JPH11286196A - Electronic blackboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an external optional appliance such as a laser printer usable, and provide various kinds of outputs of a favorable quality by a method wherein information which is listed on a sheet is read, and stored in an image memory, and the stored data is output to a printer of the device or an external appliance depending on the state of the connected external appliance. SOLUTION: Information which is listed on a screen 2 sends a command to a control part 15 by the operation of a copy key on an operation part, drives a screen driving motor 18 and a recording paper feeding motor 19, and moves the screen 2. Image data on the screen 2 is irradiated by a light source 9, and the reflecting ray is made to image-form on a light receiving element 12 through a mirror 10 and a lens 11, and the data is stored in an image memory circuit 16 through a control circuit 14, and is output to a printer 20, and a minification- printing is performed. Also, when a high printing quality is required, this electronic blackboard device is connected to an external connection peripheral appliance 22 such as a personal computer through an external connection optional circuit 21.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic blackboard device capable of writing information consisting of characters and symbols on a blackboard used for a conference, a briefing session, a meeting, and the like, and reading and printing the information. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional electronic blackboard device, a writable / erasable writing surface is provided on a screen for a plurality of pages. When printing information written on a writing surface, the screen is moved to irradiate the writing surface with a fluorescent light or the like, and the reflected light is transmitted through a mirror or lens to a photoelectric conversion element (eg, a CCD). An image is read on a writing surface by forming an image on an image sensor or the like, and then output to a printer provided in the electronic blackboard apparatus main body.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional electronic blackboard device, the printer installed in the main body of the device is inevitably increased in size when the print quality is increased. And so on. Thermal printers have low print quality, so users often copy the output once on thermal paper with a thermal printer to plain paper, or read it with a scanner and import it to a personal computer. Functional improvement was required.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic blackboard device according to the present invention has a writable sheet, reading means for reading information written on the sheet, and reading means. An image memory that stores information read by the image data as image data, a printer that prints out the image data stored in the image memory, an interface that can connect external devices, and a state of the external device connected to the interface. The image processing apparatus further comprises control means for selecting and outputting the image data stored in the image memory to the printer or the external device.

[0005] With such a configuration, it is possible to connect an external optional device such as a laser printer to the interface means, and the control means determines the state of the external equipment and transmits the image data stored in the image memory. Select a printer or external device mounted on the main unit and print out.

[0006]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The electronic blackboard device according to claim 1 is
A writable sheet, reading means for reading information written on the sheet, an image memory for storing the information read by the reading means as image data, and printing out the image data stored in the image memory An interface that can connect a printer and external devices,
The image processing apparatus further includes a control unit that selects the printer or the external device and outputs the image data stored in the image memory according to a state of an external device connected to the interface.

With such a configuration, the information written on the sheet is read by the reading means and stored in the image memory as image data. The interface means can connect an external optional device such as a laser printer, and the control means judges the state of the connected external device, and stores the image data stored in the image memory into a printer mounted on the main body or an external device. Select the device and print out.

The electronic blackboard device according to the second aspect is the first aspect of the invention.
The control means, which is a component of the electronic whiteboard device described in the above, selects the printer or the external device from the image data stored in the image memory according to a control signal received from an external device connected to the interface. And output.

With this configuration, the control means determines the state of the connected external device based on the control signal output from the external device, and provides the image data stored in the image memory to the main body. Select a printer or external device and print out.

An electronic blackboard device according to claim 3, wherein a writable sheet, reading means for reading information written on the sheet, control means for outputting the information read by the reading means, and control means A printer for printing an output from the printer, an interface for outputting the output from the control unit to an external device, and an output from the control unit for outputting to the printer or outputting to the interface unit. And a switch for switching.

With this configuration, the image written on the sheet is read as image data by the reading means, and the image data is selectively output by switching a switch to a printer of the main body or an external device connected to the interface.

Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. According to the invention described in the first embodiment, a control unit determines the state of an external device connected to an interface unit, and converts image data stored in an image memory into a printer or an interface unit mounted on an electronic blackboard main body. The most characteristic feature is that an external device connected to the device is selected and printed out.

