PREFACE

Engineering is not only a theoretical study but it is a implementation of all we study

for creating something new and making things more easy and useful through practical
study. It is an art which can be gained with systematic study, observation and practice.
In the college curriculum we use usually get the theoretical knowledge of industries
and a little bit of implantation of knowledge that how it works? But how can we prove
our practical knowledge to increase the productivity or efficiency of the industry?

To overcome such problem we the students of MAHARISHI ARVIND

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING& TECHNOLOGY, JAIPUR are

supposed to make a Seminar on “Virtual-Keyboard.”

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is my privilege to express my deep sense of gratitude towards all those who helped
me to prepare my seminar.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. K.K. Bhargava (Head of Dept.
ECE) for giving us permission to present this seminar. Last but not the least; I would
like to thank Mr. Anshul Goyal,Who timely helped and support was needed for
the successfully completion of the seminar.

Anil Kumar Saini

(09EMTEC010)

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 ABSTRACT
Computing is now not limited to desktops and laptops, it has found its way into
mobile devices like palm tops and even cell phones. But what has not changed for the
last 50 or so odd years is the input device, the good old QWERTY keyboard. Virtual
Keyboard uses sensor technology and artificial intelligence to let users work on any
surface as if it were a keyboard. Virtual Devices have developed a flashlight-size
gadget that projects an image of a keyboard on any surface and lets people input data
by typing on the image. The Virtual Keyboard uses light to project a full-sized
computer keyboard onto almost any surface, and disappears when not in use. Used
with Smart Phones and PDAs, the VKEY provides a practical way to do email, word
processing and spreadsheet tasks, allowing the user to leave the laptop computer at
home.

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 Contents
Chapter1Introduction…………………………………………………………….6

Chapter 2 :-History of Virtual Keyboard………………………………………..7

Chapter3 :-Qwerty keyboard………………………………….…………………8

3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................8

3.1.1 Inside the keyboard…………………………………………………..……8

3.1.2 Keyboard Technologies………….........…………………………….……...10
3.1.3 From the Keyboard to the Computer……………………………………...10

3.2 Different Types....................................................................................................11

3.3 Difficulties...........................................................................................................12
3.4 Alternatives.........................................................................................................13
3.4.1 Ergonomic Keyboards................................................................................14
3.4.2 Compact or Reduced Keyboards...............................................................14
3.4.3 Enlarged Keyboards...................................................................................14
3.4.4 Portable Keyboards....................................................................................14

3.5 Working..............................................................................................................15
Chapter4 :- Virtual Keyboard...............................................................................16
4.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................16
Chapter5 :-Working of Virtual Keyboard..............................................................19
5.1 Diagram of working of VKB...............................................................................20
5.1.1 Steps of working of VKB..............................................................................20
5.1.2 Why to use Virtual Keyboard........................................................................21
5.2 Virtual Keyboard Technology..............................................................................22
5.2.1 Sensor module................................................................................................22
5.2.2 IR-light source................................................................................................23
5.2.3 The pattern projector......................................................................................24

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5.3 Different Types.....................................................................................................25
5.3.1 Developer VKB...............................................................................................25
5.3.2 Canesta.............................................................................................................26
5.3.3 Sense board Technologies................................................................................26
5.3.4 KITTY..............................................................................................................28
5.3.5 InFocus.............................................................................................................29

Chapter6 :- SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................30

KEYBOARD PROJECTION......................................................................................30

KEYBOARD SENSOR...............................................................................................30

BLUETOOTH..............................................................................................................30

ELECTRICAL.............................................................................................................31

DIMENSIONS.............................................................................................................31

Chapter7 :- Features................................................................................................32

Chapter8 :-Advantages...........................................................................................33

Chapter 9 :-Drawbacks............................................................................................34

Chapter10 :-Applications.......................................................................................35

Chapter11 :- Conclusion.........................................................................................36

Chapter12:-Refrences............................................................................................37

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 CHAPTER1

INTRODUCTION
Virtual Keyboardis just another example of today’s computer trend of‘smaller and
faster’. Computing is now not limited to desktops and laptops, it has found its way
into mobile devices like palm tops and even cell phones. But what has not changed
for the last 50 or so odd years is the input device, the good old QWERTY keyboard.
The virtual keyboard technology is the latest development.

