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Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background of the study

Education is an important aspect in everyone's life. It has been the first building

platform since ancient times. Education carves our way to civilization. People spend 16-

20 years studying and going to school to attain education. Teachers and professors used

different methods and equipment to conduct lectures and interact with students. One of

the most common methods is lecturing using chalks and blackboards. From chalks and

blackboards it then became marker and whiteboards. Most of the universities and

colleges here in the Philippines prefer to use whiteboard than blackboard because of

different reasons and one of them is that; Whiteboards are neat to use than blackboards,

aside from that it is easier to write and erase lectures.

Inspired by the evolution of blackboards to whiteboard, the proponents have

thought of converting an existing whiteboard into touch screen interactive whiteboard.

An Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) is basically a large interactive display that

connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto

the board's surface where users control the computer using a pen, finger or other device

as if it is the mouse pointer with added features. The board is typically mounted to a wall

or floor stand.
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IWBs are used in a variety of settings, including classrooms at all levels of

education, in corporate board rooms and work groups, in training rooms for professional

sports coaching, in broadcasting studios and more.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Most of the teachers use the marker-on-whiteboard method of delivering a lecture.

They will write their lectures, computations and illustrations to the board while

discussion occurs. While the teacher is conducting a lecture, students simultaneously

listens and take notes the lecture particularly when the teacher does not spare time for the

students to copy.

Because of this practice, some of the students will just copy lectures and

computation without even understanding what is being discussed. In lectures involving

math equations and problem solving, effective discussion occurs when a teacher or a

reciting student conducts board works then presented and discussed to the whole class.

Students suffer from difficulty in keeping in track with the lecture while taking notes.

Being afraid to be left with the phase of discussion, students tends to loose focus during a

lecture and what he/she does is to keep taking notes for him/her to study at home even

without understanding the discussion taken in the class, which in fact a bad practice of

learning.

When it happens that the teacher needs to erase earlier lectures to provide space

for further lectures, students miss to take note some part of the lecture written earlier.
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Sometimes, students would just ask their professor to stop for a while to copy lectures,

because of this time is wasted.

Based on the survey conducted by the proponents, 94% of the respondents copies

lecture during discussion. 86% of the respondents are having a hard time to stay focused

on the discussion while copying lectures. The survey also showed that 94% of the

respondents experienced that while still copying, the professor already needs to erase

earlier lecture in order to have additional space available for new lectures. Thus, student

ends up not completing the lecture he/she takes note.

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General Objective

The general objective of this study is to design and implement an optical

interactive whiteboard.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

• To develop a wireless electronic pen that functions as a remote controller

which can be used as a mouse pointer and a writing instrument for the

interactive whiteboard

• To develop a USB wireless receiver module which receives signal

transmitted by the wireless electronic pen

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• To create a Visual Basic based User Interface software that will provide

the function of a touch screen whiteboard

• To attain a 96% reliability of the system in terms of acquiring the location

of the light emitted by the electronic pen marking the whiteboard

1.4 Scope and Delimitation

The system tends to replace marker-on-whiteboard method of delivering a lecture.

The proponents will design an optical interactive whiteboard that will convert existing

whiteboard to a touch screen whiteboard. The system uses an algorithm which determines

the X and Y coordinates of the electronic pen with respect to the projected screen. The

system will be comprised of PC camera, an electronic pen marker and a computer

connected to a projector. The computer should be running with at least 2.0GHz processor,

1GB of RAM, and running on Microsoft Windows XP or Vista. Test will be made if the

system will run on Windows 7.

The remote control connected to the electronic pen will enable the user to switch

its function, the electronic pen can be utilized either as a marker, eraser or to function as a

mouse pointer allowing drag and click functions. The distance between the electronic pen

and computer should be within 10meters; this distance is given by the wireless module’s

Specification. A User Interface program based on Visual Basic language will also be
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developed to provide ease of access tools when using the system as a touch screen

whiteboard.

The usable area for the system is limited to the area covered by the projected

screen. This means that the user can only interact within the area covered by the projected

screen. Considering the built-in projector in the classrooms at FEU-EAC, the projected

screen area is 60x46inches, about 31% of the Whiteboard. The built-in projector is

mounted at the ceiling which is 105inches from the floor and 115inches from the

whiteboard. The maximum projected screen area is 82x46inches which covers 44% of the

whiteboard. This is obtained if a projector is mounted 46inches from the floor, 124inches

from the whiteboard, and if the aspect ratio of the projector is set to widescreen or 16:9.

