The pattern projector projects a standard or OEM custom keyboard layout onto a nearby flat surface. The company said the keyboard pattern has been optimized for usability, featuring wide key spacing to improve typing accuracy, shortcut keys for popular applications, and adjustable brightness levels. The eye-safe projector, about 9mm (5/16 inch) square, meets U.S. ANSI and IEC Class 1 Laser safety standards.

The small, cylindrical light source, 6.5mm (1/4 inch) in diameter, illuminates the keyboard area with invisible infrared light, which is detected by the sensor module. The keyboard sensor module serves as the "eyes" of the Integrated Canesta Keyboard, and utilizes Canesta's electronic perception technology to develop a 3-dimensional moving picture of the nearby area. Additional processing built right into the sensor itself translates user finger movements into conventional serial keyboard data, eliminating the need for additional processing in the OEM device. The sensor includes an integral lens that performs all filtering and focusing functions.

The Canesta Keyboard Perception Chipset for the Integrated Canesta Keyboard is available in sample quantities now. An OEM Development Toolkit, consisting of an application test bed with a pattern projector and image sensor, customization tools, sample applications, device drivers, and management and interface software, is also available from Canesta to aid OEMs in fully exploring the range of product opportunities made possible by the Integrated Canesta Keyboard.