The virtual keyboard technology uses sensor technology and artificial

intelligence to let users work on any flat surface as if it were a keyboard. Virtual
Keyboards lets you easily create multilingual text content on almost any existing
platform and output it directly to PDAs or even web pages. Virtual Keyboard, being
a small, handy, well-designed and easy to use application, turns into a perfect
solution for cross platform text input.

The main features are: platform-independent multilingual support for

keyboard text input, built-in language layouts and settings, copy/paste etc.
operations support just as in a regular text editor, no change in already existing
system language settings, easy and user-friendly interface and design, and small file
size.

The report first gives an overview of the QWERTY keyboards and the
difficulties arising from using them. It then gives a description about the virtual
keyboard technology and the various types of virtual keyboards in use. Finally the
advantages, drawbacks and the applications are discussed.

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 CHAPTER2

HISTORY OF VIRTUAL 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
than 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 199

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 CHAPTER3

QWERTY KEYBOARD

3.1 Introduction

QWERTY is the most common keyboard layout on English-language computer and

typewriter keyboards. It takes its name from the first six characters seen in the far left
of the keyboard's top first row of letters.

3.1.1 Inside the keyboard

The processor in a keyboard has to understand several things that are important to
the utility of the keyboard, such as:

 Position of the key in the key matrix.

 The amount of bounce and how to filter it.
 The speed at which to transmit the typemastics.

Fig3.1 The microprocessor and controller circuitry of a keyboard.

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 The key matrix is the grid of circuits underneath the keys. In all
keyboards except for capacitive ones, each circuit is broken at the point below a
specific key. Pressing the key, bridges the gap in the circuit, allowing a tiny amount
of current to flow through. The processor monitors the key matrix for signs of
continuity at any point on the grid. When it finds a circuit that is closed, it compares
the location of that circuit on the key matrix to the character map in its ROM.

The character map is basically a comparison chart for the processor that
tells it what the key at x,y coordinates in the key matrix represents. If more than one
key is pressed at the same time, theprocessor checks to see if that combination of
keys has a designation in the character map. For example, pressing the ‘a’ key by
itself would result in a small letter "a" being sent to the computer. If you press and
hold down the Shift key while pressing the ‘a’ key, the processor compares that
combination with the character map and produces a capital letter "A."

A different character map provided by the computer can supersede the

character map in the keyboard. This is done quite often in languages whose characters
do not have English equivalents. Also, there are utilities for changing the character
map from the traditional QWERTY to DVORAK or another custom version.

Fig3.2 A look at the key matrix.

Keyboards rely on switches that cause a change in the current flowing through
the circuits in the keyboard. When the key presses the key switch against the circuit,
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there is usually a small amount of vibration between the surfaces, known as bounce.
The processor in a keyboard recognizes that you pressing the key repeatedly do not
cause this very rapid switching on and off. Therefore, it filters all of the tiny
fluctuations out of the signal and treats it as a single key press.

If you continue to hold down a key, the processor determines that you wish to
send that character repeatedly to the computer. This is known as typemastics. In this
process, the delay between each instance of a character can normally be set in
software, typically ranging from 30 characters per second (cps) to as few as two cps.

3.1.2 Keyboard Technologies

Keyboards use a variety of switch technologies. It is interesting to note that we

generally like to have some audible and tactile response to our typing on a
keyboard. We want to hear the keys "click" as we type, and we want the keys to feel
firm and spring back quickly as we press them. Let's take a look at these different
technologies:

 Rubber dome mechanical

 Capacitive non-mechanical
 Metal contact mechanical
 Membrane mechanical
 Foam element mechanical

3.1.3 From the Keyboard to the Computer

As you type, the processor in the keyboard is analysing the key matrix and
determining what characters to send to the computer. It maintains these characters
in a buffer of memory that is usually about 16 bytes large. It then sends the data in
a stream to the computer via some type of connection.

