Seiko InkLink Handwriting System

[Jason Dunn]

<a href="http://www.dreampages.com?aff=pocketpcthoughts&page=seikinhansys.html">http://www.dreampages.com?aff=pocketpcthoughts&page=seikinhansys.html</a><br /><br />One of our affiliate partners, DreamPages, is now offering a new product dubbed the "Seiko InkLink" - I couldn't find it on the Seiko web site, but I imagine we'll see something soon.<br /><br />"InkLink allows normal handwriting on plain paper to instantly become “digital ink”. Your notes, drawings, doodles and comments can now become instantly available on PC’s or PDA’s locally, across your network or across the world. Simply write with the InkLink pen on any sheet of paper up to letter/A4 size while the InkLink data clip is attached to one edge of your paper. Each pen stroke is precisely traced and recorded electronically and no digitizing tablet or portfolio is required!<br /><br />Using Binaural Technology, InkLink locates the position of the pen’s pinpoint position using ultrasonic signals placed a known distance from each other. InkLink’s pen transmits a signal as it writes, allowing the sensor pair mounted in InkLink’s Data Clip to receive and track the signal – and thus know the pen’s position relative to the Data Clip. Thanks to patented Digital Signal Processing controllers, InkLink always knows precisely how far and which direction the pen is relative to the Data Clip."<br /><br />DreamPages is also offering free ground shipping in the US - use the coupon code "freeshipapr".

[Ben]

Does anyone have one of these? How well do they actually work?

Any samples you could post?

Thanks,

[PJE]

For more information check out:

http://www.twomobile.com/content/1030.php

Sounds interesting, especially if they could get transcriber/caligrapher to use the data...

[JJ]

This sounds like the same technology that Casio E-Pen (made by InMotion) has been using. Cheaper though.
http://www.casio.com/accessories/product.cfm?section=59&product=4200

[GregWard]

I tried SmartPad with a Palm VX - wasn't impressed that much. When the Palm went to sleep there seemed to be problems with the "recogniser" app restarting. I tend to scribble arcane notes (well they mean something to ME) in meetings - so getting an electronic storage version (even without any recognition as such - ie just the "ink") would be well worth it. But it didn't even do that - well it did when you fired the app first time - but not when you switched the Palm back on with the App running. REALLY useful!

To be fair it could be that I gave up too easily - maybe I should have persisted. Of course PPC could be totally different.

I did download the software for the PPC - when they announced compatibility with it - it wouldn't extract because it said I didn't have Palm Desktop loaded. No - that would be because I'm using an iPaq.

I tried their support system - first line was prompt but "bounced" me to somebody in Germany who never even bothered replying - so I gave up (again!).

So - for me at least - not a happy story. But that was Smartpad - not this thing. This sounds pretty interesting - but I'd be a bit cautious and wait for some "happy" stories! :lol:

[Paul Alivisatos]

I have been using a Seiko SmartPad for about two weeks for taking notes on an iPaq. So far it works just fine, and I am very happy with it.

Paul

[lsbeller]

Here is a quote from some posts a few days ago:
The Seiko SmartPad (the second version of the older CrossPad) somewhat dovetails into this thread.

I responded to Jason Dunn's post a few weeks ago here:

Seiko SmartPad Post

A key point that fits into this conversation is:

"The best thing about the [SmartPad] Pocket PC version is that it uses Transcriber to recognize your handwriting. It is limited to only key words (for searching purposes) or word strings that are directly transfered to the Outlook task lists but it is as accurate as Transcriber normally is. This is out of the box recognition with no training required unlike the old Cross solution which required significant training. "

I would think that it should simple to extend that recognition beyond a few words and even make it real time.

On the other hand, Casseopia already resells their version of the e-Pen:


E-Pen

This is a wireless pen which uses a receiver that you clip to the top of your paper tablet to triangulate your pen strokes on the paper for real time recognition. It seems promising, but only works for the Cassiopeia right now because of its USB interface. I called their toll free number and was connected to Isreal where I talked to a technician who explained the limitations and why I could not use it with my iPaq. You can, however, download thier Pocket PC software from their website.

Steve

You can follow the thread here: Cocktail Napkin Thread (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=709)

Steve

[lsbeller]

The E-Pen only works with the Cassiopeia because of the usb connectivity. I wonder if this Inknotes will work with the other PocketPCs or only be limited to the Cassiopeia as well?

Steve

[Ben]

The E-Pen only works with the Cassiopeia because of the usb connectivity. I wonder if this Inknotes will work with the other PocketPCs or only be limited to the Cassiopeia as well?

Thats weird - I thought it worked via Infra-red?

