Enabling data entry based on differentiated input objects

摘要

Methods and apparatus for facilitating virtual input in devices that differentiates input objects are provided. Various methods for automatically configuring component settings and features of such devices are described. Changes in the component settings of the device and the corresponding operational characteristics of the device that triggered said changes may be grouped into profiles and selected by users. The component settings may include useful assisting features such as additional lighting provide by a LED and illuminated visual guides of the virtual input interface projected by a laser or LED. The characteristics of such assisting features may be modified dynamically in response to changes in the state of a reference object.

主权项

1. A method of configuring component settings of a virtual input device having a virtual input region having a plurality key regions on a surface having no mechanical or touch-sensitive key structures for inputting associated symbols and functions, comprising:
providing an input module in a position remote from the virtual input region and performing with the input module data acquisition of the virtual input region to determine the position of a unique input object from a group of unique input objects controlled by a user of the device; assigning to at least two key regions of the plurality of key regions two or more symbols or functions; assigning a unique input object to each of the two or more symbols or functions assigned to each of the at least two key regions; providing a processor and, with the processor:
determining from the data acquisition an actuation of one of the at least two key regions to determine a struck key by one of the unique input objects, andidentifying the unique input object from the group of unique input objects to determine a single symbol or function from the two or more symbols or functions associated with the struck key to determine a desired symbol or function for output; providing an input assist module and providing with the input assist module input assisting features; providing a configuration module and, with the configuration module:
determining a change in an operational characteristic of the device; andchanging one or more of the device's component settings in response to the step of determining of a change; and providing an output module and outputting with the output module the desired symbol or function.