SMARTBOARD AND SET FOR DIGITALIZING WORKSHOP RESULTS

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a smartboard for digitizing workshop results, comprising a first and a second surface designed in parallel to each other. The invention also relates to various sets comprising such smartboards. State of the art

[0002] Commonly used work materials for workshops include whiteboards, pinboards, blackboards, or tables. Participants jot down their ideas on slips of paper and attach them to these materials so everyone can see them. The ideas are then evaluated, duplicates are removed, similar ideas are grouped together, and important ones are further elaborated upon. Depending on the workshop's purpose, a sequence of steps and / or priorities are established, and finally, tasks and responsibilities are assigned.

[0003] Such workshops are often led by facilitators equipped with kits containing a variety of self-adhesive sticky notes in different colors and shapes, colored dots, magnetic buttons, markers, scissors, pins, and similar items. The work results can only be documented photographically. Once completed, they are not used further, and the work surface is cleared away.

[0004] On the other hand, there are electronic whiteboards, referred to here as smartboards, which are equipped with electronics to perform various additional functions. Some, like tablets, have a touchscreen, handwriting recognition, and other features. This allows pre-made graphics to be annotated with handwritten notes and saved in their modified form. However, such smartboards are very expensive and, unlike a moderator's kit, cannot simply be brought along by a moderator.

[0005] US Patent 2007 / 176780 A1 discloses a system for using RFID in display boards such as whiteboards and pinboards. Objects with RFID tags, which uniquely identify the respective object, are attached to the board so that their positions and identities can be determined by nearby RFID readers. This information can then be transmitted to a computer. Optionally, the receipt of the data at the computer can trigger further events, such as the output of notifications. Description of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to describe a smartboard of the type described above for digitizing workshop results, which is portable and can send work results in digital form to a computer which can process them further.

[0007] The invention is solved by the features of the first claim. According to the invention, a plurality of pockets are arranged parallel to one another between the first and second surfaces of a smartboard as described above, wherein one or more electrically interconnected printed circuit boards are arranged in each pocket, comprising a plurality of NFC receivers in an array. Furthermore, a plurality of magnets in the form of ferromagnets or permanent magnets are arranged in an array in each pocket, wherein the printed circuit boards of adjacent pockets are electronically interconnected, preferably in a meandering configuration. A first of the printed circuit boards is also provided with a connection for a power supply and for data output.

[0008] A set according to the invention comprises such a smartboard and at least two or more objects, each object comprising at least one magnet in the form of a permanent magnet or ferromagnet and at least one, preferably two, RFID transponders. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] The invention is illustrated in the following drawings and explained in more detail with the aid of the reference numerals explained later. The drawings show: Fig. 1a, 1b schematic representation of a smartboard according to the invention connected to a computer, with a view of the first surface ( Fig. 1a ) and onto the second surface ( Fig. 1b); Fig. 2 a schematic interior view of such a smartboard; Fig. 3a, 3 a schematic partial view of the interior of a smartboard in two alternative forms; Fig. 4 a schematic cross-section through a section of a smartboard at various locations; Fig. 5 a schematic cross-section through a rolled-up smartboard; Fig. 6 a schematic view of an object in the form of a card; Fig. 7 a schematic view of an object in the form of a can with an interior; Fig. 8a, 8 a schematic view of a connecting element in two embodiments; Fig. 9 a schematic view of a smartbook on a smartboard; Fig. 10a, 10 a schematic view of a clipboard (a) and a suitable sheet of paper (b). Ways to implement the invention

[0010] In Fig. 1a and 1bEach figure shows a Smartboard 1 according to the invention for digitizing workshop results, comprising a first surface 2 and a second surface 3, which are designed parallel to each other.

[0011] A Smartboard 1 can either be placed on a table, mounted on a wall, or hung on a conventional whiteboard using the eyelets 1a attached to the Smartboard 1. The Smartboard 1 can be used horizontally or vertically.

