05-12-2012, 04:52 PM
Projection Keyboards
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ABSTRACT
Projection keyboards are virtual laser projection keyboards that can be projected onto any leveled surface. Users of these keyboards actually touch and type with keys that are not physically there. The keyboard works by tracking the movements of one’s fingers and then turning them inot keystrokes. While a virtual laser keyboard projection might look like something one would only see in a science fiction movie, these little keyboards are actually quite handy, easily portable, and very futuristic.
While this all may sound a bit complicated, the way in which a virtual laser keyboard projection works is usually quite simple. Most work by having a laser projecting the keyboard image onto a surface and then having a sensor detect one’s finger movements and keystrokes through the use of coordinates. A few also work through an infrared beam. This technology is simpler and uses a camera to photograph and reflect infrared light. This type of keyboard detects movement that occurs when the infrared beam is broken. Most customers prefer the actual laser keyboard. While these may be a bit more pricey – somewhere around the 150 dollar range – they are generally much more sensitive to touch and experience fewer glitches.
Some of these keyboards also come with a built in mouse, normal keyboard sound effects, the ability to change the settings and intensity of the display, and some even come with the popular and fun built in piano feature. Many users love how easily portable these little keyboards are and enjoy the small size of the device required to project them. This device is usually about the size of a zippo lighter, and most brands work with just about any PC as well as with PDAs and some types of cellphones. Of course, it is important that one check to be sure that the specific keyboard will work with each individual user’s computer or device. This can easily be checked by reading through the “compatibility details and product specifications” found on most websites that sell the keyboards or on the back of virtual keyboard packaging. One should never buy a device without being sure of the specifications, because if they do not match up perfectly, the keyboard will not work. It is also important to note that many stores will not give monetary refunds if the keyboard does not work do to the purchaser having not properly researched the keyboard and its various compatibility issues.
Like anything, however, there are some reported user cons to this device. Some people have trouble adjusting to a virtual keyboard at first, but most report that it is no more difficult than getting used to typing on a new computer’s physical keyboard. Others do not like the fact that these keyboards have to be charged at regular intervals, but this seems to be a small price to pay for the easy portability of the device. One should be sure to research a wide variety of projection keyboards before making a purchase in order to ensure satisfaction.