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 The most common keyboard connectors are:
 5-pin DIN (Dutch Industries Norm) connector
 6-pin IBM PS/2 mini-DIN connector
 4-pin USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector
 Internal connector (for laptops)

Normal DIN connectors are rarely used anymore. Most computers use
the mini-DIN PS/2 connector; but an increasing number of new systems are
dropping the PS/2 connectors in favour of USB. No matter which type of connector
is used, two principal elements are sent through the connecting cable. The first is
power for the keyboard. Keyboards require a small amount of power, typically
about 5 volts, in order to function. The cable also carries the data from the keyboard
to the computer. The other end of the cable connects to a port that is monitored by
the computer's keyboard controller.

This is an integrated circuit (IC) whose job is to process all of the data
that comes from the keyboard and forward it to the operating system.

3.2 Different Types

Keyboards have changed very little in layout since their introduction. In fact, the
most common change has simply been the natural evolution of adding more keys
that provide additional functionality.

The most common keyboards are:

 101-key Enhanced keyboard
 104-key Windows keyboard
 82-key Apple standard keyboard
 108-key Apple Extended keyboard

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 Portable computers such as laptops quite often have custom keyboards
that have slightly different key arrangements than a standard keyboard. Also,
many system manufacturers add specialty buttons to the standard layout.

A typical keyboard has four basic types of keys:

 Typing keys
 Numeric keypad
 Function keys
 Control keys

The typing keys are the section of the keyboard that contains the letter
keys, generally laid out in the same style that was common for typewriters. The
numeric keypad is a part of the natural evolution mentioned previously. Since a
large part of the data was numbers, a set of 17 keys was added to the keyboard.
These keys are laid out in thesame configuration used by most adding machines
and calculators, to facilitate the transition to computer for clerks accustomed to
these other machines.

In 1986, IBM extended the basic keyboard with the addition of function
and control keys. The function keys, arranged in a line across the top of the
keyboard, could be assigned specific commands by the current application or the
operating system. Control keys provided cursor and screen control. Four keys
arranged in an inverted T formation between the typing keys and numeric keypad
allows the user to move the cursor on the display in small increments.

3.3Difficulties

It is now recognized that it is important to be correctly seated while using a

computer. A comfortable working position will help with concentration, quality of
work, and reduce the risk of long-term problems. This is important for all who use
computers, and especially so for those with disabilities.

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 The increased repetitive motions and awkward postures attributed to the
use of computer keyboards have resulted in a rise in cumulative trauma disorders
(CTDs) that are generally considered to be the most costly and severe disorders
occurring in the office. Lawsuits for arm, wrist, and hand injuries have been filed
against keyboard manufacturers allege that keyboarding equipment is defectively
designed and manufacturers fail to provide adequate warnings about proper use to
avoid injury.

As early as1926, Klockenberg described how the keyboard layout required the
typist to assume body postures that were unnatural, uncomfortable and fatiguing. For
example, standard keyboard design forces operators to place their hands in a flat,
palm down position called forearm pronation.

The compact, linear key arrangement also causes some typists to place their
wrist in a position that is skewed towards the little fingers, called ulnar deviation.

These awkward postures result in static muscle loading, increased muscular energy
expenditure, reduced muscular waste removal, and eventual discomfort or injury.
Researchers also noted that typing on the QWERTY keyboard is poorly distributed
between the hands and fingers, causing the weaker ring and little fingers to be
overwork.

3.4 Alternatives

When a standard keyboard does not meet the needs of the user, several alternatives
can be found. Keyboards come in a variety of sizes with different layouts. The
four alternatives described below are considered "plug and play" keyboards, as
they require no special interface. Just plug them into the existing keyboard port
and use them.

