is an example of a pointing device. A
pointing device allows a user to input spatial data to a computer. It is commonly used as a simple and intuitive way to select items on a computer screen on a
graphical user interface (GUI), either by moving a
mouse pointer, or, in the case of a touch screen, by physically touching the item on screen. Common pointing devices include mice, touchpads, and touch screens. Whereas mice operate by detecting their displacement on a surface, analog devices, such as
3D mice, joysticks, or pointing sticks, function by reporting their angle of deflection.
Types Pointing devices can be classified on: • Whether the input is direct or indirect. With direct input, the input space coincides with the display space, i.e. pointing is done in the space where visual feedback or the
pointer appears.
Touchscreens and
light pens involve direct input. Examples involving indirect input include the mouse and
trackball. • Whether the positional information is absolute (e.g. on a touch screen) or relative (e.g., with a mouse that can be lifted and repositioned) Direct input is almost necessarily absolute, but indirect input may be either absolute or relative. For example, digitizing
graphics tablets that do not have an embedded screen involve indirect input and sense absolute positions and are often run in an absolute input mode, but they may also be set up to simulate a relative input mode like that of a
touchpad, where the
stylus or puck can be lifted and repositioned.
Embedded LCD tablets, which are also referred to as graphics tablet monitors, are the extension of digitizing graphics tablets. They enable users to see the real-time positions via the screen while being used. ;
mouse : A hand-held pointing device that is moved across a surface. ;
touchpad or trackpad : A flat surface operated by moving a finger across its surface. ;
touch screen : A layer placed over a
computer screen, used by physically touching it with one's finger or a stylus. ;
trackball : Similar to a mouse, a trackball has a ball held by a socket. Instead of moving the mouse, the user rolls the ball with their finger. ;
graphics tablet, digitizer, or drawing tablet : A flat surface on which a
stylus is used, often to draw images or capture signatures. File:2017 Mysz komputerowa Logitech MX Master.jpg|
Mouse File:Digitalizador de tablero.jpg|
Digitizer mouse File:Tablet gerber.jpg|A large-format graphic tablet by manufacturer Summagraphics (OEM'd to Gerber): The puck's external copper coil can be clearly seen. Note using of a
Digitizer mouse with a
magnifying glass. File:ThinkPad X1 Carbon gen5 (34313523394).jpg|
Touchpad (or trackpad) File:Mouse pointing stick.jpeg|
Pointing stick File:Apple iPad Event03.jpg|
Touchscreen File:Wireless-trackman-mouse.jpg|
Trackball File:Wacom Bamboo Capture tablet and pen.jpg|
Graphics tablet == Sensors ==