Logitech Digitizer Debuts in GRiD PalmPAD Wearable PC
NEW YORK — March 19, 1992 — Logitech Thursday announced that its Gazelle digitizing tablet and wireless pen is being used in the PalmPAD, the first "wearable" PC introduced by GRiD Systems Corp.
Designed primarily for data collection applications, the PalmPAD can be used in the hand or worn on the wrist. It is also ruggedized, capable of withstanding three-foot drops. The PalmPAD takes a significant step in increasing the performance and utility of pen-based computing.
The Logitech electromagnetic digitizer is self-contained on a single circuit board, avoiding the need to fit additional circuitry onto a motherboard; Logitech is the only supplier today that can combine digitizer and motherboard functions on a multi-layer circuit board.
The patented technology provides high resolution while maintaining low cost through the use of standard printed circuit board manufacturing processes, and the elimination of microprocessors and A/D converters. By using an ''active'' pen, power consumption is reduced since the digitizing tablet acts solely as a receiver (see features discussion below).
The PalmPAD features a 640-by-400 screen resolution along with a fluorescent, backlit display. This allows the unit to be used in a variety of lighting conditions, with plenty of room to display and work with text and graphics applications.
''We are committed to improving the user interface of computers and making them more compatible with humans,'' said Pierluigi Zappacosta, president and chief executive officer of Logitech. ''By also being very committed to OEM customers such as GRiD, Logitech is pleased to be able to provide an inexpensive, excellent digitizing/pen-based product that is the thinnest (< 0.8mm), lightest, and least power hungry available today.
''The Gazelle digitizing technology has successfully overcome the crucial pen-based development challenges of power consumption, speed, and resolution. It also provides two additional critical elements: a very small border area (< 20mm) to accommodate the smallest system displays, as well as the design of a comfortable, ergonomically correct cordless pen.''
''With the PalmPAD,'' said Kirk Cruikshank, GRiD vice president of marketing, ''GRiD Corp. needed a robust design which could fit into a minimal package, a low-power device featuring high resolution and accuracy. These stringent demands were met by the Logitech/Gazelle digitizer.''
The PalmPAD features a number of innovative and breakthrough technologies, such as extended battery life (eight hours on one charge), solid-state SunDisk storage cards, and co-molded plastic and rubber (Dow Chemical) casing. Key features of the Logitech Gazelle Graphics digitizer include:
Noise immunity — The pen and digitizer are inherently immune to electromagnetic noise from computers, LCDs, and other circuitry. The tablet emits no electromagnetic energy and requires no separate shield.
High resolution and accuracy — Triple that of the best commercial LCDs available, with tracking speed double that required for computer-intensive applications such as handwriting recognition.
Underlay technology — The digitizer is underneath the LCD and writing surface, so its is protected from dust, dirt, water, scratches, and other environmental degradation. Underlay technology is the most reliable means of providing pen input to computing systems.
Low-power consumption — The pen powers up if either switch is pressed, and powers down if unused for more than three minutes. Because the digitizer tablet acts only as a receiver, it consumes inherently less power than other electromagnetic digitizers which transmit, as well as receive, electromagnetic energy. The digitizer's power management system reduces power consumption by 80 percent in standby mode, but still detects pen presence.
Logitech is the leading manufacturer of pointing, input, and imaging devices worldwide for IBM PC, Macintosh, and other platforms. Its products include a diverse array of retail and OEM mice, trackballs, hand-held scanners, and digital cameras. Logitech's operational headquarters are in Fremont, and the company is publicly held in Switzerland.
It operates manufacturing facilities in Fremont; Hsinchu, Taiwan; and Cork, Ireland, and offices in major U.S., Far Eastern, and European cities.
Note to Editors: PalmPAD is a trademark of GRiD Systems Corp. Logitech/Gazelle Wireless Pen & Digitizer
Technical Specifications
Product Specifications: Digitizing Product Specifications: Pen Sensor Board Type Resolution Active wireless electromagnetic 427dpi (17dpmm) Switches Accuracy Tip .01 inches (.25mm) Barrel (optional)
Sample Rate Tilt Correction Pen down: 300 points/second Automatic up to 45 degrees Pen near: 200 points/second from vertical
Batteries Host Interface 2 by UC393 button cell High-speed serial port ISA bus Battery Life Up to two years with normal use Digitizer Board Thickness .031 inches (.8mm) Dimensions Length: 5.53 inches (140mm) Circuit Component Height Width: 0.40 inches (10mm) (in active area of PCB) Weight: 0.5oz (14g) .15 inch (3.8mm) maximum
Depth The top surface of the digitizer board is .3 inches (7.5mm) below the writing surface
Operating Temperature 32-104 degrees F (0-40 degrees C)
Humidity Up to 90 percent non-condensing MTBF 750,000 hours
Power Requirements Active: +5V at 15mA maximum Standby: +5V at 3mA maximum
CONTACT:
Logitech Inc., Fremont
Serge Timacheff, 510/713-4439, or
Karl Empey, 510/713-4576
or
Neale-May & Partners
Deborah Caldwell, 415/328-5555