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 3.4.1 Ergonomic Keyboards:

These keyboards are designed to ensure safe and comfortable computer use by
providing additional supports to prevent repetitive muscular injuries. Many offer
flexible positioning options (Comfort Keyboard), while others use "wells" for
support (ergonomic), or chords instead of keys (BAT Keyboard), or require
minimal finger/hand movements (Data Hand).

3.4.2 Compact or Reduced Keyboards:

These keyboards are designed with keys in closely arranged order. These compact
or reduced keyboards offer options for students with a limited range of motion in
their hands or arms and can be accessed with head or mouth pointers. Examples of
these are TASH mini keyboards (WinMini, MacMini), or the Magic Wand
Keyboard; both provide for keyboard and mouse control.

3.4.3 Enlarged Keyboards:

These keyboards are a larger version of the standard keyboard, in whole or in part.
Larger keys may provide an easier target, as fewer key choices with clear key
labels can provide a successful input method for many. The IntelliKeys keyboard
is one example; it comes with 6 keyboard overlays and varying key layout designs
and can be further customized with the use of Overlay Maker software.

3.4.4 Portable Keyboards:

The last type of keyboard is one which addresses the portability needs of
individuals with disabilities. A portable keyboard is one which can be used as a
not-taker when battery-powered and then connected to a computer to download
the information. The Alphas Marta is an example of a portable keyboard. It
connects to the Apple, Mac, and IBM computers and can be used as the computer
keyboard when it is connected to the computer.
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3.5 Working
The working of a typical QWERTY keyboard is as follows:

1. When a key is pressed, it pushes down on a rubber dome sitting beneath the
key. A conductive contact on the underside of the dome touches (and hence
connects) a pair of conductive lines on the circuit below.

2. This bridges the gap between them and allows electric current to flow (the
open circuit is closed).

3. A scanning signal is emitted by the chip along the pairs of lines to all the keys.
When the signal in one pair becomes different, the chip generates a "make
code" corresponding to the key connected to that pair of lines.
4. The code generated is sent to the computer either via a keyboard cable (using
on-off electrical pulses to represent bits) or over a wireless connection. It may
be repeated.

5. A chip inside the computer receives the signal bits and decodes them into the
appropriate key press. The computer then decides what to do on the basis of
the key pressed (e.g. display a character on the screen, or perform some
action).

6. When the key is released, a break code (different than the make code) is sent
to indicate the key is no longer pressed. If the break code is missed (e.g. due to
a keyboard switch) it is possible for the keyboard controller to believe the key
is pressed down when it is not, which is why pressing then releasing the key
again will release the key (since another break code is sent).

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 CHAPTER4

VIRTUAL KEYBOARD

4.1 Introduction

Virtual Keyboard is just another example of today’s computer trend of "smaller and
faster". Computing is now not limited to desktops and laptops, it has found its way
into mobile devices like palm tops and even cell phones. But what has not changed for
the last 50 or so odd years is the input device, the good old QWERTY keyboard.
Alternatives came in the form of handwriting recognition, speech recognition, abcd
input (for SMS in cell phones) etc. But they all lack the accuracy and convenience of
a full-blown keyboard. Speech input has an added issue of privacy. Even folded
keyboards for PDAs are yet to catch on. Thus a new generation of virtual input
devices is now being paraded, which could drastically change the way we type.

Virtual Keyboard uses sensor technology and artificial intelligence to let

users work on any surface as if it were a keyboard. Virtual Devices have developed a
flashlight-size gadget that projects an image of a keyboard on any surface and lets
people input data by typing on the image.

The device detects movement when fingers are pressed down. Those
movements are measured and the device accurately determines the intended
keystrokesand translates them into text. The Virtual Keyboard uses light to project a
full-sized computer keyboard onto almost any surface, and disappears when not in
use. The translation process also uses artificial intelligence. Once the keystroke has
been decoded, it is sent to the portable device either by cable or via wireless.

