A simple idea, powered by technology
Though the Chatpen™ looks and writes like a normal pen, it houses a sophisticated array of technology that includes an infrared camera, an image processor and a wireless Bluetooth™ transceiver. These components work together with the proprietary Anoto™ pattern, a series of nearly invisible dots printed on ordinary paper, to make pen and paper a medium for interacting with mobile phones, computers and the Internet.
What lies ahead
As Chatpen™ and paper enabling Anoto™ functionality become more widespread, almost limitless applications will begin to appear. It will be possible to synchronize a paper calendar with a digital calendar in a computer. Using a paper catalogue, consumers will be able to order products instantly and electronically without ever touching a computer. Using pre-printed forms, companies can collect data, take inventory and manage all manners of business communications – even the remote signing of contracts. Everything from the instant purchase of airline and theatre tickets to the delivery of flowers or pizza from a newspaper advertisement will be available with the simple stroke of a pen - Chatpen™.