Electronic whiteboard

• US 20040070616A1
• Filed: 06/02/2003
• Published: 04/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Polyvision Corporation (Steelcase Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Polyvision Corporation (Steelcase Incorporated)
• Inventors: Enders, Thomas Franz, MacDonald, Peter S., Zeh, Mark A., Gilmore, David, Hildebrandt, Peter W., Williams, Guy L., Watson, James D., Deakin, Lynda Alison, Adler, Ari T., Desmond, Matthew A., Senatore, Stephen J., Ragan, Jeanne M., Hicks, Graham MacDonald, Gillespie, Scott Paul, Patron, Tony P., Bourn, Douglas R., Dunn, Michael H., Wilson, Scott E., Hutchinson, Ian G., Wegener, Katrin, Prachar, Timothy J., MacIntosh, Eric Allan
• Application Number:
  US10/452,178
• Publication Number:
  US 20040070616A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/764
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/84 output devices, e.g. displays or monitors

Abstract

A method and apparatus for use with a whiteboard and an archive memory, the whiteboard having a surface for displaying images, the method for grouping presented images together for storage in the archive memory and password protecting the image groups in separate session files where a password is subsequently required to access the session file images.

Claims

1. A method for use with a display surface and an archive memory, the display surface having a surface for displaying images, the method for grouping presented images together for storage in the archive memory and comprising the steps of:

a) providing an interface for receiving commands from a display surface user;

b) monitoring for a begin subset command indicating that subsequently archived images are to be grouped together in an image subset;

c) after a begin subset command is received;

i) monitoring for each of an archive command indicating that a presented image is to be archived and an end subset command indicating that no additional images are to be added to the image subset;

ii) when an archive command is received, archiving the presented image as part of the image subset;

iii) when an end subset command is received, skipping to step (b); and

iv) repeating steps (i) through (iii).

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of monitoring for a begin subset command includes monitoring for each of a begin subset command and an archive command and, wherein, when an archive command is received prior to receiving a begin subset command, the method includes the step of archiving the presented image as an image separate form other images.

3. The method of claim 1 also for restricting access to image subsets and further comprising the steps of, when a begin subset command is received, assigning a subset password for the image subset subsequently archived and restricting access to the subset images to users that provide the subset password.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of assigning a subset password includes automatically and randomly assigning a subset password.

5. The method of claim 4 further including the step of, after assigning a subset password, presenting the subset password via the interface until an end subset command is received.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of presenting the subset password includes visually displaying the subset password.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of presenting the subset password includes audibly providing the subset password.

8. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of monitoring for a begin subset command includes monitoring for each of a begin subset command and an archive command and, wherein, when an archive command is received prior to receiving a begin subset command, the method includes the step of archiving the presented image as a separate un-restricted image.

9. The method of claim 8 further including the steps of, after images are archived, providing a review interface for a user to access the archived images including separate selectable icons for each archived image, the selectable icons including an un-restricted icon for each un-restricted archived image and a restricted icon for each restricted image.

10. The method of claim 9 further including the steps of, when an unrestricted icon is selected, presenting the corresponding image and, when a restricted icon is selected that is associated with a specific image subset, monitoring for the password associated with the specific image subset and, when the associated password is received, presenting at least one of the images form the image subset.

11. The of method claim 10 further including the steps of, after presenting an image from the specific image subset, monitoring for a next selected icon and, if the next selected icon corresponds to an image in the specific subset, presenting the corresponding image.

12. The method of claim 3 further including the step of, after assigning a subset password, presenting the subset password via the interface until an end subset command is received.

13. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of monitoring for a begin subset command includes providing a protect button on the interface indicating a restricting function and, when the restricting function is turned off, determining when the protect button is selected.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of monitoring for an end subset command includes, when the restricting function is turned on, determining when the protect button is selected.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of monitoring for an archive indication includes providing an archive button on the interface indicating an archive function and determining when the archive button is activated.

16. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of assigning a subset password includes receiving the subset password via the interface from a system user.