16
 Fig 4.1: Virtual keyboard used in PDA’s

The Virtual Keyboard uses light to project a full-sized computer keyboard

onto almost any surface, and disappears when not in use. Used with Smart Phones and
PDAs, it provides a practical way to do email, word processing and spreadsheet tasks,
allowing the user to leave the laptop computer at home. The technology has many
applications in various high-tech and industrial Sectors. These include data entry and
control panel applications in hazardous and harsh environments and medical markets.

Projection key boards or virtual key boards claim to provide the convenience
of compactness with the advantages of a full-blown QWERTY keyboard. An
interesting use of such keyboards would be in sterile environments where silence or
low noise is essential like operation theatres. The advantage of such a system is that
you do not need a surface for typing, you can even type in plain air. The company's
Virtual Keyboard is designed for anyone who's become frustrated with trying to put
17
information into a handheld but doesn't want to carry a notebook computer around.
There is also the provision for a pause function to avoid translating extraneous hand
movement’s function, so that users can stop to eat, drink etc.

It is also a superior desktop computer keyboard featuring dramatically

easier to learn touch-typing and leaving one hand free for mouse or phone.
Combination key presses ("chords") of five main and two extra control keys allow
users to type at 25-60 words per minute, with possibly greater speeds achieved
through the use of abbreviation expansion software. Most users, however, will find
memorizing the chords easy and fun, with the included typing tutorial. The scanner
can keep up with the fastest typist, scanning the projected area over 50 times a
second. The keyboard doesn't demand a lot of force, easing strain on wrists and digits.
Virtual keyboards solve the problem of sore thumbs that can be caused by typing on
the tiny keyboards of various gadgets like PDAs and cell phones. They are meant to
meet the needs of mobile computer users struggling with cumbersome, tiny, or non-
existent keyboards. It might help to prevent RSI injuries.

The Virtual Keyboard uses an extremely durable material which is

extremely easy to clean. The Virtual Keyboard is not restricted to the QWERTY
touch-typing paradigm, adjustments can be done to the software to fit other touch-
typing paradigms as well, such as the DVORAK keyboard. It will work with all types
of Bluetooth enabled devices such as PDAs and smart phones, as well as wearable
computers. Applications include computer/PDA input, gaming control, TV remote
control, and musical applications.Thus virtual keyboards will make typing easier,
faster, and almost a pleasure.

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 CHAPTER5
WORKING OF VIRTUAL KEYBOARD

A laser or beamer projects visible virtual keyboardonto level surface. Sensor camera
in the projector picks upfinger movements detected co-ordinates determine actionsor
characters to be generated. Some devices use a second(invisible infrared) beam.

An invisible infrared beam is projected above thevirtual keyboard. Finger

makes keystroke on virtualkeyboard. This breaks infrared beam and infrared light
isreflected back to projector. Reflected infrared beam passesthrough infrared filter to
camera. Camera photographs angleof incoming infrared light. Sensor chip determines
whereinfrared beam was broken detected co-ordinates determineactions or characters
to be generated.

It optically detectsand analyses human hand and finger motions and

interpretsthem as operations on a physically non-existent inputdevice like a surface
having painted or projected keys. Inthat way it allows to emulate unlimited types of
manuallyoperated input devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.). Allmechanical input units
can be replaced by such virtualdevices, optimized for the current application and for
theuser's physiology maintaining speed, simplicity andunambiguity of manual data
input.

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5.1 Diagram of working of VKB:

Fig5.1 Working of Virtual Keyboard

These are virtual keyboards that can be projectedand 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 mouse.

5.1.1 Steps of working of VKB:

Step 1: Template creation (Projection Module):

A template of the desired interface is projectedonto the adjacent interface surface. The
template is produced by illuminating a specially designed, highlyefficient 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 fixedenvironment, the
template can just as easily be printed ontothe interface surface.

