A CLASSROOM AID FOR STUDENTS: The Smartpen is a pen and a computer that allows users to record what they write, record audio and access that information in a unique way. Covering paper with a pattern of dots makes each location unique and recognizable by a tiny camera mounted in the pen. If reviewing notes taken during a lecture, students tap on a diagram from the lesson to command the pen to play back what had been said while the diagram was drawn. Because of the special paper, the camera is able to read where it is on the page and find the corresponding spot in the audio, making it easy to play it back.
ELECTRONIC WHITEBOARD: Using optics and ultrasound, a new electronic whiteboard digitally captures every written word that is written on it. First, a user mounts a receiver to the corner of any whiteboard. When a dry-erase marker fitted into a special sleeve touches the board, the sleeve sends out infrared and ultrasound waves. These waves trigger the receiver to track the writing. A computer then re-creates every stroke, which can be sent to multiple terminals.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.-USA contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.