52 / GESTURE PHYSICS
Pointer Lock
The problem
Absolute cursor coordinates stop at the screen edge, so aim and camera control die the moment the pointer hits the bezel.
The solution
After lock, aim integrates relative movement deltas so travel continues unbounded past the edge.
This mechanic is best experienced with a pointer.
Experiment
Task: Drag toward the surface edge. On Thoughtful, click to lock and keep moving past it.
Drag to the edge — aim stops
Fallback — pointer lock unavailable · absolute cursor only
Drag to aim (lock unavailable)
Play with the values
How it works
Seen in
FPS games
Look and aim keep turning after the mouse reaches the monitor edge.
3D editors
Orbit and fly-through cameras use relative deltas while the cursor is locked.
Drawing canvases
Some tools lock the pointer for continuous brush or camera gestures.
Simulators
Cockpit and vehicle views stay under control without chasing a visible cursor.