Step 2: Reference plane illumination (Micro-illumination Module TM):

An infra-red plane of light is generated justabove, and parallel to, the interface
surface. This light isinvisible to the user and hovers a few millimetres above
thesurface. When the user touches a key position on theinterface surface light is

20
reflected from this plane in thevicinity of the key and directed towards the sensor
module.

Step 3: Map reflection coordinates (Sensor Module):

Reflected light from user interactions with theinterface surface is passed through an
infra-red filter andimaged on to a CMOS image sensor in the sensor module.Custom
hardware embedded in the sensor chip (the VirtualInterface Processing CoreTM) then
makes a real-timedetermination of the location of the reflected light. The processing
core can track multiplereflection events simultaneously and can thussupport both
multiple keystrokes and overlapping cursor control inputs.

Step 4: Interpretation and communication (Sensor Module):

The micro-controller in the sensor modulereceives the positional information

corresponding to thelight flashes from the sensor processing core, interprets theevents
(e.g. keydown, keyup, mouse or touchpad control etc.) and communicates them
through an appropriateinterface to external devices.

5.1.2 Why to use Virtual Keyboard:

It’s wireless and it is communicating with the device with which it’sconnected 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 Keyboardis small but we can’t were it with us everywhere. It still hassome
proportions which a far larger than our pocket. But the Virtual Laser Keyboard
(VKB), is a tiny device, whatwe can were with us anytime, anywhere. Just a
cleansurface is all we need to operate with VKB.

It is also smaller and more convenient to use thanthe folding-type

keyboards made by some manufacturersand similar to them in functionality. There are
nomechanical 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
inresponsiveness to regular keyboards.
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5.2 Virtual Keyboard Technology
This system comprises of three modules,

1. The sensor module,

2. IR-light source and

3. The pattern projector.

5.2.1 Sensor module:

Fig 5.2: Sensor Module

The Sensor Module serves as the eyes of the Keyboard Perception

technology. The Sensor Module operates by locating the user's fingers in 3-D space
and tracking the intended keystrokes, or mouse movements. Mouse tracking and
keystroke information is processed and can then be output to the host device via a
USB or other interface.

Electronic Perception Technology:

Electronic perception technology enables ordinary electronic devices to “see” the

world around them so they can perceive and interact with it. Now everyday electronic
22
devices in a variety of markets can perceive users’ actions, gainingfunctionality and
ease of use.
The tiny electronic perception chips and embedded software work by
developing a 3D “distance map” to nearby objects in real-time. This information is
factored through an on-chip processor running imaging software that translates the
image into defined events before sending it offchip for application-specific
processing. It’s an action that is continually repeated, generating over 30 frames of 3D
information per second.

Electronic perception technology has a fundamental advantage over classical

image processing that struggles to construct three-dimensional representations using
complex mathematics and images from multiple cameras or points of view. This
single-chip “contour mapping” approach results in a high reduction of complexity,
making it possible to embed the application independent processing software directly
into the chips themselves – so they may be used in the most modestly-priced, and
even pocket-sized electronic devices.
5.2.2 IR-light source:

Fig 5.3: IR-light source

The Infrared Light Source emits a beam of infrared light. This light beam is
designed to overlap the area on which the keyboard pattern projector or printed image
resides. This is done so as to illuminate the user’s fingers by the infra-red light beam.
This helps in recognizing the hand movements and the pressing of keys. The light
beam facilitates in scanning the image. Accordingly the information is passed on to
23
the sensor module which decodes the information.

An invisible infra-red 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. The camera photographs angle of incoming infrared light. The Sensor chip in
the sensor module determines where the infrared beam was broken. Detected co-
ordinates determine actions or characters to be generated.

5.2.3 The pattern projector:

Fig 5.4: Pattern projector

The Pattern Projector or optional printed image presents the image of the
keyboard or mouse zone of the system. This image can be projected on any flat
surface. The projected images is that of a standard QWERTY keyboard, with all the
keys and control functions as in the keyboard.

