MPX
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- This article is about MPX the Multi-Pointer X Windows Server. For other meanings see MPX (disambiguation).
MPX is an acronym for the Multi-pointer X Server. MPX is a modification to the existing Xorg implementation of the X Windows windowing system. MPX provides multiple independent pointers (mouse cursors) at the windowing system level. These cursors are all connected one computer. Unlike many other multi-pointer applications and toolkits, MPX allows many existing X Windows applications to run unmodified, whist 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.
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 control). Applications that are aware of the extra cursors are also able to make use of them, such as two handed drawing.
MPX was created by Peter Hutterer in 2005-2006, as part of his PhD in the Wearable Computer Lab at the University of South Australia. At present MPX is stable enough to run as a replacement to Xorg, though some features do not work as expected.
[edit] References
- Hutterer P. and Thomas B. H., "Groupware Support in the Windowing System" In 8th Australasian User Interface Conference (AUIC2007), Balarat, Vic, Australia, 30 Jan - 2 Feb 2007. W. Piekarski and B. Plimmer, Eds.
