Cirque advances input device; The creator of GlidePoint technology introduces first generation multi-functional input device.SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 1996--Today, Cirque Corporation Cirque Corporation is a Salt Lake City, Utah-based company which developed and commercialized the first successful capacitive touchpad, now widely used in notebook computers. , the creator of GlidePoint(R) technology, announces its input center, once again revolutionizing the input device market and setting a standard for future multi-functional input tools. The Cirque Input Center(TM) is the first device to combine commonly used input tools into one form-factor, saving space on the desktop as it adds functionality. With the built-in touchpad A stationary pointing device that provides a small, flat surface that you slide your finger over using the same movements as you would a mouse. You can tap on the pad's surface as an alternate to pressing one of the touchpad keys. See mouse, trackball and pointing stick. , the device is a natural extension of the company's GlidePoint technology-based product line. This first generation input center combines four tools used by desktop computing customers: intuitive touchpad pointing, touchpad pen and software for signature capture and/or "mini" sketching, quiet, wear-resistant key input with Windows 95 features, and productivity software for stress-relief. "When we introduced GlidePoint technology in 1994, we transformed input, creating a new category of pointing devices," said George Gerphiede, Cirque's CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. and the inventor of GlidePoint technology. "Today, we take another step forward. By combining the input tools that computer users need daily with energizing energizing, adj giving energy to; revitalizing; rejuvenating. software that helps to prevent repetitive stress injuries repetitive stress injury or repetitive strain injury (RSI), injury caused by repeated movement of a particular part of the body. Often seen in workers whose physical routine is unvaried, RSI has become epidemic since computers have entered the , the Cirque Input Center(TM) represents a new genre of smarter, more sensitive input devices." GlidePoint technology was first introduced in 1994 as a new approach to cursor control. The touchpad's smooth, reliable operation has rapidly become a standard for portable computers. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. IDC, 46% of the portable computer market will integrate the technology this year. "We've created a standard for portable computers, one that is quickly moving to the desktop," said David Ai, Cirque's vice president of marketing. "Now we're advancing that standard by combining multi-functional input hardware with software that energizes users and provides additional functionality in a variety of computing applications." Pen input Cirque is first to introduce pen input to capacitive touchpads. The company's GlidePoint technology now responds to a unique stylus stylus: see pen. (1) A pen-shaped instrument that is used to "draw" images or select from menus. Styli (the plural of stylus, pronounced "sty-lye") come with handheld devices that have touch screens, such as PDAs and video games. , designed to differentiate between pointing and writing activities on the pad surface. The patent-pending stylus uses a mechanical switch to allow users to position the cursor before "laying ink." "When we introduced next generation features to our touchpad products earlier this summer, we announced absolute mode, or tablet-like positioning, for optional use in paint and other graphical programs," said Ai. "Absolute mode has enabled pen input by allowing the pad to recognize the difference between pointing and signing or sketching activities. We are pleased to add this functionality to our new input center." The Cirque Input Center will ship with software which enables users to capture signatures and/or "mini"-sketches and import them into a variety of applications. Stress-relief software Repetitive stress injuries and cumulative trauma disorders cumulative trauma disorder Repetitive motion injury, repetitive stress disorder Occupational medicine Any of a group of conditions characterized by repeated stress on muscles, bones, tendons, nerves, which have psychologic and/or physical ramifications–eg, result in productivity and financial losses for more and more companies each year. According to Business Week magazine, RSI's have become the fastest growing workplace illness in the U.S. (60% of all occupational injuries each year - ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. World News). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' has recently announced that reported stress-related injuries are up 63% from 1990. Cirque's software is a comprehensive program that can help guard against these injuries by promoting more frequent breaks. These breaks are enhanced with activities that may be executed while seated in front of the keyboard. "Cirque's software adds an important component to the input center by energizing workers as it prevents injuries, thus improving productivity in the workplace," said Ai. Cirque Input Center(TM) features -- The large integrated touchpad ships with GlidePoint(R) Touchpad 2(TM) features, including a faster report rate for better "feel," the GlideExtend(TM) motion extender See Media Center Extender, bus extender and DOS extender. , a "right tap zone" for Windows 95, sound and textural feedback, and a customizable third button. -- The input center ships with a stylus for pen input and signature capture software that allows users to sign faxes and other documents. The software also allows users to create "mini"-sketches in a bitmap format A file format that contains bitmaps. See bitmap file and graphics formats. . -- Cirque's stress-relief software is included to help users relax and energize en·er·gize v. en·er·gized, en·er·giz·ing, en·er·giz·es v.tr. 1. To give energy to; activate or invigorate: "His childhood at their desks, relieving input-related stress. The programmable software responds to the number of keystrokes or minutes between typing breaks. Exercise activities are demonstrated in video clips with a "live" instructor. -- The keyboard boasts a standard 104-key layout for easy adoption. The smooth design includes a large space bar and a built-in wristrest for more comfortable hand positioning, yet does not require a user to re-learn typing skills. -- Cirque will offer the same easy installation, standard driver compatibility, and adapter accessories the company provides with its other retail products. The Cirque GlidePoint(R) Input Center(TM) will ship with serial and PS/2 connectors. The driver will be compatible with DOS, Windows, and Windows(R) 95 environments, and a comprehensive manual will be included for English-, French-, and German-speaking customers. -- The Input Center will come with a one-year warranty, toll-free technical assistance (1-800-GLIDE-75), and Cirque's free GlideGuarantee(TM) customer service program. At $129.00 (SRP SRP - A data link layer protocol. ), Cirque anticipates a street price of approximately $99.00. Information about the Cirque(R) Input Center(TM) is available by calling 800-GLIDE-75 and at Cirque's address, http://www.glidepoint.com on the World Wide Web. Cirque, a privately held Utah corporation, was founded in 1991 with a mission to provide intuitive and rich interfaces for direct fingertip fin·ger·tip n. The extreme end or tip of a finger. control of computers. As the original developer, Cirque holds the patents for GlidePoint technology and it's tradename, and manufactures a broad product line of touchpads and touchpad modules for retail and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and customers. Cirque currently licenses patented GlidePoint technology to Alps Electric Inc. and other non-disclosed companies. CONTACT: Cirque Corp., Salt Lake City Angela Keeney, 801/467-1100, ext.147 |
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