INTRODUCTION:

Computers have undergone rapid miniaturization from being a

'space saver' to 'as tiny as your palm'. Disks and components grew smaller in

size, but one component still remained the same for decades - it's the

keyboard. Miniaturization of keyboard had proved nightmare for users.

Users of PDAs and smart phones are annoyed by the tiny size of the keys.

The new innovation Virtual Keyboard uses advanced technologies to project

a full-sized computing key-board to any surface. This device has become the

solution for mobile computer users who prefer to do touch-typing than

cramping over tiny keys. Typing information into mobile devices usually

feels about as natural as a linebacker riding a Big Wheel. Virtual Keyboard

is a way to eliminate finger cramping. All that's needed to use the keyboard

is a flat surface. Using laser technology, a bright red image of a keyboard is

projected from a device such as a handheld. Detection technology based on

optical recognition allows users to tap the images of the keys so the virtual

keyboard behaves like a real one. It's designed to support any typing speed.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard (VKB) 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, Smart phone, laptop or PC. Unlike many small snap-on

keyboards for PDAs.

HISTORY OF VIRTUAL LASER KEYBOARD:

We are witnesses of new technology improvements that are

surprising us every day when we hear about them or even look at them. The

computers and computer’s technology revolutionize the world and the way

of life. Since the beginning in the 50’s, every new achievement in this

section was accepted by the vast masses of people which were expecting

new improvements with huge hope for making business and life easier and

more successful. In this century, the computers rule the world. Beginning

from the first computer ENIAC, which proportions were huge, the

technology came up with microchips, tiny devices which are hundred times

smaller then the basic of the structure of ENIAC, the electronic tube. The

technology of creating microchips, allows us to create smaller devices like

CPU’s, Integrated Circuits, Microcontrollers, and so on…

From other side, the classic science in the same time was

making very important researches and discoveries, especially physics. The

physicist discovered laser rays and sensors of the same rays, which are

getting more sophisticated and more powerful.

If we put these two parts of science in one, we will have more

than hundred products which are making our life easier, more successful and

more secured. Products like this are IR, Bluetooth transmitters and receivers,

optical mouse, LCD Projectors, Large Video Beams and the latest gadget of

the technology called Virtual Laser Keyboard. This non-physical keyboard

is implementing optics from physics and microcontrollers form electronics

and programming. The main difference is that the Virtual Laser Keyboard

physically is not present. An optical virtual keyboard has been invented

by IBM engineers in 1992.

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL LASER

KEYBOARD :

A virtual keyboard is actually a key-in device, roughly a size of

a fountain pen, which uses highly advanced laser technology, to project a

full sized keyboard on to a flat surface. Since the invention of computers

they had undergone rapid miniaturization. Disks and components grew

smaller in size, but only component remained same for decades -its

keyboard. Since miniaturization of a traditional keyboard is very difficult we

go for virtual keyboard. Here, a camera tracks the finger movements of the

typist to get the correct keystroke. A virtual keyboard is a keyboard that a

user operates by typing on or within a wireless or optical -dectable surface or

area rather than by depressing physical keys.

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 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.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard (VKB) 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 DA, Sartphone. 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.

WHY TO USE VIRTUAL LASER

KEYBOARD:

It’s wireless and it is communicating with the device with which it’s

connected via Bluetooth. This keyboard is compatible with all kinds of

desktop or packet pc’s and PDA Devices.

Compare the following two pictures.

As you can see on the picture, the Classical Keyboard

is small but we can’t were it with us everywhere. It still has

some proportions which a far larger then our pocket. But,

the Virtual Laser Keyboard (VKB), is a tiny device, what

we can were with us any time, any where. Just a clean

surface is all we need to operate with VKB.

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.

WORKING OF VIRTUAL LASER KEYBOARD

:

A laser or beamer projects visible virtual

keyboard onto level surface. Sensor camera in the projector

picks up finger movements detected co-ordinates determine

actions or characters to be generated. Some devices use a

second (invisible infrared) beam.

