Abstract: A pen input device and a computer system are disclosed that are suitable for use with forms in a paperless environment and optionally a paper environment. The pen input device may be configured as an inertial type device so that it can be used on virtual writing surfaces and may optionally be configured to have a selectable ink mode in which the pen input device can be used as a conventional ball point pen. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the computer system is provided with an electronic forms library. These forms are selectable by the pen input device. The pen input device is configured to select and fill out a virtual form on a virtual writing surface with the pen input device and transmit the data to the computer system for recordation.

Abstract: A multi-function pen input device is disclosed which includes a conventional pen input device for use on a paper medium, such as a ball point pen and/or a pencil lead feeder, and an active stylus for use with a paperless medium, carried in a single housing which includes a cap portion and a barrel portion. Unlike known pen input devices, the multi-function pen input device in accordance with the present invention can be used with electronic devices that include a digitizing tablet. In one embodiment of the invention, the multi-function pen input device further includes an electronic circuit that enables it to be used as pen input device for virtual writing surfaces and transmit signals to a remote PC. In all embodiments, a cam arrangement is provided that selectively and alternatively allows the ball point pen and/or pencil lead feeder as well active stylus to be placed in a use position, for example, by way of a relatively simple twist of the cap portion with respect to the barrel portion.