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What operating system/hardware platforms will MultiTouch products work with? Will
there be drivers for my favorite OS?
The iGesture and TouchStream product lines emulate a standard USB mouse/keyboard
combo. Thus their basic pointing and default gesture functionality should work
with any computer that supports USB connections, without even installing
drivers.
Thus newer PCs and Macs running these operating systems are fully
supported:
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Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP
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Linux Kernel 2.4.x and 2.5.x
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MacOS 10.2 and MacOS 10.3
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Even BeOS 5 and OS/2
Configuring for your OS
If you use an operating system other than Windows, you will need to configure
the product for your OS after installation. This way, the gestures will
generate the hotkey sequences expected by your OS. For more information on the
configuration procedure, see the Configuration section of the
User and Installation Guide for your product.
PCI-USB addin card may be needed for Older Macs and PCs
To use one of our products with an older Mac or PC with a PCI bus but no USB
ports, you will need to purchase a PCI expansion card with USB ports. None of
our products can connect through legacy PS/2 ports.
Limited Support for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 does not officially include USB support in the
operating system. However,
USB for Windows NT 4.0 by
BSquare does allow use of plug-and-play USB mice and keyboards on NT,
and thereby all FingerWorks products as well.
You may also be able to use our TouchStream Keyboards with DOS, Windows 95,
Windows NT 4.0 if your computer's BIOS includes the "Legacy USB" option, but
the "Legacy USB" option may not let you use a PS/2 keyboard at the same time or
plugin the TouchStream after boot.
Limited Sun workstation support
At this time, our TouchStream products will work with Sun Ray workstations if
plugged into the USB port after boot, but Suns will not accept our keyboard as
a boot keyboard. We're working with Sun to resolve this issue via a Boot PROM
patch. Note also that Suns only recognizes one USB keyboard at a time.
Can I still have my existing keyboard or mouse plugged in while using one of your
products?
Certainly, if you're using a PC with Windows or Linux.
You can also use multiple keyboards and mice on Macs, though we've noticed that
the Shift key on one keyboard won't modify keys pressed on another keyboard.
Example: The laptop Shift key properly capitalizes keys pressed on the laptop,
and the ST/LP shift key/chord capitalizes keys pressed on the ST/LP but, if you
hold down the laptop Shift key, and then press a key on the ST/LP, the ST/LP
key won't get capitalized.
Sun Workstations apparently only recognize one keyboard at a time, and you must
remove one before plugging in another for the second to work.
I want to connect an iGesture or TouchStream to multiple
computers through a KVM switch. Which KVMs are compatible with your products?
First of all, you will need a USB KVM. Your old PS/2 or serial KVM switch will
NOT work. Several manufacturers supply 2-port and 4-port USB KVMs that work
with our products. However, you need to choose a USB KVM that handles generic
USB devices, rather than one expecting USB keyboard data on one cable and USB
mouse data on a second cable:
Iogear (cables included!)
Unfortunately the IOGear Miniview II and III will NOT work because they
expect the USB keyboard and USB mouse to connect thru separate cables. Our
products send both keyboard and mouse data thru the same cable, which Miniview
II and III cannot handle!
For similar reasons, the Belkin
OmniViewT SOHO USB 4-Port KVM Switch with Audio and
OmniViewT SOHO USB 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio will NOT
work without a separate USB keyboard to do the USB hot key switching!
Dr. Bott MoniSwitch USB
Startech
StarView USB KVM Switches
Gefen extend-it DVI
Switchers (for Mac DVI Video, Audio & USB)
I've discovered a bug in my FingerWorks product. Can you fix it without me
exchanging it for a new model?
The firmware in all of our products is fully upgradeable via the USB device
firmware upgrade specification. The upgrade utilities are in Beta and can be
downloaded here.
I'm left-handed. Will I be able to point and gesture with my left hand?
iGesture products auto-detect which hand you are using and work the same with
either hand. On TouchStream Keyboards, you can swap hand mappings with a
special configuration sequence.
