Combination pen refill cartridge and active stylus

An apparatus for inputting information to a host electronic device and writing on physical media, comprising:

• an assembly including at least one element configured to generate radio signals for transmission to the host electronic device;
• and
• a tip configured to deposit a writing material on the physical media and connected to the assembly to transmit the generated radio signals to the host electronic device,
• wherein the at least one element comprises:
• a circuit assembly;
• and
• a power source;
• and
• wherein the circuit assembly further comprises a processor, and wherein the processor is configured to switch from a low-power state to an operable state responsive to the force applied to the tip.

An apparatus for inputting information to a host electronic device and writing on physical media, comprising:

• an assembly including at least one element configured to generate radio signals for transmission to the host electronic device;
• a tip configured to deposit a writing material on the physical media and connected to the assembly to transmit the generated radio signals to the host electronic device;
• a pen refill cartridge comprising a hollow body, and wherein the at least one element is disposed at least partially within the hollow body;
• and
• an electrically conductive shield for at least partially shielding transmission of the radio signals along the cartridge and enhancing transmission of the radio signals from the tip.

An apparatus for inputting information to a host electronic device and writing on physical media, comprising:

• an assembly including at least one element configured to generate radio signals for transmission to the host electronic device;
• and
• a tip configured to deposit a writing material on the physical media and connected to the assembly to transmit the generated radio signals to the host electronic device,
• the apparatus further comprising a pen refill cartridge including
• a hollow body having a reservoir;
• ink disposed within the reservoir;
• and
• first and second probes adapted to contact the ink, such that an electrical resistance between the first and second probes is dependent upon a level of ink contained within the reservoir,
• wherein the at least one element is configured to monitor the electrical resistance between the first and second probes, and
• wherein the signals transmitted to the host electronic device are dependent upon the electrical resistance between the first and second probes.