A digital pen is an input device which captures the

handwriting Handwriting is the writing done with a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, in the hand. Handwriting includes both printing and cursive styles and is separate from formal calligraphy or typeface A typeface (or font family) is ...

or brush strokes of a user and converts handwritten analog information created using "pen and paper" into digital data, enabling the data to be utilized in various applications. This type of pen is usually used in conjunction with a

digital notebook Digital paper, also known as interactive paper, is patterned paper used in conjunction with a digital pen to create handwritten digital documents. The printed dot pattern uniquely identifies the position coordinates on the paper. The digital pen ...

, although the data can also be used for different applications or simply as a graphic. Smart pen is a more specific term; it has the same basic characteristics, but also has other features like voice recording or a text scanner. A smart pen is generally larger and has more features than an

active pen An active pen (also referred to as active stylus) is an input device that includes electronic components and allows users to write directly onto the display of a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or ultrabook. The active pen ...

. Digital pens typically contain internal electronics and have features such as touch sensitivity, input buttons, memory for storing handwriting data and transmission capabilities.

Characteristics

Neo smartpen capture what is written on paper

The input device captures the handwriting data, that, once digitized, can be uploaded to a computer and displayed on its monitor. Some pens are equipped with a digital recording device that allows users to use them as intelligent dictation machines. They can be used, for example for students to record the voice of the teacher while taking

Technology groups

Accelerometer

Accelerometer An accelerometer is a tool that measures proper acceleration. Proper acceleration is the acceleration (the rate of change of velocity) of a body in its own instantaneous rest frame; this is different from coordinate acceleration, which is acce ...

-based digital pens contain components that detect movement of the pen and contact with the writing surface. Wacom_ctl480_inside

Active

Active pen An active pen (also referred to as active stylus) is an input device that includes electronic components and allows users to write directly onto the display of a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or ultrabook. The active pen ...

s, such as N-trig's DuoSense Pen, include electronic components whose signals are picked up by a mobile device's built-in digitizer and transmitted to its controller, providing data on pen location, pressure, button presses and other functionality.

Positional

Position-based digital pens use a facility to detect the location of the tip during writing. Some models can be found on

graphics tablet A graphics tablet (also known as a digitizer, digital graphic tablet, pen tablet, drawing tablet, external drawing pad or digital art board) is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images, animations and graphics, with a spec ...

s made popular by Wacom, and on

tablet computers A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile device, typically with a mobile operating system and touchscreen display processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat package. Tablets, being comput ...

using Wacom's Penabled technology.

Camera

Camera-based pens use special digital paper to detect where the stylus contacts the writing surface, such as those using NeoLAB or/and Anoto technology.

Trackball pen

Trackball pens use a sensor that is located on the pen to detect the motion of the trackball.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Digital Pen Computer peripherals Computing input devices Writing implements Pens