ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[AJ Guillon]

Hi everyone,

I bought a Cirque Glidepoint (Model GP415U-5321) that I would like to
use with Linux.  I haven't hacked on the kernel before, but I'm happy to
test and modify alps.c as required to get this device working.

I downloaded alps-reg-dump from
git://kernel.ubuntu.com/sforshee/alps-reg-dump.git and it reports:

Found serio mouse at /sys/bus/serio/devices/serio1/
Invalid ack byte 0xfe after command
Invalid ack byte 0xfe after command
E6 report failed, not an ALPS touchpad

The PCI ID of the device is: 0488:0282

I'm not sure if there is anything else I should try.  I am currently
running Ubuntu 12.04 with kernel 3.2.0-29-generic.

AJ

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Tommy Will]

Hi AJ,

This is Tommy from ALPS. From the PCI ID you attached, it looks like
an external USB touchpad (?)
If so, modify alps.c may not let touchpad work since its only for PS/2 device.

I'm sorry although I work in ALPS, I'm not so familar with the
products made by Cirque.
However, I'll try to ask our Cirque's colleagues if they have schedule
to support their products for Linux mainstring.
Thanks !

-- 
Best Regards,
Tommy

2014/1/16 AJ Guillon <aj.guillon@gmail.com>:
> Hi everyone,
>
> I bought a Cirque Glidepoint (Model GP415U-5321) that I would like to
> use with Linux.  I haven't hacked on the kernel before, but I'm happy to
> test and modify alps.c as required to get this device working.
>
> I downloaded alps-reg-dump from
> git://kernel.ubuntu.com/sforshee/alps-reg-dump.git and it reports:
>
> Found serio mouse at /sys/bus/serio/devices/serio1/
> Invalid ack byte 0xfe after command
> Invalid ack byte 0xfe after command
> E6 report failed, not an ALPS touchpad
>
> The PCI ID of the device is: 0488:0282
>
> I'm not sure if there is anything else I should try.  I am currently
> running Ubuntu 12.04 with kernel 3.2.0-29-generic.
>
> AJ
> --
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> the body of a message to majordomo@vger.kernel.org
> More majordomo info at  http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[AJ Guillon]

Hi Tommy,

Here is the touchpad I bought:
http://www.cirque.com/desktoptouchpad/productsandorders/smartcatpro.aspx
(the black USB one).

It works somewhat as a mouse, but isn't recognized as a touchpad.

If there is no chance for Linux support, I'll just return it and
exchange for a brand that does support Linux.  If there is something I
can do to help it be supported, I'm happy to do so.

AJ

On 14-01-17 11:01 AM, Tommy Will wrote:
> Hi AJ,
> 
> This is Tommy from ALPS. From the PCI ID you attached, it looks like
> an external USB touchpad (?)
> If so, modify alps.c may not let touchpad work since its only for PS/2 device.
> 
> I'm sorry although I work in ALPS, I'm not so familar with the
> products made by Cirque.
> However, I'll try to ask our Cirque's colleagues if they have schedule
> to support their products for Linux mainstring.
> Thanks !
> 

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Tommy Will]

Hi AJ,

> Here is the touchpad I bought:
> http://www.cirque.com/desktoptouchpad/productsandorders/smartcatpro.aspx
> (the black USB one).

Thanks for your info.

> It works somewhat as a mouse, but isn't recognized as a touchpad.
>
> If there is no chance for Linux support, I'll just return it and
> exchange for a brand that does support Linux.  If there is something I
> can do to help it be supported, I'm happy to do so.
>

First, so thanks for you'll be happy to try the patch if we can
provide. However, I'm not
the manager of Cirque who can decide if we'll support the device.
I have sent the request mail to my Cirque's colleague and please wait
my feedback until
next week. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Thanks
-- 
Best Regards,
Tommy

> AJ
>
> On 14-01-17 11:01 AM, Tommy Will wrote:
>> Hi AJ,
>>
>> This is Tommy from ALPS. From the PCI ID you attached, it looks like
>> an external USB touchpad (?)
>> If so, modify alps.c may not let touchpad work since its only for PS/2 device.
>>
>> I'm sorry although I work in ALPS, I'm not so familar with the
>> products made by Cirque.
>> However, I'll try to ask our Cirque's colleagues if they have schedule
>> to support their products for Linux mainstring.
>> Thanks !
>>

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Tommy Will]

Hi AJ,

Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".

