Apple has published a new patent, which refers to the projection keyboard, which will work as a conventional button. However, in order to translate the idea into reality, several difficulties still need to be overcome. Recently, Apple also published a patent on the keyboard with protection from crumbs and dust.
The main problem with the projection keyboards is that they do not look like ordinary ones. It's just a projection, so adding a physical feedback is pretty hard. Also, it's very easy to accidentally press the keys, which hinders the work.
Apple talked about how these problems can be solved with the help of electrostatic charge. This way users will feel the edges of the keyboard. This will help to separate the keyboard from the surface on which it will be projected.
The patent also says how a screen or a folding display could read keystrokes and create a kind of feedback. You can also add a vibrofeedback, which will simulate pressing the physical button.
Apple also explained why such a keyboard is needed.
"Traditional input devices like: mouse, keyboard and trackpad, work on the basis of buttons and keys. Each button and key is responsible for a particular command. However, traditional devices do not have enough additional functions for new devices, operating systems and programs. Devices with physical buttons and keys can not adapt to different users with their needs. And projection devices can be adjusted and as much as possible to change their purpose ".
Obviously, this technology has a place in the future, but there is still a lot of work to be done to realize it. Apple will certainly update its keyboards in the near future and allow users to customize them for themselves.
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