Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!mcvax!cernvax!cui!bertrand
From: bertrand@cui.UUCP (IBRAHIM Bertrand)
Newsgroups: comp.cog-eng
Subject: Re: Human Factors: Paper-Like Interface
Summary: vertical and horizontal prototypes have been developed
Message-ID: <316@cui.UUCP>
Date: 4 Jan 89 14:53:22 GMT
References: <2690003@hpdsla.HP.COM> <2690007@hpdsla.HP.COM>
Reply-To: bertrand@cui.UUCP (IBRAHIM Bertrand)
Organization: University of Geneva/Switzerland
Lines: 40


>> Here, at the University of Geneva, we have built more than 15 years ago such 
>> an interface based on a plasma display and an infrared "touch panel".
>
>I'm curious about using the touch panel in this manner.  I assume the screen
>was vertical, meaning that the user would have to reach up and forward to touch
>the screen.  Did users feel it is tiring or frustrating to suspend the hand
>in the air for extended periods of time, or does the benefit of direct contact
>with the graphics/data override this sensation?  Have you thought of the
>possibility of a more horizontal display (with touch panel) instead?
>
>Gary Ericson 

In fact, the first prototype, built in 1973 was vertical and was mainly used
for text processing. The finger input was used for text selection and menu
entry. I asked our secretary who was the main user of that equipment and she
told me that she didn't feel it tiring since it was only from time to time
that she had to raise her arm to the screen.

Another prototype, built in 1975, was horizontal and integrated in a flat table.
This one was mainly used for graphic applications. The user could easily rest
his arm on the table while pointing at the screen with a finger. The keyboard
could sit on the side of the screen or on the user's lap. There was enough
room on the table for any paper, drawing or listing the user could need. The
equipment was used for free hand drawing as well as for technical drawing.
Having used this equipment quite a lot myself, I felt that it might have been
a little bit more comfortable if the surface of the screen was not completely
horizontal but rather at a slight angle.

Bertrand Ibrahim

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