Thanks
-- 
Best Regards,
Tommy

2014/1/18 Tommy Will <tommywill2011@gmail.com>:
> Hi AJ,
>
>> Here is the touchpad I bought:
>> http://www.cirque.com/desktoptouchpad/productsandorders/smartcatpro.aspx
>> (the black USB one).
>
> Thanks for your info.
>
>> It works somewhat as a mouse, but isn't recognized as a touchpad.
>>
>> If there is no chance for Linux support, I'll just return it and
>> exchange for a brand that does support Linux.  If there is something I
>> can do to help it be supported, I'm happy to do so.
>>
>
> First, so thanks for you'll be happy to try the patch if we can
> provide. However, I'm not
> the manager of Cirque who can decide if we'll support the device.
> I have sent the request mail to my Cirque's colleague and please wait
> my feedback until
> next week. Sorry for the inconvenience!
>
> Thanks
> --
> Best Regards,
> Tommy
>
>> AJ
>>
>> On 14-01-17 11:01 AM, Tommy Will wrote:
>>> Hi AJ,
>>>
>>> This is Tommy from ALPS. From the PCI ID you attached, it looks like
>>> an external USB touchpad (?)
>>> If so, modify alps.c may not let touchpad work since its only for PS/2 device.
>>>
>>> I'm sorry although I work in ALPS, I'm not so familar with the
>>> products made by Cirque.
>>> However, I'll try to ask our Cirque's colleagues if they have schedule
>>> to support their products for Linux mainstring.
>>> Thanks !
>>>

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[AJ Guillon]

Hi,

Thanks Tommy!

Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.

AJ

On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
> Hi AJ,
> 
> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
> 
> Thanks
> 

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Vadim Klishko]

Hello AJ,

I thought it was I who was supposed to be helping. :-)

Can you please describe the problem?

Vadim


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
To: "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>; <vadim@cirque.com>
Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:08 PM
Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support


Hi,

Thanks Tommy!

Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.

AJ

On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
> Hi AJ,
> 
> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
> 
> Thanks
>

-- 
This message and any attachment are confidential. It may also be privileged 
or otherwise protected by work product immunity or other legal rules. If 
you have received it by mistake, please let us know by e-mail reply and 
delete it from your system, you may not copy this message or disclose its 
contents to anyone.
Cirque Corporation

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[AJ Guillon]

Hi Vadim,

I am currently on Kubuntu 12.04 (3.2.0-29-generic), and this device is
not recognized as a touchpad.  I have not yet tested a nightly build
with a recent kernel to see if that works.

It is detected and works as a mouse right now, but my understanding is
that if it is recognized as a touchpad I can do more interesting things
with it ;-)

AJ

On 14-01-19 11:41 PM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
> Hello AJ,
> 
> I thought it was I who was supposed to be helping. :-)
> 
> Can you please describe the problem?
> 
> Vadim
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
> To: "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>; <vadim@cirque.com>
> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:08 PM
> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
> 
> 
> Hi,
> 
> Thanks Tommy!
> 
> Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.
> 
> AJ
> 
> On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
>> Hi AJ,
>>
>> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
>> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
>> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
>> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
>>
>> Thanks
>>
> 

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Vadim Klishko]

Is it a USB or PS/2 touchpad?


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:55 PM
Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support


Hi Vadim,

I am currently on Kubuntu 12.04 (3.2.0-29-generic), and this device is
not recognized as a touchpad.  I have not yet tested a nightly build
with a recent kernel to see if that works.

It is detected and works as a mouse right now, but my understanding is
that if it is recognized as a touchpad I can do more interesting things
with it ;-)

AJ

On 14-01-19 11:41 PM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
> Hello AJ,
> 
> I thought it was I who was supposed to be helping. :-)
> 
> Can you please describe the problem?
> 
> Vadim
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
> To: "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>; <vadim@cirque.com>
> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:08 PM
> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
> 
> 
> Hi,
> 
> Thanks Tommy!
> 
> Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.
> 
> AJ
> 
> On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
>> Hi AJ,
>>
>> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
>> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
>> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
>> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>

-- 
This message and any attachment are confidential. It may also be privileged 
or otherwise protected by work product immunity or other legal rules. If 
you have received it by mistake, please let us know by e-mail reply and 
delete it from your system, you may not copy this message or disclose its 
contents to anyone.
Cirque Corporation

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[AJ Guillon]

USB.  Model GP415U-5321.