[0012] In Fig. 2 The interior of such a smartboard is shown in Figure 1. Figs. 3a and 3bFigure 2 shows a magnification of individual segments thereof. Between these surfaces 2, 3, a plurality of pockets 4 are arranged parallel to one another, connected to each other by hinges 5. In each pocket 4, one or more electrically interconnected printed circuit boards 6 are arranged, comprising a plurality of NFC receivers 7 in an array. Also in each pocket 4, a plurality of magnets 8 in the form of ferromagnets or permanent magnets are arranged in an array. They can be mounted in recesses 13 provided for this purpose in the printed circuit boards 6. If permanent magnets are chosen as magnets 8, in particular rod-shaped ones, it is advantageous if they are mounted in such a way that they can align themselves. Preferably, the NFC receivers 7 and the magnets 8 are arranged alternately in the array. As shown in Figure 2, the magnets 8 are arranged in an array. Figs. 3a and 3bAs shown, printed circuit boards 6 within a pocket 4 can be plugged together at electrical connections 9a, for example, to be electronically connected to each other. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of individual pockets 4 in the area of ​​the printed circuit boards 6 and the magnets 8.

[0013] The printed circuit boards 6 of adjacent pockets 4 are connected to each other via electronic connections 9a, preferably meandering, as shown in Fig. 2 The first of the printed circuit boards 6a is provided with a connector 9 for connection to a power supply 10 and for data output, for example to transmit data to a computer 10.

[0014] Furthermore, one or more user-activated switches 15, preferably push-button switches, can be arranged in the pockets 4. In a preferred embodiment, each NFC receiver 7 is assigned its own switch 15, as shown in Fig. 3bAs shown. Depending on the design of the switch 15, it can be configured so that it can be actuated by a user by pressing it from either the first and / or the second surface 2, 3, or two opposing switches 15 can be arranged, as shown in the right part of the Fig. 4 shown. Each switch 15 is also connected to terminal 9 for data output.

[0015] Since the pockets 4 are connected to each other by hinges, the Smartboard 1 can be rolled up into a roll 11 with an axle 12 parallel to the elongated pockets 4, as shown in Fig. 5 The pockets 4 preferably have pressure-resistant housings 14 in which the printed circuit boards 6 and the magnets 8 are protected. The switches 15 are finally attached to these housings 14 so that they can be actuated from the outside, for example by pressing.

[0016] Preferably, at least the first surface 2 consists of a flexible material, in particular a textile material such as a felt mat 2a, such that this surface 2 can be pierced by a pin or needle. Information can thus be easily written on slips of paper and pinned to the smartboard 1.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, at least the second surface 3 can consist of a pressure-resistant material, preferably plastic sheets 3a. Preferably, this surface has minimal gaps when the smartboard 1 is fully unrolled. This second surface 3 can be easily written on with washable markers, and self-adhesive notes can be attached to it. It is also possible to design both surfaces 2, 3 identically.

[0018] A Smartboard 1 of this type can now be used for work. Information can be displayed on the Smartboard 1 in various ways. The Smartboard 1 described or equipped as shown is modularly expandable by further modules 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 28 described here, which together with the Smartboard 1 form a set 16. Each of these modules 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 28 can also be used individually or in conjunction with other such modules 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 28, or with components not mentioned here. The purpose is always to organize, store, or forward information in group work or project work. A coach typically leads and facilitates such group work and explains to the participants how to work with the Smartboard 1 and the modules 17, 21, 23, 25, and 28.

[0019] For example, information can be written on suitable, magnetically attached modules 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, which adhere to the magnets 8 in the Smartboard 1. They can also be stacked on top of each other, grouped together, or arranged in a logical sequence. Additional information can also be attached directly to the Smartboard 1.

[0020] An inventive set 16 comprises, for example, a smartboard 1 and two or more objects 17 as modules, as shown in Fig. 6 or 7 Typically, a large number of such objects 17 are used. Each of these objects 17 comprises at least one magnet 8 in the form of a permanent magnet or ferromagnet and at least one, preferably two, RFID transponders 18. The objects 17 may optionally also include a switch 15, in particular a push button.

[0021] In a first preferred embodiment according to Fig. 6One or more of these objects 17 are designed as cards 19. For example, the cards 19 are the size and shape of credit cards or business cards. In a preferred design, they have a coding 20, for example, in the form of notches. Such codings 20 can help to separate cards 19 that belong to a group and all have the same coding 20 from other cards 19. For this purpose, the cards 19 are placed in designated boxes, which have grooves on the bottom that correspond to the notches 20 of a respective group. Cards 19 that do not belong to this group and therefore have a different coding 20 rest against at least one of the grooves and are thus raised compared to the other cards 19, which have a notch 20 at these points. In this way, they can be easily sorted out.