The reliability of the system depends on how properly it is calibrated. Distance

and angle of projection are major parameters to be considered. Therefore, users should be

oriented first to fully make use of the system.

1.5 Significance of the study

The group has decided to propose and implement this project to improve the use

of the original whiteboard, the interactive whiteboard allows everything displayed on the

whiteboard to be captured and saved as an image file which can be uploaded to a class

website and later retrieve by the students for them to study at home or free hours.

Students can fully participate in class without worrying about taking down the

notes or whether the professor might erase what he/she have wrote, allowing students to
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focus and fully pay attention with the subject matter being discussed. Even the students

who are absent can easily be filled in on what they missed.

With the feature to capture the teacher’s whiteboard notes as well as his/her

students’ contribution, the interactive whiteboard can help the teacher to make

refinements to his/her lesson plans and extend the students’ learning.

The ability to mark on the board by writing with the electronic pen makes it

possible to customize the way PowerPoint slides are presented, allowing real time

encircling and underlining important parts of the presentation allowing interaction

between the lecturer and the audience making the presentation likely more alive.

The technology is not restricted to the teachers, they can also involve student to

make use of the interactive whiteboard which makes them feel that they are attended.

Students can make their own drawings, presentations and explain them using the

whiteboard.

1.6 Definition of Terms

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) is a large interactive display that connects to a

computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the

board's surface where users control the computer using a pen, finger or other

device. The board is typically mounted to a wall or floor stand.

Whiteboard is a name for any glossy, usually white surface for nonpermanent

markings.
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Wireless communication is the transfer of information without the use of wires.

Resistive - resisting, tending to resist, or capable of resistance

An electric field surrounds electrically charged particles and time-varying

magnetic fields. This electric field exerts a force on other electrically charged

objects.

An LCD projector is a type of video projector for displaying video, images or

computer data on a screen or other flat surface. It is a modern analog of the slide

projector or overhead projector.

Light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as

indicator lamps in many devices, and are increasingly used for lighting.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a specification to establish communication between

devices and a host controller (usually personal computers), developed and

invented by Ajay Bhatt while working for Intel.

Ethernet is a family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local

area networks (LANs). The name came from the physical concept of the ether.

A webcam is a video camera which feeds its images in real time to a computer or

computer network, often via USB, ethernet or Wi-Fi.

A microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit

containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals.

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Infrared (IR) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.7 and

300 micrometers, which equates to a frequency range between approximately 1

and 430 THz.

A graphical user interface (GUI), is a type of user interface that allows users to

interact with programs in more ways than typing such as computers; hand-held

devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices;

household appliances and office equipment with images rather than text

commands.

A laser pointer or laser pen is a small portable and visible laser designed to

highlight something of interest by projecting a small bright spot of colored light

onto it.

An algorithm is an effective method for solving a problem expressed as a finite

sequence of steps.

Reliability is the ability of a person or system to perform and maintain its

functions in routine circumstances, as well as hostile or unexpected

circumstances.
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Chapter 2

Related works and literature

2.1 Related Literature

2.1.1 Whiteboard

A shiny white surface that can be wiped clean after being used for writing or

drawing on used especially in teaching. It serves as an alternative to blackboard for

presentation that uses a white drawing area and ink pens instead of chalks. The glossy

surface of the whiteboard allows it to be erased. It can also be utilize as a large screen to

project computer images to a group of people. (Whiteboard, 2010)

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The whiteboard together with a non-permanent marker are the most common tool

used for delivering classroom lectures in the country.

2.1.2 Interactive Whiteboard

An interactive whiteboard is a digital device capable of interacting with a

computer and projecting images in a screen. This device is used for visual presentation in

classrooms, workgroups and business meetings.

An interactive whiteboard needs to be connected to a computer which generates

the actual images or data which generates the actual images or data which are then

projected to the board. (Interactive Whiteboard, 2010)

2.1.3 Different Types of Interactive Whiteboard

Optical Interactive Whiteboards use an infrared light and a triangulation algorithm

to determine the location of a marker on the board. With this system, any kind of material

can be used on the whiteboard surface.

Laser-Based Interactive Whiteboards are like Infrared optical whiteboards as they

use triangulation to determine the location of the marker. However, laser based systems

make use of moving lasers located at the edges to perform the triangulation. Thus,

markers must have reflective surfaces.

