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Re: Re: Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom gamepad?

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg76539] Re: [mg76441] Re: Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom gamepad?
• From: John Fultz <jfultz at wolfram.com>
• Date: Wed, 23 May 2007 05:41:49 -0400 (EDT)
• Reply-to: jfultz at wolfram.com

On Tue, 22 May 2007 02:52:52 -0400 (EDT), Szabolcs wrote:
> Murray Eisenberg wrote:
>
>> Mathematica 6.0 allows input via a gamepad/controller, and the 6.0 docs
>> mention the "Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom gamepad."
>>
>> Does anybody have information about that gamepad?
>>
>
> But what is the controller interface really good for? I cannot imagine a
> _Mathematica_ application where a gamepad would provide a real advantage
> over a simple mouse.
>
> Szabolcs

A typical mouse provides 3 axes of movement (including the mousewheel) and=
 3-5 
buttons.  It's very well designed for that purpose, but shoehorning more=
 degrees 
of freedom into it becomes very awkward.

A gamepad is very well designed for 4 axes of movement (especially when 
adjusting them all simultaneously) and many more buttons.  There are some 
interfaces for which this can be very natural, and for which you don't lose=
 much 
by losing the fine precision control a mouse gives you.

I think we have a lot to learn about what kinds of interfaces would benefit.=
  If 
you search for 'gamepad' on http://demonstrations.wolfram.com, you'll see a=
 few 
where it was specifically considered.  Also, try using a gamepad to explore=
 a 3D 
graphic.

There's a little confusion about the "Wolfram Research...gamepad", but we've=
 
found that the Logitech Dual Action gamepads work very well.  And, of=
 course, 
we've tested Mathematica with many other gamepads.  However, it seems that=
 an 
open secret in the gaming community is that not all gamepads are as=
 compatible 
as you might wish them to be, so your mileage may vary.

Sincerely,
 
John Fultz
jfultz at wolfram.com
User Interface Group
Wolfram Research, Inc.

• Follow-Ups:
  • Re: Re: Re: Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom
    • From: Murray Eisenberg <murray@math.umass.edu>