Interactive Board with Machine Vision for Dry-Erase Ink Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive input systems lack improvements in functionality and compatibility with dry-erase marker ink, and do not efficiently manage digital ink input and output, particularly in wireless communication sessions.
Innovation Solution
An interactive board that uses machine vision and illumination sources to detect and process digital ink input, allowing compatibility with dry-erase marker ink, and enables wireless communication and storage of digital ink through QR codes and NFC labels, with pen tools that apply and erase ink, and a control bar for user-selectable functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If machine vision and imaging assemblies are used to detect pointer input, then pointer detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple independent imaging assemblies positioned at corners of the interactive surface. Each assembly independently captures images from its field of view, and the master controller processes images from multiple assemblies to triangulate pointer position. This segmentation allows distributed detection coverage while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The master controller acts as an intermediary that receives images from multiple imaging assemblies, processes the image data through digital signal processors, and triangulates pointer positions. This intermediary consolidates the complex processing logic in a central unit while keeping the imaging assemblies themselves relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dry-erase marker ink compatibility is implemented, then writing functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses illumination sources that automatically illuminate the interactive surface and detect reflected light from dry-erase marker ink. The machine vision system self-adjusts to detect the optical properties of dry-erase ink without requiring special manufacturing modifications to the surface, allowing existing interactive surfaces to be used with dry-erase markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects dry-erase marker ink by monitoring changes in optical parameters (reflected light intensity, color characteristics) rather than requiring physical or chemical changes to the surface. This allows compatibility with dry-erase ink through software-based optical detection rather than manufacturing modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication and continuous digital ink transmission are enabled, then user interaction functionality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits digital ink data wirelessly at periodic intervals rather than continuously streaming. The master controller buffers digital ink input and transmits it at scheduled times or when certain thresholds are reached, reducing the energy burden of constant wireless communication while maintaining real-time interaction capability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple imaging assemblies with overlapping fields of view are used, then pointer detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges images from multiple imaging assemblies in the master controller, combining the data from overlapping fields of view to triangulate pointer position. This merging process achieves high precision through mathematical triangulation while keeping individual imaging assemblies simple and identical, reducing the complexity burden compared to having complex single-assembly systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless digital ink input and output, including wireless communication and storage, enhancing user interaction and functionality with dry-erase marker ink, and allowing continuous digital ink transmission during sessions.
Implementation Method 1
imaging assemblies (44) positioned at corners of the bezel (42) and oriented so that their fields of view overlap and look generally across the entire interactive surface (24)
Implementation Method 2
The master controller in turn processes the image frames to determine the position of the pointer in (x,y) coordinates relative to the interactive surface using triangulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
An interactive board (20) comprises an interactive surface (24); at least one user selectable element (36); and processing structure (54, 56) in communication with at least one imaging device (44) and configured to process data received from the at least one imaging device to locate at least one pointer positioned in proximity with the interactive surface (24) and update digital ink according to pointer location. The processing structure is further configured to send the digital ink to one or more devices in communication with the interactive board (20) in response to selection of the at least one user selectable element (36).