Apparatus and method for both displaying graphical output and for sensing, e.g., multi-touch input are provided. A light-emitting diode (“LED”) matrix-array may be configured to both emit and sense light. The array may be driven in such a way so as to enable the array itself to act as the illumination source preferable for either reflective or scattering optical touch sensing. The need for additional opto-electronic components, or an external illumination source, is thus eliminated or at least reduced. Additionally, the matrix-arrays have large dimensions.

Apparatus and method for both displaying graphical output and for sensing, e.g., multi-touch input are provided. A light-emitting diode (“LED”) matrix-array may be configured to both emit and sense light. The array may be driven in such a way so as to enable the array itself to act as the illumination source preferable for either reflective or scattering optical touch sensing. The need for additional opto-electronic components, or an external illumination source, is thus eliminated or at least reduced. Additionally, the matrix-arrays have large dimensions.

A data transmitter includes a keyboard with keys, a digital micromirror device (DMD) having an array of micromirrors, and a light source directed towards the array of micromirrors. The keys are connected to the DMD such that each key corresponds to a separate micromirror of the array of micromirrors in order to generate a unique light pattern associated with each depressed key. An optical transmission channel is configured to receive the unique light pattern and transfer the unique light pattern to a light sensor of a computer.

A data transmitter includes a keyboard with keys, a digital micromirror device (DMD) having an array of micromirrors, and a light source directed towards the array of micromirrors. The keys are connected to the DMD such that each key corresponds to a separate micromirror of the array of micromirrors in order to generate a unique light pattern associated with each depressed key. An optical transmission channel is configured to receive the unique light pattern and transfer the unique light pattern to a light sensor of a computer.

A data transmitter includes a keyboard with keys, a digital micromirror device (DMD) having an array of micromirrors, and a light source directed towards the array of micromirrors. The keys are connected to the DMD such that each key corresponds to a separate micromirror of the array of micromirrors in order to generate a unique light pattern associated with each depressed key. An optical transmission channel is configured to receive the unique light pattern and transfer the unique light pattern to a light sensor of a computer.