That is, after the information written on the sheet is read by the reading means and stored as image data in the image memory, the interface means can connect an external optional device such as a laser printer. Determines the state of the connected external device, and selects and prints out the image data stored in the image memory by selecting a printer or an external device provided in the main body.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic blackboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein 1 is a housing, 2 is a screen as a writing surface, and 3 is a concave receiving tray for storing a writing instrument such as a felt pen. Reference numeral 4 denotes an operation unit, 5 denotes a printing paper receiving unit, 6 denotes a leg, and 7 denotes a caster provided on the leg 6.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic blackboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein 8 is a screen driving roller, 9 is a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, 10 is a mirror, 1
1 is a lens, 12 is a light receiving element (image sensor), 1
3 is a light receiving element peripheral circuit, 14 is a control circuit, 15 is a control unit, 16 is an image memory circuit, 17 is a motor drive circuit, 18 is a screen drive motor, 19 is a recording paper feed motor, and 20 is a blackboard main body printer (thermal printer). ),
Reference numeral 21 denotes an external connection option circuit, and reference numeral 22 denotes an external connection peripheral device. The blackboard main body printer 20 is premised on a printer having a relatively low printing quality such as a thermal printer throughout all the embodiments, but it is sufficient that the printer has a printing function, and the model is not particularly limited. The external connection peripheral device 22 is premised on a printer having a relatively high print quality such as a laser printer, but the model is not particularly limited.

The operation of the electronic blackboard device of the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.

First, in FIG. 3, after information such as determined items and contents is written on the screen 2 of the electronic blackboard device, the control unit 15 operates the copy key of the operation unit 4 to copy the information. Upon receiving the command (step 1), the screen drive motor 18 and the recording paper feed motor 19 are driven, and the screen drive roller 8 is rotated to move the screen 2 (step 2). Next, the image data written on the screen 2 is irradiated by the light source 9 and the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element 12 via the mirror 10 and the lens 11 (step 3).

The data formed on the light receiving element 12 has a vertical direction (a direction perpendicular to the advance of the screen 2) of 1
The line is converted into an electric signal as a book line, and image data is formed as a horizontal electric signal synchronized with the feed speed of the screen 2 in the horizontal direction (the traveling direction of the screen 2). The image data is temporarily stored as bitmap image data in the image memory circuit 16 through the control circuit 14 and output to the blackboard main body printer 20. The image data on the screen 2 is reduced and printed on the recording paper (step 6).

When it is necessary to print out an image on the screen 2 with high print quality, an externally connected peripheral device 22 such as a personal computer or a printer can be connected via an externally connected option circuit 21. When the external connection peripheral device 22 becomes operable by being connected to the external connection option circuit 21, it turns on the ready signal (step 4). Read by external connection peripheral device 22
When the ON output of the y signal is input to the control unit 15 through the external connection option circuit 21 and the control circuit 14, the control unit 15 extracts image data from the image memory circuit 16, and externally connects through the external connection option circuit 21. Output to the peripheral device 22. The external connection peripheral device 22 prints out based on the received image data (step 5).

When the externally connected peripheral device 22 is not connected to the externally connected option circuit 21, the ready signal is not output from the externally connected peripheral device 22, so that the ready signal is not output.
Detecting that the y signal is in the off state, the image data is output from the image memory circuit 16 to the blackboard main body printer 20. The blackboard main body printer 20 prints out as a thermal printer based on the image data (step 6).

(Embodiment 2) In the above operation, selection of output to the blackboard main body printer 20 and output to the externally connected peripheral device 22 depends on the operation state of the externally connected peripheral device 22. For example, the ready signal may be turned off in spite of the connection of the externally connected peripheral device 22, so that there is a possibility that printing is performed by a printing unit contrary to the operator's will. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a function for designating an output destination is added. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a switch for selecting a print output destination. Hereinafter, a specific operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When printing image information such as items and contents written on the screen 2 of the electronic blackboard device, when an operator presses a copy key of the operation unit 4 (step 11), a copy command causes the control circuit 14 to be printed. It is sent to the control unit 15 via the control unit. The controller 15 rotates the screen drive roller 8 by driving the screen drive motor 18 and the recording paper feed motor 19, and moves the print surface of the screen 2 (step 12).

Next, the image data written on the screen 2 is irradiated by the light source 9 and the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element 12 via the mirror 10 and the lens 11 (step 13).

The data imaged on the light receiving element 12 is converted into an electric signal as one line in the vertical direction, and the image data is converted into an electric signal in the horizontal direction in synchronization with the feed speed of the screen 2 in the horizontal direction. Constitute. The image data is temporarily stored in the image memory circuit 16 through the control circuit 14 as bitmap image data.

When it is necessary to print out an image on the screen 2 with high print quality, an externally connected peripheral device 22 such as a personal computer or a printer can be connected via an externally connected option circuit 21. When the external connection peripheral device 22 is connected to the external connection option circuit 21 and becomes operable, it outputs a ready signal on.

