High Tech Napkins | Jan 16, 2008 |
Who said a napkin can't be more than a 'throw-me-away' piece of paper?! Know that its mission as a dirt/stains/drops remover has come to an end!
Last year we have witnessed several napkin designs, but none of them have so radically changed the concept of it as High Tech Napkin. Let me introduce it! The High Tech Napkin is designed by Avery Hollemanuses and uses e-ink and RF technology, which basically makes it a smart Napkin PC. It is designed for group collaborations, so corporate and fast-response enterprises can use it fully.
How it works?
The kit includes at least 2 pens and several Napkins. Each pen processes and displays information on the napkin which is much like e-ink paper. Then the pen transmits your hieroglyphics to the base station which indeed makes up a PC. So it is about two indispensable processes: 1) processed data is sent to the pen (long range RF); 2) and relaying of the image to the Napkin interface (short range RF).
The Napkin interface represents a multi-touch input e-paper surface. The base station is characterized by an OLED display that gives status information only. E-paper requires so little energy that it can be inductively powered. The pen wirelessly powers the Napkin interface when it comes within range. E-paper can retain its bright, full color image even without power. E-paper display has the property to retain image excluding the need to print.
How to use?
Whenever you get a fresh idea you can put it on a Napkin! It is better to use a fresh Napkin for each new idea. At a brainstorming meeting you may pass the ideas around, add to each other's idea, thus work efficiently together. You can also connect Napkins to make a larger interface. Portable unit holds 2 pens and several rolled Napkins.
It is enough to sign your name to load your personal settings, preferences, bookmarks, etc. Pens can log who creates an idea so that credit can be given later. Pens come with various colors to prevent confusion.
Advantages:
- The Napkin PC replaces printers
- It wastes no paper
- The only part you'll need to replace (after several years of intensive use) is the Napkin interface
- It has no battery. It is provided with a thin single layer flexible circuit board with an inductive power circuit
- Easy to recycle. Only the plastic and circuit layers are recycled being peeled apart and melted down separately. There are no hazardous elements to deal with
Dimensions:
1. Napkin interface: 180x180 mm (2 mm thick);
2. Pen Stylus: 140 mm
