Description

The Virtual Laser Keyboard  leverages the power of laser and infrared technology and projects a full-size keyboard onto any flat surface. As you type on the laser projection, detection technology based on optical recognition enables the user to tap the images of the keys, complete with realistic tapping sounds, which feed into the compatible Bluetooth-enabled PDA, Smartphone, laptop or PC.

Unlike many small snap-on keyboards for PDAs, the Virtual Laser Keyboard provides a full-size QWERTY keyboard. It is also smaller and more convenient to use than the folding-type keyboards made by some manufacturers and similar to them in functionality. There are no mechanical moving parts whatsoever in the Virtual Laser Keyboard. It provides a projected image that is the perfect portable input device for PDAs. It's similar in responsiveness to regular keyboards.

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

Technology

Step 1: Template creation (Projection Module)

A template of the desired interface is projected onto the adjacent interface surface. The template is produced by illuminating a specially designed, highly efficient holographic optical element with a red diode laser. Note: the template serves only as a reference for the user and is not involved in the detection process. In a fixed environment, the template can just as easily be printed onto the interface surface.


Step 2: Reference plane illumination (Micro-illumination ModuleTM)

An infra-red plane of light is generated just above, and parallel to, the interface surface. This light is invisible to the user and hovers a few millimeters above the surface. When the user touches a key position on the interface surface light is reflected from this plane in the vicinity of the key and directed towards the sensor module.


Step 3: Map reflection coordinates (Sensor Module)

Reflected light from user interactions with the interface surface is passed through an infra-red filter and imaged on to a CMOS image sensor in the sensor module. Custom hardware embedded in the sensor chip (the Virtual Interface Processing CoreTM) then makes a real-time determination of the location of the reflected light. The processing core can track multiple reflection events simultaneously and can thus support both multiple keystrokes and overlapping cursor control inputs.


Step 4: Interpretation and communication (Sensor Module)

The micro-controller in the sensor module receives the positional information corresponding to the light flashes from the sensor processing core, interprets the events (e.g. keydown, keyup, mouse or touchpad control etc..) and communicates them through an appropriate interface to external devices.

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

60mmfrom VKB unit

Required Projection surface

Non-reflective, opaque flat surface

Visibility

Good contrast up to 600 lux ambient illumination

Keyboard Sensor

Ambient illumination

Works under all standard indoor illuminations up to 600 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 greater than 1mm

Bluetooth

Bluetooth Spec

Bluetooth v1.1 class 2

Bluetooth Profile Supported

HID and SPP

Rangeof Frequency

2.4 GHz Spectrum

Transmission range

9m

Number of supported passkeys

5

Electrical

Power Source

Integrade, 3.6V rechargeable lithium-ion battery

BatteryCapacity

>120 minutes continuous typing

Charge Method

Included 100-240V AC Wall Adapter

Dimensions

Approximately 35 x 92 x 25mm (1.38" x 3.6" x 1")