Ultrasonic-Based interactive Whiteboards use ultrasonic sound to triangulate the

marker's position. Ultrasonic sound is emitted by the stylus whenever it is pressed against
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the board's surface. Microphones located at different positions along the board pick up

the sound and triangulate the position.

Analog Resistive Interactive Whiteboards utilize have two sets of resistive

materials on their surface. These two surfaces generate electricity upon contact so the

position of the stylus can be determined. Any type of marker can be used for this type of

interactive whiteboard.

Electromagnetic Interactive Whiteboards are one of the most popular types of

interactive whiteboard systems. A special marker with a coil is used for writing and the

board has an array of wires that generate electrical signals. The marker may also be

passive and thus the x and y positions are determined by the changes in the electrical field

caused by the coil. This system makes it possible for one to rest his or her wrist or hand

upon the whiteboard without creating a false signal. (Interactive Whiteboard, 2010)

2.2 Description of components

This section presents the primary components that the group would use in

implementing the prototype.

2.2.1 Digital Projector

Digital projectors convert an analog or digital video signal into a corresponding

image on a projection screen using a complex assembly of lens and high intensity

lighting. Digital projectors rely upon a very bright light to project the resulting image on

the screen. Modern projectors can smooth any curves, reduce blurriness, and offer

increased sharpness, all hallmarks of digital technology. Digital video projectors have
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extensive use in a variety of places like conference room presentations, classroom

training, and home theatre applications. (Digital Projector, 2010)

2.2.2 Webcam

A webcam, or web camera, is the loosely used term for any camera that generates

images that can be accessed by and displayed on the World Wide Web through a server.

A webcam is essentially just a camera that is connected to a computer, either directly or

wirelessly, and gathers a series of images for remote display elsewhere. Webcam

technology is widely used by all sorts of people for all sorts of different reasons. (What is

a Webcam, 2010)

For this project, a webcam will serve as an Input control device. With special

software, the system will be able to locate the X and Y coordinates of the light emitted by

the electronic pen.

2.2.3 Light Emitting Diode

Light Emitting Diode (LED), is a semiconductor device that emits infrared or

visible light when charged with an electric current. Visible LEDs are used in many

electronic devices as indicator lamps, in automobiles as rear-window and brake lights,

and on billboards and signs as alphanumeric displays or even full-color posters. Infrared

LEDs are employed in autofocus cameras and television remote controls and also as light

sources in fiber-optic telecommunication systems. (Light-emitting diode, 2010)

2.2.4 Microcontroller
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A microcontroller is an integrated chip that is often part of an embedded system.

The microcontroller includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, I/O ports, and timers like a standard

computer, but because they are designed to execute only a single specific task to control a

single system, they are much smaller and simplified so that they can include all the

functions required on a single chip.

A microcontroller differs from a microprocessor, which is a general-purpose chip

that is used to create a multi-function computer or device and requires multiple chips to

handle various tasks. A microcontroller is meant to be more self-contained and

independent, and functions as a tiny, dedicated computer. (What is a Microcontroller,

2010)

2.3 Related Works

2.3.1 Low-Cost Multi-point Interactive Whiteboards Using Wiimote

Johnny Chung Lee, a researcher at Microsoft – Applied Sciences designed an

Interactive Whiteboard using Wiimote. Wiimote or Wii Remote is the primary controller

for Nintendo’s Wii console. A main feature of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing

capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via

gesture recognition and pointing through the use of accelerometer and optical sensor

technology.

Since the Wiimote can track sources of infrared light, it can track a custom pen

have an IR LED in the tip. Mr. Lee used Vishay TSAL6400s LED running at 100mA.

The system functions as a mouse pointer, it tracks the IR light emitted by the pen. The
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cursor follows the position of the IR light and clicks any items on the screen. This

function enables the user to manipulate items on the windows or draw in drawing

programs like in Microsoft Paint. (Johnny Chung Lee, 2010)

2.3.2 Design and Implementation of a Wireless Laser Pointer

A group of Electronics Engineering students from FEU- East Asia College

designed and implemented a wireless laser pointer that functions as a mouse pointer and a

push button device that functions as the right/left click of a computer mouse.

The device is an enhanced version of a PowerPoint clicker combined with a

common mouse pointer to create a wireless mouse that is meant to be used with a

projected screen. The major components of the device are webcam, laser pointer, clicking

and receiving devices, and a computer whose screen is magnified using a projector. The

goal of the project was to design a system that functions as a computer mouse with the

use of wireless laser pointer that will serve as the mouse cursor and a push button device

that will serve as the mouse buttons.

