“iSketchnote Makes Digitized Copies of Drawings on Paper

With the use of laptops and smartphones, it’s rare nowadays to see someone actually pull out a pen and paper. But a new technology merges the traditional mode of writing and sketching with the technology of the iPad.

iSketchnote works as an iPad cover that digitizes a hard copy of words or drawings on paper. That separates it from other modes of sketching on an iPad, which normally require a specific stylus that interacts with the screen. iSketchnote uses a classic ballpoint pen with a metal ring inside that detects the movement of the pen on any piece of paper. It can play back the pen’s movement in real time and users can share these on social media or save them for later.

The technology uses a USB cord but, thanks to great success on Kickstarter — the project exceeded its goal of $35,000 dollars, boasting more than $214,000 at the time of writing — the team intends to develop a Bluetooth connection.

The ISKN team (ISKN being the sleek, shortened version of the product’s name) worked for two years to find a way to “combine the natural experience of familiar tools with the power technology,” as described on its website.

The technology uses patented sensors that work with the iSketchnote’s unique pens, which also come in different colors. The team began with a collaboration between Jean-Luc Vallejo and Timothee Jobert, who belonged to the French microelectronics organization called LETI. Future plans for ISKN involve partnerships with major pen companies to expand the project.”