Wacom's Intuos3 Launches Into Outer Space

Aug. 21, 2008 - PRLog -- Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and intuitive interface devices, today announces that the Intuos3 A4 pen tablet is the first to be used in outer space. Astronauts are using the pen tablet in a series of experiments analysing the way they perceive distances and dimensions during their time in the International Space Station (ISS).

On Earth, human beings can feel and "see" the effects of gravity on their bodies and surroundings. The human brain naturally takes gravity into account in several cerebral processes used for orientation, visual perception and motor control. In microgravity, however, many 'normal' references are lacking: objects float in space and the notions of 'up' and 'down' are no longer relevant. As a result, the brain receives unfamiliar information. Could this mean that the disorders experienced by astronauts are due to certain processes being altered by changes in the gravitational field? How does the brain adapt?

In conjunction with a number of French research laboratories, the French space agency CNES has developed a neurosensory stimulation platform, 'SENS', based on virtual reality. This unit can be used for neuroscience experiments involving astronauts before, during and after flights on the ISS.

Two Wacom Intuos3 A4 tablets are being utilised as part of the neuroscientific research project known as '3D Space'. The '3D Space' project aims to examine changes in astronauts' mental representations of their surrounding environment.

"3D Space is designed to test the hypothesis that altered visual perception affects motor control," explains Eric Lorigny, payload developer at CNES. "The astronaut is asked to reproduce shapes or text on the pen tablet. The pen tablet allows us to record and analyse the reactions both on earth and in space."

Guido Möller, Wacom Europe's product manager of professional products, worked closely with the CNES: "This is a very special milestone in Wacom's history and we are very proud that the European Space Agency chose the Intuos3 to use for its research".

The Intuos3 is a series of ten pen tablets aiming at professional users. It is used in various areas ranging from design to medical applications. Each tablet features a resolution of 5,080 dpi and Wacom's patented cordless and battery free pen has 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity. The Intuos3 now has been qualified for use in space by CNES.

For further information on the ISS '3D Space' project go to:
http://www.cnes.fr/web/5881-sens.php
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experim...

-ends-

For more information about Wacom and Wacom products, please contact Glenn Tsunekawa at appress[at]wacom.co.jp.

Wacom Company Ltd., (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727), is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries in the United States (Wacom Technology Corporation), Germany (Wacom Europe GmbH), China (Wacom China Corporation), Korea (Wacom Korea Co., Ltd.), Australia (Wacom Australia Pty, Ltd) and Singapore (Wacom Singapore Pte. Ltd.). In addition to these subsidiaries, Wacom has affiliate offices around the world to support marketing and distribution in over 150 countries. Founded in 1983, Wacom's vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom's intuitive input devices has been used to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, special effects, fashion and designs around the world and provides business and home users with their leading interface technology to express their personality. Millions of customers are using its cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen technology.

# # #

Wacom Co., Ltd. is a global company whose vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions.