Patent ID: 7136053
Filing Date: 2006-11-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An active optical marker device for use in accordance with a front-projection electronic whiteboard system, the electronic whiteboard system including a data entry surface, an image capture device for tracking a position of the optical marker device while the optical marker device is used to enter data in accordance with the data entry surface, and an image projection device for projecting an image which is vieweble on the surface, in proximity of the position of the optical marker device, and representative of the data entered in accordance with the optical marker device, the active optical marker device comprising: an infrared light-emitting source directed away from the surface and toward the image capture device when the optical marker device contacts the surface; and a snap type lever microswitch, operatively connected to the infrared light source, and operative to turn on the infrared light source when the optical marker device contacts the surface and turn off the infrared light source when the optical marker device does not contact the surface, such that the image capture device on the same side of the surface as the active optical marker device can capture the infrared light emitted by the optical marker device and the image projection device can project the representative image on the surface.