Dream Control Surface

[Spirit]

Ontik, your idea sounds like the scene from Aliens when Hudson's reviewing the plans of the complex and zooming in on colonists tranceivers . . .

[Nestor]

I would agree with whatever technology you like as long as I can produce my music as I want to, and not as technology wants! Then, I would agree with technological device if it doesn’t get me ill and destroys the environment! Finally, I will accept any technological invention if it’s effective and is not crashing all the time. There are many unnecessarily complicated gears out there that have never worked properly. I would always prefer something simple but effective, cos what it’s important to me is music and not technology at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how impressive and fascinating this technology may be. Time is extremely precious.

[ontik]

I can't quite picture what you mean by 'slider handles' though.

How would you hold the handles?

Exactly like you would hold a slider on a real console. It would be shaped exactly like the slider 'cap'. Moulded it you have an element similar to the tip of a pen of a tablet type controller.

How would you click and drag?

Mac Style. Use a button mounted on the side of the screen simliar to a Ctrl key for example. I am xamining multiple possibilities for acheiving this with a guy I will use to write the mouse interface software. I also intend to ivolve and ergonomics prof as well.

Would the handles actually rest on the screen, or above it, so that you don't get scratches?

Yes, directly onto the surface. Scratch-proof surfaces are available for the job for only the top layer. I am considering having the touch surface be transparent sitting over the monitor surface and have it be removable. It may actually make for an easier application and allow grid lines/points which may be useful in some circumstances.

My other intention is to build it/supply it with an entire palette of handheld 'implements' that you would use dependant on the job you were doing (pens, slider/rotators and others not yet thought of, even components that would allow you to build your own custom ones)

Are we talking about a physical wired connection with optical mouse style sensor, or something more 'Minority Reportish', like and infra red sensor reading the position of a couple of transmitters which you have in/on your fingers/hands?

No. Really just combining existing technologies (monitor/tablet/mouse/touch screen) and doing a purpose built job of it. But this can be done without wires at the handset.

Suddenly the screen controller idea doesn't seem so far fetched...

It has taken only a couple of days to work out 'how' I could do it and who I know that can help make it happen. I have discussed this with all of them and no-one feels it can't be done.

The big problem is MONEY. The intention is to build a prototype and the others involved have made some great commitments. I can probably get enough together for the prototype from the banks but I will need to find someone to back it heavily for production. Meaning I will have to sell off a large % of the idea but thats the way it goes. I don't think I would have too much trouble finding a backer actually.

Time to write a plan of attack me thinks. I think I've said enough...

[Restorer]

On 2002-09-04 03:25, ontik wrote:
Imagine this.... ( and do read the dtail won't you.)

You have a touch sensitive flat panel monitor measuring H70cm X W120cm sitting flat on the desk in front of you (Actually elevated about 20 cm at the top end).

It acts like your current monitor but it can react to 2 mouse pointers (or say 4 so 2 users could work it at once). Instead of a mouse(s) you use two(or 4) devices that you hold with your fingertips (shaped like any slider handle on a real console) that work exactly like a mouse pointer when you slide/rotate them on the screen surface. 1:1 scale!!

You would work it just like any console only you could double tap on the buttons on the Start Bar (PC) to switch instantly between programs. The program interface would be displayed beneath your work space. and you would literally move your slider controls on the screen directly over the display. 1:1 Scale!!!!!!! Its just a 2D generic console made easy.

You would never need any interface drivers specific to your application. One driver to control the slightly modified mouse inputs.(Which could of course be used for any other regular computer function including DVD playback). Any standard video card with respectable resoultion would do the job too.

Cheap?? Not likely but what does a Pro Tools console cost, Houston or logic control? AND can you use them with SFP, Logic, Cubase, Sonar, Samplitude, Reason, (Insert application name here) INSTANTLY at the same time??? Can they Be used as a hang on the wall widescreen DVD Screen?? Did I hear someone say TV Tuner card?

No. If it cost $5K US you'd still buy it over a widescreen TV wouldn't you?? And get a loan to own one.

Imagine what it would do for design geeks??

Imagine TWO of them running big res for your consoles? Do I have to go on??

Please post any other ideas you think this couldn't do here.

[ds-sound]

[with the remote hope that I'll be noticed after all these long previous comments:]

You all dream of highly expensive solutions, while there already is an ideal device in existance (but not yet on the market).

It's a combination of a projector and motion capture technology.

The projector is used to project the computerized interface on a simple blank white desk (easy to clean or replace), that functions as your 'touch screen'. The resolution&zoom are flexible, therefor so is the visible size!

The motion capture sensors are used to deliver the information about your finger positioning to the software, by identifying your brightly colored fingertips (painted on a tight and thin rubber glove.

unlimited size, unlimited control!
And since the motion capture technology can follow more than a single dot, several people can use their all 10 fingers to create complex realtime manuvers.

I hope my english was good enough to give you a general idea.

Yours,
ds-sound

_________________
["...and yet I always fail to notice, that I'm still heading for the ground..."]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ds-sound on 2002-12-27 13:48 ]</font>

[LHong]

As far as practical used, HUI from Mackie would be the best solution.
Forget about touch screen, it won't work! I have used the touch screen for test equiqment like HP-OscScope/Logic-Analyzer for years. It doesn't work well if you have fat hands and fingers for example. Take a look touch screen for the commercial video game, you can only use one finger at a time without troubles.
Well, what I know is that you can buy a touch screen monitor for windows, it comes with video card about 2-5 grands.

just my two-cent,
Long

[kensuguro]

Oh man!!! LHong! It's been AGES since I last saw you here. How's that project going? You were simulating an orchestra on 2 scope boards? Anyway, hope you had an awesome Christmas. Drop by more often will ya? hehe.

[LHong]

Hi Ken,
Hope that you have great time in all holiday season.
About the simulating idea, it simply doesn't seem to work as we expected. I'm in process working on my own programming stuff, it has built-in CPU + DSP (similar to power core) be able to re-program the functionality way as we wanted...
Regards,
Long

On 2002-12-27 15:50, kensuguro wrote:
Oh man!!! LHong! It's been AGES since I last saw you here. How's that project going? You were simulating an orchestra on 2 scope boards? Anyway, hope you had an awesome Christmas. Drop by more often will ya? hehe.

[garyb]

"polite words of encouragement"

[LHong]

Thanks garyb,
Regards,
Long