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Q.
What is Webster?
Webster TS is an electronically controlled digital PC
whiteboard with productivity software designed for use in the context
of a personal office, conference, or training room. The 2'x3' whiteboards
weigh less than 18 pounds, the 3' x 4' whiteboards weigh 30 pounds,
and the 4' x 6' board weighs 50 pounds . They are designed to mount
on an office wall, cubicle divider, or on an optional easel. The software
portion is a 32-bit application for use on any 200Mhz (or better) PC
running Windows (Windows 95,98, NT, ME, XP). Webster uses standard dry
erase markers and is powered from a small plug-in "brick"
7.5v power supply. A custom eraser is supplied.
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Q.
How does Webster work?
Webster uses resistive sensor technology
to "feel" the location of your pen or an eraser.
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Q.
Where can I purchase Webster?
Webster can be purchased through a variety
of dealers, retail outlets, and catalog sources. Please visit our "Where
to Buy" page on this site for the latest information.
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Q. Who
is Webster ideally designed for?
Webster is applicable to anyone who uses
a whiteboard and PC, and therefore has a broad-based functionality and
user target. From engineers, architects, and MIS personnel to executives,
lawyers, and physicians, anyone who works with a whiteboard, collaboratively
or alone, will benefit from Webster's ability to capture, display and
transmit hand-drawn information in real time.
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Q.
How does Webster save money?
It's often said that time is money, and
Webster saves both by making you and your staff more efficient and productive.
No longer will staff need to copy whiteboard text or diagrams during
an important meeting, since information displayed on Webster can be
printed out immediately and distributed to meeting attendees. No longer
do you have to recreate the results of brainstorming sessions for employees
unable to attend or located in other offices, since data created on
Webster can be stored and sent promptly as either hard-copy or electronic
output.
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Q.
How does Webster communicate with the PC?
Webster uses a standard RS-232 serial cable
to communicate with the PC. The whiteboard controller generates up to
192 touch points per second, which are transmitted at 9600 baud to the
PC. On the PC side, a driver runs under Windows/NT and checks the designated
serial port 200 times per second for incoming data. If data is available,
the Webster Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL) validates the data, saves it
to a file, and updates the application screen. In Windows 3.1x and 95,
Webster does not use an Interrupt Request (IRQ) or require that one
be available for the designated serial port. However, Webster cannot
access the port if another driver has opened the port and/or taken an
IRQ resource for that port. With Windows NT, an available IRQ resource
is required.
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Q. What
file format does Webster use and can I export the data to other applications?
Webster uses a proprietary, compact vector-based
format. Each snapshot image can be exported directly to a disk file
either through the "export" command or by dragging the snapshot
to the desktop. Webster can export snapshot images in the above formats.
Webster can place snapshots onto the Windows clipboard for use by other
applications that can accept these formats. A third approach to working
with images involves dragging them, one at a time, directly to an OLE-aware
application window such as Word or PowerPoint. Webster also supports
moving multiple images between Webster files, either directly from within
the application, or through the clipboard. Webster does not support
moving multiple images into another application in a single operation.
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Q.
How does Webster know where I am?
Webster uses Resistive sensor technology.
Resistive sensor technology is a very common and inexpensive means of
creating a touchscreen for small format devices, such as Personal Digital
Assistants (PDAs) and CRT monitors. Recently, PolyVision Corporation
has developed a number of processes that allow this technology to be
used on very large formats, such as Webster. The front surface of the
whiteboard is actually a thin polyester membrane, called the "top
sheet", suspended over a solid back surface and held under some
tension. Another thin polyester sheet, the "bottom sheet",
is bonded directly to the backer under the top sheet. Each sheet is
coated with a conductive film. The space between the top sheet and the
bottom sheet is called the "gap" and averages about 0.030
inches. The inside facing surfaces of the two sheets are coated with
a conductive material that allows a small electrical current to flow
through them. Electrical contacts are made to the upper and lower edges
of the bottom (Y) sheet and to the left and right edges of the top (X)
sheet. The writing location on the surface is determined by applying
sufficient force to cause the two conductive surfaces to come into contact
with each other. The sheets then act as resistive voltage dividers.