AJ

On 14-01-20 12:23 AM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
> Is it a USB or PS/2 touchpad?
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
> To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:55 PM
> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
> 
> 
> Hi Vadim,
> 
> I am currently on Kubuntu 12.04 (3.2.0-29-generic), and this device is
> not recognized as a touchpad.  I have not yet tested a nightly build
> with a recent kernel to see if that works.
> 
> It is detected and works as a mouse right now, but my understanding is
> that if it is recognized as a touchpad I can do more interesting things
> with it ;-)
> 
> AJ
> 
> On 14-01-19 11:41 PM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
>> Hello AJ,
>>
>> I thought it was I who was supposed to be helping. :-)
>>
>> Can you please describe the problem?
>>
>> Vadim
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
>> To: "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>; <vadim@cirque.com>
>> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:08 PM
>> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> Thanks Tommy!
>>
>> Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.
>>
>> AJ
>>
>> On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
>>> Hi AJ,
>>>
>>> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
>>> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
>>> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
>>> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>
> 

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Vadim Klishko]

Hi AJ,

Apparently, the Linux kernel doesn't have support for that touchpad. In fact, I am not sure it has support for any USB touchpads.

At one point, Cirque tried to create a driver for Linux, but we ran into legal issues with the GPL. We then started working on a user-space driver, but there didn't seem to be enough demand or interest in it, so we have never finished it.

What kind of interesting things are you looking to do with the touchpad?

Vadim


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 10:24 PM
Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support


USB.  Model GP415U-5321.

AJ

On 14-01-20 12:23 AM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
> Is it a USB or PS/2 touchpad?
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
> To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:55 PM
> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
> 
> 
> Hi Vadim,
> 
> I am currently on Kubuntu 12.04 (3.2.0-29-generic), and this device is
> not recognized as a touchpad.  I have not yet tested a nightly build
> with a recent kernel to see if that works.
> 
> It is detected and works as a mouse right now, but my understanding is
> that if it is recognized as a touchpad I can do more interesting things
> with it ;-)
> 
> AJ
> 
> On 14-01-19 11:41 PM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
>> Hello AJ,
>>
>> I thought it was I who was supposed to be helping. :-)
>>
>> Can you please describe the problem?
>>
>> Vadim
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
>> To: "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>; <vadim@cirque.com>
>> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:08 PM
>> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> Thanks Tommy!
>>
>> Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.
>>
>> AJ
>>
>> On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
>>> Hi AJ,
>>>
>>> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
>>> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
>>> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
>>> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>
>

-- 
This message and any attachment are confidential. It may also be privileged 
or otherwise protected by work product immunity or other legal rules. If 
you have received it by mistake, please let us know by e-mail reply and 
delete it from your system, you may not copy this message or disclose its 
contents to anyone.
Cirque Corporation

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[AJ Guillon]

Hi Vadim,

I'm a professional developer and it was suggested to me that I use a
Cirque touchpad to reduce strain based on my work habits.  Since 100% of
my development is done on Linux systems, this touchpad is only useful to
me in that environment.

I'm not entirely sure what features this touchpad actually supports, but
it would be nice if I could use it to its full potential.  The side
buttons, I suppose, are programmable so it would be nice for me to be
able to set them to switch desktops or something.  Ideally, I would like
to script this touchpad as much as I can to reduce potential for injury.

