Creating Custom Controls

---

MRTK controls utilize custom interfaces to handle user interaction events. Most controls should be added to an entity equipped with a BoxCollider component and a StaticBody component to ensure correct behavior within the physics engine.

Focus Events

Controls implementing the IMixedRealityFocusHandler interface receive focus events under the following conditions:

• When a near pointer is close to the entity.
• When a far pointer targets the entity using a ray.
• The user gazes at the entity (via the GazeProvider).

In the default button style, focus events visually raise the icon and text, indicating focus.

Touch Events

Controls implementing the IMixedRealityTouchHandler interface receive events when the near pointer touches the entity’s collider. This interaction is central to the PressableButton component, which is used in the standard button to enable its primary functionality.

Pointer Events

Controls implementing the IMixedRealityPointerHandler interface receive the following pointer events:

• Pointer Down: Triggered when the user grabs an object via near or far interaction (e.g., an air-tap).
• Pointer Dragged: Occurs while the user is holding the object, enabling position updates.
• Pointer Up: Triggered when the user releases the object.

Pointer events are useful in manipulation handlers, enabling users to grab and freely move, rotate, or scale objects.

Speech Events

Controls implementing the IMixedRealitySpeechHandler interface receive events for voice commands, allowing users to activate buttons or execute global actions through speech. These components don’t need a collider, as they operate independently of the physics engine.