By applying electrical signals alternately to the top and bottom sheets
the touch location can be measured in each axis.
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Q. What
is Webster's resolution?
Webster
is a vector-based system. That means that instead of capturing images
in an array of pixels like a bitmap, it remembers where you draw and
stores that information as a set of individual lines called "strokes".
Because of that, the instant you write on the board, it is captured
on the PC, in the order you actually write.
The
advantages of vector-based graphics is that they are resolution independent.
A vector-based image printed on a 300 DPI printer will print at 300
DPI. The same image printed on a 600 DPI printer will print at
600 DPI.
The
raw data rate between the whiteboard and the PC is 192 points per second.
While you are making contact with the board, the controller is checking
your location and reporting it to the computer almost 200 times every
second. Why so many points? Consider that if you draw your hand across
the 2'x3' board in 2 seconds, that is a velocity of 18 inches/second.
We would report a new location every 0.094" or about 90 thousands
of an inch.
Our
electrical resolution is also governed by the physical distance you
have to move along the surface at any speed before the controller can
detect a change in voltage. For the 2'x3' board, this number is about
0.005", or 5 thousandths of an inch. In other words, we can detect
over 8000 different positions in each axis.
Since,
under
most conditions, Webster captures far more data than can be displayed
or printed,
we then compress the data somewhat and throw out the near identical
points to reduce the file size.
The
issue of resolution usually comes up because the user is experiencing
"jagged" edges. When users export to a bitmap (.BMP) file,
they are outputting to one of the lowest resolution graphics formats.
A typical bitmap file has only 200 by 200 pixels, far less than the
several thousand we save. Unless the bitmap file is created with literally
thousands of points in each axis, the visible resolution will be dramatically
reduced.
A
Windows metafile (.WMF) on the other hand, is a higher resolution graphics
format because it also stores information as strokes, not pixels. Stroke
data will appear far less "jaggedy" when stored and translated
from this format because it actually re-draws the lines when the file
is opened. Since the vast majority of the whiteboard screen is usually
empty, a meta-file is also a much more efficient representation of the
data as well.
Unfortunately, a display
monitor also produces a bitmapped image so even a meta-file will produce
jaggedy lines on a low resolution display. The same principal holds
true for printers. Again, since vector-based graphics are resolution
independent, the higher the resolution of the monitor or printer, the
"smoother" the Webster image will appear.
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Q.
Why is the icon above or below the one I pressed,
selected?
Occasionally the controller inside the
whiteboard will lose it's calibration settings due to a power surge
or by other means. Additionally, certain actions performed in the included
testapps will change the setting of the controller. If this is the case
the board will need to be recalibrated. This can be self-performed by
downloading the templates and
instructions or by calling technical support for assistance.
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Q. I
only have one serial port on my desktop PC. Currently my mouse is connected
to that port. Can I use a Y-mouse connector to install both the mouse and
the Webster whiteboard to COM1?
No. A Y-mouse connector allows you to connect
2 devices that use a similar driver. For example, you could connect
a mouse and a tablet because they both use a pointing device driver.
You could connect 2 monitors to one port using a Y-mouse connector or
you could connect 2 keyboards to one port using a Y-mouse connector.
Because the mouse and the whiteboard use dramatically different drivers,
you would not be able to share COM1 using a Y-mouse connector. If you
want to leave your serial mouse on COM1 and you do not have another
serial port available, you must purchase and install another I/O (Input/Output)
controller to get another serial port.
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Q. I
will be installing this in another country. What power supply output voltage
does Webster require?