17. A method for use with a display surface and an archive memory, the display surface having a surface for displaying images, the method for grouping at least some presented images together in subsets for storage in the archive memory and for restricting access to at least some of the image subsets, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an interface for receiving commands from a display surface user;

b) monitoring for a begin restrict command indicating that subsequently archived images are to be grouped together in an image subset and that access to the subset images is to be restricted;

c) after a begin restrict command is received;

i) assigning a subset password for the image subset to be subsequently archived;

ii) monitoring for each of an archive command indicating that a presented image is to be archived and an end restrict command indicating that no additional images are to be added to the image subset;

iii) when an archive command is received, archiving the presented image as part of the image subset;

iv) when an end restrict command is received, restricting access to the subset images to users that provide the subset password and skipping to step (b); and

v) repeating steps i through iv.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of monitoring for a begin subset command includes monitoring for each of a begin subset command and an archive command and, wherein, when an archive command is received prior to receiving a begin subset command, the method including the step of archiving the presented image as a separate unrestricted image.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of assigning a subset password includes automatically and randomly assigning a subset password.

20. The method of claim 19 further including the step of, after assigning a subset password, visually displaying the subset password via the interface until an end subset command is received.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of archiving the presented image as part of the subset includes archiving the presented image as a separate image and restricting access to the separate image to users that provide the subset password.

22. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of monitoring for a begin subset command includes providing a protect button on the interface indicating a restricting function and, when the restricting function is turned off, determining when the protect button is activated and wherein the step of monitoring for an end subset command includes, when the restricting function is turned on, determining when the protect button is activated.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the step of monitoring for an archive indication includes providing an archive button on the interface indicating an archive function and determining when the archive button is activated.

24. An apparatus for grouping images together for storage in an archive memory, the apparatus comprising:

a display surface having a surface for presenting images;

a memory device;

an interface;

a processor linked to the interface and the memory device, the processor performing the steps of;

a) monitoring the interface for a begin subset command indicating that subsequently archived images are to be grouped together in an image subset;

b) after a begin subset command is received;

i) monitoring the interface for each of an archive command indicating that a presented image is to be archived and an end subset command indicating that no additional images are to be added to the image subset;

ii) when an archive command is received, archiving the presented image as part of the image subset;

iii) when an end subset command is received, skipping to step (a); and

iv) repeating steps i through iii.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the processor monitors for a begin subset command by monitoring the interface for each of a begin subset command and an archive command and, wherein, when an archive command is received prior to receiving a begin subset command, the processor archiving the presented image as a separate image.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 also for restricting access to image subsets, the processor further performing the steps of, when a begin subset command is received, assigning a subset password for the image subset subsequently archived and restricting access to the subset images to users that provide the subset password.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the processor automatically and randomly assigns the subset password.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the interface includes a visual display and wherein, after assigning a subset password, the processor presents the subset password via the display until a subsequent end subset command is received.

29. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the processor archives the presented image as part of the subset by archiving the presented image as a separate image and restricting access to the separate image to users that provide the subset password.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein while monitoring for a begin subset command, the processor also monitors for an archive command and, wherein, when an archive command is received prior to receiving a begin subset command, the processor archives the presented image as a separate un-restricted image.

31. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the interface includes a protect button and the processor monitors for a begin subset command by, when the restricting function is turned off, determining when the protect button is activated.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein processor monitors for an end subset command by, when the restricting function is turned on, determining when the protect button is activated.

33. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the interface includes an archive button and the processor monitors for an archive command by determining when the archive button is activated.

