JP2008228138A - Electronic blackboard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily confirm the state of images indicated by image data stored in an external storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: Corresponding to a first operation instruction, an optical read part optically reads the image on a writing surface and gives a sequence number and stores the image data outputted from the optical read part in the external storage medium mounted on a connector. Also, corresponding to a second operation instruction (S101), a printer prints an image based on the image data which are stored in the external storage medium mounted on the connector and whose number is the largest (S102, S103). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic blackboard.

  The electronic blackboard has a function of reading an image written on a writing surface and outputting it as image data. A general electronic blackboard includes a printer, and outputs image data to the printer for image printing.

  There is also an electronic blackboard that does not limit the output destination of image data to a printer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Particularly in recent years, electronic blackboards that can output image data to an external storage medium such as a flash memory have become widespread.

JP-A-10-136140

  By the way, the density of the writing image becomes light due to the consumption of the writing tool or the reduction of the writing pressure, so that the state of the image indicated by the read image data may be bad (a part of the image is missing).

  When trying to confirm the state of the image indicated by the image data stored in the external storage medium, for example, the external storage medium is connected to a personal computer (PC) and displayed on the display of the PC as an image. It is necessary and very complicated.

  The objective of this invention is providing the electronic blackboard which can confirm easily the state of the image which the image data memorize | stored in the external storage medium shows.

  An electronic blackboard according to the present invention includes a writing surface on which writing is possible, an optical reading unit that optically reads an image on the writing surface and outputs it as image data, a printer that executes image printing, and an external storage medium. A connector that allows, an operation instruction unit that receives an input of an operation instruction, and an information processing unit that executes information processing, wherein the information processing unit responds to a first operation instruction in the operation instruction unit, The optical reading unit optically reads the image on the writing surface, and the image data output from the optical reading unit is temporarily stored in a temporary storage area and attached to the connector in a data format of a file format. A process of assigning a number to the external storage medium and storing the external storage medium, and the information processing unit in the connector according to a second operation instruction in the operation instruction unit Fitted It said external storage medium in the stored the number has to run a process to execute the image printing based on the maximum of the image data to the printer that.

  According to the present invention, since the image data assigned the maximum number is read from the external storage medium according to a predetermined operation instruction and the image is printed, the state of the image indicated by the most recently read image data is changed. It can be easily confirmed.

  An electronic blackboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic blackboard 100. A rectangular frame 110 in the electronic blackboard 100 is supported by a pair of stands 101. The frame 110 houses an endless writing sheet 102 for writing, and a portion of the writing sheet 102 exposed to the outside from the opening on the front side of the frame 110 is an image (drawing) such as a character or a figure by a marker pen or the like. ) Becomes a writing surface 103 which is a plate surface on which writing is performed. In this specification, drawing on the writing surface 103 is also referred to as an image. The material of the writing sheet 102 is made of polyethylene. A printer 104 for printing and issuing an image read by a CCD line sensor 304 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) on a sheet (not shown) is provided at the lower right of the frame 110.

  The frame 110 is located above the writing surface 103, the left edge 112 and the right edge 113 located on both sides of the writing surface 103, and below the writing surface 103, toward the front side. And a lower shelf 114 formed to protrude.

  The upper edge portion 111 is connected to the left edge portion 112 and the right edge portion 113 via a left upper corner member 115 and an upper right corner member 116 disposed on both sides of the upper edge portion 111. Further, the lower shelf 114 is connected via a lower left corner member 117 and a lower right corner member 120 disposed below the left edge 112 and the right edge 113.

  The lower shelf 114 is formed to protrude toward the front side of the writing surface 103 and can be provided with a marker pen and a cleaner. In addition, the lower shelf 114 receives an eraser generated when the image on the writing surface 103 is removed by the cleaner.

  An operation panel 107 of an operation instruction unit having various buttons for operating the electronic blackboard 100 is integrally provided on the right edge 113 of the frame 110.

  In the lower right corner member 120, a power switch 141 for turning on / off the electronic blackboard 100 and a USB port 142 serving as a connector to which a USB memory 150 as an external storage medium can be connected are arranged.

  A display panel 501 is provided at a position on the lower right corner member 120 side of the lower shelf 114.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the electronic blackboard 100. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional front view schematically showing the inside of the electronic blackboard 100.