Webster requires an output voltage from
its power supply of between 7.5 and 12 volts DC. The power supply must
be able to source at least 300 milli-amperes. We are currently working
on the internationalization of the power components and should have
UK wall bricks available shortly. The DC power input to Webster is a
round barrel connector with tip negative and ring positive. CAUTION:
If you substitute a power brick with the wrong polarity, you may cause
permanent damage to the Webster PC controller board into which the serial
and power cables connect.
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Q. Do
I need special pens, eraser, or cleaner for the Webster whiteboard?
No, the Webster whiteboard does not require
special pens, eraser, or cleaner. Any type of whiteboard dry-erase marker
or eraser will work on Webster. While most whiteboard cleaners will
clean the board without affecting the surface, we recommend cleaning
the board with a damp soft cloth. Certain cleaners can cause poor erasability.
PolyVision Corporation does provide a special round eraser with Webster
that works well with our software.
PLEASE NOTE: The surface of Webster is designed for contact only with
whiteboard markers and soft erasers. Do not use ball point pens, hard
pointers or other devices that may cause a crease or scratch in the
surface of the whiteboard. This may render the board inoperative and
is not covered by the warranty.
Click on the following link to view the
Webster Warranty Agreement.
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Q.
Is there a way to remove permanent marker from
the whiteboard?
Yes. Take one of the Expo dry erase marker
and draw over the permanent ink. Let it sit for a few seconds and wipe
off with a cloth or towel. There is a solution in the Expo markers that
will lift off the permanent ink.
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Q. Will
Webster work with Microsoft NetMeeting?
Yes. Webster provides automatic integration
with Microsoft NetMeeting which provides you with complete control of
the NetMeeting whiteboard using the Webster whiteboard tools.
The Webster whiteboard should work with
most conferencing software that can "share" applications.
In this manner you can transmit whiteboard images over Internet, LAN,
or modem-to-modem connections in real-time. At this time, the whiteboard
has been tested with NetMeeting™ 2.1 and 3.0.
To use Webster with the conferencing software,
you would "call" the participating parties through the conferencing
software's connection facility. In NetMeeting™, you can "call"
users modem-to-modem, via an IP address, or via their "computer
name" in a LAN environment. Once the users are connected, you would
start the Webster application (if it is not already running).
Start the NetMeeting whiteboard utitlity
and use the Webster board as you would normally. The icon strip and
strokes will map into the NetMeeting whiteboard and send that data to
all participants with the NetMeeting whiteboard utility open. The data
will record in both NetMeeting and in Webster on the local machine.
Remote machines will only receive data in NetMeeting and do not need
the Webster application to participate.
A second method would be to identify Webster
to the conferencing software as a "Shareable" application.
Please note that with NetMeeting™ version 2.0+, users running NT
cannot support sharing applications unless they have installed Service
Pack 3. Depending on the conferencing software you are using, you may
need to turn on the "Collaboration" option, allowing others
to take control of your Webster session.
At this point, the NetMeeting parties can
view what is being drawn on the whiteboard. If the remote user is not
running the Webster application or the Freeware
Viewer, make certain to export the images to a .BMP, .WMF, .JPG,
or HTML format.
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Q.
What size are the .WBD files when doing a real-time
transfer over the Internet?
Not to be vague, but the size of the .WBD
file depends on the size of the drawing you are doing. With version
1.0 and 1.1 (NT Beta), the initial size of a blank .WBD file is approximately
70KB. Typical file sizes for 10 snapshots range less than 150K. Files
can grow to several MB if you use the board for many days and put all
of that activity into the same .WBD file. In addition, with the 1.5
Professional Series software, you can embed .WMF overlays into your
file. Your file size can grow quite large depending on the complexity
of the .WMF overlays.
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Q. Will
Webster work with a configuration that has a digitizing tablet such as a
WACOM product instead of a mouse on one of the serial ports?
