Let's say I have a smart pen. It has a microcontroller that can communicate with my server. I want to have a really small and flat gadget (let's call it The Receiver) that when you touch it with that pen, you save a 16 character string on it. The pen also has a GET mode in when I touch The Receiver, it sends the string stored on that Receiver to the server.
My question is, what is the best way to make that Receiver and the tip of the pen? Bluetooth isn't preferred, because there will be multiple Receivers in a small area. My thinking was also some sort of a scanner at the tip of the pen, but I don't want the receivers to be ugly looking with some codes printed on them (that is still a possibility). I think the best solution would just be some sort of identification for each receiver so that the pen can identify it just by touching it.
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\$\begingroup\$ BT is the preferred interface wired.com/gallery/best-smart-pens \$\endgroup\$– D.A.S.Commented Jan 12, 2022 at 0:56
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\$\begingroup\$ The pen isn’t writing anything. I just called it that because it resembles that shape. The tip doesn’t write, it’s purpose is to connect and identify the receiver. \$\endgroup\$– Marin DedicCommented Jan 12, 2022 at 1:01
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\$\begingroup\$ Doesn't sound like a "smart" pen. Define potential interfaces of all devices \$\endgroup\$– D.A.S.Commented Jan 12, 2022 at 6:36
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\$\begingroup\$ Define all interface specs. Are you just wanting to copycat a solution or understand why and how to make it work \$\endgroup\$– D.A.S.Commented Jan 12, 2022 at 6:57
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\$\begingroup\$ I just want a solution for the tip of the pen and the Receiver. The pen has a microcontroller, microphone and speaker if that means anything to you. \$\endgroup\$– Marin DedicCommented Jan 12, 2022 at 8:40
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2 Answers
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RFID does something like what you want, but building a receiver into a little pen shaped object may be difficult. The reader might have to be larger than a pen.
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\$\begingroup\$ I thought of RFID, but as you said, the readers are too big. I will look further into that, thanks. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Jan 12, 2022 at 8:44
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\$\begingroup\$ You could put the reader into the pad, and the RFID into the wand... \$\endgroup\$ Commented Jan 13, 2022 at 4:36
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You're talking about "Optical ID"
This is like a 2D bar code.
You print a microscopic pattern with black (carbon based) ink. The rest of your picture is done in colors that don't contain carbon (i.e. "black" is just really really dark brown)
Requires some high end printing to keep the dots to an invisible size.
The pen tip has a lens and a CMOS imager.
This is used in many learning toys, especially in Japan
https://github-wiki-see.page/m/entropia/tip-toi-reveng/wiki/PEN-Optical-ID-and-codes
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\$\begingroup\$ This sounds like a viable solution. I’ll research it, thanks. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Jan 12, 2022 at 8:41
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\$\begingroup\$ @MarinDedic If you want a contact at a comp;any that makes a complete system (cheap), I can introduce you. \$\endgroup\$– Kyle BCommented Jan 13, 2022 at 6:57