Using InTouch on a Tablet PC
- Introduce highlighted features of the Windows XP for Tablet PCs
- Introduce highlighted features of Wonderware InTouch
- Demonstrate the AnnotateLayout script function
- Change screen orientation from landscape to portrait
- Introduce Tips for Using Tablet PCs
Tablet PCs have been used for years in the Utilities, Oil & Gas, and Emergency Response environments. They are extremely durable and have several features that make them appropriate for industrial settings.
Hardware
Ruggedized Tablet PCs are sealed units that are waterproof and vibration resistant. Most come equipped with a light sensor which allows for automatic adjustment of screen brightness based on the light surrounding them. They have dual batteries which allow batteries to be swapped out on-the-fly when necessary. Most come with docking stations and a digital pan. A wireless network card makes them completely portable in a wireless environment.
Operating System
Tablet PCs run on Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition which supports full functionality of all software including pen extensions which allow data input with a digital pen. The digital pen is also used as a pointing device.
Target Users
These features make tablet PCs an ideal tool to create efficiency in plant settings. They empower users to access InTouch applications anywhere any time when in range of a wireless network. They are perfect for users who need to move around, monitor plant activities, enter small pieces of data, or enter data without a keyboard. They are also ideal for harsh environments.
Highlighted Features of the Operating System
This information is intended to introduce the features most applicable to Wonderware customers.
Please refer to the owner’s manual for your specific Tablet PC for detailed instructions.
Digital Ink
Digital Ink in practical terms is simply electronic handwriting. Using the digital pen, you can input data, change set points, and make notes with handwriting. This is especially useful when the tablet is undocked.
Windows Journal
Windows Journal is a note-taking application that lets you create and organize handwritten notes in a Tablet PC using a digital pen. You can think of it as a version of Notepad that handles “digital ink”. It also provides character recognition capabilities so your handwriting can be converted to text; although you can enter, manage and keep your notes in digital ink if you so desire.
Highlighted Features of the Operating System
It will also convert your handwriting into text
Screen Rotation
The XRT Screen Rotation tool is especially useful when the Tablet is undocked. This allows you to change from landscape orientation to portrait. This is more comfortable when you’re holding the Tablet and taking notes. This is done by changing the screen resolution.
Write Anywhere
With the Write Anywhere feature, you can use most of the screen on your Tablet PC as a writing area. This is especially useful for longer writing tasks.
The Write Anywhere feature converts your handwriting into typed text and inserts it in a location that you specify, such as a word-processing document. You can use the Write Anywhere feature to enter text anywhere that you can use a standard keyboard to enter text.
The Write Anywhere feature recognizes handwriting in English only.
This feature also allows you to write on or highlight a live application with the digital pen and can function as a transparency.
Access this feature through the Tablet PC Input Panel.
Tools / Options and click the Write Anywhere tab.
Check Show the Turn on Write Anywhere button on the title bar.
Click Apply.
Click OK.
The Write Anywhere icon will now be visible on your Tablet PC Input Panel.
Highlighted features of InTouch
A detailed listing of System Requirements, Installation Information, Enhancements, and so on is contained in the Readme document that comes with InTouch. This document is intended as a brief overview of selected features.
AnnotateLayout Script Function
InTouch includes a script function called AnnotateLayout. This script function is only available when using the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system.
Invoking the script function takes a screen capture of the visible portion of the active window. You can then use the digital pan to make notations and highlight information.
You can save this screen capture with your annotation(s) as a .jpg or .gif file for later use. The Annotate Layout dialog box contains a toolbar and menu items and shows the InTouch WindowViewer screen capture in its client area. The dialog box has a Close button on the caption bar, but does not have minimize or maximize buttons.
Pen Input Panel
The digital pen allows handwritten input into any field in InTouch that allows data input in Runtime. InTouch WindowViewer displays edit boxes when the user clicks touch links of Analog or Message types. In addition to these edit boxes, WindowViewer now displays the Pen Input Panel to facilitate data entry using the digital pen.
Screen Rotation
The XRT Screen Rotation tool is usable in InTouch. Please note that InTouch only checks for Windows screen resolution when an application is started. Changes made while the application is running will result in strange outcomes. You must configure InTouch Node Properties to allow WindowViewer or to change resolution dynamically. Â Â
Tips for Using Tablet PCs
If you order a tablet PC from Wonderware, InTouch will already be installed as will the license file.
If you purchase one from another vendor, please note the following:
Installation requires the .NET Framework Version 1.1. This can be installed by using the Start menu.
Start / Windows Updates / Scan for updates
Scroll to the bottom and select .NET Framework Version 1.1. Click Review and Install updates.
Tablet PCs can be docked and do have external ports. However, they do not come with CD ROM drives. Plan ahead by creating shares on other nodes to access InTouch and a license file for installation.
Mouse/Digital Pen Equivalents
One can also use the Tablet PC digital pen to perform commands instead of the mouse. The table below shows examples of common actions performed with the mouse as well as the corresponding default settings for actions using the digital pen. For more information on Tablet PC functionality, refer to the Tablet PC documentation.
Mouse Digital Pen
Point Point
Click Tap
Double-click Double-tap
Right-click Tap and hold
Click and drag Drag
Control Alt Delete
Control Alt Delete combination is accessed by pressing the power button twice.
Power Down
The tablet PC may be powered down by pressing and holding the power button..
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- Wonderware Intouch Tutorials