Talk:Wacom

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This article could use some information on how the tablets work

I agree - it would be very interesting to know how the tablet can get such accurate positional information, as well as analog pressure readings and button presses from an independent (wireless) pen. Kjl 21:26, 15 November 2005 (UTC)

Wacom tablets use a patented electromagnetic resonance technology. Since the tablet provides power to the pen through resonant coupling, no batteries or cords are required. As a result, there are no batteries inside the pen that will run down and need to be replaced, creating a long and virtually maintenance free lifespan.

Under the tablet’s surface (or LCD in the case of the Cintiq) is a grid of wires that transmits a send and receive signal. In send mode, the tablet’s electromagnetic signal stimulates oscillation in the pen’s coil-and-capacitor circuit. In receive mode, the energy of the resonant circuit’s oscillations in the pen is detected by the tablet’s grid. This information is then analyzed by the computer to determine the pen’s position. In addition, the pen communicates other vital information, such as pressure-sensitivity, side-switch status, tip or eraser orientation and Tool ID. For example, applying more or less pressure to the tip of the pen changes the value of the pen’s timing circuit capacitor. This signal change is communicated to a modulator which distributes the information digitally to the tablet. The tablet forwards this and other relevant information (pen position, side-switch status, Tool ID, etc.) in packets, up to 200 times per second, to the computer.

Heh, can you (or somebody else) add this nice explanation to the article itself? I don't know enough about the subject to add it with any degree of confidence myself. It's a shame for this info to be hiding on the discussion page... Kjl 21:53, 12 May 2006 (UTC)

Any reason why its particularly popular on the Mac? --Rilstix 06:51, 15 August 2005 (UTC)

Simply because so many graphic designers use the Mac. Wacom tablets are designed for graphic artists, the majority of graphic artists use Macs, ergo Wacom tablets are going to get used with Macs quite a bit. --TangentIdea 04:23, 5 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] How do you pronounce Wacom?

  • Way-COM?
  • Whack-UM?
  • WAH-come?

Anyone have any ideas?

Rossr 21:30, 1 November 2005 (UTC)

Wacom is pronounced "wah come" and is derived from the Japanese symbol for harmony ("wah") and the first syllable of computer ("come"). The tag line of the company is, "Toward the harmonious development between man and technology." --- I've read a few forums that say Wacom was founded by Sun Myung Moon (Moonies). How can we verify that?

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