[lsbeller]

On the E-Pen, the pen itself is "tracked" wirelessly by an attachment to the top of the writing pad. That attachment is connected via wire and USB to the computer (i.e. desktop, laptop, Pocket PC, etc.).

You can read more at www.e-pen.com

From what I can see on the Inknotes setup, it looks similar in design.

Steve

[JJ]

Just to set the facts straight.
There are two versions of E-Pen. USB connection is for the desktop or notebook PCs. The serial connection is for Cassiopeia Pocket PCs.

[phr0ze]

THe sieko version is IR and should work with any 2002 device. It tracks great and is easy to use. I always hate using velcro though... yuck.

[Terry]

OK, I have one...purchased at CompUSA tonight for $99.00 (US).

Here are my observations and thoughts:

Part clips to a pad of paper. This part has a mini-USB connector. The mini connector will connect with an IrDA clip or standard USB connector (both included). The standard USB connector will work with a laptop or desktop. The IrDA clip will work with a PPC or Palm and has about a foot of wire to connect the two pieces.

The clip is plastic...no velcro...connected to Jornada, I cannot use the flip cover (I must to remove the cover)...connected to an IPAQ 38xx, the plastic covers the speaker (no big deal really). The clip slides off very easily (too easily IMHO). If I keep using it with my Jornda, I'll need to figure out a better way to attach the IrDA clip.

InkManager is the desktop and PPC software. Writing on a tablet works as one would expect. Character recognition (via transcription) seems limited to InkManager (text can be read an transcribed to an Outlook task according to the documentation, but there doesn't seem to be a way to use the gizmo in Pocket Word).

According to the Seiko site (www.seikosmart.com/support/faqsinklink.html):
"On a Pocket PC you can use the operating system's handwriting recognition capability to turn your Ink Note files into text. On the Pocket PC InkNote Manager, select the text you want to convert, then open the Edit menu and select Copy. Open Notes from Pocket PC and tap New, then open Edit and choose Paste. Open Tools and choose Recognize."

The pen is a typical of the other clunky Seiko pens...works fine, uses a small ink cartridge available from Seiko or stationers. The clear plastic cover won't fit over other end of the pen. A "stylus" tip is included (it's a plastic "point" that replaces the screw-on battery cover on the pen (opposite the tip). Flipping a sheet of paper over the the top (as one usually does when starting a new page) causes the system to stop working. From the Seiko site (again): "The InkLink Handwriting System is using a Seiko Instruments USA Inc. exclusive development called Binaural Technology. InkLink's binaural implementation is an adaptation of ultrasonic and infrared technologies. The InkLink Electronic Pen and Data Clip communicate using ultrasonic transmission. The InkLink Data Clip continuously listens for communications from the InkLink pen while it tracks the natural movement of your hand. The InkLink Data Clip communicates with the handheld using Infrared transmission from the InkLink IrDA Transceiver."

I'll probably end up using this an input device on my desktop at work (for all those notes I scribble while on the phone) using the USB cable (I think this will be a killer use).

For the gizmo to get an awesome rating from me with the PPC, Seiko needs to replace the IRDa connector with Bluetooth (look, no wires ma!) and revamp the pen so the cover can stow (or ink retract), use a nice cross-style refil (or even better, gel) and rework the stylus in the other end (imagine a longer Cross ION with the electronics and a nice stylus tip opposite the ink end. Seiko also needs to supply an input driver to interface with Transcriber so I can write on a pad and have ink recognized in Pocket Word. I'm looking forward to the InkLink 2. Until then, save your money!

[Shaun Stuart]

Anyone got this to work with an XDA2 - I am having problems connecting.

The ir lights up on the device that clips to the top of the pad and it changes speed when I write but nothing appears on the XDA screen. I have tried running the test program but I get a message stating the IR port (i assume it means the XDA port) is being used by another program but I dont have anything else running in the background.

any clues ?

[Idahoski]

Do you have the receive beam turned off under connections in settings?

[Shaun Stuart]

receive beam is turned on - i have tried it both on and off. My XDA has reset itself a couple of times since installing the software - so i have given up and removed it.

[Shaun Stuart]

one more thing, the inklink works fine with my desktop so i believe there must be a compatability problem with the XDA2. If anyone has gotten it to work please let me know.

[Candygogo]

The sale was not that long ago, and I don't know if it's still on sale, but i picked up one of each of the Inklink and the Smartpad2. For $30 each after instant and mail in rebates, you can't got wrong.

Although I'm still waiting for the MI rebates though :roll:

[onepieceman]

I have an XDA2 and it works just fine.
I did have a problem initially, but I think that was because I had it configured to look at the wrong COM port.
Remember also to turn off "Receive Beams", or it won't work.
Also, the batteries that it comes with only last a few minutes, so replace them with a decent set, and you should be set.
Great product in my view.