Innovative interface company WACOM Components has announced that it is supplying Ascom-Monétel, a subsidiary of Swiss telecommunications, service automation and energy systems group Ascom, with an inductive pen sensing system for Ascom's new Practel™ portable information devices.
Ascom-Monétel's Practel is the first portable data input device that can read smartcards, such as bank cards and identity cards. The product's ruggedised design means that it can withstand knocks, harsh environments and adverse weather conditions. WACOM Components is supplying a 6.4 inch diagonal sensor that will integrate with a transflective rear polariser LCD with LED backlight from Nan Ya Plastics. WACOM Components will also supply ASCOM with a customised driver for Windows CE based on the generic driver already available.
The WACOM Components pen has 256 levels of pressure, making it more responsive to handwriting strokes, including the ability to measure pen angle and tilt. Pre-production units of the Wacom sensor and pen have just been shipped with mass production planned for 2002.
