The SMART Board system utilizes its specialized pen tray, equipped with optical sensors, as a primary method for interacting with its pens and eraser. This system detects when a pen or eraser is picked up, allowing the board to understand the user's intended action.
The SMART Pen Tray Explained
The SMART Pen Tray is a crucial component of the system's interaction design. It typically features four color-coded slots for pens and one dedicated slot for the eraser. These slots serve not just as storage but as active communication points with the board.
Optical Sensors: The Key Mechanism
The intelligence of the pen tray lies in its use of optical sensors. Each slot has an optical sensor to identify when the pens and eraser have been picked up. These sensors detect the presence or absence of an object in the slot. When a user lifts a pen or the eraser from its designated slot, the corresponding sensor registers this change and sends a signal to the SMART Board system.
Impact on User Interaction
The system's ability to detect which tool has been lifted directly influences how the board interprets input. For instance, if a pen is lifted, the board prepares for pen input (digital ink).
A key rule governed by this sensor detection is: You can write with the pen or with your finger, as long as the pen slot is empty. This illustrates how the sensor information determines whether touch input (like a finger) is interpreted as writing or as other actions. If a pen is out of its slot, finger touches might behave differently, or the system might prioritize pen input.
Enabling Seamless Tool Switching
This optical sensor system allows for a more intuitive and seamless user experience. By simply picking up a pen, the user signals their intent to write or draw with that specific virtual "color" associated with the slot. Putting the pen back often automatically switches the system back to a default mode, potentially allowing finger touch to function as a mouse or other selection tool. This eliminates the need for manual tool selection via on-screen menus for basic writing and erasing actions.
This intelligent pen tray interaction is a core part of the SMART Board's design, using simple optical detection to manage tool states and streamline user interaction.
