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Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

Posted June 23, 2011 9:30 AM

Will touch screens and gestures replace the buttons, knobs, and non-touch-sensitive displays we currently find on equipment? What's your take? Are smart phones and tablets pointing the way to promising new ways of controlling instruments and other gear?

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user-deleted-1105
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#1

Re: Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

06/23/2011 3:36 PM

Yeah, lets make everything obsolete...

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Kilowatt0
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#2

Re: Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

06/23/2011 5:55 PM

I have worked with touch screens for the last 35 years (on and off), and I can tell you the "gesture" I would like to give them all.

They are one of those things that "is a good idea", but the practical application sucks.

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Epke
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#3

Re: Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

06/23/2011 11:35 PM

what touchpad next will be Kinnect like interfaces

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cwarner7_11
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#4

Re: Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

06/24/2011 1:05 AM

I have found it nearly impossible to accomplish fine adjustments with touch screens. On/off buttons might work OK for the most part, but give me a physical knob over a touch-screen adjustment device for adjusting system settings any day.
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Tritium17.6
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#5

Re: Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

06/24/2011 8:52 AM

I think that touch screens have a place in some applications, but probably won't catch on too strongly in the industrial space. Applications where workers are wearing gloves or have dirty hands seem especially problematic for a fancy touchscreen, and will probably keep their knobs and switches around.

That said, I'm looking forward to what software designers come up with in terms of touch screen or Kinect driven 3D modeling. Let me get rid of this mouse!
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Lynn.Wallace
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#6

Re: Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

06/24/2011 11:56 AM

When will pencil and paper be made obsolete?

Never. Same with the button, dial, switch, pedal, keyboard, tiny keypad, mouse, touch screen and Kinectic gesture recognition. They all have their place.

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Re: Do Instrument Interfaces Need Updating?

06/26/2011 3:30 AM

I can hardly wait for a machine to be equipped with gesture recognition. Then, when it malfunctions, I can just flip it a digital salute--and it will straighten up and fly right! Somehow that sounds just a bit too easy.

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