How does this work? Pics included.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality and practicality of a projected keyboard device, as illustrated by a linked product. Participants explore the underlying technology and user experience implications, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the keyboard works by projecting an image using a laser and a diffractive element, with a camera detecting finger placement.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of distinguishing which key is pressed, given that a finger can block multiple keys below it.
  • Participants express skepticism about the product's consumer appeal, citing the lack of tactile feedback and the absence of physical key indents for touch typing.
  • One participant highlights potential ergonomic issues, suggesting that users may need to maintain a specific distance above the projected image for effective typing.
  • Another participant agrees on the ergonomic drawbacks, noting that natural typing habits may conflict with the design of the projected keyboard.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the product's design and usability, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of the proposed technology or its potential market viability.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about user behavior, the effectiveness of the detection technology, and the ergonomic implications of using a projected keyboard versus traditional keyboards.

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How does this work?

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/8193/"/
 

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Projecting an image of the keyboard? Probably a laser and a diffractive element
Then a camera detecting if anything (ie a finger) is blocking a particular key
 
mgb_phys said:
Projecting an image of the keyboard? Probably a laser and a diffractive element
Then a camera detecting if anything (ie a finger) is blocking a particular key

Not so simple though, because when you press a key on the top of the keyboard, your hand blocks a major section of all the keys below. So it has to distinguish which key is actually being pressed.

From a consumer standpoint, a very stupid product because now I no longer have a tactile feel of a key being pressed, nor do I have the indents as a reference (on the F and J keys) for my fingers so I can type without looking. Nor do I want yet another device with more cables and a power outlet.
 
Cyrus said:
Not so simple though, because when you press a key on the top of the keyboard, your hand blocks a major section of all the keys below. So it has to distinguish which key is actually being pressed.

From a consumer standpoint, a very stupid product because now I no longer have a tactile feel of a key being pressed, nor do I have the indents as a reference (on the F and J keys) for my fingers so I can type without looking. Nor do I want yet another device with more cables and a power outlet.

I agree -- probably terrible typing ergonomics. You probably have to keep your fingertips at least some distance above the table image, so that the tap is more evident to the reader. When I'm blazing at typing, my fingertips are generally off the keyboard, but as I slow down to think, my fingertips naturally come to rest, and as Cyrus says, re-confirm the home row position. Yuck.
 

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