My Mac uses a 1-button mouse, my Unix box uses a 3-button mouse, and my Windows
box uses a 2-button mouse with scroll wheel. Will the default pointing and
gesture mappings support my platform?
You can switch your unit between Mac, Windows, and Unix mode with a special
touch sequence. (See the User Guide->Configuration page for the product you
are interested in). Each mode enables the appropriate mouse button mappings and
makes minor changes to the gesture/hotkey mappings to optimize application
compatibility for the selected platform. Your installation CD contains a table
with the exact mappings for each mode.
I realize your products already support a ton of useful gestures, but I want to
customize them. Can I do this?
Yes, all gestures and key mappings are customizable with the new
MyGesture Editor.
To prevent a tower of Babel, the core right hand gesture set is standard across
all our products (i.e. pointing, dragging, scrolling, clipboard, text editing,
and file/window manipulation gestures). If you are left-handed then the above
comments apply to the core left hand gesture set.
The two-handed surfaces of TouchStream Keyboards leave dozens more left-hand
gestures free for customization and future enhancements like 3-D navigation. We
have worked with customers to develop left-hand application-specific gesture
sets for Photoshop, Emacs, Maya, Desktop Switching, and Word (Text Formatting).
If you think your favorite application warrants its own gesture set, try out
your ideas with the MyGesture Editor. If
you think an application gesture set warrants addition to the default library,
feel free to contact us.
I have an application that doesn't use standard hotkey mappings (e.g. it maps F2
instead of Ctrl+S to save). Can I customize the gesture-hotkey mappings for
specific applications?
You can now customize all internal gesture-hotkey mappings with our
MyGesture Editor. Changes made with the MyGesture Editor are
permanently stored in your TouchStream or iGesture unit, and thus apply no
matter what computer or applications you are working with.
Sometimes hotkey-command mappings are not consistent across the different
applications you use. In that case you'll want to change the hotkey settings
within these applications to be more consistent (if possible--Word and advanced
programmers' editors should have configuration dialogs for this).
Microsoft no longer maps any hotkeys to window operations like Maximize,
Minimize, and Restore. For any of our gestures to complete such operations, you
will need one of the shareware key/macro mapping programs listed on our
Third Party Utilities that can map hotkeys to common window operations.
See the gesture/command mapping table included on your installation CD to find
out what hotkeys are generated by each motion.
How do I adjust the pointing sensitivity and acceleration for your products?
The simplest way is to use the usual speed controls in your operating system's
mouse-motion control panel. However, sometimes these controls don't offer as
much range as one would like, especially on Mac OS X or dual-monitor setups.
With the MyGesture Editor you can
independently customize the internal pointing, dragging, and scrolling
sensitivities, as well as acceleration functions of all TouchStream/iGesture
products. Furthermore, our internal acceleration curve is inherently smoother
than what is possible on the operating system side. But if you turn up our
internal acceleration, you'll probably want to turn off acceleration in the OS
control panel, or you'll end up with way too much!
Is there a developer API or SDK?
Yes. Our Hand Tracking
SDK is included in the
MultiTouch Utilities which can
be downloaded
here.
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What is the TouchStream?
The TouchStream is a revolutionary user interface for desktop computers that
eliminates the need for a mechanical keyboard and mouse. It is based on our
proprietary MultiTouch technology and was designed to bring computer use to a
new level of control and comfort. Typing, pointing, clicking, and gesturing are
combined seamlessly on the same overlapping area of the TouchStream's surface.
MultiTouch software determines which mode of input is intended by the user,
thus allowing fast and simple switching between the input modes.
Why is the TouchStream frame slanted?
The slant is there to put your wrists in a more neutral posture, reducing a
wrist strain known as forearm pronation. You should find this posture much more
comfortable, especially if you are already experiencing wrist pain. The slant
angle on each surface half for the TouchStream frame is about 10 degrees.