  A pair of rollers 201 that rotate and convey the writing sheet 102 are provided at the left and right ends of the frame 110. The roller 201 has an axial center oriented in the vertical direction. An endless writing sheet 102 is stretched between a pair of rollers 201, and a motor is connected to one roller 201 via a belt transmission mechanism (not shown). 202 (see FIG. 4) are connected. When the motor 202 is driven, the roller 201 rotates via a belt transmission mechanism (not shown), and the writing sheet 102 is rotated and conveyed in the left-right direction by the rotation of the roller 201.

  Immediately behind the writing surface 103 of the writing sheet 102, a writing board 251 for ensuring writing performance with respect to the writing surface 103 is disposed.

  On the side opposite to the writing surface 103 of the writing sheet 102 (hereinafter referred to as the back side of the writing sheet 102), there is an optical reading unit 203 for reading images such as characters and figures written on the writing surface 103 as image data. Is provided. The optical reading unit 203 has a light source 301 including, for example, a fluorescent lamp 311 for irradiating the writing sheet 102 with light on the back side of the writing sheet 102 and on one roller 201 side.

  The electronic blackboard 100 includes a mirror 302 and a lens 303 as a part of the optical reading unit 203, and is an optical reduction system that irradiates light onto the writing sheet 102 and collects the reflected light. A system 305 and a CCD line sensor 304 that receives light collected by the optical system 305 are provided.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the electronic blackboard 100. The electronic blackboard 100 includes a CPU 401 that controls various operations. A ROM 402 that stores fixed data such as a control program and image processing parameters and a RAM 403 that temporarily stores various data and is used as a work area are connected to the CPU 401 via a bus line 411. Note that the ROM 402 may be built in the CPU 401. The CPU 401, the ROM 402, and the RAM 403 constitute an information processing unit 421 that executes information processing. The information processing unit 421 is connected to the printer 104, the operation panel 107, the motor 202, and the display unit panel 501 through input / output circuits (none of which are shown) and a bus line 411. On the operation panel 107, a copy button 105, a data confirmation button 106, a thumbnail button 108, and the like, which will be described later, are arranged as operation instruction units. An LCD 503 and a selection button 502 are arranged on the display unit panel 501.

  A lighting circuit 405 that is connected to the light source 301 and controls the lighting of the light source 301 is connected to the information processing unit 421 via a bus line 411.

  A USB port 142 is connected to the information processing unit 421 via a bus line 411 and a USB controller 406. Further, the CPU 401 is connected to a CCD line sensor 304 to read image data. An image processing unit 404 configured by various circuits for performing various image processing is connected via a bus line 411.

  The electronic blackboard 100 is provided with a power supply control unit 408 that controls a power supply device that supplies power to each unit, and the power supply control unit 408 is operated by the power switch 141 to turn the electronic blackboard 100 on and off.

  A process executed by the information processing unit 421 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 402 when the copy button 105 of the operation panel 107 is pressed on the electronic blackboard 100 configured as described above will be described. The light source 301 is turned on by the operation of the lighting circuit 405. When the copy button 105 is pressed, the information processing unit 421 rotates the motor 202. Thereby, the light from the light source 301 is irradiated on the writing surface 103 of the writing sheet 102. The optical system 305 condenses the reflected light from the writing surface 103, and the CCD line sensor 304 receives the collected light for each line, so that the image written on the writing surface 103 is used as image data. Read. The image data read for each line by the CCD line sensor 304 is converted into an electric signal. The electric signal is adjusted in gain and offset by an amplifier and an offset circuit (not shown), and then A / D A conversion unit (not shown) converts the digital signal into image data. Thereafter, in order to correct errors due to shading distortion generated by a plurality of elements constituting the CCD line sensor 304, a known shading correction is performed on each read pixel signal in a shading correction circuit (not shown). Further, after lightness correction is performed by a lightness correction circuit (not shown), the light is output. The information processing unit 421 stores the output image data in the RAM 403 as image data after various image processing. Then, the information processing unit 421 drives the printer 104 to print out an image based on the image data stored in the RAM 403 on printing paper. Further, the image data stored in the RAM 403 is output to the USB port 142 via the USB controller 406 in the TIFF format, for example, and stored in the USB memory 150 without being overwritten.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a data configuration of the USB memory 150. In the USB memory 150, an image folder 150a for storing image data is formed. The information processing unit 421 sequentially stores the image data in the image folder 150a without overwriting. At this time, the information processing unit 421 assigns a file name including a number to the image data and stores it in the image folder 150a. Numbers are assigned cumulatively by serial numbers. That is, a number is assigned to the image data with a serial number.