The Projector features a wide-angle lens so that a large pattern can be

projected from relatively low elevations. A printed image, with replaceable templates
allows system flexibility, permitting most any kind of keyboard configuration for
greater functionality.

In some types of virtual keyboards, a second infra-red beam is not necessary.

Here the projector itself takes the inputs, providing dual functionality. A sensor or

24
camera in the projector picks up the finger movements, and passes the information on
to the sensor modules.

5.3 Different Types

There are different types of virtual keyboards, manufactured by various companies

which provide different levels of functionalities. The different types of virtual
keyboards are:

5.3.1 Developer VKB

Fig 3.5: Developer VKB

Its full-size keyboard also can be projected onto any surface and uses laser technology
to translate finger movements into letters. Working with Siemens Procurement
Logistics Services Rechargeable batteries similar to those in cell phones power the
compact unit. The keyboard is full size and the letters are in a standard format. As a
Class 1 laser, the output power is below the level at which eye injury can occur.

25
5.3.2 Canesta

The Canesta Keyboard, which is a laser projected keyboard with which the same laser
is also used to scan the projection field and extract 3D data. Hence, the user sees the
projected keyboard, and the device "sees" the position of the fingers over the
projected keys. They also have a chip set, Electronic Perception Technology, which
they supply for 3rd parties to develop products using the projection/scanning
technology. Canesta appears to be the most advanced in this class of technology and
the only one who is shipping product. They have a number of patents pending on their
technology.

Fig 5.6: Canesta Keyboard

5.3.3 Sense board Technologies

The Sense board SB 04 technology is an extreme case of a hybrid approach. The

sensing transducer is neither a laser scanner nor a camera. Rather, it is a bracelet-like
transducer that is worn on the hands which captures hand and finger motion. In fact,
as demonstrated, the technology does not incorporate a projection component at all;
rather, it relies on the user's ability to touch type, and then infers the virtual row and
key being typed by sensing relative hand and finger movement.

The system obviously could be augmented to aid non-touch typists, for

example, by the inclusion of a graphicrepresentation of the virtual keyboard under the
26
hands/fingers. In this case, the keyboard graphically represented would not be
restricted to a conventional QWERTY keyboard, and the graphical representation
could be projected or even on a piece of paper. I include it here, as it is a relevant
related input transducer that could be used with a projection system. The technology
has patents pending, and is currently in preproduction proof of Concept form.

Fig 5.7: Senseboard Technologies

Sensors made of a combination of rubber and plastic are attached to the
user's palms in such a way that they do not interfere with finger motions. Through the
use of Bluetooth technology, the "typed" information is transferred wirelessly to the
computer, where a word processing program analyses and interprets the signals into

27
readable text.

The device is currently usable via existing ports on personal digital

assistants (PDAs) from Palm and other manufacturers. Senseboard officials say it
eventually will be compatible with most brands of pocket PCs, mobile phones and
laptop computers.

5.3.4 KITTY

KITTY, a finger-mounted keyboard for data entry into PDA's, Pocket PC's and
Wearable Computers which has been developed at the University of California in
Irvine.

Fig 5.8: Kitty

KITTY, an acronym for Keyboard-Independent Touch-Typing, is a Finger

mounted keyboard that uses touch typing as a method of data entry. The device
targets the portable computing market and in particular its wearable computing
systems which are in need of a silent invisible data entry system based on touch
typing .the new device combines the idea of a finger mounted coding device with the
advantages of a system that uses touch typing.

