Abstract: To allow a computer platform to provide a consistent interface for applications to use information from multi-point indirect touch input devices, an application programming interface is provided to a software interface layer that manages interaction of the system with a variety of instantiations of multi-pointer indirect touch input devices. A runtime module provides information from the indirect touch input devices to an input stack accessible by applications on the computer system. The runtime module provides mapping of contacts on the indirect touch input devices to a display.

Abstract: To allow a computer platform to provide a consistent interface for applications to use information from multi-point indirect touch input devices, an application programming interface is provided to a software interface layer that manages interaction of the system with a variety of instantiations of multi-pointer indirect touch input devices. A runtime module provides information from the indirect touch input devices to an input stack accessible by applications on the computer system. The runtime module provides mapping of contacts on the indirect touch input devices to a display.

Abstract: To allow a computer platform to provide a consistent interface for applications to use information from multi-point indirect touch input devices, an application programming interface is provided to a software interface layer that manages interaction of the system with a variety of instantiations of multi-pointer indirect touch input devices.

Abstract: In an indirect interaction input device, z-information can be considered in defining a user interaction model for the device. Any measurement of displacement in a z-direction can be used, if such information is available from the input device. The pressure data can be used to define states of interaction, with transitions between these states determined by various thresholds. The device can provide raw or normalized data, and can provide state information or data defining its thresholds that specify state transitions. This information can be provided as an attribute of a contact point provided by the device. Data can be normalized across various similar devices. Applications can use the raw pressure data from the device for their own purposes, or rely on the device itself or host operating system software to interpret the pressure data according to thresholds and states.

Abstract: Systems and methods of defending and/or guarding against inadvertent actuation of a virtual button upon a touch sensitive screen and/or device. A virtual button may be a touch sensor, set of touch sensors and/or touch areas upon a touch screen—the actuation of which may be associated with the execution of a process. In one embodiment, a virtual button may comprise a first touch area and a second guarding area. Certain touches and other conditions within the first touch area and/or second guarding area may be interpreted by the device as either intentional or inadvertent. If the touches are interpreted as inadvertent, then the process associated with the virtual button may be suppressed.

Abstract: To allow a computer platform to provide a consistent interface for applications to use information from multi-point indirect touch input devices, an application programming interface is provided to a software interface layer that manages interaction of the system with a variety of instantiations of multi-pointer indirect touch input devices.

Abstract: In an indirect interaction input device, z-information can be considered in defining a user interaction model for the device. Any measurement of displacement in a z-direction can be used, if such information is available from the input device. The pressure data can be used to define states of interaction, with transitions between these states determined by various thresholds. The device can provide raw or normalized data, and can provide state information or data defining its thresholds that specify state transitions. This information can be provided as an attribute of a contact point provided by the device. Data can be normalized across various similar devices. Applications can use the raw pressure data from the device for their own purposes, or rely on the device itself or host operating system software to interpret the pressure data according to thresholds and states.