Yes, the Webster board will work with a
tablet that is connected to a serial communications port. The only problem
comes in when you decide to move the tablet onto a different serial
port so that you can install Webster on the COM port the tablet is currently
on. You must uninstall the tablet both logically and physically from
the first COM port, then reinstall it (logically and physically) on
the second COM port. If you do not run the uninstall program provided
with your tablet, the pen driver will not release the COM port and the
Webster software cannot communicate with the whiteboard during the installation.
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Q. Will
Webster work on a Macintosh PC?
Yes, we now have Macintosh software available.
Download it here.
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Q.
Will Webster work with my Laptop? I read a review
that indicated there were some Laptops that might have difficulties communicating
with the Webster board.
There are some Laptops that have a serial
port that is only available for modem use. Check with your manufacturer
to determine if your Laptop's serial port is a standard serial connection
or a communications-only (modem only) serial port.
If you have not registered
your whiteboard, please do so now.
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Q.
Does the Webster software modify the CONFIG.SYS
and AUTOEXEC.BAT files?
Neither file is modified during installation
of the Webster application.
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Q. What
operating systems does the Webster software support?
The Webster software works with Window
95,98, 00, ME, XP, and NT4.0 with service pack 3+.
The Webster software includes support for
Macintosh OS 8.9 to OS 9.1.
You can upgrade
Webster software for free!
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Q.
What type of serial cable does Webster use, and what
is the maximum length of cable that can be used with the whiteboard?
Webster uses the Electronic Industries
Association (EIA) RS-232 standard for serial communications with the
PC. A 9-pin female connector is provided under the whiteboard tray and
a 9-25 pin adapter is included in the accessory kit. Only three wires
are needed: transmit, receive, and ground wires (pins 2, 3, & 7).
There is no support for handshaking. The maximum length of cable that
is supported is 25 feet.
If a longer distance is required we recommend
using line drivers.
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Q. Will
Webster work on UNIX?
At this time, there are no plans to make
this product available on the UNIX platform. Those wishing to get API
information for developing a UNIX filter or driver, please contact us
via email at support@polyvision.com.
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Q.
How can I get technical support?
Technical assistance is available by phone (800) 620-POLY
Monday - Friday 8am-8pm EST, via e-mail support@polyvision.com,
and via our Web page www.polyvision.com/support/support.asp.
Please remember to register your Webster product for prompt warranty
service, technical support, and software upgrades.
Click here
to register on-line
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Q.
Does Webster come in multiple sizes?
At present there are four size configurations
of the Webster PC Whiteboard available. They are the Webster TS200,
the Webster TS150, the Webster TS400, the Webster TS600, and the
Webster TS800. The TS200 and TS150 have approximately the same active
area (36"
by 24"). The Webster TS200 are in a landscape format, while
the Webster TS150 is in a portrait format. The larger format
Websters include the Webster model TS400 which provide an active
area of 3' x 4', the Webster model 600 which provides an active area
of 4' x 6', and the TS800 4' x 8'. Visit our Interactive
Whiteboards page for the latest updates on our products.
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Q.
Can Webster snapshots be displayed back on the
whiteboard?
Yes with a LCD projector. If you have a
professional series board and an LCD projector, your captured images
can be projected onto the whitebaord.
It is not possible without a projector.
Other than rear projection, no technology is known for displaying computer-stored
data on a surface such as a whiteboard.
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Q.
I plugged in the wrong power supply and now my board will not work. Can
this be repaired? Yes. The
power supply that comes with the Webster whiteboard is not standard, and
using the wrong power supply can burn out the printed circuit board inside
the whiteboard. In some cases you may hear a pop and see smoke when plugged
in. If you get no beeps or lights when plugged in, the circuit board more
than likely needs to be replaced.
Contact technical support for repair information.
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Q. Does
Webster work with USB?
Yes, Webster will work with USB to RS232
adapters and hubs. As long as the software and drivers included with
the adapter/converter treat the port as COM1-4, Webster software will
communicate with the whiteboard. The USB converter drivers will automatically
intercept the data passing through the USB port and assign it to a generated
COM port. There may be no actual COM port on the PC, but the drivers
will trick the PC into treating the USB data as a Com port.
