Feature Story

Stantum Update: Innovative Tablet and Mobile Tech; Tablets Push Leap Towards Interactive Multimedia "Textbooks"

Step into a school and you might notice that older desktop computers have been replaced by an assortment of portable devices. In many cases, students still carry around book bags that contain an assortment of textbooks, binders, worksheets, along with something digital.

So what is that "something digital"?

In some cases, it might be a school-issued laptop or net-book. In other cases, it could be an iPad, an e-reader, or another sort of tablet. In other cases, it could be whatever the student brings to school, as part of a "BYOD" (Bring Your Own Device) experiment.

No one has yet figured all out, but many people, from a number of disciplines, are trying!

Stantum is an example of a company that has an interest in the use of innovative technology for education. Stantum develops multi-touch technology for mobile devices, including tablets, and follows trends in education closely.

I've had the opportunity speak with Guillaume Largillier, Stantum's co-founder and CSO on several occasions, most recently in late October. I'm happy to say that Stantum looks like it will be making some important inroads in education.

Why?

Stantum is aware that as educational institutions, K-12 and above, leave textbooks behind, there will be an enormous need for devices that will seamlessly support teaching and learning, all around the world. Guillaume spoke of developments in countries such as South Korea, France, Turkey, Thailand, Columbia, Argentina, and China to adopt digital textbooks. Some of these countries have initiated pilot programs using some sort of tablet or mobile devices, or plan to do so in the very near future.

During our conversation, Guilluame pointed out that Stantum is involved in developing durable components and tablets made from materials that can withstand the knocking about that sometimes happens when handled by young hands.

Unlike the iPad, the tablets will not need a rugged, more expensive case, so it is likely that the cost to schools will be lower. Since the tablets are open to most operating systems, they are likely to be easier for school IT administrators to deploy, update, and maintain.

A bit about the technology:

Stantum's Interpolated Voltage Sensing Matrix (IVSM) technology supports 10 simultaneous touches and can handle touch and stylus input at the same time. It "knows" if it has been touched by a finger and can disregard a palm. This is a good feature to have if a tablet is used young people.

Earlier this year, Stantum announced its partnership with NISSHA, a company based in Japan, and unveiled its newest development, Fine Touch Z Technology, powered by IVSM. It can support Windows and Android operating systems. It has a fast scanning engine, high-resolution handwriting input, and does not produce ghost or masking effects. (See video below).

One appealing feature of this technology is that it provides has low power consumption. This is a plus when considering the need students to have a device that has an extended battery life.

Fine Touch Z from Stantum on Vimeo.

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