Low-Cost, Low-Power Embedded Sensor Technology with wide choice of pens will bring handwriting capabilities to next generation PCs.
VANCOUVER, WA, NOV. 12 - Wacom Technology Corp., the world's leading maker of graphics tablets and wireless, pressure-sensitive pens, has introduced its new pen sensing system designed for use by OEMs in an extensive line of Tablet PCs to be launched in 2002. This new system will be showcased, this week, in several Tablet PC OEM designs demonstrated at the Comdex show in Las Vegas, Wacom said.
The W8001 integrated sensor system is based on Wacom's proven patented cordless, batteryless, pressure-sensitive pen technology now used in more than 2 million graphics tablets worldwide.
For the first time it allows OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to use Wacom's award-winning pen sensing technology in Tablet PCs, to bring the power of pen input to a mobile fully-functional portable PC. The significance of the new W8001 sensor is that it is an underlying, embedded system, which offers substantial advantages over other technologies, said Steve Sedaker, Wacom OEM sales manager. "We'll be able to deliver a better digital pen experience and that will make a huge difference for Tablet PC users."
Unlike conventional resistive or capacitive systems that overlay the LCD and reduce light transmission of the display, the W8001 sensor is embedded under the LCD. This allows 100 per cent luminous transmission, resulting in a clearer display of bright colors without color wash out.
Being embedded within a PDA or other handheld device also means increased reliability and durability because the sensor is physically protected and unexposed to external harmful influences such as dirt, moisture, high temperatures and physical abuse.
Another advantage of the W8001 sensor is low power consumption with advanced power management, both essential to maximize battery usage time.
In addition, the W8001 system uses multiple x and y sensor coils to maintain higher levels of accuracy across the entire sensor surface regardless of shape, aspect ratio or pen angle.
A range of seven Wacom cordlessand batteryless pens for use in Tablet PC OEM designs is now available with the W8001 integrated sensor system.
The W8001 LSI integrated sensor system consists of:
A new extra-slim electronic pen only 0.22" (5.5 mm) in diameter. The pen is Wacom's thinnest to date, nearly half the size of its one-third inch (8.4 mm) UltraPen. It is cordless, batteryless, pressure and tilt sensitive. It is optionally available with one side switch, which can be programmed with mouse functions such as a right mouse click.
Also now available is a range of seven pens that feature such options as an extra side switch, eraser, drip proof and clips. Wacom pens can sense 512 levels of pressure, making transitions between light and hard pressure smoother and reflecting the subtle nuances of a user's hand inflections whether drawing sketches or signing names.
The sensor, a flexible, component-less glass epoxy PWB. With the metal shield, it is only 0.25 mm thick and weighs 45 grams. Other materials such as PET and FPC are available. A range of sensors is available in rectangular formats measuring diagonally 4.0", 6.4", 8.4", and 10.4".
The integrated W8001 chip, which measures only .39" (10 mm) x .39" (10 mm) x 0.05" (1.2 mm) to offer maximum efficiency in the smallest space. Digitizer control circuitry includes the main W8001 controller with analog and digital LSI together with scan control software that can be embedded in the main host microcontroller or in a separate standalone microcontroller. An optional baby board integrates all of the sensor electronics and MCU and conveniently plugs into the sensor board. This thin, compact design saves space and development time.
Engineering samples of the W8001 sensor and development kits for OEM manufacturers are immediately available. Quantity prices are available from Steve Sedaker, OEM sales manager. The development kits incorporate a W8001 sensor and all necessary hardware and drivers to integrate into a new design.
Wacom's patented electromagnetic resonance technology uses a very low power signal to locate the pen on a device's surface and to send location, pressure, tilt and other information to the computer.
