Tablet and Touchscreen Support
Abstract
Capable 21C has been specifically designed to support data entry via a touch screen
or tablet PC. This knowledgebase article discusses some of the considerations
when implementing this kind of technology.
Underlying challenge
When adding or altering information in most computer programs, a keyboard is necessary
to allow the operator to type words and numbers. Capable 21C has been specifically
engineered to allow certain operations to be performed without a keyboard.
However, there are some areas where a keyboard is necessary.
For example, most Visit Notes Screens can be used without a keyboard, but Patient
Details cannot be entered without a keyboard. It is possible to process an
invoice without a keyboard, but it might not be possible to exploit all features
available in invoicing without a keyboard.
Resolution
If a touchscreen or a tablet PC is desired for the office, each of these devices
can be used with Capable 21C with a couple of key considerations:
No right click
Touchscreens and tablets typically simulate the use of a mouse by touching the screen
(either with a finger or a stylus of some kind). When the screen is touched,
the device simulates a mouse-click at that location. Often these devices also
allow simulation of a double-click (by double-tapping the screen) or a click-and-hold
(by a double-tap with the second tap held). However, most of these devices
do not have a mechanism to allow for a right-click.
Many of these devices are supplied with supporting software that allows the operator
to tap a small area of the screen first (to denote that the next tap will be a right-click)
- and then tap the location where the right-click is desired. If this kind
of software is not supplied with the device, it should be purchased.
No keyboard
Touchscreens and tablets typically do not have any keyboard attached to them.
As with the right-click challenge, software can be purchased that simulates the
appearance of a keyboard somewhere on screen, and the operator can touch those 'virtual
keys' on the screen to simulate typing on a keyboard.
Some more advanced tablet PCs also have handwriting recognition software embedded
within them so that the operator can literally write on the tablet with a stylus
in the location where they would normally type, and the tablet PC will simulate
keyboard operation in that area. Using the kind of technology typically involves
some level of training or practice for an operator to be able to use it effectively.
Detailed Information
Capable 21C is fully supported on a tablet PC or a touchscreen as long as the necessary
components have been acquired, installed and practiced to allow the operator to
right-click and simulate keyboard entry where necessary.
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