alright, I'll go look at the matrix board's site, and see what I can learn about this unit, do the company allow for programs that will adapt the keystrokes as needed, example: I have a Microsoft media keyboard, with two mode operation, it comes with software that does three things: 1 tells the computer that the USB device connected to it with this ID {insert keyboards identifier} is in fact a Microsoft media keyboard, and along with the normal keyboard commands, these additional key numbers mean... 2. allows me to use a variety of additional keys to do various assort "quick key" commands that are not in the normal 104 keyboards lexicon. and 3, allows me to assign or reassign what the additional keys do, within certain limits the program sets.
if they use a normal programming language for there program, and are willing to assist you in this use by giving you the code they already use for interpreting the key commands from the matrix board, then you, or someone working with you can build a custom interface application so you can map the keystrokes as needed.
alright, 25 keys and a probably split of 4 for model set's and 21 for functions within the function settings
hmmm can she hold a mode key and hit a second key? if not then its a bit more complex, but I think you can cops out a good set of commands that can work as a "standard keyboard" output.
hmmm, if one mode key was ASCII mode, and another the "end of character" key, most things can be handled by using ASCII characters and 10 keys, if you follow what I mean here
that would leave you 10 additional keys to use for other things, although all can be handled with the 10 keys and an brake and send key combo, which means she would have to learn the ASCII codes for the keys, but as I said it can be done, the other keys could be used then for other commands, menus key, arrows keys and the like ,
I think James is correct in not using timing, that would be difficult to do correctly as well as making this a one shot item instead of a item that could be used by many
and if your friend has any of the troubles I have with her hand, then she could easily double hit a key or get stuck, or not hold the key a required amount of time due to a spasm or tremor in the finger.
it would take me some time to work it out, and I'm not in contact nor do I know your friend and her limitations like you do, but 12 keys for numbers0 through 9, enter key, break key, 4 arrows keys with an alt and a windows key lets say, this would leave you three additional keys for special controls, in addition to the four you already were dedicating to "mode keys".
hmm further thoughts, left and right clicks would be 2 more, and insert makes three, , and we are still on the first mode key setting so we have three left, hmmm
I think since she is using jaws a tab key would be good and maybe a repeat key?
still needs some polishing but there are some ideas, Hope This Helps, inthane. For Blind Programming assistance, Information, Useful Programs, and Links to Jamal Mazrui's Text tutorial packages and Applications, visit me at:
http://grabbag.alacorncomputer.com. to be able to view a simple programming project in several programming languages, visit the Fruit basket demo site at:
http://fruitbasketdemo.alacorncomputer.com----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Joeres" <peterjoeres@xxxxxx>
To: <jawsscripts@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 5:04 AMSubject: [jawsscripts] Re: Is optimizing a Script for just 25 keys to suffice for typing and control a PC possible?
Hello Inthane,what is the device your using? is it a available device that you have adapted, or is it a totally new device that you had built?the device I built is based on the X-Keys Matrix Board. This is a small hardware board that can on the one side be connected to your PC via USB and on the other side there are eight so called "row" metal contacts and 16 "column" metal contacts. Combining one "row" and one "column" contact by wire (of course, usually with a key between them) enables you to input a keystroke that is by the MakroWorks II Software converted into a simulated keystroke you can associate to the key.I detailed description can be found using the link: http://x-keys.com/custom/xkmatrix.phpJAWS recognizes these keystrokes, when you enable in the Configuration Manager the keyboard option "Enable On Screen Keyboard".As my friend I have develloped the device for, has in addition to her being blind the handicap of limited finger movement we could only reach an overall number of 25 keys she can deal with. Our principle idea we aim to realize is to establish four modifier keys that change the actual "layer" led over the other 21 input keys. Allowing not only to press single modifier keys (four possiblities), but also combinations of two of them (another 6 possiblities) would give us 21 times 10, i.e. 210 different input possiblities. This should suffice to comfortably control the PC.and I would need more information as to what you have done so far to make any coherent suggestions, but I am interested in this device!The first idea was to implement this keyboard behaviour with the MacroWorks II Software mentioned before, but unfortunately it does not allow for key combinations. My second idea was to use the scripting language Autohotkey I am used to, but unfortunately it changes key behaviour only after JAWS has intercepted and passed through the keystroke (i.e. when we modify the keystroke "a" to come as "b" to the system, JAWS nonetheless speaks out "a" leading to confusion). Now being new to JAWS Scripting I wanted to avoid working through all the documentation ending up with realizing that JAWS is not capable to achieve the described behaviour. By now, as I have not heard negative opinions on my plan, I am optimistic that it could be done, but still searching for the right functions and methods.Further highly welcome features would be:The script should recognize, how long a modifier key or a modifier key combination has been pressed (say, less than half a second or longer than half a second e.g.) and then change the layer for the input keys permanently or just for the next input key.Thanks a lot for your interest in the problem. I appreciate any recommendations .-) Best Regards, Peter -- GMX FreeMail: 1 GB Postfach, 5 E-Mail-Adressen, 10 Free SMS. Alle Infos und kostenlose Anmeldung: http://www.gmx.net/de/go/freemail __________ View the list's information and change your settings at http://www.freelists.org/list/jawsscripts
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