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Q.
Why do I get two lines when annotating in projection
mode?
When annotating in projection mode the
markers should not be used. Use the plastic stylus or your finger to
annotate. The projected stroke will display in place of the dry erase
marker.
If the marker is used complication will
arise when trying to erase the strokes. If you try to erase after you
have left projection annotation mode, you will be moving the mouse around
while you erase. This could result in unwanted results to your work.
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Q. How
do I upgrade my Ibid v1.5 software and board to the new Webster version?
PolyVision now offers a free software upgrade
for all Ibid and Webster TS whiteboards. This software contains full
projection functionality and will work with all Ibid and Webster TS
models. A Macintosh version is also now available. Download the Free
Upgrade!
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Q. When
I project onto the whiteboard there is a bright glare. Is there anyway to
reduce the hotspot?
At this time there is not much that can
be done about this problem. The intensity of the hotspot will vary depending
on the brightness of the projector, the gloss level of the topsheet,
the background color of the projected image, and the lighting of the
room. Older boards may find this problem to be worse due the higher
gloss topsheet that was used. We currently use a stronger and lower
gloss topsheet that reduces this slightly. There is a new topsheet in
the making that will highly reduce this unwanted glare, but no date
has been set when this will reach production.
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Q. Why
can't I calibrate my 4x8 (TS 800) board for projection on the right or lower
half of the board?
The software currently needs to have the first (upper left) calibration
point on the top left half of the board. The software breaks the board
up into 4 quadrants and the first point must be in the upper left quadrant.
This means you cannot project to the right side of the board unless
it is slightly in the left hand side.
This problem is currently being fixed for the next software revision.
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Q. How
many Webster TS whiteboards can be connected (tiled) to one PC?
A. Provided you have enough available COM
ports on your PC, you can link up to four whiteboards to expand the
writing surface. All whiteboards must be the same size and only
in the Professional Series. You also may use multiple Webster
TS whiteboards while in projection mode. You may use one
whiteboard as a touchscreen for projection and others for annotations/whiteboarding.
See the Webster TS manual for set-up details.
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Q. My PC
makes a ‘clicking’ sound when I write on my Webster TS.
How do I turn this sound off?
A. The Webster TS software defaults to providing
audible feedback when using the whiteboard. Standard sounds
include:
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Fanfare: on startup and shutdown of the software
application
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Beep: Selecting/changing a tool (pen or eraser)
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Hum: Using the eraser function
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Clicks: Touching or writing on the white board
You may change the sounds associated with each function
or turn off the sounds completely. To change sound settings, click
on the “EDIT” menu and select “OPTIONS.”
Under this menu, select the Sounds Tab and make changes in this menu.
Refer to the Webster TS manual for additional descriptions.
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Q.
How should I clean and maintain my Webster TS
whiteboard?
- Use standard Sanford Expo dry erase markers for optimal results.
- Changing erasers as they become dirty will leave less ink residue
on your whiteboard. Replacement erasers are part# 310001.
- For daily cleaning, or as needed, use Sanford Expo Towelettes,
part# 81850, whiteboard cleaner. Wipe the surface of the Webster TS
with the pre-moistened towelettes to remove all ink residue. Completely
dry the surface with a soft cloth prior to writing in the Webster
TS. Low odor dry erase markers may require more frequent cleaning.
- For stubborn stains, you may uses paint/stain remover such as Goof
Off. Apply to a soft cloth and blot/rub gently over the stained area.
After the stain has been removed, completely rinse the area with clean
water and dry with a soft cloth.
Cautions:
- Do not use ballpoint pens or other pointed instruments on the Webster
TS surface.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners on the Webster TS surface.
- Writing over the markings with a standard dry erase marker and
erasing may remove permanent marker markings.
Download
the Cleaning and Maintenance pdf file here.
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