When the operator designates the output destination switch SW provided on the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. 4A on the option side (step 14), the on output of the ready signal by the external connection peripheral device 22 changes the external connection option. The signal is input to the control unit 15 through the circuit 21 and the control circuit 14 (step 1).
5), the control unit 15 takes out the image data from the image memory circuit 16 and outputs it to the external connection peripheral device 22 via the external connection option circuit 21. The externally connected peripheral device 22 prints out based on the received image data (step 16).

If the ready signal is off for some reason, the control unit 15 takes out the image data from the image memory circuit 16 and unconditionally selects whether to output it to the blackboard main body printer 20 or not to output it to any of them. (Step 17). This selection can be appropriately set by the operator.

When the operator designates the output destination switch SW provided in the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. 4A on the blackboard main body side (step 14), the control unit 15 sends the ready signal from the external connection peripheral device 22 to the ready signal. The image data is output from the image memory circuit 16 to the blackboard main body printer 20 irrespective of the presence or absence of the image data. The blackboard main body printer 20 prints out as a thermal printer based on the image data (step 18).

(Embodiment 3) In the third embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 4B, a blackboard main body SW24 and an option output SW25 are provided independently so that a print output destination can be directly selected. The following specific operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When printing image information such as items and contents entered on the screen 2 of the electronic blackboard device by the external connection peripheral device 22, the operator operates the option output SW 25 of the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. By pressing (Step 2
1), a copy command is sent to the control unit 15 via the control circuit 14. The control unit 15 rotates the screen drive roller 8 by driving the screen drive motor 18 and the recording paper feed motor 19, and moves the print surface of the screen 2 (step 22).

Next, the image written on the screen 2 is irradiated by the light source 9 and the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element 12 via the mirror 10 and the lens 11 (step 2).
3).

The image data is temporarily stored in the image memory circuit 16 through the control circuit 14 as bitmap image data.

The external connection peripheral device 22 outputs the ON output of the ready signal to the external connection option circuit 21 and the control circuit 1.
4 to the control unit 15 (step 24). The control unit 15 extracts image data from the image memory circuit 16 and outputs the image data to the external connection peripheral device 22 via the external connection option circuit 21. The externally connected peripheral device 22 performs print output based on the received image data (step 2).
5).

If the ready signal is off for some reason, the control unit 15 takes out the image data from the image memory circuit 16 and unconditionally outputs it to the blackboard main body printer 20 or selects no output. (Step 26). This selection can be appropriately set by the operator.

When the operator presses the blackboard main body output output switch 25 of the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. 4B (step 21), a copy command is sent to the control unit 15 via the control circuit 14.
The controller 15 rotates the screen drive roller 8 by driving the screen drive motor 18 and the recording paper feed motor 19, and moves the print surface of the screen 2 (step 27).

Next, the image written on the screen 2 is irradiated by the light source 9 and the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element 12 via the mirror 10 and the lens 11 (step 2).
8).

The image data is temporarily stored in the image memory circuit 16 through the control circuit 14 as bitmap image data.

The controller 15 outputs image data from the image memory circuit 16 to the blackboard main body printer 20 irrespective of the presence or absence of the ready signal from the externally connected peripheral device 22. The blackboard main body printer 20 prints out as a thermal printer based on the image data (step 29).

[0039]

According to the present invention, the output destination for reading and outputting information written on the screen can be switched to a printer or an external peripheral device provided in the electronic blackboard apparatus main body. The information written above can be output directly to various output destinations depending on the application.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic blackboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic blackboard device.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the electronic blackboard device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel in the electronic blackboard device.

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the electronic blackboard device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of an electronic blackboard device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 housing 2 screen 3 saucer 4 operating unit 5 receiving unit 6 leg 7 caster 8 screen drive roller 9 light source 10 mirror 11 lens 12 light receiving element (image sensor) 13 light receiving element peripheral circuit 14 control circuit 15 control unit 16 image memory circuit 17 Motor drive circuit 18 Screen drive motor 19 Recording paper feed motor 20 Blackboard main body printer (thermal printer) 21 External connection optional circuit 22 External connection peripheral device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A writable sheet, reading means for reading information written on the sheet, an image memory for storing information read by the reading means as image data, and an image stored in the image memory A printer for printing out data, an interface connectable to an external device, and selecting the printer or the external device from the image data stored in the image memory according to the state of the external device connected to the interface. An electronic blackboard device comprising control means for outputting. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means selects the printer or the external device and outputs the image data stored in the image memory according to a control signal received from an external device connected to the interface. The electronic blackboard device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A writable sheet, reading means for reading information written on the sheet, control means for outputting information read by the reading means, a printer for printing an output from the control means, Interface means for outputting an output from the control means to an external device, and a switch for switching whether to output the output from the control means to the printer or the interface means. Electronic blackboard device.