allinput

Allinput is a conceptual model used in human–computer interaction and software architecture to describe a unified input layer that aggregates signals from multiple devices and modalities into a single, coherent stream of events. It is not a single standardized standard, but a design pattern discussed in literature and practice to simplify input handling across platforms and devices.

In an allinput architecture, input sources such as keyboards, mice, touchscreens, game controllers, voice interfaces, gesture sensors, eye-tracking, and other specialized controllers are collected by a central component often referred to as an input bus or input manager. This component normalizes disparate event formats into a common schema, typically including fields such as event type, source, value, timestamp, and context. The normalized events are then routed to higher-level layers, such as action binders, context evaluators, and application logic.

Normalization is a core aspect of allinput, as it handles differences in timing, sampling rates, coordinate spaces, and input semantics. The system may also implement input fusion, prioritization rules, conflict resolution, and device-agnostic mappings so that the same action can be triggered by different devices with consistent behavior.

Common use cases include cross-platform applications, video games, accessibility tools, and immersive environments where users switch between input modalities. Benefits include consistent input handling, easier remapping, and improved accessibility; drawbacks can include added complexity, potential latency, and privacy considerations when collecting broad input data.

See also human–computer interaction, event-driven programming, input device, accessibility technology.