34. An apparatus for grouping at least some presented images together in subsets for storage in an archive memory and for restricting access to at least some of the image subsets, the apparatus comprising:

a display surface having a surface for presenting images;

a memory device;

an interface;

a processor linked to the interface and the memory device, the processor performing the steps of;

a) monitoring for a begin restrict command indicating that subsequently archived images are to be grouped together in an image subset and that access to the subset images is to be restricted;

b) after a begin restrict command is received;

i) assigning a subset password for the image subset to be subsequently archived;

ii) monitoring for each of an archive command indicating that a presented image is to be archived and an end restrict command indicating that no additional images are to be added to the image subset;

iii) when an archive command is received, archiving the presented image as part of the image subset in the memory device;

iv) when an end restrict command is received, restricting access to the subset images to users that provide the subset password and skipping to step (a); and

v) repeating steps i through iv.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the processor simultaneously monitors for a begin subset command and an archive command and, wherein, when an archive command is received prior to receiving a begin subset command, the processor archives the presented image as a separate un-restricted image.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the interface includes a visual display, processor automatically and randomly assigns a subset password when a begin subset command is received and wherein, after assigning a subset password, the processor displays the password via the display until an end subset command is received.

37. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the processor archives the presented image as part of the subset by archiving the presented image as a separate image and restricting access to the separate image to users that provide the subset password.

38. A method for use with a display surface and at least one instrument for interacting with the display surface, the at least one instrument useable to at least one of identify a location on the surface and alter an image on the surface via contact therewith, the method for determining when and where the instrument contacts the display surface, the method comprising the steps of:

using a first sensor to determine the location of the instrument within a sensing plane proximate and spaced apart from the surface;

using a second sensor to determine when the instrument contacts the surface; and

when an instrument is located within the sensing plane and contacts the surface, identifying that the instrument contacts the surface and the location of the instrument relative to the surface.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein, when the instrument location proximate the surface is altered while the instrument is in contact with the surface, the interaction causes an acoustic signal and, wherein, the step of using a second sensor includes providing an acoustic sensor and using the acoustic sensor to detect the acoustic signal.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the step of using a first sensor to determine the location of the instrument within a sensing plane includes providing an optical laser assembly that senses instrument location within the sensing plane.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the instrument includes at least one coded tag positioned such that, when the instrument contacts the surface, at least a section of the tag is located within the sensing plane and, wherein, the step of sensing the location of the instrument within the sensing plane includes the step of determining the location of the tag within the plane.

42. The method of claim 39 wherein the display surface is a writing surface and the display surface further includes a rear surface opposite the writing surface and, wherein, the step of providing an acoustic sensor includes mounting the acoustic sensor to the rear surface.

43. The method of claim 39 wherein the sensors are linked to a processor that deactivates several processor functions and enters a power saving mode when unused for a period, the method also for activating the processor when sound occurs near the board and further including the steps of, using the acoustic sensors to sense sound near the board and activating the processor.

44. The method of claim 38 wherein the step of using a second sensor includes using a touch-sensitive sensor to determine when the instrument contacts the surface.

45. The method of claim 38 also for use with a memory device linked to the display surface for storing display surface images wherein the instrument is for altering an image on the surface and, wherein, the method further includes the step of, after identifying that the instrument contacts the surface and the location of the instrument relative to the surface, altering the image information in the memory device as a function of the sensed location of the instrument during contact with the surface.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein the instrument is a pen and wherein the step of altering the image information includes storing information corresponding to a mark at the instrument location during contact.

47. The method of claim 39 further including the step of using the acoustic sensor to confirm instrument location.

48. An apparatus for creating and storing images, the apparatus for use with at least one instrument, the apparatus comprising:

a display surface;

a first sensor for determining the location of the instrument within a sensing plane proximate and spaced apart from the surface;

a second sensor for determining when the instrument contacts the surface; and

a processor linked to each of the first and second sensors and running a program to, when an instrument is located within the sensing plane and contacts the surface, identify that the instrument contacts the surface and the location of the instrument relative to the surface.

49. A method for use with an electronic display surface and an instrument for interacting with the display surface, the display surface having a display area, the method for moving a cursor icon about at least a portion of the display area and comprising the steps of:

identifying first and second areas within the display area having first and second area surfaces, respectively;

sensing the instrument location on the first area surface; and

projecting a cursor icon on the second area surface as a function of the instrument location on the first area surface.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the first and second areas are distinct.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein the step of identifying the second area includes the step of providing a border to distinguish the second area from other areas on the display surface.

52. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of identifying the first and second areas includes identifying a first area that is smaller than the second area.

53. The method of claim 52 wherein the step of identifying the first and second areas further includes identifying an area along an edge of the display area as the first area.

54. The method of claim 49 wherein the shape of the first area is similar to the shape of the second area and the first area is smaller than the second area.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein the step of projecting a cursor icon on the second area surface as a function of the instrument location on the first area surface includes projecting the cursor icon at a location such that the position of the cursor icon relative to the second area is identical to the position of the instrument relative to the first area.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein, when the instrument contacts the first area surface and is moved on the first area surface, the cursor icon is moved on the second area surface.

57. The method of claim 49 wherein, when the instrument contacts the first area surface and is moved on the first area surface along a first direction, the cursor icon is moved on the second area surface along a second direction where the second direction is identical to the first direction.

58. The method of claim 49 wherein the first area surface includes a plurality of first area surfaces useable to control activity on the second area surface.

59. The method of claim 49 wherein the first area surface is a section of the second area surface.

60. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of identifying first and second areas includes projecting a border indicating the second area onto the display surface.

61. The method of claim 60 further including identifying a buffer area that includes the second area and a border around the second area and, wherein, the method further includes the step of sensing instrument location within the buffer area and the second area and projecting the cursor onto the surface at the absolute position of the instrument location when the instrument contacts the surface in one of the buffer area and the second area.

62. The method of claim 61 wherein the step of projecting a cursor icon on the second area surface as a function of the instrument location on the first area surface includes projecting the cursor icon at a location such that the position of the cursor icon relative to the second area is identical to the position of the instrument relative to the first area.

63. The method of claim 49 wherein the first area includes every part of the display surface except the second area.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein the step of projecting a cursor icon in the second area as a function of the instrument location on the first area includes identifying movement of the instrument on the first area and causing relative movement of the cursor on the second area.

65. The method of claim 64 also including the steps of sensing instrument location on the second area surface and projecting a cursor icon on the second area surface as a function of the location of the instrument on the second area surface.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein the step of projecting a cursor icon on the second area surface as a function of the location of the instrument on the second area surface includes projecting the cursor at the absolute position of the instrument on the second area surface.

67. A method for use with an electronic display surface and an instrument for interacting with the display surface, the display surface having a display area, the method for moving a cursor icon about at least a portion of the display area and comprising the steps of:

identifying first and second areas within the display area having first and second area surfaces, respectively;

when the instrument is placed in contact with a location on the first area surface;

a) sensing the instrument location on the first area surface;

b) projecting a cursor icon on the second area surface as a function of the instrument location on the first area surface; and

when the instrument is placed in contact with a location on the second area surface;

a) sensing the instrument location on the second area surface; and

b) projecting a cursor icon on the second area surface at the location of the instrument on the second area surface.

68. A method for providing information regarding a feature on an electronic display surface, the display surface including several function buttons, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an information button;

b) monitoring the information button for activation;

c) after the information button has been activated, monitoring the feature buttons for activation; and

d) when one of the feature buttons is activated after the information button is activated, providing information regarding the feature corresponding to the activated feature button.

69. The method of claim 68 also including the steps of, when the information button is activated, starting a timer, comparing the timer value to a time out period, if the timer value exceeds the timeout period prior to activation of a feature button, skipping to step (b).

70. The method of claim 69 wherein the information button may be controlled to alter appearance and, wherein, the method further includes the step of altering the appearance of the information button when the timer is started.

71. The method of claim 68 wherein the step of providing information includes the step of audibly providing information.

72. The method of claim 68 wherein the step of providing information includes the step of visually providing information.