The project is a combination of circuit fabrication, image acquisition and analysis,

and mouse driver manipulation, all controlled by a GUI software that manages the

function of all device inputs. The hardware is capable of two functions while the laser

pointer accomplishes one objective. The software links both of these data contributions

together, analyzes the resulting command, and then executes the directive, which

becomes noticeable on the projected screen with almost no lag time.

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The project created a system that consists on an ordinary laser pointer and a push

button device which will function as a computer mouse. The project’s approach was to

use a transmitter that will perform the basic mouse functions. The receiver is then

connected to the computer in order to identify what mouse function was performed as

desired by the user. (Abdul et al., 2010)

2.3.3 Digital Pen & Mouse

EPOS Enabled Digital Pen & Mouse is a multi-purpose PC peripheral that

provides a more personal touch to everyday computing. Intuitive and accurate, it doubles

as both a digital pen and a mouse.

Users can capture and display handwritten notes and drawings on a computer,

transform handwritten notes to text with handwriting recognition software, enjoy full

mouse functionality, and share hand drawn/written files via email and messaging

applications - all without the need for special paper or tablet.

One simple click of a button on the digital pen provides instant mouse

functionality. Easy to use and ergonomic, users can point and click on icons, 'drag and

drop' files and scroll up and down inside documents - as they would with the traditional

mouse.

As the Digital Pen & Mouse works on regular paper, it can be enjoyed by users of

any age for a wide range of scenarios including handwritten email and instant messaging,

e-learning software, design and animation, digital form filling, and more.

The Digital Pen & Mouse enables users to enjoy Windows Vista™ functionality

in its entirety by turning the computer into a Tablet PC. Capabilities include personal
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note taking, email signing, handwriting recognition, handwritten email composition, and

pen flick navigation. (Digital Pen & Mouse, 2010)

2.3.4 Boogie Board LCD Writing Tablet

The Boogie Board tablet’s LCD writing surface captures every stroke without

paper – or special writing instruments.

The Boogie Board tablet’s writing surface is pressure sensitive, displaying

different line thicknesses based on the amount of pressure you apply.

The Boogie Board tablet requires no software or other complex actions. Simply

apply pressure with your instrument to create an image and erase. Write or draw with just

about any non-marking, non-scratching instrument – even finger nails – to create

different visual effects, patterns. (Boogie Board, 2010)

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Chapter 3

Research Methodology

This chapter discusses the methodology of the design project on how the system

works and the system process. Research methodology includes the project overview

which shows the block diagram of the system. It also includes the type of research the

group have made and the instruments the group have used.

3. Research Methodology and Design Considerations

3.1 Overall System Diagram

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Figure-1

Overall system diagram

The figure above illustrates the overall system diagram. The main component for

operating the system is the Electronic Pen. It is basically a handheld device with almost

the size of a standard whiteboard marker, with a LASER LED on its tip and three push

button switches on the side. These buttons will enable the user to switch between the

functions of the electronic pen, be it either as a marker, eraser, or mouse pointer. The

electronic pen is wired to a pocket size wireless transmitter module which also houses the

microcontroller unit. At the user side, a PIC16F628A microcontroller unit interfaced with

a wireless RF transmitter module will enable the system to communicate with the

Personal Computer wirelessly. While at the Computer side, another PIC16F628A

microcontroller unit interfaced with a wireless RF receiver module will be connected to

the computer’s USB (Universal Serial Bus) port.

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At the instance the user selects the mode in which he/she desires the system to

function, the handheld e-pen transmit a signal which is to be receive by the computer.

The computer then process and executes the received commands.

Through the webcam, the system will be able to locate and track the position of

the electronic pen with respect to the projected screen, through the LASER dot emitted

by the pen onto the projected screen. An image acquisition algorithm that determines the

X and Y coordinate will make this possible.

3.2 Design Considerations and Procedures

3.2.1 Electronic Pen

The handheld pen serves as the user’s writing instrument and remote control for

the system. This will be constructed out of the size of the standard whiteboard markers

which is wired on a pocket size RF transmitter box.

