InPlay, developer of human interface devices for computing and communication products, technologies has unwrapped a new WriteSense digital pen technology to overcome the technique barrier, enabling pen inputs for capacitive touch-screen devices. InPlay’s RF pen communicates directly with the capacitive touch sensors rather than requiring a digitizer.  Essentially, this will mean smaller and cheaper RF pens, which is probably a good thing since capacitive touchscreens will likely continue their assault on resistive touchscreens
On the other hand, this sort of technology would be useful in a tablet PC/UMPC/MID or any other capacitive device that is intended for use with handwriting programs or other applications requiring more accuracy.
WriteSense advantages:
• No additional ITO or glass layers required, resulting in high optical performance
• Low cost integration and thin stack-up by eliminating the digitizer behind the LCD or a
specially configured LCD
• Active RF pen enables high resolution pen capability, gesture support
• Digital architecture allows for feature expansion
• Low power, battery-free
• Simple supply chain, standard components
InPlay has demonstrated prototypes of WriteSense to various OEMs and strategic partners. WriteSense will be commercially available mid 2009.