73. An apparatus for use with an electronic whiteboard, the whiteboard including a display surface and a sensor assembly for sensing the location of, and type of, tag within a sensing plane proximate the display surface, the apparatus including:

an instrument having first and second ends, a first tag disposed at the first end such that, when the first end contacts the display surface, at least a portion of the first tag is within the sensing plane; and

a cap member having first and second cap ends and forming an external surface there between, the second cap end forming an opening for receiving the first instrument end such that the cap covers the instrument tag when the first instrument end is received within the opening, a first cap tag disposed at the first end of the cap member such that, when the first end of the cap member contacts the display surface, the first cap tag is within the sensing plane.

74. The apparatus of claim 73 wherein the first instrument tag and the first cap tag indicate different instruments and wherein each of the tags indicates one of a stylus, an eraser, and a pen.

75. The apparatus of claim 74 wherein the opening formed at the second end of the cap member is such that when the first instrument end is received therein the cap completely covers the instrument tag.

76. An apparatus for use with an electronic display surface, the apparatus for identifying a visual effect to be generated via an instrument on the display surface, the apparatus comprising:

a sensor assembly for sensing the location of and type of tag within a sensing plane proximate the display surface;

an instrument comprising;

a handle member having first and second handle ends, at least first and second optically readable handle tags disposed at the first handle end; and

a cap member having first and second cap ends, an external surface between the first and second cap ends and forming an opening at the second cap end for receiving the first handle end, the cap member also forming a window proximate the first end of the cap member between the external surface and a channel formed by the opening, the window formed relative to the first end of the cap member such that at least a portion of the window is within the sensing plane when the first end of the cap member contacts the surface, when the first handle end is received in the opening, the handle tags are within the opening and each is separately alignable with the window such that the tag is sensible through the opening, the cap member rotatable about the first handle end to separately expose each of the first and second handle tags within the sensing plane, each of the handle tags indicating different instrument characteristics.

77. The apparatus of claim 76 further including a third handle tag disposed at the first end of the handle member, the cap member rotatable about the first end of the handle member to separately expose the third handle tag through the window, the third tag indicating instrument characteristics different than the instrument characteristics indicated by the first and second tags.

78. The apparatus of claim 76 further including a cap tag disposed on the external surface and at the first end of the cap member such that the cap tag is within the sensing plane when the first end of the cap member contacts the display surface and, wherein, the cap tag indicates additional information about instrument type, the sensor assembly sensing the cap tag and at least one of the handle tags when the first end of the instrument is received in the cap opening and the first end of the cap member contacts the display surface.

79. The apparatus of claim 78 wherein the cap tag indicates instrument type and the handle tags indicate additional characteristics of the instrument type.

80. The apparatus of claim 79 wherein the cap tag indicates one of a stylus, a pen and an eraser and, wherein, when the cap tag indicates a pen, the handle tags indicates at least one of pen width and pen color and, when the cap tag indicates an eraser, the handle tags indicate at least one of different eraser widths and colors.

81. The apparatus of claim 76 wherein the tag window is an opening.

82. The apparatus of claim 76 wherein one of an external surface of the handle and the cap member external surface includes characteristic markings indicating instrument characteristics associated with the handle tags and the other of the handle member external surface and the cap member external surface includes an alignment mark and, wherein, the characteristic marking and alignment mark are juxtaposed such that, when the first end of the handle member is received in the cap member opening and the first handle tag is aligned with the tag window, the alignment mark is aligned with the characteristic marking indicating characteristics associated with the first handle tag and, when the first end of the handle member is received in the cap member opening and the second handle tag is aligned with the tag window, the alignment mark is aligned with the characteristic marking indicating characteristics associated with the second handle tag.

83. An assembly for use with a display surface, the assembly comprising:

a sensor assembly for sensing an instrument interacting with the display surface;

a memory device;

a processor linked to the sensor assembly and the memory device, the processor receiving information from the sensor assembly regarding instrument activity with respect to the display surface and generating image data as a function thereof, the processor storing the image data as an image in the memory device as the image is created on the display surface; and

a clear button linked to the processor, the clear button for clearing the image data stored in the memory device.

84. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the sensor is for determining the location of, and type of, tag within a sensing plane proximate the display surface and wherein each instrument includes a tag disposed proximate a portion of the instrument used to interact with the display surface and that resides within the sensing plane when the instrument contacts the display surface.

85. The apparatus of claim 84 further including a pen instrument including an ink dispenser at a first end and a pen tag disposed proximate the first end.

86. The apparatus of claim 83 further including a memory indicator, the memory indicator indicating when any image data is stored in the memory device.

87. The apparatus of claim 86 wherein the memory indicator is a light that is illuminated when any image data is stored in the memory device.

88. The apparatus of claim 83 further including a warning indicator and, wherein, the sensor assembly is also capable of sensing any object present within the sensing plane, when an un-tagged object is sensed within the sensing plane, the processor activating the warning indicator.

89. The apparatus of claim 88 wherein the warning indicator remains activated until affirmatively deactivated by an assembly user.

90. The apparatus of claim 85 also including an eraser instrument including an ink erasing surface and an eraser tag disposed proximate the eraser surface such that the eraser tag resides in the sensing plane when the eraser surface contacts the display surface.

91. An assembly for use with a display surface, the assembly comprising:

a sensor assembly for sensing an instrument interacting with the display surface;

a memory device;

a warning indicator; and

a processor linked to the sensor assembly and the memory device, the processor receiving information from the sensor assembly regarding objects present within the sensing plane, the processor generating image data as a function of instrument activity on the display surface, the processor storing the image data as an image in the memory device as information is altered on the display surface, when an un-tagged object is sensed within the sensing plane, the processor activating the warning indicator.

92. The apparatus of claim 91 wherein the sensor is for determining the location of, and type of, tag within a sensing plane proximate the display surface and wherein each instrument includes a tag disposed proximate a portion of the instrument used to interact with the display surface and that resides within the sensing plane when the instrument contacts the display surface.

93. The apparatus of claim 92 further including a pen instrument including an ink dispenser at a first end and a pen tag disposed proximate the first end.

94. The apparatus of claim 91 wherein the warning indicator is a light and is illuminated by the processor when an un-tagged object is sensed within the sensing plane.

95. The apparatus of claim 91 wherein the warning indicator remains activated until affirmatively deactivated by an assembly user.

96. A method for use with a display surface and a laser unit, the display surface having a display edge, the laser unit generating a laser beam that emanates from an emanating point within a sensing plane and sensing objects within the sensing plane, the method for aligning the laser unit so that the sensing plane is parallel to the display surface, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting the laser unit proximate the display surface such that the emanating point is spaced from the display surface a known distance and so that a beam generated by the laser unit is directed generally parallel to the display surface;

causing the laser unit to generate a visible light beam;

providing a measuring surface at different locations along the display surface where the measuring surface is subtended by the beam;

rotating the beam through an arc about the source point and within the sensing plane such that the beam forms a light line on the measuring surface;

measuring the distance between the light line and the display surface along the measuring surface; and

where the measured distance and the known distance are different, adjusting the laser unit to minimize the difference.

97. The method of claim 96 wherein the step of providing a measuring surface includes providing an edge member along at least a portion of the display edge that forms an edge surface that extends from the display surface, the step of mounting the laser unit including mounting the unit proximate a display edge generally opposite the edge surface and the step of measuring including measuring the distance at different locations along the length of the edge surface.

98. The method of claim 97 wherein the step of mounting includes mounting the sensor proximate a first corner of the display surface.

99. The method of claim 98 for use with two laser position sensors wherein the process is repeated for each of the two sensors.

100. The method of claim 99 wherein the step of mounting the second laser position sensor includes mounting the second sensor proximate a second corner of the display surface.