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5.3.5 InFocus

InFocus is one of the leading companies in providing video and data projectors. Their
projectors are conventional, in that they do not use laser technology. This has that
advantage of delivering high quality colour images with a mature technology.
However, it has the disadvantage of larger size, lower contrast, and higher power
requirements, compared to laser projection systems. In 2000, InFocus merged with
Proxima, which had been one of its competitors. I include InFocus/Proxima in this
survey not only because they make projectors. In their early days, Proxima developed
one of the first commercially available projection/vision systems. It was called
Cyclops, and they still hold a patent on the technology. Cyclops augmented the
projector by adding a video camera that was registered to view the projection area.
The video camera had a band pass filter over the lens, which passed only the
wavelength of a laser pointer. The system, therefore, enabled the user to interact with
the projected image, using a provided laser pointer as the input device. The camera
detected the presence of the laser pointer on the surface, and calculated its coordinates
relative to the currently projected image. Furthermore, the laser pointer had two
intensity levels which enabled the user to not only point, but to have the equivalent of
a mouse button, by the vision system interpreting the two levels as distinguishing
button up and down events.

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 CHAPTER6

SPECIFICATIONS

KEYBOARD PROJECTION:

Light source Red diode laser

Keyboard layout 63 key

Keyboard size 95 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

Visibility Any firm flat surface with no protrusions

greater than 1mm

BLUETOOTH:

Bluetooth SpecBluetooth v1.1 class 2

Range of Frequency2.4 GHz Spectrum

Transmission range9m

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ELECTRICAL:

Power Source3.6V rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Battery Capacity>120 minutes continuoustyping

Charge MethodIncluded 100-240V AC WallAdapter

DIMENSIONS:

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

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 CHAPTER 7

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 Windows2000/XP. Limited Mac OSX Support.

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 CHAPTER8

ADVANTAGES

1. It can be projected on any surface or you can type in the plain air.

2. It can be useful in places like operation theatres where low noise is essential.

3. The typing does not require a lot of force. So easing the strain on wrists and
hands.

4. The Virtual Keyboard is not restricted to the QWERTY touch-typing

paradigm, adjustments can be done to the software to fit other touch-typing
paradigms as well.

5. No driver software necessary, It can be used as a plug and play device.

6. High battery life. The standard coin-sized lithium battery lasts about eight
months before needing to be replaced.

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 CHAPTER9

DRAWBACKS

1. Virtual keyboard is hard to get used to. Since it involves typing in thin
air, it requires a little practice. Only people who are good at typing can
use a virtual keyboard efficiently.

2. It is very costly ranging from 150 to 200 dollars.

3. The room in which the projected keyboard is used should not be very
bright so that the keyboard is properly visible.

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 CHAPTER10

APPLICATIONS

1. High-tech and industrial Sectors

2. Used with Smart phones, PDAs, email, word processing and spreadsheet
tasks.

3. Operation Theatres.

4. As computer/PDA input.

5. Gaming control.

6. TV remote control.

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 CHAPTER11

CONCLUSION

Virtual Keyboard uses sensor technology and artificial intelligence to let users work
on any surface as if it were a keyboard. Projection key boards or virtual key boards
claim to provide the convenience of compactness with the advantages of a full-blown
QWERTY keyboard. The company's Virtual Keyboard is designed for anyone who's
become frustrated with trying to put information into a handheld but doesn't want to
carry a notebook computer around.

Canesta appears to be the most advanced in this class of technology.

Different types of virtual keyboards suit different typing styles. Thus virtual
keyboards will make typing easier, faster, and almost a pleasure.

The hottest new technological wave of the futureis Virtual Laser

Keyboard. This groundbreaking technologies growing so fast. The Bluetooth VKB
Accessory hasexperienced tremendous success around the globe and has provided
mobile computing device users with a viable andtruly usable solution for data input.
With its excellent utilityand 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 Televisionseries.

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 CHAPTER12

REFERENCES

1. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh.html
2. http://www.canesta.com/
3. http://www.procams.org/
4. http://www.billbuxton.com/3state.html
5. http://www.smarttech.com/
6. http://www.3m.com/us/office/meeting/product_catalog/wd.html
7. http://www.wikipedia.org/
8. http://www.ehow.com/
9. http://www.bluetoothlaserkeyboard.net/virtual.html
10. https://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/order-form.asp
11. https://www.microsoft.com/vkb/
12. http://www.howstuffworks.com/
13. http://www.engineeringseminar.org/

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