Data-Embedding Pen

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors present a new writing device called data-embedding pen, where a single inkjet nozzle is attached to its pen tip. When writing a stroke, the nozzle produces an additional ink-dot sequence along the stroke. The ink-dot sequence can represent various meta-information, such as the writer’s ID, the writing date, and a certain URL. Since the embedded meta-information is placed on the paper, it can be extracted by scanning or photographing the paper. Accordingly, by the data-embedding pen, a physical paper conveys any digital information. In other words, handwriting by the data-embedding pen can be a new medium connecting the physical and cyber worlds.