Where should I place the TouchStream to provide the most relaxing posture?
During testing we found that most people prefer placing the TouchStream ST in
their lap and leaning back in their chair. This is quite comfortable, and you
can stay in this position for a long time since all that you need to control
your computer is at your finger tips. The second best place to put the
TouchStream is on a keyboard platform that positions it just above your lap
when in use. It should never be used for prolonged periods when placed on a
high (relative to your lap) desktop.
What is the physical interface?
All MultiTouch products have a USB interface.
Do I have to install software to use the TouchStream?
No. But you may find the tips and animated tutorials found both on this site and
on the installation CD to be useful.
Is there a wireless version of the TouchStream?
No.
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Why use hand gesture to interact with computers?
Hand gesture was one of our first and most powerful means of communication -
established long before speech and language developed. In the 20th century, our
interaction with computers was crude and one-dimensional. Today, however, we
are attempting to communicate and interact with computers in a way that is more
comfortable and effective for us. Therefore, we use means of expression that
come naturally: gesture and speech.
What roles will gesture and speech play?
The partitioning of tasks executed by gesture or speech will depend on the
particular application. In general, most graphical manipulations will be done
by gesture - it's just a lot faster and more efficient. Operations like asking
questions or non-graphical interaction will be best done by speech. In this
century, people will seamlessly weave gesture and speech together to form a
tight and efficient link between them and their computer.
How will people remember gestures?
People are naturally very good at learning and remembering hand gesture. Simple
motions can be learned almost instantly, while more complex motions might take
practice to master. A great deal can be accomplished with simple gestures. One
doesn't need to reach the level of a novice pianist to become a powerful
director of one's computer.
Why are our customers thrilled with gesture capabilities most of all?
Our multi-finger gestures are the quickest way to issue command
shortcuts, move the text cursor and more! Here's why:
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All MultiTouch gestures can be performed anywhere on the surface,
wherever your hand happens to be. This avoids wasteful hand repositioning to
awkwardly reach for multiple keys in a hotkey sequence, or to move the mouse
cursor onto a toolbar button.
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MultiTouch gestures are distinguished by finger combination and a
simple motion direction as the gesture starts, so the command assigned
to the gesture issues immediately.
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In contrast, symbolic gestures drawn with stylus on tablet cannot be
recognized until you finish drawing the symbol. Drawing complex symbols takes
awhile, which delays command issuance and slows you down.
What makes our multi-finger gestures healthier than the
alternatives?
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Because our touch sensing technology is zero-force, MultiTouch
gestures are essentially effortless. Just as easy as swiping your
fingers through the air! In contrast, holding multiple keys for a shortcut can
get tiring!
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For each command, you use a slightly different motion and finger
set. This way you're less likely to overuse any one finger muscle, as can
happen with repeated clicking of mechanical mouse buttons.
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You won't tire your hand gripping a mouse or stylus. Just rest your
hand on our touch surface whenever you like!
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A single, continuous gesture motion can do the same job as
repetitive keypresses and holds. For commands like Undo or Next App
that sometimes need repeating, the command issues repeatedly the farther you
move if you start the gesture slowly. But if you only
want a command to issue once, start with a quick, crisp motion.
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Reversing direction usually produces a complementary command like Redo
or Prev App. Such intuitively paired motions are easier to memorize
than separate shortcut keys for every command.
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Are mouse operations limited to particular areas of the MultiTouch Surface?
No. However, if your application requires it, specialized areas can be set up.
I'm left handed so can I use the TouchStream?
Right and left hand pointing and gestures are easily swapped to accommodate
everyone.
How does one move the mouse pointer?
The mouse pointer is invoked by touching two adjacent fingertips anywhere on the
MultiTouch surface. Pointer movement then follows the movement of the fingers
until they fully lift off, even if additional fingers touch.
