Ever wished there was some way you could know you were making a spelling mistake while writing your exams, considering you have no access to an automated spell check? Well, it may just be. You won’t have the ease of the correct spelling popping up, but this new vibrating pen will at least let you know you’re making a mistake.
The writing tool from Lernstift is capable of picking errors in spelling or letter formation in real-time, delivering a warning vibration to the writer’s hand. How does it work?
At the moment, the genius pen which is a test prototype, is programmed to recognise movements associated with each letter form. In calligraphy mode it can buzz the user when the letter shape is being created oddly, while in orthography mode it can be used to pick up spelling or grammar mistakes -- one buzz for spelling errors and two for grammar.
Created by inventor-education specialist couple Falk and Mandy Wolsky, the idea they explained on their website, came about from watching their son struggle when he started learning.
The pen which removes the need for constant supervision, it also may cut down on the effective time spent in learning writing spelling free. While the pen is aimed at those learning to write, provided the prediction software is advanced or flexible enough, it could also turn out to be handy for uncertain spellers who aren’t privy to the digi spell check.
The inventors will launch a crowd funding project during February, 2013 to raise money to develop and market the idea.
Proposed improvements for future pens include adding pressure sensors, computer connectivity and an open platform to allow others to develop apps and expand the functionality of the pen.
Conceptually, the pen shares similarities with the recent haptic snowboard instruction suit which provided vibrations to correct posture in beginners.