Motion detection sampling for writing and tracking instruments

Abstract

A system for tracking writing motions internally to the pen ( 2 ) and communicating such motions to a computer systems. In a preferred embodiment the present invention uses multiple tubes with electrically active material with viscosity surfaces in order to generate the necessary signals to determine the motion of the device in a targeted number of degrees. The data is then filtered (by filter 3100 ) and optionally processed (by processor 3300 ) and stored (storage connected to output line 3500 ). The data ( 3500 ) then can be downloaded to a computer to determine the motion of the pen ( 2 ).

1 . A system for digitally recording the motion of a writing or motion detection instrument including: a power source; at least two hollow tubes made of electrically conductive material coupled to said power source through first connection, said at least two hollow tubes including a viscous material in the interior and contacting said electrically conductive material in a first state, wherein when said at least one of said at least two hollow tubes moves in an axial or rotational direction, said viscous material contacts said electrical conductive material to create a state second, wherein the conductivity or resistivity of said tubes is different in said second state than said first state; a power sink coupled with said at least two electrically conductive hollow tubes through a second connection.  
   
   
       2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further including a transistor coupled in between said at least two hollow tubes and said second connection.  
   
   
       3 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said transistor does not provide an electrical signal to said power sink unless the power reaches a voltage indicative of at least a detection threshold.  
   
   
       4 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said transistor does not provide an electrical signal to said power sink unless the power reaches a power indicative of at least a detection threshold.  
   
   
       5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said power source is pulsed.  
   
   
       6 . The system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said pulsed power source is pulsed at less than 1 millisecond.  
   
   
       7 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein there are four of said hollow tubes.  
   
   
       8 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein there is a hollow tube for each axial directions, and at least two rotational directions.  
   
   
       9 . The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said at least two rotational directions include tilt from a vertical upright position (theta) and clock position (alpha).  
   
   
       10 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said sink is coupled with electronic storage.  
   
   
       11 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . A system for tracking the motion of a writing instrument including: a clock controlling a power source; a series of virtual resistors coupled with said power source, each virtual resistor including a detection tube with a electrically-active and shape-varying material, wherein the resistance of said of each virtual resistor is dependent upon the shape configuration of said electrically active and shape-varying material, said material have a shape that varies with the motion of said writing instrument; a power sink; and a signal processor.  
   
   
       15 . The system as recited in  claim 14  further including a filter for at least one of said resistors.  
   
   
       16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A system for digitally recording the motion of an instrument including: a power source; at least two partially hollow tubes made of electrically-conductive material coupled to said power source through first connection, said at least two partially hollow tubes including a viscous material in the interior contacting said electrically-conductive material in a first volumetric configuration, wherein when said at least one of said at least partially hollow tubes moves in an axial or rotational direction, said viscous material contacts said electrically-conductive material in a second volumetric configuration; at least one magnetically-active thin film, said thin film changing its magnetic properties based on an orientation of said instrument and operatively affecting at least one electrical signal coupled to said power source; wherein said first and second volumetric configurations result in distinguishable electrical properties; and a power sink coupled with said at least two electrically-conductive tubes and said at least one thin-film-modified electrical signal through a second connection.  
   
   
       18 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , further including a transistor coupled in between said at least two hollow tubes and said second connection.  
   
   
       19 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein said transistor does not provide an electrical signal to said power sink unless the power reaches a voltage indicative of at least a detection threshold.  
   
   
       20 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein said transistor does not provide an electrical signal to said power sink unless the power reaches a power indicative of at least a detection threshold.  
   
   
       21 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said power source is pulsed.  
   
   
       22 . (canceled)  
   
   
       23 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein there are four of said hollow tubes.  
   
   
       24 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein there is a hollow tube for each axial directions, and at least two rotational directions.  
   
   
       25 . The system as recited in  claim 24 , wherein said at least two rotational directions include tilt from a vertical upright position (theta) and clock position (alpha).  
   
   
       26 - 38 . (canceled)