Pencil Emulation
7 messages in this thread
Here's an idea that I thunk the other day:
In computer graphics, particularly paint programs, one important area has
not been addressed. That is, we have no means of varying line thickness as
we draw by varying "pen" pressure. I offer this possible approach to
anyone who wishes to pursue it (I'll probably regret this): Beneath the
standard graphics tablet surface grid, place a piezoelectric film. The
film, when subjected to greater pressure, would alter the voltage applied
across the film. This change in voltage would be read and software (the
paint program) would vary the line thickness proportionately. If standard
fixed line width was desired, this feature could be toggled off.
Is this idea with any merit?
I think either that idea, or the idea of placing a pressure sensor inside
the stylus (cheaper – grin), has been done, yah. Real spray brush behavior
with varying thicknesses, etc. Good idea, tho!
Oops! Looks like I spoke too soon (didn't read the rest of my messages
before responding to the original message). Anyway, it's not necessary to
go through this much effort for a realistic airbrush technique. CGL, Inc.
sells Images II, (a painting system) which has this and many other effects,
using a normal tablet/stylus. For example, you could randomly distribute
pixels at a given radius from stylus. You can even do blending with
neighboring pixels. While I'm not a graphics programmer, I know that it has
been done.
Cheers!
Al
Alex Arthur – Unix System Programmer – NYIT Computer Graphics Lab 4
McKinley Place, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Ayup, that's true! Thanks, Al!
How about changing the thickness by mouse speed, fast = thin, Slow =Thick?
Another way would be to incorporate a stress-gauge within the stylus.
Al
Alex Arthur – Unix System Programmer – NYIT Computer Graphics Lab 4
McKinley Place, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Michael,
There are some very nice graphics tablets that do currently incorporate
pressure sensitivity, such as several models of Numonics, Zed Pens, and my
personal favorite, Wacom. The Wacom is especially nice because it uses a
wireless stylus that has a nice balance to it – early wireless styli were
heavy, this is light.
I work for a software company, Time Arts, that produces a paint package
called Lumena, which has used this pressure information for over 3 1/2
years, not only using it to vary line thickness, but also density of
airbrushes, and stipple for expressive brushwork… it can fairly closely
emulate traditional media, and in many ways, be more controllable.
So your idea is pretty good!