  For example, when image data is stored in the blank image folder 150a, a file name “TB000001.TIF” including the number “000001” is assigned to the image data and stored in the image folder 150a. Subsequently, a file name “TB000002.TIF” including the next number “000002” is assigned to the image data stored in the image folder 150a. Therefore, image data to which a file name including the maximum number is assigned (“TB0000026.TIF” in FIG. 5) is image data based on the most recently read image. Note that “.TIF” included in the file name is an extension indicating the file format of the image data.

  6A and 6B show the vicinity of the lower right corner member 120. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a state before the USB memory 150 is connected, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing a state where the USB memory 150 is connected. is there. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the lower right corner member 120 together with the USB port 142 and the power switch 141.

  The lower right corner member 120 is a member integrally molded of synthetic resin, and a power switch 141 and a USB port 142 are disposed. The lower right corner member 120 is formed on the front side of the frame 110 (operator side: left side in FIG. 7) and is formed on the upper side of the protruding portion 121. The upper connection part 122 to which a lower end is connected and the left connection part 123 which is formed on the left side of the projecting part 121 and to which the right end of the lower shelf part 114 is connected. Reference numeral 129 in the drawing indicates a protruding piece for connecting the right edge 113 extending from the left edge 112.

  A power switch installation portion 124 in which the power switch 141 is installed is formed on the protruding portion 121 of the lower right corner member 120. The power switch 141 is attached from the inside of the lower right corner member 120, and its operation part 141a is arranged so that the power switch installation part 124 protrudes outward. As shown in FIG. 7, the power switch installation part 124 is formed so that the position “b” on the surface is closer to the front side (the same) than the position “a” of the writing sheet 102.

  A USB port installation unit 125 in which the USB port 142 is installed is formed immediately above the power switch installation unit 124. The USB port installation part 125 is formed at the back end of the peripheral wall part 127 that is a protrusion, and the peripheral wall part 127 forms an insertion space part 126 that covers the periphery of the USB memory.

  The USB port 142 is arranged with its front end surface 142 a in contact with the USB port installation part 125, and the terminal insertion hole 143 of the USB port 142 opens to the back side of the insertion space part 126.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the position c of the front end portion of the peripheral wall portion 127 is formed to be closer to the front side (the same) than the position b of the surface of the power switch installation portion 124.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the USB memory 150 is in a state where the connection terminal 151 is connected to the terminal insertion hole 143 and the connection terminal 151 side is inserted into the insertion space portion 126.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a display unit panel 501 is arranged at a position on the USB port 142 side of the lower shelf 114. The display unit panel 501 is provided with an LCD 503 as a display unit. The LCD 503 displays information in a dot matrix. In addition, the display panel 501 is provided with a pair of selection buttons 502 on which arrows are displayed. The left selection button 502 displays a left-pointing arrow, and the right selection button 502 displays a right-pointing arrow. Both of the pair of selection buttons 502 have a circular shape.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, in the state where the USB memory 150 is connected to the USB port 142, the information processing unit 421 reads the file name including the maximum number from the image folder 150 a provided in the USB memory 150. Is read, and the LCD 503 displays a file name display based on the read file name. Since the file name includes a number assigned to the image data, the file name display on the LCD 503 includes a number display based on the number assigned to the image data.

  When the USB memory 150 is connected to the USB port 142 and the file name is displayed on the LCD 503, when the left selection button 502 is pressed, the information processing unit 421 is given a file name including the second largest number. The file name of the existing image data is read out and displayed on the LCD 503. In this way, processing for selecting arbitrary image data from the image data stored in the image folder 150a of the USB memory 150 connected to the USB port 142 is executed.

  Next, a process executed by the information processing unit 421 when the data confirmation button 106 of the operation panel 107 is pressed will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed when the data confirmation button 106 is pressed. If the data confirmation button 106 is pressed (Y in S101), the information processing unit 421 includes the maximum number from the image data stored in the image folder 150a of the USB memory 150 connected to the USB port 142. The image data to which the file name is assigned is called (S102). The called image data is stored in the RAM 403. Then, the information processing unit 421 drives the printer 104 to print an image based on the image data stored in the RAM 403 on printing paper (S103).

  In this way, since the image data assigned the maximum number is read from the image folder 150a and the image is printed simply by pressing the data confirmation button 106, the state of the image indicated by the most recently read image data Can be easily confirmed.

  In the present embodiment, the image data to be printed can be selected by operating the selection button 502 included in the display panel 501 before the data confirmation button 106 is pressed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed when the data confirmation button 106 is pressed after the selection button 502 is operated. The information processing unit 421 receives selection of image data stored in the image folder 150a of the USB memory 150 in response to the operation of the selection button 502 (S201). If the data confirmation button 106 is pressed with any image data selected (Y in S202), the information processing unit 421 is selected from the image data stored in the image folder 150a of the USB memory 150. The image data being called is called (S203). The called image data is stored in the RAM 403. Then, the information processing unit 421 drives the printer 104 to print an image based on the image data stored in the RAM 403 on printing paper (S204).

