I disassembled and then reassembled a infrared marker case.
The device was very simple regarding its electric components. There was a battery source, a motherboard, and four antennas, all connected by a single flat circuit.
In the IR marker's mechanical schematic, I included its interaction with the IR whiteboard, computer, and external display. I hoped for the schematic to convey how this simple device was but one part of a relatiely complex information handling system.
I emphasized the advantages of the infrared marker in the functional schematic. I chose three scenes to highlight three of its positive features. First, the crowded lecture hall scene demonstrates how an imaged that was created using this technology could be displayed to best suit different audiences. The audience, importantly, is no barred by location or time in accessing the created material. The second scene shows a man in China cooperatively and simultaneous drawing a picture with a man in America. This is to emphasize how this technology facilitates international collaboration. Finally, the last scene is a comparison between drawing by hand and drawing with a IR marker. Because using an IR marker more closely resembles our natural drawing actions, graphics created in this manner usually turn out more precise.
Discoveries:
I was surprised by the simplicity of the device. It's probably 90% plastic casing.
The size and form of the antennas also surprised me. It wasn't until a friend pointed that four tiny block components around the rim of the marker-tip end did I notice they were there and were probably the most vital pieces of this device.
Questions:
Since there isn't an explicit on/off switch, I am wondering if the marker pressure sensor/button is really the only user-input component in the device.
I am curious as to how calibration works between the marker, board, computer, and external display.
I definitely wish I could better understand what the 'motherboard' actually did.
What is the range of the antennas and how do are they not inteferring?
Would the device be improved in anyway if there were more antennas?