Figure 2 illustrates the schematic diagram of the Wireless RF Transmitter. It is

composed of a PIC16F628A microcontroller interfaced with the RF transmitter, push

button switches, Antenna, 5volts DC regulator, and a 9volts battery. The basic connection

shows the following; the push button switches will be connected to pins 1, 2, and 3 of the

microcontroller which are designated as input pins. The USART transmit pin (pin 8) of

the microcontroller is connected to the data input pin of the RF transmitter module. The

antenna connected to the RF ANT pin of the RF transmitter module. And power supply at

their Vcc/Vdd pin.

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The remote control function will enable the user to select between the functions of

the system (marker, eraser, and pointer) through three push button switches.

Figure-2

Wireless RF Schematic Diagram

3.2.2 Computer Receiver Module

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Figure-3

Wireless RF Receiver Schematic Diagram

This part of the system will enable the computer to receive commands transmitted

by the Handheld Pen. This module is composed of a wireless RF receiver; PIC16F628A

Microcontroller, USART to USB converter, and a 5Volts DC power supply.

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Figure-3 illustrates the schematic diagram of the wireless RF receiver module. It

shows the connection between the components as follows: the Data Out pin of the

receiver module connected to USART receive pin of the microcontroller, USART

transmit pin of the microcontroller is connected to the Data-in pin USART to USB

converter which enables this module to be interfaced with the Computer’s USB port. The

circuit’s power supply is a 5volts DC adaptor.

3.2.3 Microcontroller Unit

Figure-4

PIC Microcontroller

The proponents intend to use a PIC16F628A Microcontroller because of its

Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART), also known as

Serial Communication Interface (SCI) feature which is necessary for this design to be

easily integrated with a Personal Computer and with the wireless RF module. The
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microcontroller unit will be responsible for the transmission of the commands sent by the

user and tells the PC to which the system should function or mode to operate.

Another factor considered is that PIC microcontrollers is that it’s easy to program

and widely available in the market. The PIC microcontroller will be programmed using

Assembly Language. Aside from being free to download from the internet, the

proponents had chose this language because there are plenty of online guides on how to

program a PIC microcontroller using Assembly Language.

3.2.4 Image Acquisition Algorithm

This is software to be developed using Microsoft Visual Basic which is to be

installed on the computer where this project is to be implemented. Visual Basic is an

Object-Based Programming language which allows programmers to create simple GUI

applications. The algorithm to be constructed is to be made compatible to Computer

operating in Windows because most lecturers have their laptop running under Windows.

This algorithm will enable the computer to locate and track the Red dot emitted

by the Electronic Pen onto the projected screen through the webcam. This algorithm will

enable the system to operate in three different modes.

First is Marker Mode. In this mode the user can make markings in the projected

screen just like a marker pen making marks on a whiteboard. Once activated, the LASER

LED on the e-pen turns on. The system then locates and tracks the Red dot emitted by the

LASER LED onto the whiteboard. While tracking, the system leaves a trace of

black/blue/red mark as the user interacts or makes mark with the projected image (The

color of the marking can be set by the user). This feature will be useful when marking up
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or annotating a program or presentation. The software also has a program that when

started a plain white image will be projected. This feature will be useful for writing

lectures using this project.

Second is Eraser mode. This mode will enable the user to erase previous marking

made. This is almost similar with the first mode but instead of a black mark trace, it will

be white and the area covered is wider. As if the user erases previous markings while

interacting with the projected image.

Last is Mouse pointer mode. This mode will enable the user to control the

computer using the e-pen instead of a Mouse but without the function of left and right

click. Instead of left and right click function, the system will automatically click and drag

a window or item upon pointing to it. Example is when a user desires to close a open

window, the user just have to point the e-pen on the “X” or “close” icon on the upper

right corner of that window. That window will instantly close.

Upon running the algorithm, a “save” button will pop on top of the windows. This

will be used to capture and save a screen shot of the projected image with all the

markings made.

3.2.5 Image Processing Analysis

For image processing, the proponents intend to use any kid of webcam for

identifying the position of the laser dot. First, the user needs to setup the webcam to its

right configuration of brightness, color and contrast. The Laser dot should be seen

obviously by the algorithm constructed.

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Upon running the program, the user will be asked to use a four point calibration.

The process of calibration involves the pointing of the e-pen on the four point displayed

on the corner of the projected image. This process maps the camera coordinates with

respect to the projector coordinates. With the algorithm constructed, the mouse cursor

follows the e-pen.

