Pointing devices used for Military and Industrial applications
Pointing devices are important accessories for computer systems, allowing for a user to input spatial data through various means. Coming in the form of computer mice, trackballs, joysticks, pointing sticks, and other such input interfaces, users can achieve increased control over a system for the benefit of varying applications. For industrial and military organizations, pointing devices may be used for the means of controlling machinery, vehicles, defense systems, and more. Although pointing devices may differ in their application and design, all serve to increase productivity and create an ease of control. In this blog, we will discuss pointing devices more in detail, allowing you to understand the various common types and how they may be used for such sectors.
Pointing devices are commonly sorted into three categories, those of which are motion-tracking pointing devices, position-tracking pointing devices, and pressure-tracking pointing devices. For military and industrial applications, the joystick is a very common motion-tracking device that can assist in the control of aircraft, cameras, cranes, trucks, and other such technologies. Featuring a base, stick, and various buttons and triggers, joysticks rely on force transducers and other components in order to determine the angle and direction that the stick is pivoted in. As aircraft parts, joysticks permit an operator to control the ailerons and elevators of the device, and additional buttons may permit the use of various other systems. For a device such as a crane, the joystick can allow an operator to control such equipment with ease.
Mice are the most common motion-tracking pointing devices, and they are small handheld peripherals that may be pushed over a surface to move a cursor on a screen. With their rugged trackballs or infrared lights, the movement of a mouse over a horizontal surface can be accurately tracked and relayed to the computer system for a given input. Mice can be used for numerous applications, commonly assisting countless users in controlling computer applications through the ability to point and click.
For portable devices such as laptops, a touchpad is a common position-tracking device that provides the same functionality as a mouse. As a flat surface that can detect finger contact, a touchpad utilizes a two-layer grid of electrodes that determine the movement of a finger. If the device is more robust, the touchpad may even have pressure sensitivity or special gestures to increase control. Within the military, the touchpad allows users to control computers that assist in communications, intelligence analysis, weapons control, and more. For industrial applications, computers and trackpads can assist in machine processes and permit control over equipment.
Isometric joysticks are a type of pressure-tracking pointing device, and they are unable to move much or at all while being mounted to a chassis. Rather than having a large stick that pivots, isometric joysticks can detect movement by applying force to the stick. While coming in various forms, the most common type of isometric joystick is the one found on keyboards to move cursors like a trackpad or mouse.
Regardless of which type of pointing device one procures for their industrial or military application, such equipment should be highly durable and responsive for optimal control over systems. With force transducers, switch touchpad components, rack systems, and other equipment parts that are developed with high rigidity, such devices can be relied upon for increasing operator efficiency. When deciding upon what parts are needed for a given application, it can be useful to determine what control is needed to operate a given system, whether accessories or backlighting is desired, what mounting style is most preferable, and more.
At Purchasing Union, we are your sourcing solution for top quality pointing devices and related components. Whether you need parts for industrial machinery or military defense, we carry over 2 billion new, used, and obsolete items that cater to a variety of applications. Peruse our expansive inventory at your leisure, and our team of industry experts are readily available to assist you through part selection and the purchasing process. If you would like to learn more about our purchasing procedure or would like to receive a competitive quote on items that you are interested in, our team may be reached 24/7x365 by phone or email and would be more than happy to assist you as needed.
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