Apparatus and methods for image/sensory processing to control computer operations

A method of image and sensory processing to facilitate human interface for work product entry control at a computer terminal including a CPU, a monitor having a viewing screen, and a keyboard having a data entry key-field plane along X and Z axes, said method comprising the steps of:

• capturing video images of user finger movement above the keyboard primarily in an image plane substantially normal to the key-field plane;
• capturing user initiated sensory input indicative of selection of one of plural positioning modalities;
• and
• utilizing captured images and sensory input for mapping user selected work product entry location at the monitor viewing screen using the selected positioning modality.

Apparatus associated with a computer keyboard having a data entry key-field plane along X and Z axes, said apparatus to facilitate user interface for work product entry and visual presentation control at a computer terminal including a CPU, monitor and the keyboard, said apparatus comprising:

• at least a first camera adapted for selected positioning at the keyboard and located for capturing images of movement above the keyboard primarily in an image plane along X and Y axes substantially normal to the key-field plane and having an image output for output of signals indicative of captured images;
• at least a first touch pad segment located at the keyboard opposite the key-field from said camera and having a contact output for output of signals indicative of user contact and contact release;
• and
• a controller in communication with said outputs of said camera and said touch pad segment for processing said signals and responsive thereto sending control signals to the computer terminal CPU indicative of user selected work product entry location, tasks and monitor visual presentation control.