[0022] An additional color code on the side can, for example, mark the sequence of cards 19, if each subsequent card 19 has its color marking slightly offset from the card before it. This makes checking the order very easy.

[0023] As an alternative to being designed as card 19, the objects 17 can be designed as a can 23 with a housing 24 and an interior 24, as in Fig. 7A can 23 is easier to grip than a card 19. The interior 24 of each can 23 can house the RFID transponder(s) 18 and the magnet 8; a switch 15 can also be attached to the can 24. The magnet 8 is preferably a permanent magnet and is mounted in the interior 24 in such a way that it can orient itself freely. Several magnets 8 can also be provided. Further suitable electronic components can be arranged on a printed circuit board 6. For example, the can 23 can have an LED 31 that provides feedback after the switch 15 is activated. Power for this can be supplied via the RFID transponders 18 from the smartboard 1. The cans 23 protect the components arranged in the interior 24 from external forces and from contamination.

[0024] Such objects 17 or cards 19 can already be labeled or labeled during the process. Thanks to their magnets 8, they adhere to the smartboard 1. Their RFID transponders 18 correspond with the NFC receivers 7. This allows the ID number of the card 19 and its position on the smartboard 1 to be transmitted to a computer 10 connected to the smartboard 1. The card 19 can also have additional properties stored in a database accessible to the computer 10. Furthermore, additional actions can be triggered, for example, if a switch 15 on the smartboard 1 is activated before a card 19 is attached to it. Visual or other information can be retrieved, or assignments can be made to the ID number of the respective card 19.For example, an assignment can be created such as: "The next photo taken with a camera assigned to Smartboard 1 will be linked in a database to the ID number of the card 19 attached to switch 15." Thus, for instance, a picture of a person to be appointed as project manager or a picture of an architectural model to be realized can be assigned to card 19. When switch 15 is pressed again, the corresponding image can be displayed on a screen. If several cards 19 are stacked on top of each other, the images from all of these cards 19 will be displayed accordingly. These are just a few examples. A management system can contain a variety of moderation programs that provide different instructions for working with Smartboard 1 and the various objects 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 28.Accordingly, a management system can include one or more boxes of cards 19 of different groups, with the ID numbers of the individual cards 19 already recorded in a database and correlated with certain information.

[0025] Another set 16 according to the invention comprises a smartboard 1 and objects 17, as described above. It also includes one or more connecting elements 21, as shown in Figs. 8a and 8b A connecting element 21 comprises two objects 17 connected by a connecting band 22. The connecting band 22 merely provides a visual and structural connection between the objects 17; it may be elastic. The objects 17 may be designed as cards 19 or as containers 23, as in Fig. 8aAs shown, if the two endpoints of the connecting strip 22 are placed on the Smartboard 1 with the magnets 8 of the objects 17, an assignment of the two positions of these endpoints to each other can be created. This can signify a chronological sequence, a hierarchy, a belonging together, or the like. The cans 23 can be used as shown in Fig. 7 described as designed. In particular, they can have a housing 14 with an interior 24.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of a connecting element 21, as in Fig. 8bAs shown, one or two further such objects 17 are slidably attached to the connecting band 22. If only one further object 17 is attached, it can be interpreted, for example, as a percentage: placing the slidable object 17 centrally between the ends of the connecting band 22 means 50%, a displacement of half that distance to one end corresponds to 25% or 75%, depending on the predefined initial position. The scaling cannot be arbitrarily fine-grained; the placement is determined by the NFC receivers 7 based on the placement of the RFID transponders 18.

[0027] If two objects 17 are movably arranged in the connecting band 22, as in Fig. 8bAs depicted, this can be interpreted, for example, as a range between minimum and maximum, each defined by the objects 17 at the ends of the connecting strip 22. The positions on the smartboard 1 are recorded in the same way as with only one movable object 17. The connecting elements 21 can optionally be placed directly on the smartboard 1 or on cards 17 if such cards are already arranged on the smartboard 1.

