# projection keyboard

> Virtual device projected onto a surface

**Wikidata**: [Q1931456](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1931456)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projection_keyboard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/projection-keyboard

## Summary
A projection keyboard is a virtual device that projects a keyboard layout onto a surface, allowing users to type by tapping on the projected keys. It functions as a computer keyboard, enabling text input without physical keys. This technology uses laser or optical projection to create a full-sized keyboard interface on any flat surface.

## Key Facts
- A projection keyboard is classified as a subclass of computer keyboard, which is a device comprising an arrangement of buttons or keys used to input text in computers.
- The entity has a sitelink count of 13, indicating its presence across multiple language editions of Wikipedia.
- It is known by aliases including "Datentastatur" and "Лазерная клавиатура" in different languages.
- The freebase ID for projection keyboard is /m/0d54d5, with a reference from publication dated 2013-10-28.
- It is documented in Wikipedia under the title "Projection keyboard" and is available in 9 languages: Arabic, German, English, Spanish, Estonian, Persian, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, and Russian.
- The Microsoft Academic ID for this entity is 2777337278 (though this ID is discontinued).
- An image of the projection keyboard is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/ProjectionKeyboard_2.jpg.

### Q: What is a projection keyboard?
A: A projection keyboard is a virtual device that projects a keyboard layout onto a surface, allowing users to type by tapping on the projected keys. It functions as a computer keyboard, enabling text input without physical keys.

### Q: How does a projection keyboard work?
A: A projection keyboard uses laser or optical projection to create a full-sized keyboard interface on any flat surface. Users type by tapping on the projected keys, which are detected by sensors to register the input.

### Q: What are the aliases of a projection keyboard?
A: The projection keyboard is known by aliases including "Datentastatur" and "Лазерная клавиатура" in different languages.

## Why It Matters
Projection keyboards represent a significant advancement in human-computer interaction by offering a portable and space-saving alternative to traditional physical keyboards. They solve the problem of carrying bulky input devices, especially for mobile professionals and travelers who need to type on the go. By projecting a full-sized keyboard onto any flat surface, these devices provide the convenience of a standard keyboard without the physical bulk. This technology has implications for the future of computing, potentially enabling more flexible and adaptable input methods as devices continue to shrink in size. Projection keyboards also demonstrate the practical application of optical sensing and projection technologies in everyday computing tasks, bridging the gap between virtual and physical interfaces.

## Notable For
- Being a virtual device that projects a keyboard layout onto a surface, eliminating the need for physical keys
- Serving as a subclass of computer keyboard, maintaining compatibility with standard text input methods
- Offering multilingual support with Wikipedia articles in 9 different languages
- Utilizing laser or optical projection technology to create a full-sized keyboard interface on any flat surface
- Providing a portable alternative to traditional keyboards, ideal for mobile professionals and travelers

## Body
### Technology and Functionality
Projection keyboards use laser or optical projection to display a full QWERTY keyboard layout on a flat surface. The device typically includes a sensor or camera that tracks finger movements and registers keystrokes when users tap on the projected keys. This technology allows for a full-sized typing experience without the physical bulk of a traditional keyboard.

### Classification and Relationships
As a subclass of computer keyboards, projection keyboards maintain the core functionality of text input while offering a different form factor. They are part of the broader category of computer peripherals and input devices, sharing the goal of facilitating human-computer interaction through text entry.

### Multilingual Presence
The projection keyboard has a significant multilingual presence, with Wikipedia articles available in 9 languages: Arabic, German, English, Spanish, Estonian, Persian, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, and Russian. This wide language coverage indicates its global relevance and adoption across different regions and cultures.

### Documentation and Identifiers
The entity is well-documented with various identifiers, including a freebase ID (/m/0d54d5) and a Microsoft Academic ID (2777337278). These identifiers, along with its Wikipedia presence and image availability, contribute to its visibility and accessibility in digital knowledge bases and academic resources.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013