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Author Topic: Tip Switch IR Pen  (Read 9062 times)

Offline lderooy

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on: September 18, 2008, 12:39:58 PM
I have been working on a prototype IR pen with a tip switch (see the link)http://stru.calvin.edu/WiiProject/index.htm

Basically the tip switch turns the LED on when you press/touch the pen tip to the whiteboard/screen surface and turns the LED off when you lift the pen tip off the surface

It works great "writing" on a laptop screen but I am working on improving the LED brightness for working on a projected image on a whiteboard.

Is this something of interest to you?


Regards,
Len


« Last Edit: September 18, 2008, 08:08:22 PM by lderooy »


Offline UndCon

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Reply #1 on: September 19, 2008, 05:15:18 AM
I wouldn't use a tip-pen to drag on my laptop...It far to fragile and easy to scratch....But I can use it on a tablet or in my case a place-mat


Offline JoriQ

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Reply #2 on: September 19, 2008, 06:23:35 PM
I would think a lot of people would be interested in this idea if it worked in a convenient way.  It's not so bad pushing the button yourself, so if there's any loss of functionality, I would think most people would stick with the one that gives the best signal to the wiimote.

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JQ

Offline lderooy

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Reply #3 on: September 19, 2008, 06:52:41 PM
I have a good pen with a switch that works well.  However, I can't get used to using the switch.  I am hoping to use this for teaching lectures that involve lots of sketching and lots of writing (printing) on the  board.  If you try to print a few words while trying to coordinate a switch, then it becomes too cumbersome.   When I have tried this tip-switch then the fact that I am using a IR pen is almost transparent - it just works like a regular whiteboard marker but with digital ink.


Offline benpaddlejones

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Reply #4 on: September 19, 2008, 07:38:07 PM
lderooy
Looks awesome, as you say will make writing considerably easier (it has taken me a while to co-ordinate the switch with write).

I am also very impressed with the profession look of you pen, if if could come in colours you will find primary teachers will love it.

I suggest you use the Vishay Tsal6400 IR-Led as it definitely works in the whiteboard setting.

If you went into production with a Visahy Tsal6400 as IR-Led I would say this would be an hot item!

Benpaddlejones :)


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Offline Marttyn

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Reply #5 on: September 20, 2008, 09:14:27 AM
Hi!
I made a pressure tip pen, the idea is basicaly the same.
http://www.wiimoteproject.com/ir-pens/diy-how-to-make-tip-pressure-ir-pen/

But i realy like the way you made yours, tranparent! also the schematic drawing is grate  :D

If its possible its already done, so lets make the impossible!

People see existing things and wonder why...
I preffer to imagine non existing things and wonder why not.

Offline jmatson

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Reply #6 on: September 20, 2008, 07:12:41 PM
Quote from: lderooy on September 18, 2008, 12:39:58 PM
I have been working on a prototype IR pen with a tip switch (see the link)http://stru.calvin.edu/WiiProject/index.htm

Basically the tip switch turns the LED on when you press/touch the pen tip to the whiteboard/screen surface and turns the LED off when you lift the pen tip off the surface

It works great "writing" on a laptop screen but I am working on improving the LED brightness for working on a projected image on a whiteboard.

Is this something of interest to you?


Regards,
Len




I love the look of your pen!  I agree, as long as it is functionable with a projected image, this would be a very hot item!  For teachers, this would make the whiteboard much more user friendly for the students who don't get as much "practice" with the original pens! I would definately buy one!


Offline lderooy

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Reply #7 on: September 24, 2008, 03:38:41 PM
I tested my tip switch pen (see first post this topic) with a projector on a whiteboard and it works great!

I am going to try the smoothboard application with two wiimotes to see if that provides a better coverage.

The current version is just like the pictures on the link  http://stru.calvin.edu/WiiProject/index.htm
except that I am using two N batteries to provide 3 volts.  The N battery looks just like a AA battery but is shorter.   I could use two AA batteries in the final version but it would make the pen a little longer changing the "feel" of the pen a little.



Offline benpaddlejones

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Reply #8 on: September 24, 2008, 05:29:12 PM
Iderooy
If using the Vishay TSAL6400 you only need 1x AAA or AA battery. Then you don't need a resistor.

I think a AAA or AA are a better option as readily available and rechargeable.

Benpaddlejones :)


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Offline JoriQ

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Reply #9 on: September 24, 2008, 07:25:51 PM
Agreed.  Easily accessible batteries is certainly the way to go.

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JQ

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