Abstract: An information recording system includes a writing paper having a writing surface and a prerecorded invisible pattern of pixels associated with the writing surface. Each of the pixels contains encoded, optically readable position information which identifies a coordinate position on the writing surface. The system includes a pen, having an instrument for writing on the writing surface, and an imaging system for providing image signals representative of images of the pixels near the pen tip when the tip is in contact with the surface. The system further includes a recording/processing unit coupled to the pen. The recording/processing unit includes a processor responsive to the image signals for determining and electronically recording the positions of the pen tip on the writing surface as the markings are made on the writing surface, so that the recording/processing unit contains an electronic representation of the markings on the writing surface.