[0028] The objects 17 of a connecting element 21 can optionally be represented as card 19, as in Fig. 6 , or be designed as a can 23 with an interior 24, as in Fig. 7 described.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, a set 16 or a smartboard 1 comprises an object 17 in the form of a smartbook 25, as shown in Fig. 9This requires that each NFC receiver 7 of the smartboard 1 is assigned its own switch 15. A smartbook 25 comprises a plate 26 whose length extends over two or more array spacings of switches 15 in the smartboard 1 and / or whose width extends over two or more pockets 4. The plate 26 has several magnets 8 arranged in an array or grid in the form of ferromagnets or permanent magnets, as well as at least two RFID transponders 18, analogous to the card 19. Fig. 6Furthermore, a multi-page booklet 27 is attached to it, the pages of which contain instructions and selection options 27a. Each of these options 27a can be assigned to a switch 15 of the Smartboard 1, which is located directly around the Smartbook 25 when it is attached to the Smartboard 1 during use. Pressing these switches 15 retrieves additional information, which in turn may contain instructions. A switch 15 can also be defined that is to be pressed when the page is complete. The page then turns, and the instructions of the next page are followed after further additional information has been retrieved.

[0030] These Smartbooks 25 can be manufactured for various workshops or projects and guide the user(s) through a process, such as a decision-making process. The different aspects (price, quality, need, risk, etc.) can each be presented on a separate page, and the options available to the user can be assigned to the surrounding switches 15 on the Smartboard 1. The Smartboard 1 detects the position of the Smartbook 25 via two RFID transponders that correspond to the NFC receivers on the Smartboard 1. Here, too, all information entered by the user on the Smartboard by pressing the switches 15 is sent to the computer and processed there.

[0031] Furthermore, a clipboard can hold 28 items according to Fig. 10aas an additional module with the Smartboard 1 or with a set 16 as described above. A clipboard 28 comprises a base 29 with a fastener 29a for a sheet of paper 30, as described in Fig. 10bThe base 29 is shown and is equipped with at least one, preferably two, RFID transponders 18. The sheet of paper 30 itself also comprises one or two RFID transponders 18, with at least one RFID transponder 18 each from the base 29 and the sheet of paper 30 being arranged in close proximity to each other for communication when the sheet of paper 30 is fixed to the attachment 29a. Preferably, the base 29 has a marking 30a indicating precisely where the sheet of paper 30 is to be placed. The base 29 can also comprise a plurality of switches 15, preferably arranged in a matrix. They can be marked or concealed behind a surface. Similar to the Smartbook 25, the sheet of paper 30 can also be part of a collection of pre-printed sheets of paper 30.Each of these sheets 30 is provided with various pieces of information, instructions, and selection options 27a, as well as with several marking fields 15a, each located at the positions of the switches 15 on the clipboard 28 when the sheet 30 is attached to the marking 30a on the base 29. The user activates the corresponding switches 15 as needed, for example, by pressing them. Fig. 10b The selectable marking fields 15a are indicated by circles located below the letters A, B, and C. Additional marking fields 15a are located at the positions of the crosses in the table below. Depending on the situation, the user activates the corresponding switches 15 on the clipboard 28 by pressing the marking fields 15a.

[0032] The clipboard 28 also includes a connector 9, which can also be a wireless interface, with which the captured data is transmitted to a computer 10.

[0033] The clipboard 28 can also include one or more LEDs 31 to provide feedback on actions performed or to receive information. For example, an illuminated LED 31 can indicate that information about a certain matter is displayed on a screen.

[0034] Set 16, comprising a Smartboard 1 and an object 17 (where the object is a card 19, a can 23, a connector 21, or a clipboard 28), is not identified as such in the figures. Objects 19, 21, 23, and 28 are shown only individually, without Smartboard 1. Only Set 16, comprising a Smartboard 1 and a Smartbook 25, is shown in Fig. 9All objects 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 28 described here can also be used alone or in combination with other objects 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 28. However, a card 19, a can 23, a connecting element 21 or a clipboard 28, as described here, are not subject matter of this invention. Reference symbol list