Does it matter which fingers are used for mouse pointing?
The only general requirement is that pointing is started with two fingers,
excluding the thumb. On the iGesture line you can start pointing with 5 fingers
instead of two, for even more relaxation.
Must one always use two fingers to move the mouse pointer?
No. Once pointing is initiated with two fingertips one may use any number of
fingers or even the whole hand to move the pointer. This makes pointing more
relaxing.
Can either hand be used for mouse operations?
Yes
How is clicking done?
A double click is executed by tapping three adjacent fingertips on the
MultiTouch surface. A left mouse click is executed by tapping two adjacent
fingertips. Right and middle mouse button presses are done with other finger
combinations. Clicking can be invoke anywhere on the surface.
How is dragging done?
A left button drag is done by touching and moving three adjacent fingertips.
Drag initiation can occur anywhere on the MultiTouch surface.
How is scrolling done?
Just bring four adjacent fingertips down on the MultiTouch surface. Move them up
or down to scroll your screen. Scrolling remains in effect until you lift your
fingers off the MultiTouch surface.
How long will it take to become proficient at pointing and clicking?
Pointing and clicking is really easy. One should be able to master it within a
few minutes
How well will MultiTouch Products work with my favorite games?
The main gesture sets are designed to work efficiently with productivity
applications, not any games in particular. Some games like first-person
shooters really need an alternative gesture set that allows one to click while
continuously pointing. This capability is provided via game
mode on all iGesture and TouchStream products.
On the TouchStream, will I still be able to do paired key/mouse operations like
Shift+Click or Alt+Click?
Yes. They're easy on the TouchStream ST/LP. On the Mini they can be a bit
awkward, since only one hand is typically used.
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Isn't the MultiTouch Surface just an oversize touchpad?
No. The technology used in our MultiTouch surface produces images of the hands
and fingers as they approach the surface. In effect, a video is created that
records the complete motion of all fingers and the other parts of the hands.
Furthermore, our MultiTouch software can track and interpret the motion of many
hands (and their corresponding fingers) at a time. Touchpads can only sense the
position of one finger, or if more than one finger is touching the surface the
touchpad senses their centroid.
What is meant by gesture and motion input?
Gesture input is motion of hands and fingers across the MultiTouch Surface which
is interpreted as a command by the MultiTouch software. Gestures, for example,
can be used to control images and player movement through virtual areas on
display systems. Users can manipulate graphics with gesture to do things like
rotate, zoom, scroll, pan, morph, cut, copy, and paste.
How many gestures can be used?
Our technology can recognize a large number of gestures, ranging from the simple
to the complex. Most existing applications can be improved significantly by
using just a few simple gestures. These can be as simple as single finger
movement, say, to enter characters or move a pointer. Or, movement of multiple
fingers to, for example, zoom and rotate an image, or to finger paint, where
each fingertip can be drawing a different color. Some applications, such as
video-entertainment, may have a wide range of gestures: simple ones to control,
for example, viewing perspective, channel selection, and PIP positioning;
moderately complex gestures to "move through" and interact with multiplayer
game virtual areas.
Is the MultiTouch Surface divided into special-function regions?
No. At the software level, however, the MultiTouch Surface can be divided into
any function desired. Alternatively, the same surface region can serve multiple
functions by using gesture to change the meaning of input that follows.
What is the interface between the MultiTouch and the host computer?
USB.
Is help available?
Yes. We can provide a CD video tutorial that includes online help and a Gesture
Assistant, which shows operators how to use a particular gesture.
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Can the touch surface be cleaned easily?
Yes! Much more easily than a keyboard or mouse! The smooth surface covers are
made of hard, chemical-resistant plastic. They can be cleaned at any time with
non-abrasive, non-corrosive, common household cleaners like Windex, Formula
409, or Lysol. We prefer cleaning with Lysol disinfectant spray bottle because
it leaves the surface nice and slippery. Note that if you do not disconnect the
unit while cleaning, it may emit spurious keystrokes while any liquid remains
on the surface.