AJ

On 14-01-20 12:40 AM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
> Hi AJ,
> 
> Apparently, the Linux kernel doesn't have support for that touchpad. In fact, I am not sure it has support for any USB touchpads.
> 
> At one point, Cirque tried to create a driver for Linux, but we ran into legal issues with the GPL. We then started working on a user-space driver, but there didn't seem to be enough demand or interest in it, so we have never finished it.
> 
> What kind of interesting things are you looking to do with the touchpad?
> 
> Vadim
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
> To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 10:24 PM
> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
> 
> 
> USB.  Model GP415U-5321.
> 
> AJ
> 
> On 14-01-20 12:23 AM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
>> Is it a USB or PS/2 touchpad?
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
>> To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
>> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:55 PM
>> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
>>
>>
>> Hi Vadim,
>>
>> I am currently on Kubuntu 12.04 (3.2.0-29-generic), and this device is
>> not recognized as a touchpad.  I have not yet tested a nightly build
>> with a recent kernel to see if that works.
>>
>> It is detected and works as a mouse right now, but my understanding is
>> that if it is recognized as a touchpad I can do more interesting things
>> with it ;-)
>>
>> AJ
>>
>> On 14-01-19 11:41 PM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
>>> Hello AJ,
>>>
>>> I thought it was I who was supposed to be helping. :-)
>>>
>>> Can you please describe the problem?
>>>
>>> Vadim
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
>>> To: "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>; <vadim@cirque.com>
>>> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:08 PM
>>> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> Thanks Tommy!
>>>
>>> Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.
>>>
>>> AJ
>>>
>>> On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
>>>> Hi AJ,
>>>>
>>>> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
>>>> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
>>>> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
>>>> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>>
>>>
>>
> 

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Justin Clift]

On Sun, 19 Jan 2014 22:40:12 -0700
"Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com> wrote:
<snip>
> At one point, Cirque tried to create a driver for Linux,
> but we ran into legal issues with the GPL.

Out of curiosity, do you remember offhand what the legal
issues you ran into are?

If it's useful, we could (nicely) ask Red Hat's Legal team
for their insight and general thoughts/advice if they have
the time (no idea if they do).

They're very good, and have lots of experience working
through GPL legal issues, figuring out practical
approaches/solutions.

?

Regards and best wishes,

Justin Clift

-- 
GlusterFS Project: http://www.gluster.org
Justin Clift <justin@gluster.org>

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Vadim Klishko]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Justin Clift" <justin@gluster.org>
To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 11:32 AM
Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support


> On Sun, 19 Jan 2014 22:40:12 -0700
> "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com> wrote:
> <snip>
>> At one point, Cirque tried to create a driver for Linux,
>> but we ran into legal issues with the GPL.
> 
> Out of curiosity, do you remember offhand what the legal
> issues you ran into are?
> 
Yes, of course, I do. GPL doesn't allow closed source in kernel.


> If it's useful, we could (nicely) ask Red Hat's Legal team
> for their insight and general thoughts/advice if they have
> the time (no idea if they do).
> 
> They're very good, and have lots of experience working
> through GPL legal issues, figuring out practical
> approaches/solutions.
> 
> ?

I doubt it will help.

> 
> Regards and best wishes,
> 
> Justin Clift
> 
> -- 
> GlusterFS Project: http://cp.mcafee.com/d/avndy0OczhJ5AQsTjoj7cECXCQQkmnSjhOOM-rjhhpsjKC-Crjhhps78EIK6QQkmn6nChO9IPG4BglqkhpL-ndSB4mr_BPuWgsggjvW_9CzB5VBNXHTbFTopVx4QsFK9LYJt6OaaGaafaxVZicHs3jq9J4TvAm4TDNOb2pEVdTdw0y9Xt9_7w09IhrFek0khfrFfUY01dFLIc6MnWhEw40G5xx8Qg2kEyPvCy0olScPh09rcQg1qdjh0818Qg0CHtyqSE6y0ormmH6pKVIPQMguVePDaW
> Justin Clift <justin@gluster.org>
>

-- 
This message and any attachment are confidential. It may also be privileged 
or otherwise protected by work product immunity or other legal rules. If 
you have received it by mistake, please let us know by e-mail reply and 
delete it from your system, you may not copy this message or disclose its 
contents to anyone.
Cirque Corporation

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Justin Clift]

On Mon, 20 Jan 2014 11:43:35 -0700
"Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com> wrote:
> On Sun, 20 Jan 2014 11:32 -0700
> "Justin Clift" <justin@gluster.org> wrote:
<snip>
> > Out of curiosity, do you remember offhand what the legal
> > issues you ran into are?
> > 
> Yes, of course, I do. GPL doesn't allow closed source in kernel.

Ahhh, got it. :)

Yeah, wanting to keep the driver code closed source would
definitely be a problem there. ;>


> > If it's useful, we could (nicely) ask Red Hat's Legal team
> > for their insight and general thoughts/advice if they have
> > the time (no idea if they do).
> > 
> > They're very good, and have lots of experience working
> > through GPL legal issues, figuring out practical
> > approaches/solutions.
> > 
> > ?
> 
> I doubt it will help.