[0035] 1 Smartboard 1a eyelets 2 First surface; 2a Felt mat 3 Second surface; 3a plastic sheet 4 Bag 5 joint 6 Printed circuit board 6a first printed circuit board 7 NFC receiver 8 Magnet, ferromagnet or permanent magnet 9 Connection 9a electrical connection 10 Power supply, computer 11 role 12 axis 13 recess 14 Housing 14a Housing part 15 Switch, pressure switch 15a Identification field for a switch 16 set 17 object 18 RFID transponder 19 Map 20 Coding, notch 21 Connecting element 22 Connecting strap 23 can 24 interior 25 Smartbook 26 plate 27 Notebook 27a Information, instructions, selection options 28 Clipboard 29 substrate 29a fastening 30 sheet of paper 30a Mark for a sheet of paper 31 LED

Claims

1. A Smartboard (1) for digitizing workshop results, comprising a first and a second surface (2, 3) which are configured parallel to one another, characterized in that between these surfaces (2, 3) a plurality of pockets (4) is arranged parallel to one another, wherein each pocket (4) contains one or more printed circuit boards (6) electrically connected to one another, the printed circuit boards (6) comprising a plurality of NFC receivers (7) in an array, wherein each pocket (4) further contains a plurality of magnets (8) in the form of ferromagnets or permanent magnets arranged in an array, wherein the printed circuit boards (6) of adjacent pockets (4) are electronically connected to one another, preferably in a meander configuration, and a first of the printed circuit boards (6a) is provided with a connector (9) for a power supply (10) and for data output.

2. The Smartboard (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pockets (4) are pivotably connected to one another, so that the Smartboard (1) is rollable into a coil (11) with an axis (12) parallel to the pockets (4).

3. The Smartboard (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the printed circuit boards (6) include recesses (13) in which the magnets (8) are seated.

4. The Smartboard (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnets (8) are permanent magnets, preferably rod-shaped, wherein they are mounted in such a manner that they are able to self-align.

5. The Smartboard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pockets (4) include pressure-resistant housings (14) enclosing the printed circuit boards (6) and the magnets (8).

6. The Smartboard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more switches (15) actuable by a user, preferably pushbutton switches, which are connected to the connector (9) for data output.

7. The Smartboard (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that each NFC receiver (7) is assigned a dedicated switch (15).

8. The Smartboard (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that each switch (15) is actuatable by a user from the first and / or from the second surface (2, 3) by pressing.

9. The Smartboard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first surface (2) is formed of a flexible material that can be pierced by a pin or needle, in particular a textile material, and preferably a felt mat (2a).

10. The Smartboard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the second surface (3) is formed of a pressure-resistant material, preferably plastic panels (3a).

11. The Smartboard (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second surface (3) forms a low-gap planar face when the Smartboard (1) is fully unrolled.

12. A kit (16) comprising the Smartboard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and two or more objects (17), wherein each object (17) comprises at least one magnet (8) in the form of a permanent magnet or ferromagnet, and at least one, preferably two, RFID transponders (18).

13. The kit (16) according to claim 12, characterized in that one or more of the objects (17) further comprises a switch (15), in particular a pushbutton switch.

14. The kit (16) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that one or more of the objects (17) is configured in the form of a card (19) and includes a coding (20), preferably in the form of notches.

15. The kit (16) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that two of the objects (17) are connected to one another by a linking strap (22) forming a linking element (21).

16. The kit (16) according to claim 15, characterized in that one or two additional objects (17) are slidably mounted on this linking strap (22) of the linking element (21).

17. The kit (16) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that each object (17) of a linking element (21) is configured as a canister (23) with an inner cavity (24).

18. The kit (16) according to claim 17, characterized in that all magnets (8) of these objects (17) are configured in the form of permanent magnets and are mounted in the inner cavity (24) in such a manner that they are able to freely self-align.

19. The kit (16) comprising a Smartboard (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, or a kit (16) according to any one of claims 12 to 18 referencing claim 7, comprising a Smartbook (25) with a plate (26), the length of which spans two or more array spacings of switches (15) in the Smartboard (1) and / or the width of which spans two or more pockets (4), wherein the plate (26) comprises multiple magnets (8) arranged in an array or grid in the form of ferromagnets or permanent magnets, and at least two RFID transponders (18), wherein attached to the plate (26) is a multi-page booklet section (27), the pages of which provide instructions and selection variants (27a), wherein each variant (27a) can be assigned to a switch (15) of the smartboard (1), which, when the Smartbook (25) is attached to the Smartboard (1) during use, is located immediately around the Smartbook (25).