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Combined writing instrument and digital documentor

  • US 6,573,887 B1
  • Filed: 09/05/2000
  • Issued: 06/03/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A handheld communication device that is used to create a written document and to create a digital copy of said document comprising:

  • a writing means;

    a position-sensing means that functions without the need for a special writing surface to create the digital copy;

    a camera means to capture serial images of the writing surface;

    an illumination means to highlight imperfections on the writing surface;

    a photodetector to determine a reduction in illumination from the illumination means, and said photodetector also sensing an impending loss of positional data from a reduction in illumination due to lifting of the writing device too far above the writing surface, and wherein said photodetector includes a signal means that is used to alert the user to an impending loss of positional data;

    a microprocessor means to compare the serial images of the writing surface for measuring positional changes of the device;

    a data storage means for input into and/or output from the microprocessor means;

    an energy source means to power the illumination, camera, memory, and microprocessor means, photodetector means; and

    said signal means used to alert the user to an impending loss of positional data from a reduction in illumination due to lifting the writing device too far above the writing surface.

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