Abstract: An electronic module that inserts into or is otherwise associated with a pen or other writing instrument. The electronic module includes a mechanism, such as an accelerometer, for detecting pen motion. The electronic module is preferably mounted in a substitute ink cartridge for a pen. Ballistic information generated by the accelerometer is transmitted via the radio transmitter to a computer (e.g., a personal computer), where processing and/or storage of the accelerometer information may occur. The accelerometer information may be used, for example, for handwriting recognition or digital ink generation. The electronic module is preferably provided in a casing that is shaped like an ink cartridge. Contemporary pens usually include two cartridges within the pen, a first that supplies ink to the nib, and a second that presses the first against the nib. The components may be mounted in a cartridge that is placed in the position of the second cartridge.

Abstract: A method and system that converts ballistic movement of a pen (e.g., movement of a pen point across a surface) into thickness information for digital ink data. The pen includes at least one accelerometer that is used to generate the ballistic information. A thickness conversion component may be located on a computer that is remote from the pen, and the ballistic information is transmitted to the computer via a hardwired or wireless connection. The accelerometer generates the ballistic information in the form of pulses, the width of which is directly related to the acceleration of the pen movements. The thickness conversion component converts the acceleration information, with or without additional information such as coordinate information, into thickness information for digital ink. This thickness information may be used to generate variably thick lines, which may be useful for a variety of applications, for example, better display and improved recognition.