Gadgets
Wireless Bluetooth Pen Puts Your Mid-Air Penmanship to the Test
Posted by Sean Fallon at 9:45 AM on June 11, 2008
Bluetooth enabled pens are nothing new, but they generally require something like special dotted paper to function properly. SMK Corp claims that their new "Wireless Input Pen" is the first device of its kind to transmit characters written in mid air. Combined with Bluetooth, the pen utilises a a built-in triaxial acceleration sensor to detect the position of the pen when characters are formed, then transmits that information to a PC.
To be honest, writing in mid air seems like more of a pain in the arse than anything, but they do envision it having some practical use in place of laser pointers during presentations. SMK is currently applying for a patent on this technology, so when we might see it available to the public is anyone's guess. [TechOn via Japanite via I4U]

Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
Adz
Posted June 11, 2008 12:42 PM
This concept makes me think of a pen tablet minus the tablet, which would be great for notebooks.
Have a way to quickly calibrate it on any surface and away you go. As is shown here you could maybe calibrate it in the air.
Maybe its already been done.
VirreVojj
Posted 10:12 AM 11/6/08
Or you could just do the wiimote mod instead. It's the exact same thing.
VirreVojj
shamoononon
Posted 10:03 AM 11/6/08
Like anybody can ever read what i write anyhow.
shamoononon
greggantic
Posted 9:51 AM 11/6/08
sooo.....what happens if you drop the pen?
greggantic
FredicvsMaximvs
Posted 10:44 AM 11/6/08
Apparently they never heard of Graffiti Research Lab:
+ Watch video
FredicvsMaximvs
Skeezoyd
Posted 1:23 PM 11/6/08
I don't think I've ever needed to write something in mid-air in my entire life.
Skeezoyd
Kermit The Frog
Posted 10:57 AM 11/6/08
@FredicvsMaximvs: That's pretty cool, I love how the cops were confused...silly hogs...
Kermit The Frog
ColdAsIce
Posted 2:47 AM 12/6/08
I see them being sued in the next 6 months... How can this not infringe on the Wiimote and other patents.
ColdAsIce