Enabling data entry based on differentiated input objects

A method of providing assisting features in a virtual input device having an input region, comprising:

• providing an input module and performing with the input module remote data acquisition on the input region;
• providing a processor and, with the processor, determining from the data acquisition an actuation of the input region by an input object;
• providing an input assist module and providing with the input assist module input assisting features;
• providing a configuration module and modifying with the configuration module one or more characteristics of the input assisting features in response to a change in the state of a reference;
• and
• providing an output module and outputting with the output module a symbol or function in response to the step of determining an input region actuation.

An apparatus for configuring component settings of a virtual input device, comprising:

• a memory unit adapted to store information associating input symbols or functions with an input region of the device, wherein the input symbols or functions are individually assigned to corresponding input objects from a set of input objects;
• an input module adapted to perform remote data acquisition on the input region;
• a processor adapted to determine from the data acquisition an actuation of the input region by at least one input object and the identity of the input object from the set of input objects;
• an input assist module adapted to provide input assisting features;
• a configuration module adapted to determine a change in an operational characteristic of the device and to change one or more of the component settings in response to the change determined;
• and
• an output module adapted to output a symbol or function assigned to the input object.

An apparatus for providing assisting features in a virtual input device, comprising:

• a memory unit adapted to store information associating input symbols or functions with an input region of the device;
• an input module adapted to perform remote data acquisition on the input region;
• a processor adapted to determine from the data acquisition an actuation of the input region by an input object;
• an input assist module adapted to provide input assisting features;
• a configuration module adapted to modify one or more characteristics of the input assisting features in response to a change in the state of a reference;
• and
• an output module adapted to output a symbol or function in response to the actuation of the input region.