@@ -2,6 +2,12 @@ The evdev protocol uses a map of types and codes to express input device values
to userspace. This document describes the types and codes and how and when they
may be used.
+A single hardware event generates multiple input events. Each input event
+contains the new value of a single data item. A special event type, EV_SYN, is
+used to separate input events into packets of input data changes occurring at
+the same moment in time. In the following, the term "event" refers to a single
+input event encompassing a type, code, and value.
+
The evdev protocol is a stateful protocol. Events are emitted only when values
of evdev codes have changed. However, the state is maintained within the Linux
input subsystem; drivers do not need to maintain the state and may attempt to
@@ -22,19 +28,19 @@ for details on valid codes for each type.
space, such as with the multitouch protocol.
* EV_KEY:
- - Used to describe keyboard and other key-like input events.
+ - Used to describe state changes of keyboards, buttons, or other key-like
+ devices.
* EV_REL:
- - Used to describe relative input events, e.g. moving the mouse 5 units to the
- left.
+ - Used to describe relative axis value changes, e.g. moving the mouse 5 units
+ to the left.
* EV_ABS:
- - Used to describe absolute input events, e.g. describing the coordinates of a
- touch on a touchscreen.
+ - Used to describe absolute axis value changes, e.g. describing the
+ coordinates of a touch on a touchscreen.
* EV_MSC:
- - Used to describe miscellaneous input events that do not fit into other
- types.
+ - Used to describe miscellaneous input data that do not fit into other types.
* EV_SW:
- Used to describe binary state input switches.
@@ -63,14 +69,14 @@ Codes define the precise type of event.
EV_SYN:
----------
-EV_SYN event values are undefined. Their usage is
-defined only by when they are sent in the evdev event stream.
+EV_SYN event values are undefined. Their usage is defined only by when they are
+sent in the evdev event stream.
* SYN_REPORT:
- - Used to synchronize and separate events into frames of time. For example,
- motion of a mouse may set the REL_X and REL_Y values for one motion, then
- emit a SYN_REPORT. The next motion will emit more REL_X and REL_Y values and
- send another SYN_REPORT.
+ - Used to synchronize and separate events into packets of input data changes
+ occurring at the same moment in time. For example, motion of a mouse may set
+ the REL_X and REL_Y values for one motion, then emit a SYN_REPORT. The next
+ motion will emit more REL_X and REL_Y values and send another SYN_REPORT.
* SYN_CONFIG:
- TBD
@@ -157,9 +163,10 @@ A few EV_ABS codes have special meanings:
* ABS_DISTANCE:
- Used to describe the distance of a tool from an interaction surface. This
- should only be used while the tool is hovering, meaning in close proximity
- of the device. If the input device may be used freely in three dimensions,
- consider ABS_Z instead.
+ event should only be emitted while the tool is hovering, meaning in close
+ proximity of the device and while the value of the BTN_TOUCH code is 0. If
+ the input device may be used freely in three dimensions, consider ABS_Z
+ instead.
* ABS_MT_<name>:
- Used to describe multitouch input events. Please see
@@ -224,8 +231,8 @@ Touchscreens:
----------
ABS_{X,Y} must be reported with the location of the touch. BTN_TOUCH must be
used to report when a touch is active on the screen.
-BTN_{MOUSE,LEFT,MIDDLE,RIGHT} must not be reported. BTN_TOOL_<name> events
-should be reported where possible.
+BTN_{MOUSE,LEFT,MIDDLE,RIGHT} must not be reported as the result of touch
+contact. BTN_TOOL_<name> events should be reported where possible.
Trackpads:
----------
@@ -236,3 +243,14 @@ Trackpads that provide absolute touch position must report ABS_{X,Y} for the
location of the touch. BTN_TOUCH should be used to report when a touch is active
on the trackpad. Where multi-finger support is available, BTN_TOOL_<name> should
be used to report the number of touches active on the trackpad.
+
+Tablets:
+----------
+BTN_TOOL_<name> events must be reported when a stylus or other tool is active on
+the tablet. ABS_{X,Y} must be reported with the location of the tool. BTN_TOUCH
+should be used to report when the tool is in contact with the tablet.
+BTN_{STYLUS,STYLUS2} should be used to report buttons on the tool itself. Any
+button may be used for buttons on the tablet except BTN_{MOUSE,LEFT}.
+BTN_{0,1,2,etc} are good generic codes for unlabeled buttons. Do not use
+meaningful buttons, like BTN_FORWARD, unless the button is labeled for that
+purpose on the device.