How often should the surface be cleaned?
Grime seems to build up at different rates for different people, but generally
you should clean it if you see grime or if the surface no longer feels
slippery. A Lysol-cleaned surface will look and feel more pleasant for pointing
and gesturing. Heavy grime buildup could also interfere with the touch sensing.
Can liquid spills damage the unit?
Not so long as they are promptly wiped away. See above. However, the unit may
behave erratically so long as any liquid remains on the surface.
Will the symbols printed on the surface ever wear off?
No, they are actually printed on the back side of the hard, transparent surface
plastic, so you would have to wear all the way through the plastic to damage
the printing. Remember this interface operates with a very light touch, so if
you're having any trouble with surface or fingertip wear, you must be
pressing unnecessarily hard!
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If I use a MultiTouch Surface for typing will my finger and wrist pain go away?
We can not promise that you will experience any reduction in your symptoms. It
is our personal experience that proper use of our technology can significantly
reduce pain and further injury.
What do I do to touch type?
Touch typing on the MultiTouch Surface is very similar to touch typing on a
keyboard. The main difference is that no pressure or force is needed to input
characters. For details, see the Typing Instructions page
or Mini Typing Instructions page.
How fast can people type on the TouchStream?
Touch typists can achieve up to
70 wpm on the QWERTY layout once they master
Zero-Force typing. To achieve slightly higher speeds and greatly reduce finger
travel, you may wish to consider the DVORAK key
layout.
Can I rest my fingers, palms, or entire hands on the surface without causing
unwanted input?
Yes. Our MultiTouch software ignores resting fingers and palms, as well as
moving palms thus preventing unwanted input while typing. You can rest a hand
at any time by dropping all five fingers on the surface simultaneously.
However, most isolated finger taps near keys are interpreted as typing,
so you must be careful to only tap the keys you intend.
If the entire surface is used for both typing, mouse, and gesture input, how
does the system tell which mode I am using?
The system tells what mode you want to use by watching how many fingers first
contact the surface:
- single finger taps convert to typing
- multi-finger touch means mouse, gesture, or resting
Is there any tactile feedback like textures or bumps on the surface?
Yes. There are braille-like dots, or raised dimples, at the center of each home
row key. These let you find home row by sliding 5 fingers on the surface
without looking down. There are no tactile indicators on the other keys. If you
learn to reach the proper amount for them and then spring back to home row, you
can really 'touch' type (without looking down).
Is there any audible feedback when typing?
If you're using Windows, you can download the KeyTick utility listed on our
Third Party Utilities page. It lets you choose clicking sounds ranging
from a whistle to an old-fashioned typewriter.
Other operating systems such as Linux/KDE have options to generate sounds for
each keypress.
But after you adapt to MultiTouch you may want to turn off the sound and enjoy
typing in complete silence.
How long will it take to become proficient at touch-typing?
Learning time is very age dependent. The younger you are the faster you'll get
it. In general, the TouchStream Keyboard is not recommended for the older user
unless you have youthful hand coordination and you are willing to take the time
to relearn using a keyboard. It can take 1 to 4 weeks to reach your normal
typing speed depending on your age.
After mastering the TouchStream, people come to love the effortless, light feel
of zero-force typing. And they love the ability to switch instantaneously
between typing, pointing, and gestures without reaching off the keys. Thus you
should experience increased performance if you do a healthy mix of typing,
pointing, and editing as is typical with modern GUI applications.
What about hunt-and-peck typing?
Hunt and peck typing is easy. Just touch the key you want to enter. But remember
not to bang the keys.
Can I move the locations of the keys?
Yes, you can remap keys and adjust their physical location.
On the TouchStream, will I still be able to do paired key/mouse operations like
Shift+Click or Alt+Click?
Yes
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