ClearBoard

FAQ

General

1. What is the "right" camera resolution?
   We suggest usage of 1Mpixel camera-phones or higher. If you have such a phone you shall get optimum results by using the highest resolution when saving your pictures and not the default one (normally 640X480 or 0.3 Mpixels). Using lower resolution cameras is also possible; you must adjust the captured area accordingly: with a 0.3 Mpixel camera you may capture half an A4 paper at close distance or 0.5m2 of white-board/flipchart surface. With the price of a 4 Mpixel digital camera falling under $100, it is a good idea to use one of those.
2. What kind of pictures can ClearBoard process?
   ClearBoard algorithms are made for typed or handwritten text or drawings, but not for natural pictures (i.e. landscape). They look to detect written content and to separate it from background, noise or distortions caused by the photographic process. Look at the "gallery  " section for examples.
3. Why sometimes the output is not sharp enough?
   Test usage showed us that although camera resolution does affect quality, in many cases the cause of a not satisfactory result is blur, lack of focus. You can improve the quality of picture if you keep your hand more steady when taking the picture, i.e. by keeping your elbow firm (on a table for example).

Tips

1. What tips can you offer so one can get better results out of ClearBoard?
   
   1. Taking photo: Try to cover as much as the area you are interested as possible. This gives more pixels to fine lines.
   2. Taking photo: When using your a mobile phone to take photo, try to hold your elbow firm on a table or something stable. This gives much sharper picture.
   3. Taking photo: When taking a photo of a whiteboard, try to aim your camera slightly away from straight facing. This can avoid reflectionsfrom your flash.