What is a soft interactive whiteboard?
Monday, October 12th, 2009 | IWBs
The term “soft” as applied to interactive whiteboards is somewhat of a misnomer – soft boards are not soft at all. But in comparison with other interactive whiteboards they are softer to the touch – when you run your finger across a soft board it feels as if the surface gives way ever so slightly.
Soft boards are based on technology that is called analogue resistive membrane technology. This name emanates from the fact that the outer layer of the board – the surface you write on – is separated from the underlying board by a thin layer of air. The inner layer contains a fine grid of contact points that are activated when pressure is applied to them. When you write on the board – either with your finger or a pen – the outer layer touches the inner board and the grid picks up the location of the contact and sends a signal to the interactive whiteboard operating software. That is how the board understands what you’re writing on it.
The big advantage of soft boards is that you can use your finger to do the writing. A lost pen is not a barrier to using the board. But the board only recognizes one touch point at a time – if you are in the habit of resting your palm on the board, you have two contact points and this will confuse the board.
Don’t be misled by the name – the board is not so soft that it will break if you press hard on it. In fact, you need to press firmly to exert the necessary pressure for a contact.
In spite of its name, the soft board is durable and robust.
Click here for more information about interactive whiteboards.
2 Comments to What is a soft interactive whiteboard?
Thanks for the information
AlbieMonday, 12 October, 2009
The BIGGEST advantage of the “soft” board is that the board is real soft on the “pen” – your finger. The greatest advantage is no real friction, the life expectancy thus longer for the softboard (and your finger) and no real “erosion” of both piece of equipment. I personally prefer this board !
Albie old longer lasting finger !
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Monday, 12 October, 2009