101. An apparatus for use with a display surface having a circumferential edge, the apparatus for determining the locations of instruments within a sensing plane proximate the display surface and also for determining if the display surface is flat, the apparatus comprising:

a first laser source positioned proximate a first edge of the display surface, the first source generating a first laser beam, directing the first beam across the display surface and rotating the first beam such that the first beam periodically traverses across at least a portion of the display surface, the first source capable of operating in first or second states, in the first state the first source generating an invisible laser beam and in the second state, the first source generating a visible laser beam;

at least a first sensor mounted to an edge of the display surface for sensing the invisible laser beam from the first source that reflect from objects within the sensing plane; and

a selector for selecting one of the first and second states of source operation.

102. The apparatus of claim 101 further including a second laser source positioned proximate a second edge of the display surface, the second edge opposite the first edge, the second source generating a second laser beam, directing the second beam across the display surface and rotating the second beam such that the second beam periodically traverses across at least a portion of the display surface, the second source capable of operating in first or second states, in the first state the second source generating an invisible laser beam and in the second state, the second source generating a visible laser beam.

103. The apparatus of claim 102 wherein the first and second sources are located at first and second corners of the display surface and are controlled to rotate their respective beams through arcs across substantially the entire display surface area.

104. The apparatus of claim 102 wherein the first sensor is mounted to the first source and the apparatus includes a second sensor mounted to the second source.

105. An apparatus for providing a flat surface adjacent an uneven surface, the apparatus comprising:

a rectilinear board having upper, lower and first and second lateral edges and forming a flat surface there between;

first and second bracket assemblies, the second bracket assembly rigidly coupled to at least one of the board edges and mountable to the uneven surface to rigidly secure the board to the uneven surface such that a first location on one of the board edges is a first distance from the uneven surface, the first bracket assembly including a base member and an adjustment member, the base member forming a mounting surface for mounting to the uneven surface, the adjustment member including an edge engaging member, the adjustment member slidably coupled to the base member for movement generally perpendicular to the mounting surface so that an extend dimension between the mounting surface and the engaging member is adjustable, the first bracket engaging member coupled to the board edge at the first location;

wherein, the first bracket base member and adjustment member are adjustable so that the mounting surface and the engaging member form an extended dimension that is identical to the first distance and the mounting surface contacts the uneven surface.

106. The apparatus of claim 105 wherein, when the second bracket assembly is rigidly coupled to at least one of the board edges and is mounted to the uneven surface to rigidly secure the board to the uneven surface, a second location on one of the board edges is a second distance from the uneven surface, the apparatus further including at least a third bracket assembly including a base member and an adjustment member, the third bracket assembly base member forming a mounting surface for mounting to the uneven surface, the third bracket assembly adjustment member including an edge engaging member, the third bracket assembly adjustment member slidably coupled to the third bracket assembly base member for movement generally perpendicular to the mounting surface so that an extend dimension between the mounting surface and the engaging member is adjustable, the third bracket engaging member coupled to the board edge at the second location wherein, the third bracket base member and adjustment member are adjustable so that the mounting surface and the engaging member form an extended dimension that is identical to the second distance and the mounting surface contacts the uneven surface.

107. The method of claim 106 wherein the first bracket assembly is secured to an upper edge of the board at a central location along the edge, the first and second locations are on opposite sides of the central location along the upper edge and the first, central and second locations are generally equi-spaced along the upper edge of the board.

108. The apparatus of claim 107 wherein the first, second and third bracket assemblies are upper bracket assemblies and the apparatus further includes at least a first lower bracket assembly secured to a bottom edge of the board and mountable to the uneven surface.

109. The apparatus of claim 108 wherein the first lower bracket assembly also includes a base member forming a mounting surface for contacting the uneven surface and an adjustment member including an edge engaging member for linking to a board edge and, wherein, the first lower bracket assembly is adjustable to alter the distance between the mounting surface and edge engaging member thereof.

