Acoustic tablet
Encyclopedia
An acoustic tablet, also known as a spark tablet, is a form of graphics tablet
that uses sound
to locate the position of the stylus
within the drawing area.
The general functionality of acoustic tablets is based on a sound-emitting stylus and microphone
s that are used to record the sound. The current position of the stylus can be calculated according to the difference in the timing of the recorded sound. The sound can, for example, be a small electrical discharge that is emitted when the stylus is placed near the surface of the tablet.
Acoustic tablets have a long technological history, as seen from this 1971 patent by Science Accessories Corporation. Acoustic tablets are a convenient way to make a digitizing tablet for a very large surface area, as in the products.
Although acoustic tablets are sometimes characterized by fans of other technologies as being outdated and inaccurate in comparison with more recent devices, they are used in a number of specialized products because they do not require a physical "tablet".
Graphics tablet
A graphics tablet is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way a person draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures...
that uses sound
Sound
Sound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.-Propagation of...
to locate the position of the stylus
Stylus (computing)
In computing, a stylus is a small pen-shaped instrument that is used to input commands to a computer screen, mobile device or graphics tablet...
within the drawing area.
The general functionality of acoustic tablets is based on a sound-emitting stylus and microphone
Microphone
A microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. In 1877, Emile Berliner invented the first microphone used as a telephone voice transmitter...
s that are used to record the sound. The current position of the stylus can be calculated according to the difference in the timing of the recorded sound. The sound can, for example, be a small electrical discharge that is emitted when the stylus is placed near the surface of the tablet.
Acoustic tablets have a long technological history, as seen from this 1971 patent by Science Accessories Corporation. Acoustic tablets are a convenient way to make a digitizing tablet for a very large surface area, as in the products.
Although acoustic tablets are sometimes characterized by fans of other technologies as being outdated and inaccurate in comparison with more recent devices, they are used in a number of specialized products because they do not require a physical "tablet".