Microsoft seeks patent on sizable virtual keyboard

Microsoft Corp., the world's largest software company, applied for a patent on a virtual keyboard that's adjustable to the hand measurements of the user.

According to application 20090237361, the virtual keyboard includes a touch-sensitive display surface -- such as a tablet -- whose controller generates a virtual keyboard based on the distance between the detected palm touch and the detected finger touch.

The patent also covers a "dismissive gesture" on the touch-sensitive display that can make the keyboard vanish.

The technology covered by the patent is intended to overcome problems related to different finger sizes and virtual keyboards with the keys close together, according to the application.

Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, applied for the patent in March 2008. No patent counsel is listed on the published application.