A Brief History of Projection Keyboards

The concept of projection keyboards first came into existence in the late 1990s, when IBM developed and patented the technology. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the first commercial projection keyboard, the VKB (Virtual Keyboard), was launched by an Israel-based company. Despite being a ground-breaking invention, it didn’t gain much traction initially due to its high price and relatively low user-friendliness. Over the years, though, as technology advanced and became more affordable, projection keyboards began to gain popularity.

Technical Aspects of Projection Keyboards

So, how does a projection keyboard work? The device uses a combination of infrared technology and sensor-based detection. A small projector in the device projects a full-size QWERTY keyboard layout onto any flat surface. When a user “types” on the virtual keys, the device’s sensor module detects the finger’s position and translates it into keystrokes on the connected device.

Current Developments and Future Potential

Recently, there has been a surge in the development and adoption of projection keyboards, driven by the rise of portable devices like smartphones and tablets. Companies like Celluon and Brookstone have released more advanced and user-friendly models that are compatible with a wide range of devices, offering features like sound feedback and adjustable brightness.

As for the future, it’s easy to envision a world where projection keyboards become a common accessory for all our smart devices. They offer numerous advantages, like portability, versatility, and the potential for a more ergonomic typing experience. Furthermore, as augmented reality and virtual reality technologies continue to evolve, projection keyboards could play a vital role in providing a more interactive and immersive user experience.

Market Impact and Pricing

The projection keyboard market is expected to grow significantly in the next few years. According to a recent market research report, the global projection keyboard market is estimated to reach around $1.1 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 18% from 2017 to 2023.

In terms of pricing, most projection keyboards currently on the market fall within the $100 to $200 range, depending on the brand and features. While this is considerably more expensive than traditional physical keyboards, the unique benefits and futuristic appeal of projection keyboards justify the price for many consumers.

A Leap Forward in Human-Computer Interaction

From their inception to today’s advanced models, projection keyboards have come a long way. They represent not just a cool gadget, but a significant leap forward in the field of human-computer interaction. And as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting developments in this space. Keep an eye on this technology—it’s one to watch.