Methods and apparatus for configuring a writing surface
An apparatus including a writing surface, such as a whiteboard, is configured to accept various elements of an electronic transcription system. In one embodiment of the invention, a writing surface, such as a whiteboard or other writing surface, includes an aperture adapted to accept a transducer of the transcription system.
1. A method for configuring a writing surface for use with an electronic transcription system comprising a transducer, the method comprising:
forming an aperture from a front surface to a back surface of the writing surface at a pre-determined location along the surface, the aperture adapted to receive the transducer,
such that the writing surface is partially prepared for the electronic transcription system during manufacture or before sale of the writing surface, or prepared for the electronic transcription system after manufacture or sale of the writing surface.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises providing a template comprising indicia that may be used to form the aperture.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the forming step comprises pre-punching a segment of the writing surface.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the forming step comprises perforating a segment of the writing surface.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing a cover adapted for removable attachment to the aperture.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing a plug adapted for removable attachment to the aperture.
7. An apparatus comprising:
a writing surface having an aperture formed between a front surface and a back surface of the writing surface at a pre-determined location at the surface; and
an electronic transcription system comprising a transducer adapted for fitting within the aperture,
such that the writing surface is partially prepared for the electronic transcription system during manufacture or before sale of the writing surface, or prepared for the electronic transcription system after manufacture or sale of the writing surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the electronic transcription system further comprises an electronic assembly coupled to the transducer.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the electronic assembly is coupled to the back surface and positions the transducer through the aperture.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the transducer comprises an ultrasound transducer.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the writing surface further comprises a cover adapted for removable attachment to the aperture.
12. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the writing surface further comprises a plug adapted for removable attachment to the aperture.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the aperture comprises a pre-punched segment of the writing surface.
14. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the aperture comprises a perforated segment of the writing surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising a signal focusing element coupled to the front surface.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the signal focusing element comprises a surface having a parabolic shape.
17. An apparatus comprising:
a writing surface having a removable first portion at a pre-determined location along the surface;
a second portion comprising an electronic transcription system, the second portion adapted to replace the removable first portion,
such that the writing surface is partially prepared for the electronic transcription system during manufacture or before sale of the writing surface, or prepared for the electronic transcription system after manufacture or sale of the writing surface.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the writing surface comprises a frame, and the first portion is a portion of the frame.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the writing surface further comprises an electronic connector, and the second portion is adapted to be coupled to the electronic connector.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the electronic transcription system comprises an ultrasound transducer.
21. The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising a projector adapted to project an image on the writing surface.