ThumbSense

ThumbSense is new interaction technique for the TouchPad and software.

"MS Mincho"'>The touhpad is a widely used input device for notebook computers. However, one of the drawbacks of the touchpad is that hands must be away from the keyboard's home positions. This feature hinders smooth shift between the text input and the pointing modes. ThumbSense solves this problem.

"MS Mincho"'>The idea is simple. ThumbSense uses keyboard keys as mouse buttons. For example, "F" and "J" keys are used as the mouse left button, and "D" and "K" keys are used as the mouse right buttons. (Many other assignments are possible by customization). Users can operate the touchpad from the home position.

"MS Mincho"'>Users don't have to change the mode manually; ThumbSense automatically distinguishes the text input and the mouse mode by sensing the finger (thumb) is contacting the touchpad. While the thumb touches the touchpad, the F, J, D, K keys becomes mouse buttons, otherwise, they act as normal keyboard keys.

This technique can be regarded as using the touchpad as a new modifier key, other than Shift, Control, or Alt keys.