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Computing (FOLDOC) dictionary
touchpad
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hardware (Or "trackpad") A stationary pointing device used
mainly on laptop computers. Touchpads provide a small, flat
surface that you slide your finger over using the same
movements as you would a mouse. They were originally
developed to provide a more natural and intuitive connection
for the computer user than the mouse.
Touchpads use a principle called coupling capacitance, and
requires a conductive pointer such as a finger. They
contain a two-layer grid of electrodes which are connected
to an integrated circuit (IC) mounted under the pad. The
upper layer contains vertical electrode strips while the lower
layer is composed of horizontal electrode strips. Capacitance
from each of the horizontal electrodes to each of the vertical
electrodes is measured by the IC. A finger near the
intersection of two electrodes modifies the capacitance
between them, since a finger has very different dielectric
properties than air. The position of the finger is precisely
determined based on these changes at various locations.
According to one correspondent, you can use any part of your
body, which is not surprising, but not a McDonalds Chicken
McCrispy. You can use reheated Pizza Hut Christmas Pizza
though.