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MikeAqua

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#310546 31-Oct-2023 10:28
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I'm probably doing a terrible job of describing this but here goes ...

 

I need to find a display with tactile input controls for on-deck use, on commercial seafood vessels (boats).  Needs to play nicely with Windows 11.

 

The environment is characterised by splashes of saltwater, general crud, bright sunlight and the vessel will be moving and also pitching and rolling at times.  Users often have large, wet/slimly hands and during the day are wearing polarised sunglasses.  Touchscreens tend to be fairly hopeless in that environment.  

 

The intended use is to enter, review and look up data.  This would be achieved by navigating through menus and lists and entering numeric data.

 

I'm open minded about what the controls should be, and whether they are integrated into or separate from the display.

 

In my head I visualise something like the controls for car's multi-media-display unit: a joystick-rotary encoder, a number pad and some multifunction keys.

 

Any/advice appreciated.

 

 





Mike


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mdf

mdf
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  #3153972 31-Oct-2023 12:20
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I've seen waterproof trackballs in a different context and went looking. Turns out there are Options - see for e.g. https://seatronx.com/products/trackballs/marine-trackballs/ 

 

Trackball means you wouldn't have to cobble together any kind of special interface for specific apps.




gzt

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  #3153978 31-Oct-2023 12:32
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Rotating 90 degrees usually fixes polarisation.

After that you'll need something super bright for that environment in day time, and probably auto-dimming into the night to avoid safety risk blinding users.

and a windscreen with a wiper on it and auto detergent wash dispenser ; )

gzt

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  #3153981 31-Oct-2023 12:36
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Likewise options for marine displays.



MikeAqua

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  #3153982 31-Oct-2023 12:36
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mdf:

 

I've seen waterproof trackballs in a different context and went looking. Turns out there are Options - see for e.g. https://seatronx.com/products/trackballs/marine-trackballs/ 

 

Trackball means you wouldn't have to cobble together any kind of special interface for specific apps.

 

 

Thanks. 

 

Trackball might work, but could be a bit too fiddly.

 

I actually like the look of the joystick.  That would be perfect, if only it was IP67/IP68.

 

 

 

 





Mike


wellygary
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  #3154007 31-Oct-2023 14:23
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MikeAqua:

 

The intended use is to enter, review and look up data.  This would be achieved by navigating through menus and lists and entering numeric data.

 

I'm open minded about what the controls should be, and whether they are integrated into or separate from the display.

 

 

I would actually start with asking the users what they want and how they want to interact with it, 

 

 

 

If you make it the data screens simple enough you might be able to get through it on a regular keyboard with tabs and other keys to move around the data entry fields and pages , 

 

What you are describing is a very bespoke and specialised set up, so getting it right from the beginning is pretty crucial 

 

 

 

 


MikeAqua

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  #3154100 31-Oct-2023 16:17
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wellygary:

 

I would actually start with asking the users what they want and how they want to interact with it, 

 

If you make it the data screens simple enough you might be able to get through it on a regular keyboard with tabs and other keys to move around the data entry fields and pages , 

 

What you are describing is a very bespoke and specialised set up, so getting it right from the beginning is pretty crucial 

 

 

The consensus was something ergonomic and easy to use like a vehicle multifunction display controller.  Then it descended into "which ute is best" 😄. 

 

They key desired attributes were one handed operation (the other one might be hanging onto a grabrail) not fiddly, not too many keys, really tactile with a reasonable amount of force required to actuate each key.

 

When you have chunky fingers and the vessel is rolling and pitching, keyboards aren't great.

 

Ultimately, I think that mouse/joystick could work with the right UI and its windows compatible.  

 

 





Mike


wellygary
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  #3154105 31-Oct-2023 16:26
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MikeAqua:

 

The consensus was something ergonomic and easy to use like a vehicle multifunction display controller.  Then it descended into "which ute is best" 😄. 

 

 

😀, sounds like you've got them right where you want them... good luck with the project 


 
 
 

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Goosey
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  #3154225 31-Oct-2023 22:15
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what about the gear you see on the side of petrol tankers and car washes?

 

prettymuch an outdoor "terminal" as such and you could then mount a fixed screen.  Afterall, who would be wanting to hold a tablet, whilst holding onto dear life whilst a fish or three are snapping about.....three things could happen...

 

 

 

 

 

edit, those three combinations....  you fall, tablet falls and fish smack ya silly. 


MikeAqua

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  #3154296 1-Nov-2023 07:53
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wellygary:

 

😀, sounds like you've got them right where you want them... good luck with the project 

 

 

More like the other way around!  Thanks.





Mike


MikeAqua

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  #3154302 1-Nov-2023 08:01
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Goosey:

 

what about the gear you see on the side of petrol tankers and car washes?

 

prettymuch an outdoor "terminal" as such and you could then mount a fixed screen.  Afterall, who would be wanting to hold a tablet, whilst holding onto dear life whilst a fish or three are snapping about.....three things could happen...

 

 

 

 

 

edit, those three combinations....  you fall, tablet falls and fish smack ya silly. 

 

 

Thanks, I'll have a look at what's on the side of a fuel tanker.  Our fuel suppliers would be happy to show me.

 

Definitely going with a fixed monitor.  

 

We'll have one PC in the wheelhouse and the outside terminal will just be a duplicate screen, joystick mouse and number pad.  Set up the job inside, head outside and do data entry with the on-deck terminal.

 

Still have to figure out how to get HDMI and USB those distances, but I'm sure it's all doable via ethernet adaptors.

 

 





Mike


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