MPX
Encyclopedia
Multi-pointer X is a part of X input extension and previously a modification to the existing X.Org
implementation of the X Window System
. MPX provides multiple independent pointers (mouse cursors) at the windowing system
level. These cursors are all connected to one computer. Unlike many other multi-pointer applications
and toolkits
, MPX allows many existing X11 applications to run unmodified, whilst still providing additional input features. For instance, multiple users can simultaneously operate different applications at the same time. Some applications do not work as expected due to limitations in the toolkits they use . The limitations are caused by the assumption that only one pointer exists.
). Applications that are aware of the extra cursors are also able to make use of them, such as two handed drawing.
.
MPX was merged into the current development version of X.Org
on 26 May 2008.
Xinput2 (XI2), which is the second official stable API release of the X input extension, contains MPX and was merged into the current development version of X.Org
on 3 June 2009, and released as part of the XServer 1.7
on 2 October 2009.
X.Org
X.Org refers to several things related to the X Window System:* X.Org, the organisation in charge of X standards from 1999 * The X.Org Foundation, a community-based foundation which took over X stewardship in 2004...
implementation of the X Window System
X Window System
The X window system is a computer software system and network protocol that provides a basis for graphical user interfaces and rich input device capability for networked computers...
. MPX provides multiple independent pointers (mouse cursors) at the windowing system
Windowing system
A windowing system is a component of a graphical user interface , and more specifically of a desktop environment, which supports the implementation of window managers, and provides basic support for graphics hardware, pointing devices such as mice, and keyboards...
level. These cursors are all connected to one computer. Unlike many other multi-pointer applications
Application software
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with...
and toolkits
Widget toolkit
In computing, a widget toolkit, widget library, or GUI toolkit is a set of widgets for use in designing applications with graphical user interfaces...
, MPX allows many existing X11 applications to run unmodified, whilst still providing additional input features. For instance, multiple users can simultaneously operate different applications at the same time. Some applications do not work as expected due to limitations in the toolkits they use . The limitations are caused by the assumption that only one pointer exists.
Window Manager
Combined with the proof of concept window manager MPWM, MPX provides extended features such as simultaneous movement or resizing of application windows, per cursor annotation over top of an application and restricted input support (floor controlFloor control
Floor control allows users of networked multimedia applications to utilize and share resources such as remote devices, distributed data sets, telepointers, or continuous media such as video and audio without access conflicts. Floors are temporary permissions granted dynamically to collaborating...
). Applications that are aware of the extra cursors are also able to make use of them, such as two handed drawing.
History
MPX was created by Peter Hutterer in 2005-2008, as part of his PhD in the Wearable Computer Lab under the supervision of Prof. Bruce H. Thomas at the University of South AustraliaUniversity of South Australia
The University of South Australia is a public university in the Australian state of South Australia. It was formed in 1991 with the merger of the South Australian Institute of Technology and Colleges of Advanced Education. It is the largest university in South Australia, with more than 36,000...
.
MPX was merged into the current development version of X.Org
X.Org
X.Org refers to several things related to the X Window System:* X.Org, the organisation in charge of X standards from 1999 * The X.Org Foundation, a community-based foundation which took over X stewardship in 2004...
on 26 May 2008.
Xinput2 (XI2), which is the second official stable API release of the X input extension, contains MPX and was merged into the current development version of X.Org
X.Org
X.Org refers to several things related to the X Window System:* X.Org, the organisation in charge of X standards from 1999 * The X.Org Foundation, a community-based foundation which took over X stewardship in 2004...
on 3 June 2009, and released as part of the XServer 1.7
X.Org Server
X.Org Server refers to the X server release packages stewarded by the X.Org Foundation,which is hosted by freedesktop.org, and grants...
on 2 October 2009.