110. The apparatus of claim 109 further including second and third lower bracket assemblies that each include a base member forming a mounting surface for contacting the uneven surface and an adjustment member including an edge engaging member for linking to a board edge and, wherein, the second lower bracket assembly is linked at a central location along the lower edge of the board and the first and third lower brackets are linked on opposite sides of the second lower bracket along the lower edge of the board and, wherein, each of the lower brackets is adjusted so that the associated mounting surface contacts an adjacent section of the uneven surface.

111. A method for use with a rectilinear board and an uneven surface, the board having upper, lower and first and second lateral edges and forming a flat surface therebetween, the method for mounting the board to the uneven surface so that the flat surface remains substantially flat, the method comprising the steps of:

providing at least first and second bracket assemblies, the first assembly including a base member forming a mounting surface and an adjustment member forming an edge engaging member;

attaching the first bracket assembly via the edge engaging member at a first location along the board edge;

securing the board via the second bracket assembly to the uneven surface so that a first location along the board edge is a first distance from the uneven surface;

adjusting the first bracket assembly so that the mounting surface contacts an adjacent section of the uneven surface; and

securing the mounting surface to the uneven surface.

112. An electronic board assembly for archiving images, the board assembly comprising:

a display surface;

a web server dedicated to the board system, the server including an archive memory device for storing board images accessible via the server; and

an interface device linkable to the web server to access images stored therein.

113. The assembly of claim 112 wherein the interface also provides a store component useable to indicate that information on the display surface should be stored by the web server in the archive memory device.

114. The apparatus of claim 113 wherein the interface also provides an archive source component useable to indicate intent to access an archived image.

115. The assembly of claim 114 wherein the interface further includes a projector for projecting archived images onto the display surface and, wherein, the processor provides video output of an accessed image to the projector.

116. The assembly of claim 112 wherein the interface device is a computer linkable to the server via a network.

117. An electronic board assembly comprising:

a display surface;

a system processor including an archive memory device for storing board images and an external computer linkage for linking to a computer;

a projector linked to the processor and positioned to project images onto the display surface; and

an interface linked to the processor for identifying the source of images to project onto the display surface, the interface including an archive source component for indicating that an archived image is to be projected and a computer source component for indicating that an image generated by a computer linked to the linkage is to be projected;

wherein, when the archive source component is selected, the processor projects an archived image onto the display surface and when the computer source component is selected, the processor projects an image generated by a computer linked to the linkage on the display surface.

118. A method for capturing both projected and applied information displayed on a board surface, the method comprising the steps of:

dividing the surface into first and second areas wherein the second area is smaller than the first area;

projecting an image onto the second area;

sensing information applied via an instrument to either of the first and second areas; and

when a save command is received, storing the projected and applied information in an archive memory device.

119. The method of claim 118 wherein the step of storing includes storing the projected and applied information as a single merged image for subsequent access.

120. The method of claim 118 wherein the step of storing includes storing the projected and applied information as separate correlated images for subsequent access.

121. The method of claim 118 wherein the processor includes an interface that enables a system user to select one of a merged and a separate mode of operation and, wherein, the step of storing the projected and applied information includes identifying which of the merged and separate modes is selected and, where the merged mode is selected, storing the projected and applied information as a single merged image and, where the separate mode is selected, storing the projected and applied information as separate and correlated images.

122. A method for calibrating an electronic display board system wherein the system includes a processor, a display surface and a display driver linked to the processor and that provides images onto a portion of the display surface, the method comprising the steps of:

providing marks onto the display surface that indicate an image location;

sensing mark locations on the surface;

identifying the area associated with the marks as a second area and other area on the surface as a first area; and

causing the driver to provide a cursor within the second area as a function of instrument activity that occurs in the first area.

123. The method of claim 122 wherein the step of causing includes moving the cursor within the second area in a relative fashion with respect to movement of the cursor within the first area.

124. The method of claim 123 further including the step of causing the driver to provide a cursor within the second area as a function of instrument activity within the first area.

125. The method of claim 124 wherein the step of causing the driver to provide a cursor within the second area as a function of instrument activity within the second area includes providing a cursor at the absolute position of the instrument activity in the second area.