>> ^joedirt:
Technically, a micro-controller execute opcodes. A microchip is a discrete packaged semiconductor. You could have an FPGA micro-controller, embedded microcontroller, etc.
In this case it was a FLeX embedded controller from Microchip Technologies Inc.
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/1202349/Ball-control-on-a-touch-screen-(usi
ng-a-Microchip-microcontroller)
http://microcontrollershop.com/product_info.php?cPath=11
2_160_316&products_id=2022
So, yeah Microchip microcontroller is correct in this case.


I added the line: "Controlled by a microchip micro controller" to goad him.

Technically, a micro-controller execute opcodes. A microchip is a discrete packaged semiconductor. You could have an FPGA micro-controller, embedded microcontroller, etc.

In this case it was a FLeX embedded controller from Microchip Technologies Inc.
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/1202349/Ball-control-on-a-touch-screen-(using-a-Microchip-microcontroller)

http://microcontrollershop.com/product_info.php?cPath=112_160_316&products_id=2022

So, yeah Microchip microcontroller is correct in this case.

computer interaction without peripheral devices or touch screens have tons of applications.... using an ATM, reading digital books/papers, surgeons/engineers interacting with digital tools in aseptic/clean rooms... pretty rad stuff.

>> ^sillma:
Hmmh. I disliked the first iPhone for the lack of 3G and the huge price tag, but now that it's been made VERY affordable, has 3G and GPS to boot, I think I will have to invest in the 8g version even though I'm not a great fan of touch screens.


...and now that I've heard how "cheap" the phone really is, I think I'll skip.

Hmmh. I disliked the first iPhone for the lack of 3G and the huge price tag, but now that it's been made VERY affordable, has 3G and GPS to boot, I think I will have to invest in the 8g version even though I'm not a great fan of touch screens.

Comment hidden because you are ignoring dag. (show it anyway)

I have to admit I was a little disappointed in the MacBook Air. Sure it's pretty- but I was hoping for more innovation. touch screen, much bigger trackpad with more gesture support, stuff like that.

300MPG? Gallons of what?

Also, stop putting touch screens in cars. Drivers should be looking at the road. Controls should provide enough tactile feedback to be used without looking at them.

I think this is a really strong idea. The screen is no more blocked by the fingers at the back than it is by touching an ordinary screen. In fact it's way better as they are transparent so you can see through them. Try seeing though your hand as you type on a touch screen. Plus being able to use both hands while holding the device is a boon for typing. Think blackberry, just with all your fingers rather than just your thumbs.

looks like the device uses an array of LEDs and uses the same LEDs as touch-sensors as well, without an expensive touch-screen

Wow, a touch screen, havent seen one since 1986. Multitouch? unis have been doing work on them for years. Nothing new, just MS recycling other peoples work as usual.

Those touch screens in the movie seem not to far off now huh?

My shock was that Vanna doesn't turn letters anymore. She seems to be hitting a touch screen or button on the side or something.

True.

But this isn't a normal touch-screen like that on the iPhone. This requires a camera because it gathers the information from the orientation of the pucks, and not just the fact that the puck is on the display.

My local ATM has a touch-screen interface, but it wouldn't have any idea which direction my finger was pointing, or if I started rotating or moving it.

The major gist of the technology this table uses is at the end of the video where they use a simple diagram to explain it.

I would rather use this than a touch screen. I think it is genius.

Remember that OS X is running on the gadget. You have a touch screen that allows for further innovations rather than being limited to a set keypad.

That's the pitch at least.