat surface. As you type on the laserprojection, detection technology based on optical recognitionenables the user to tap the images of the keys, complete withrealistic tapping sounds, which feed into the compatibleBluetooth-enabled PDA, Smartphone, laptop or PC.

Unlike many small snap-on keyboards for PDAs, the Virtual LaserKeyboard provides a full-size QWERTY keyboard. It is also smallerand more convenient to use than the folding-type keyboards made bysome manufacturers and similar to them in functionality. There areno mechanical moving parts whatsoever in the Virtual LaserKeyboard. It provides a projected image that is the perfectportable input device for PDAs. It''s similar in responsiveness toregular keyboards.

The light weight device weighs two ounces and is similar in size toa disposable cigarette lighter. The Virtual Laser Keyboard includesa self-contained, rechargeable lithium ion battery. It provides theVirtual Laser Keyboard with its own internal power supply, so itdoesn''t drain any battery power from the PDA or PC. The batterylasts two to three hours, more than enough time to do some instantmessaging and SMS messaging from the handheld device or to updatecalendar and phone book entries.

Technology

Step 1: Template creation (Projection Module)

A template of the desired interface is projected onto the adjacentinterface surface. The template is produced by illuminating aspecially designed, highly efficient holographic optical elementwith a red diode laser. Note: the template serves only as areference for the user and is not involved in the detectionprocess. In a fixed environment, the template can just as easily beprinted onto the interface surface.


Step 2: Reference plane illumination (Micro-illuminationModuleTM)

An infra-red plane of light is generated just above, and parallelto, the interface surface. This light is invisible to the user andhovers a few millimeters above the surface. When the user touches akey position on the interface surface light is reflected from thisplane in the vicinity of the key and directed towards the sensormodule.


Step 3: Map reflection coordinates (SensorModule)

Reflected light from user interactions with the interface surfaceis passed through an infra-red filter and imaged on to a CMOS imagesensor in the sensor module. Custom hardware embedded in the sensorchip (the Virtual Interface Processing CoreTM) then makes areal-time determination of the location of the reflected light. Theprocessing core can track multiple reflection events simultaneouslyand can thus support both multiple keystrokes and overlappingcursor control inputs.


Step 4: Interpretation and communication (SensorModule)

Product Specifications

Keyboard Projection

Light source

Red diode laser

Keyboard layout

63 key / full sized QWERTY layout

Keyboard size

295 x 95mm projected keyboard size

Keyboard position

60mm from VKB unit

Required Projection surface

Non-reflective, opaque flat surface

Visibility

Good contrast up to 600 lux ambientillumination

Keyboard Sensor

Ambient illumination

Works under all standard indoor illuminations up to600 lux

Detection

Rate Up to 400 characters per minute

Detection algorithm

Multiple keystroke support

Effective keystroke

Approximately 2mm

Operating surface

Non-reflective, opaque flat surface

Visibility

Any firm flat surface with no protrusions greaterthan 1mm

Bluetooth

Bluetooth Spec

Bluetooth v1.1 class 2

Bluetooth Profile Supported

HID and SPP

Range of Frequency

2.4 GHz Spectrum

Transmission range

9m

Number of supported passkeys

5

Electrical

Power Source

Integrade, 3.6V rechargeable lithium-ionbattery

Battery Capacity

>120 minutes continuous typing

Charge Method

Included 100-240V AC Wall Adapter

Dimensions

Approximately 35 x 92 x 25mm (1.38" x 3.6" x1")