SoftBoard Project

The SoftBoard is an electronic whiteboard: pen strokes are captured by a laser sensor and can be read through a serial port.

We want to use the SoftBoard for distance learning applications, e.g., within the new Student Research Lab (SRL).

Project goals

• Based on the developer's kit and interfacing information available locally, write serial port code that reads and writes coordinates from the device. (DONE)
• Write a Java application that integrates the SoftBoard with a multicast shared drawing application, so that drawings made on the board appear on all remote systems. Drawing data is distributed using RTP.
• Enhance the software so that the shared drawing can be projected onto the whiteboard (without the locally generated strokes).

Requirements

• Knowledge of C required, Tcl and Java strongly recommended.
• Unix system knowledge (e.g., CS W4118).
• Familiarity with network protocols and issues (AIS, CS W4119).

Credit