An invisible infrared beam is projected above the

virtual keyboard. Finger makes keystroke on virtual

keyboard. This breaks infrared beam and infrared light is

reflected back to projector. Reflected infrared beam passes

through infrared filter to camera. Camera photographs

angle of incoming infrared light. Sensor chip determines

where infrared beam was broken detected co-ordinates

determine actions or characters to be generated. It optically

detects and analyses human hand and finger motions and

interprets them as operations on a physically non-existent

input device like a surface having painted or projected

keys. In that way it allows to emulate unlimited types of

manually operated input devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.).

All mechanical input units can be replaced by such virtual

devices, optimized for the current application and for the

user's physiology maintainig speed, simplicity and

unambiguity of manual data input.

(Diagram of working of VKB)

These are virtual keyboards that can be projected

and touched on any surface. The keyboard watches your

fingers move and translates that action into keystrokes in

the device. Most systems can also function as a virtual

moue)

Steps of working of VKB:

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 Module TM)

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.

SPECIFICATIONS:

KEYBOARD PROJECTION:

Light source Red diode laser

Keyboard layout 63 key

Keyboard size 295 x 95mm

Keyboard position 60mm from VKB unit

Required Projection surface

Non-reflective, opaque flat surface

KEYBOARD SENSOR :

Detection Rate Up to 400 characters per minute

Detection algorithm Multiple keystroke support

Effective keystroke Approximately 2mm

Operating surface Non-reflective, opaque flat surface

VisibilityAny firm flat surface with no protrusions greater than 1mm

BLUETOOTH :

Bluetooth Spec Bluetooth v1.1 class 2

Range of Frequency 2.4 GHz Spectrum

Transmission range 9m

ELECTRICAL :

Power Source 3.6V rechargeable lithium-ion battery

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" x 1")

APPLICATIONS:

In addition to small devices projection keyboards

could be used to create a control-panel projection that

offers virtual knobs and switches for use in hazardous

environments, as well as in medical markets where

disinfected data entry is a concern.

The Laser Keyboard Projector works by using

both infrared and laser technology to produce an invisible

circuit and project a full-size QWERTY keyboard of light

on to any flat non reflective surface. The virtual keyboard

works extremely well in normal daylight conditions, and

looks awesome in the dark! The sensitivity of the keys can

be adjusted, along with the intensity of the keyboard.

Behaving exactly like a real keyboard, direction

technology based on optical recognition enables the user to

tap the images of the keys, complete with realistic tapping

sounds, which feeds into compatible PDAs, Smart phone’s,

laptops or PCs via bluetooth. A Bluetooth dongle or

Bluetooth device is required

The Virtual Keyboard for PC is a great choice for

the family computer that is exposed to food, drink and

other keyboard damaging elements, and because the

keyboard can be projected on to any flat non-reflective

surface, it means it can’t be broken, never needs cleaning,

sets up with no wiring (optional), is keyless, button-less,

switch-less, and doesn’t collect dirt. Plugged into a desktop

PC as a replacement keyboard, it takes up virtually no desk

space, and has the added advantage of being able to

disappear when not in use.

FEATURES:

● Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's)

Cellular Telephones

Laptops

Tablet PCs

Space saving Computers

Clean Rooms

Industrial Environments

Test Equipment

Sterile and Medical Environments

Transport (Air, Rail, Automotive)

Allows the convenience of regular keyboard typing in

a tiny form factor

Rechargeable battery lasts for 120 minutes of

continuous typing

Tiny size only 3.5 inches high

Compatible with Palm OS 5, Pocket PC 2003,

Windows Smart phone, Symbian OS, and Windows

2000/XP. Limited Mac OSX Support.

CONCLUSION:

The hottest new technological wave of the future

is Virtual Laser Keyboard. This groundbreaking technology

is growing so fast. The Bluetooth VKB Accessory has

experienced tremendous success around the globe and has

provided mobile computing device users with a viable and

truly usable solution for data input. With its excellent utility

and classic design, the VKB has won numerous other

awards from the consumer electronics and design press and

been featured in a range of Films and some Television

series.

REFERENCES:

[1] www.wikipedia.org

[2] www.howstuffworks.com

[3] www.virtualkeyboard.com

[4] www.engineeringseminar.org

[5] www.itech.com/vkey/specification

[6] www.microsoft.com/vkb