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

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg76596] Re: [mg76539] Re: [mg76441] Re: Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom
• From: Murray Eisenberg <murray at math.umass.edu>
• Date: Thu, 24 May 2007 06:14:38 -0400 (EDT)
• Organization: Mathematics & Statistics, Univ. of Mass./Amherst
• References: <200705230941.FAA24399@smc.vnet.net>
• Reply-to: murray at math.umass.edu

Confusion?  Not on my part -- perhaps on the documentation writers' 
part:  the docs explicitly say "Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom 
gamepad" in at least two places:

   guide/Interactive3DControl
   guide/GamepadAndDeviceInterface




John Fultz wrote:
> 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.
> 
> 
> 

-- 
Murray Eisenberg                     murray at math.umass.edu
Mathematics & Statistics Dept.
Lederle Graduate Research Tower      phone 413 549-1020 (H)
University of Massachusetts                413 545-2859 (W)
710 North Pleasant Street            fax   413 545-1801
Amherst, MA 01003-9305

• References:
  • Re: Re: Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom gamepad?
    • From: John Fultz <jfultz@wolfram.com>