SolarOS 4.17.7 manual · job

pointer-arrows

Consume one named pointer source and hold arrow keys while it moves:

job start pointer-arrows source=trackball0
job status pointer-arrows
job stop pointer-arrows

Set min-vector=1..65535 to require a minimum net vector length in each evaluation window. The default is 2; larger values reduce sensitivity. For example, restart T-Deck navigation with:

job stop pointer-arrows
job start pointer-arrows source=trackball0 min-vector=4

Length is sqrt(dx*dx + dy*dy) in the source's movement units. For trackball0, one interrupt edge contributes one unit on its axis. Movement below the minimum releases a held arrow and is discarded at the end of the window; it does not accumulate across windows. The option also applies to the last partial window when movement stops or a touch is released.

The job exclusively captures that source's pointer events, including contact and button boundaries. They are withheld from foreground pointer consumers and the pointer filter while the job runs. Other pointer sources remain available. Pointer buttons do not produce keyboard keys. Release any held button or touch before starting the job.

Movement is evaluated in fixed 80 ms windows, starting with the first movement event. Each window that meets the minimum selects the dominant net direction and presses that arrow. Continued movement in the same direction keeps the key held, using the normal setterm keyrate repeat settings. A direction or modifier change releases the old key before pressing the new one. Opposite movement cancels within a window; equal diagonals use the most recently moved axis. A zero net vector releases the arrow. Trackball windows retain the modifiers from their last interrupt edge. Other pointer sources use keyboard modifiers when samples are processed.

After 80 ms without a movement event, the held key is released. A short roll that meets the minimum produces a press and release. Touch release ends an absolute-pointer gesture immediately. Stopping the job, source loss, or a capture reset also releases held keys and cancels repeat.

Relative pointers supply deltas directly. Absolute pointers are measured from each contact's initial position; a new contact starts a new baseline. Only one contact is tracked at a time. Job status reports the captured source, minimum vector length, direction evaluations that meet it, capture resets, and evaluation and inactivity intervals.

Stopping releases capture and discards unevaluated movement. If stopped during a held button or contact, pointer delivery resumes after its release. Source closure or loss of readiness stops the job and releases its resources. T-Deck starts this job for trackball0 before the shell and startup script run.