You might have wished for something to warn you if you misspelled a word while writing a letter or doing a school assignment. Well, help with this is on the way!
A couple of German inventors, Daniel Kaesmacher and Falk Wolsky have developed a prototype of a pen that can warn you when you make a spelling mistake or when you do not write a letter correctly. Going by the name Lernstift, the pen starts to vibrate when the writer makes a mistake while writing out a word or letter. Lernstift is German for the term ‘learning pen’. The spelling pen will certainly not autocorrect your spelling like automated software tools for checking grammar and spelling do on your PC, but it will tip you off when you make a slip-up.
How does it Work
The prototype of the pen makes use of a software program that recognizes movements related to the forms or shapes of each letter. You can use the pen in two modes. In the calligraphy mode, the pen warns you by buzzing when you do not form a letter properly. This is particularly useful for people with messy handwriting. If you use the pen in the orthography mode, it will buzz if you make a spelling error. A non-optical sensor perceives the mistakes.
The Linux minicomputer installed in the spelling pen gets its power from a battery with a Wi-Fi chip. A crucial feature of this writing tool is that the sensor can detect any writing motion. This eliminates the need for a special kind of writing paper. Unlike other similar smart writing tools, which are slowly coming into the market, Lernstift can work on any kind of paper.
The inventors propose to incorporate exchangeable tips or refills. You can choose to write with fountain pen or ball pen refills.
Modifications to Prototype
You would not really expect the developers of this immensely innovative tool to be complacent about their invention. The creators are already looking for ways to check grammar. Wolsky and Kaesmacher expect the pen to go a long way in assisting children to build up their writing skills. The hands-on approach will certainly serve a better purpose than memorizing rules of grammar. Future models may include pencil leads, as well.
Other enhancements proposed by the inventors include pressure sensors and connection to personal computers. You may then connect the pen to your smart phone or PC to upload text files and share them online. The developers also hope to design apps to widen the possibilities of the pen so that it becomes a multi-functional device.
Idea behind the Inspiration
Falk Wolsky got the concept for the pen when he saw his son struggling with spelling issues in his homework. He conceived of the idea that a vibrating pen could warn a writer about a mistake made in written work.
Since writing is an important procedure for learning, Wolsky feels that the pen could be a useful means for young learners to develop language and spelling skills.
This is something we could all use!
