One of the questions I sometimes get when stange

davebrennan · 02-11-2005, 01:19 AM

One of the questions I sometimes get when stangers see a tablet is to ask if you can use your finger. I know a few tablet brands have dual purpose screens that are both active (for stylus input) and resisitive (for finger input). I think resistive digitizers don't let you get at many of the Tablet features, but what if you wanted to use a fingertip with an active digitizer - for example, to fingerpaint using something like ArtRage?

Is is possible to remove the "active" piece from the stylus and embed it in a glove. It would still require a user to use an extra interface device, but it would be much easier than having to fumble for a pen. Not necessarily as comfortable, or precise, but seems like some users might find it helpful. Just a thought. Any comments (or does anyone have an extra pen they'd be willing to sacrifice in the interest of experimentation)?

-Dave

WNewquay · 02-11-2005, 05:14 AM

Dave,

You could probably simulate the experience by attaching the pen to the "top" of your finger.

I think for true "finger painting" you have to allow for multiple fingers, and not just the tips but the palm, and "face" of the open-handed fingers.

I can some kind of application for things that don't require fine motor control, but it would be troublesome for me to try to write with a digit.

davebrennan · 02-11-2005, 05:59 AM

That was my thought...it wouldn't be ideal for anything that would require fine control. Some sort of "in the field" application where your user would be controlling a custom application (ideally developed with sufficiently large interface buttons so as not to drive the user crazy). I'm sure there are some times where it'd just be easier to not have to grab a stylus to control the software.

But back to my other question, is there a good description of how the active styluses/styli (?) work?

-Dave