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