The tracking speed of the system depends on the computer performance (the

higher the performance the faster is the software) and the Webcam’s Frame per second

(FPS) rate. Normally the computer can process more images than the webcam can

deliver.

The quality or the precision of the cursor position depends on the angle and

distance between the camera and the whiteboard. The best position is when the camera

points directly to the whiteboard without any angle. This is mostly not possible, so it is ok

when the camera is just where the video projector is, mostly at the ceiling. The system

gets the optimal distance if the whole view of the camera is occupied by the whiteboard.

The proponents will be testing webcams with resolution of 640x480 pixels and 1

Megapixels and compare which webcam makes the mouse cursor position more precise

and smoother movement.

3.2.6 System Flowchart

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Figure-5

System Flowchart

As shown in figure-5, the system starts with the laser LED of the electronic pen as

the input where the image is acquired through the webcam. If the electronic pen is either

in marker, eraser, or mouse pointer mode, the image will be processed by the image

acquisition algorithm to locate the brightest red spot of the laser LED of the electronic

pen emitted onto the whiteboard.

The program will then execute and will recognize whether of what the user has

chosen in either one of the functions of the electronic pen. A save button is provided and

the user has the option to save the image.

3.3 Testing Procedures

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1.) In the experiment that the group is going to perform, it will test how the system

works properly.

2.) First, a laser pointer test for every time the cursor touches an icon it will

automatically click it. The said activity will be done 30 times. The experiment

will show whether the program was able to locate the laser pointer. Second, a

marker test for every time the electronic pen is in marker mode it can be use to

write words and draw figures. The said activity will be done 30 times to know if

the electronic pen can recognize the marker mode and will be able to write and

draw. Third, an eraser tests for every time the electronic pen is in eraser mode it

can be used to erase words and figures. The said activity will be done 30 times to

test whether the electronic pen can recognize the eraser mode and will be able to

erase the figures and sentences.

3.) The aimed reliability of 96% was based on the study “Design and Implementation

of wireless computer laser pointer” which has a reliability of 95%. The

proponents referred to the said study because of their relation with each other;

having a Computer, Webcam, Projector, and light source, as major hardware for

the system. The first project focuses on designing a circuit for wireless push

button that functions as a right and left mouse click. The similarity of the said

project to ours is that we both use wireless pointers. The only difference is that we

added more features to our Electronic Pen like the marker and eraser mode.

The parameters that will be used in determining the reliability are the following:
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Table 1.

Reliability of Electronic pen

Mode Number of Trials

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 15
0 1 2 3 4

Pointer mode

Marker mode

Eraser mode

Mode Number of Trials

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 30
6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Pointer mode

Marker mode

Eraser mode

Table 1 shows the reliability of the electronic pen. A check mark ( ) would
appear if the selected mode executes properly. Therefore it is a success. A cross mark (
) would appear if the selected mode does not execute properly. Therefore it is a failure.

3.4 Systems Reliability

Below is the equation on how to compute for the reliability of the system:

R=1– Number of Failures

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Number of Success/ Trial

To compute the percent reliability of the system, we consider the equation shown below:

%R = R × 100%

3.5 System Set-up

Figure-6

System Set-up

The figure above illustrates the ideal setup of the system. The Webcam and

projector are connected to the computer via USB and VGA port respectively, and the

Prototype’s receiver module is plugged into the computer’s USB port. The user interacts

with the whiteboard using the electronic pen and the transmitter module is kept in the

pocket of the user.

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The camera should see the whole screen. The user should take precautions not

blocking the view of the webcam. If the user is right handed, the camera should be place

on the left side of the user, and vice versa. A very good place for the camera is above the

user and the screen.

Since this project is meant to be implemented in FEU-EAC, it is an advantage

now that each room has their own projector mounted at the ceiling. The camera can just

be mounted together with the projector in this way the blocking of the camera’s view of

the whiteboard is minimized.

The figure below shows the dimensions of the E-pen, Transmitter Box, and

Receiver Box.

Figure-7

Prototype Dimensions

3.6 Instruments and Techniques used in the Research

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The proponents utilized the internet for gathering information throughout the

development of this study. Previous theses available in the library give additional details

and tips on how to have an effective output. Furthermore, it provides knowledge on what

PIC programming is all about. The proponents also consulted their adviser and other

knowledgeable people to confirm if the codes and the processes can be acquired in the

system to achieve the desired output.

References

A. Undergraduate Researches

Abdul et al., (2010). Design and implementation of wireless computer laser pointer.