You could be right.  The only thing I can think of, is that
they might know of good ways for Cirque for become ok with
going open source for the USB touchpad drivers, instead of
keeping closed source.

  eg some way to make the benefits of going open source be
     greater than the benefits of keeping closed source

But, up to you.  Not going to push it if you're not really
interested. :)

Regards and best wishes,

Justin Clift

-- 
GlusterFS Project: http://www.gluster.org
Justin Clift <justin@gluster.org>

Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support

[Vadim Klishko]

Hello AJ,

I have heard from our customers before that using a touchpad is easier on one's hand than a mouse. Using a touchpad for moving and pointing should already reduce the strain. Being able to adjust touchpad settings may not give you any additional strain reduction benefits, but it could certainly make the experience of using a touchpad more pleasant.

But that is really beside the point. I am not trying to tell you what you need or don't need. You have the right to want a driver for your touchpad for whatever reason, and I sincerely apologize that we don't have one for Linux. We would really love to be able to provide one, but, unfortunately, we don't have one available. If we had, it would be a closed source user-space driver.

I can raise the question of reviving our Linux driver project with our management, but it might take a while before it is completed.

Can you suggest any other solution?

Sincerely,

Vadim


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 10:50 PM
Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support


> Hi Vadim,
> 
> I'm a professional developer and it was suggested to me that I use a
> Cirque touchpad to reduce strain based on my work habits.  Since 100% of
> my development is done on Linux systems, this touchpad is only useful to
> me in that environment.
> 
> I'm not entirely sure what features this touchpad actually supports, but
> it would be nice if I could use it to its full potential.  The side
> buttons, I suppose, are programmable so it would be nice for me to be
> able to set them to switch desktops or something.  Ideally, I would like
> to script this touchpad as much as I can to reduce potential for injury.
> 
> AJ
> 
> On 14-01-20 12:40 AM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
>> Hi AJ,
>> 
>> Apparently, the Linux kernel doesn't have support for that touchpad. In fact, I am not sure it has support for any USB touchpads.
>> 
>> At one point, Cirque tried to create a driver for Linux, but we ran into legal issues with the GPL. We then started working on a user-space driver, but there didn't seem to be enough demand or interest in it, so we have never finished it.
>> 
>> What kind of interesting things are you looking to do with the touchpad?
>> 
>> Vadim
>> 
>> 
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
>> To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
>> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 10:24 PM
>> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
>> 
>> 
>> USB.  Model GP415U-5321.
>> 
>> AJ
>> 
>> On 14-01-20 12:23 AM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
>>> Is it a USB or PS/2 touchpad?
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
>>> To: "Vadim Klishko" <vadim@cirque.com>
>>> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>; "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>
>>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:55 PM
>>> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Vadim,
>>>
>>> I am currently on Kubuntu 12.04 (3.2.0-29-generic), and this device is
>>> not recognized as a touchpad.  I have not yet tested a nightly build
>>> with a recent kernel to see if that works.
>>>
>>> It is detected and works as a mouse right now, but my understanding is
>>> that if it is recognized as a touchpad I can do more interesting things
>>> with it ;-)
>>>
>>> AJ
>>>
>>> On 14-01-19 11:41 PM, Vadim Klishko wrote:
>>>> Hello AJ,
>>>>
>>>> I thought it was I who was supposed to be helping. :-)
>>>>
>>>> Can you please describe the problem?
>>>>
>>>> Vadim
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>>> From: "AJ Guillon" <aj.guillon@gmail.com>
>>>> To: "Tommy Will" <tommywill2011@gmail.com>; <vadim@cirque.com>
>>>> Cc: <linux-input@vger.kernel.org>
>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:08 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: ALPS: Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad Support
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hi,
>>>>
>>>> Thanks Tommy!
>>>>
>>>> Vadim: Let me know what I can do to help.
>>>>
>>>> AJ
>>>>
>>>> On 14-01-19 08:06 PM, Tommy Will wrote:
>>>>> Hi AJ,
>>>>>
>>>>> Sorry for reply late. I have got the positive reply from my Cirque's
>>>>> colleague and please allow me to introduce Vadim to you.
>>>>> He's now main for S/W development of Cirque's product and he would
>>>>> help you of your "Cirque Smart Cat Pro AG Touchpad".
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>

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