  In this manner, the image data selected from the image folder 150a is read out and printed by simply pressing the data confirmation button 106 after the operation of the selection button 502, so that any image read in the past can be printed. The state of the image indicated by the image data can be easily confirmed.

  Next, processing when the thumbnail button 108 of the operation panel 107 is pressed will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed when the thumbnail button 108 is pressed. If the thumbnail button 108 is pressed (Y in S301), the information processing unit 421 calls all the image data stored in the image folder 150a of the USB memory 150 connected to the USB port 142. (S302). The called image data is stored in the RAM 403. Then, based on the image data stored in the RAM 403, the information processing unit 421 executes processing for generating image data of thumbnail images obtained by reducing and arranging images indicated by the image data (S303). Data defining the image reduction ratio and arrangement status of the thumbnail image is stored in the ROM 402. The information processing unit 421 generates image data with reference to this data. The generated image data is stored in the RAM 403. Then, the information processing unit 421 drives the printer 104 to print a thumbnail image based on the image data stored in the RAM 403 on printing paper (S304).

  FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing the printing paper P on which thumbnail images are printed. On the printing paper P, images based on the image data are reduced and printed. A file name display based on the corresponding file name is printed at the lower position of each image. Note that the thumbnail image does not have to be printed on one printing sheet P, and may be printed on a plurality of printing sheets.

  In this way, the thumbnail image based on all the image data stored in the USB memory 150 connected to the USB port 142 is printed by an easy operation by simply pressing the thumbnail button 108. It is possible to check the state of the image indicated by the image data stored in the list.

It is a perspective view which shows an electronic blackboard. It is a cross-sectional top view which shows the internal structure of an electronic blackboard roughly. It is a vertical front view which shows the inside of an electronic blackboard schematically. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of an electronic blackboard. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of USB memory. FIG. 4A shows the vicinity of the lower right corner member, where (a) is a perspective view showing a state before the USB memory is connected, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state where the USB memory is connected. It is sectional drawing which shows the lower right side corner member vicinity with a USB port and a power switch. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when a data confirmation button is pressed down. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when the data confirmation button is pressed after operation of a selection button. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when a thumbnail button is pressed. It is a top view which shows typically the printing paper on which the thumbnail image was printed.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Electronic blackboard, 103 ... Writing surface, 104 ... Printer, 107 ... Operation panel (operation instruction part), 142 ... USB port (connector), 150 ... USB memory (external storage medium), 203 ... Optical reading part, 421 ... Information processing unit 502 ... Selection button (operation instruction unit), 503 ... LCD (display unit)

Claims (5)

Writable writing surface,
An optical reading unit that optically reads an image on the writing surface and outputs it as image data;
A printer that performs image printing;
A connector that allows insertion and removal of an external storage medium;
An operation instruction unit that receives input of operation instructions;
An information processing unit for executing information processing;
The information processing unit causes the optical reading unit to optically read an image on the writing surface in response to a first operation instruction from the operation instruction unit, and an image output from the optical reading unit Means for temporarily storing data in a temporary storage area and storing the external storage medium attached to the connector in a file format with a number added in a serial number;
The information processing unit performs image printing based on the image data having the largest number stored in the external storage medium attached to the connector in response to a second operation instruction from the operation instruction unit. Means for executing the processing to be executed,
Electronic blackboard equipped with. The information processing unit performs processing for selecting arbitrary image data from image data stored in the external storage medium attached to the connector in response to a third operation instruction from the operation instruction unit Means to
Means for executing processing for causing the printer to perform image printing based on the selected image data in response to a fourth operation instruction from the operation instruction unit;
The electronic blackboard according to claim 1, comprising: A display for displaying information;
Means for causing the information processing unit to display a number display based on the number assigned to the selected image data on the display unit;
Comprising
The electronic blackboard according to claim 2. Processing in which the information processing unit generates image data of thumbnail images based on image data stored in the external storage medium attached to the connector in response to a fifth operation instruction from the operation instruction unit And a process for causing the printer to execute image printing based on the generated image data.
The electronic blackboard according to claim 3.   The information processing unit also executes processing for causing the printer to perform image printing based on image data output from the optical reading unit, in response to a first operation instruction from the operation instruction unit. The electronic blackboard as described in any one of thru | or 4.

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