FEU-East Asia College, Manila, Philippines

B. Electronic sources

Boogie Board. (n.d.). Boogie Board Paperless LCD Writing Tablet. Retrieved

September 21, 2010, from http://www.myboogieboard.com/index.html

Digital Pen & Mouse. (n.d.). Embedded Digital Pen & Mouse. Retrieved September 21,

2010,

from http://www.epos-ps.com/products.asp?pid=1275&ppid=1529
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Digital Projector. (n.d.). In TopBits Tech Community. Retrieved December 12, 2010,

from

http://www.tech-faq.com/digital-projectors.html

Interactive Whiteboard. (n.d.). In TopBits Tech Community. Retrieved December 12,

2010, from

http://www.tech-faq.com/interactive-whiteboard.html

Lee, J. (n.d.). Johnny Chung Lee Projects. Retrieved September 15, 2010, from

http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/

Light-emitting diode. (n.d.). In Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved December 12,

2010,

from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/340594/light-emitting-diode

What is a Microcontroller. (n.d.). In WiseGeek. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-microcontroller.htm

What is a Webcam. (n.d.). In WiseGeek. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-webcam.htm

Whiteboard. (n.d.). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/whiteboard

C. Datasheets Sources
 33

PIC16F627A/628A/648A Data Sheet. Retrieved from

ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/devicedoc/40044f.pdf

FSK Wireless/RF Transmitter and Receiver Modules. Retrieved from

http://www.alexan.com.ph/prods_rf.php#content

APPENDIX A

User’s Manual

1. Set-up the projector and webcam.

2. Power-up all the equipments and devices to be used. Install a new 9Volts Battery

to the electronics pen transmitter box.

3. Connect the receiver circuit to the computer.

 34

4. Point the webcam towards the projected screen and run the GUI. Make sure that

the webcam has an unblocked view of the projected screen.

5. Test if the electronic pen is working. The laser pointer should be synchronized

with the mouse pointer.

6. There are three modes under manipulation; (a) pointer mode, (b) marker mode),

(c) eraser mode. Each mode has a designated button located on the electronic pen.

To change the mode, the user simply has to click or press the corresponding

button of the mode that he/she wants to use.

• Pointer mode, the electronic pen will serve as a mouse. This mode will enable

the user to control the computer using the e-pen instead of a Mouse but

without the function of left and right click. Instead of left and right click

function, the system will automatically click-select, and drag a window or

item upon pointing to it.

• Marker mode, the electronic pen will serve literally as a marker. The user may

write anything on the projected screen. It may also be used to encircle or

underline important formulas or points on the lecture being presented. A

“save” button is located on the lower part of the GUI. The user may save the

lecture (including the writings done while the electronic pen is on the marker

mode) by clicking on the said button. The saved files will go directly into a

pre-created folder on the desktop.

• Eraser mode, the electronic pen will serve as an eraser. The user may erase

whatever he/she had written while the electronic pen is on the marker mode.
 35

7. After use, close the GUI and shutdown the computer. Remove all connections and

power supply. Uninstall transmitter box battery if the device is not to be used for a

long period of time to avoid damaging of the unit.

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APPENDIX B

Gantt chart of activities

(June 2010- November 2010)

 37

APPENDIX C

Specification Sheets

1. PIC16F628A Microcontroller
 38

2. Wireless RF Transmitter/Receiver
 39

APPENDIX D

Survey Form

Good Day! We are Electronics Engineering students from FEU- East Asia College.

We would like to ask your participation in this survey for our ongoing thesis Interactive Board.

Your participation in this survey will be a great help for the completion of our project.

Your survey responses will be strictly confidential and data from this research will be reported
only in the aggregate.

Name (optional):__________________

Course: _______________________

1.) Do you copy lectures during classes?

Yes ____

No ____

If Yes, Do you copy lectures while the instructor is discussing?

Yes ____

No ____

2.) Is it harder for you to focus on the discussion while copying lectures?

Yes ____

No ____

3.) Does it happen to you that while still copying the professor needs to erase earlier lecture for
him/her to have available space on the whiteboard for new lectures?

Yes ____

No ____

4.) If you were absent, do you copy the lecture of your classmate or you photocopy it?

Yes ____

No ____

5.) Prior to no.4, did you understand the lecture?

Yes ____

No ____

Thank you very much for your time and support!

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APPENDIX E

Survey Result
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