NInput

Ninput is an open standard and software ecosystem designed to unify the capture, processing, and interpretation of input data from a wide range of devices, including sensors, controllers, and gesture trackers.

The specification defines a compact data model for events, including timestamps, device identifiers, and semantic payloads. It supports both a binary wire format for low latency transfers and a JSON-based representation for development and debugging. Ninput emphasizes extensibility through a modular plugin architecture, enabling device drivers and translators to be added without modifying core systems.

Ninput was created in 2018 by the Ninput Alliance, a collaboration of hardware makers, software developers, and academic researchers. It has seen adoption in game development and VR/AR communities, and is promoted as an alternative to vendor-specific input APIs.

The core is complemented by an SDK with language bindings for C++, Python, and JavaScript, plus platform libraries for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile systems. Applications can subscribe to input streams or poll events, depending on platform capabilities. Device interoperability relies on a common device profile registry.

Security and privacy features include per-device access control, permissions, and encrypted transport for sensitive data. Developers are encouraged to minimize data collection and provide clear user consent controls.

Ninput is used in interactive installations, VR games, assistive technologies, and robotics, where it has been associated with reduced input latency and easier cross-platform support. See also human-computer interaction, game input, input device standards.