Contents
ScanBuddy™ Help System

Welcome to the ScanBuddy™ Help System.  Use the scroll bar to the right to review different help topics in the Table of Contents below.  When you find an interesting topic, select it by clicking on it.

Introduction to ScanBuddy™ Software

Using the ScanBuddy™

How Do I ...

Table of Contents:

"About" Tab

About ScanBuddy

Acknowledgements

Adding Sounds

AutoClick Option

Automatic Startup Option

"Buttons" Scanning Options

Changing Sounds

Color Options

Deleting Sounds

Estimates of Scan Time

Exiting ScanBuddy

Favorite Program Options

File Location

Hardware/Software Requirements

How Do I . . .

Introduction to ScanBuddy

Joystick Input

Key Input Option

Keyboard Input Option

License Agreement

Limited Warranty

Line Width

Location of ScanBuddy Files

"Method" Scanning Options

"Modes" Scanning Options

Mouse Switch Input

Pausing ScanBuddy

"Programs" Option

Prompt for Restarting after Pause Option

ScanBuddy Settings Dialog Box

Scan Active Window First Option

Scan Method

"Screen" Scanning Options

Selecting a Scanning Strategy

Settings

"Sounds" Options

"Special" Button Options

Start Application Program Option

Start Over Option

Starting ScanBuddy

Switch Input Options

Uninstalling ScanBuddy

Unwind Option

Using ScanBuddy

To search for help on a topic not listed in the Table of Contents above, press the "Index"  button above and then enter a related keyword.


Acknowledgements

Mr. Kevin S. Templer is the computer scientist who wrote this program.  The design team included Mr. Templer and James E. Schroeder.  The graphics artist who contributed to this software is Norbert Acuña (splash screen, button pictures, etc.).


Introduction to ScanBuddy

Introduction to ScanBuddy™ Software

ScanBuddy™ was created to help computer users who use one or two switches to control their mouse by using "scanning" techniques.  A variety of scanning methods, strategies, modes, and other options are available with ScanBuddy™.  For an overview of how to use ScanBuddy™, click on "Using ScanBuddy".  In the final section below, a list of ScanBuddy™ options is provided along with links that produce detailed information on those options.

Location of ScanBuddy Files

If you selected the default location during installation, the main folder named "ScanBuddy" can be found in the "Program Files" folder of the "C" hard drive.  There are two subfolders in the main folder.  The "Bin" subfolder contains the main ScanBuddy™ program and supporting files; the "Sounds" folder contains sound ("*.wav") files that come with ScanBuddy and which you can have ScanBuddy™ play when specific events occur (click on "Sounds Options" for more information).

Hardware/Software Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

Microprocessor:  PC Compatible Pentium or Higher

RAM:  32 MB

Hard Drive Space:  7.0 MB

Software Requirements:

Microsoft Windows® 95, 98, Me, 2000, or NT

ScanBuddy Options

To check out different ScanBuddy™ options, first launch ScanBuddy™ and then, if you are scanning:  1) position the mouse anywhere, 2) select the "Special" button option, and 3) select the "Settings" button and the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box will appear.  If you are using a mouse:  1) pause ScanBuddy™ by pressing the "Pause" key on your keyboard or hold the Control key down while clicking your left mouse button, and 2) click on the "Scan Buddy paused" [image] icon appearing in the "tray" on the Microsoft®Windows Task Bar and the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box will appear.  This dialog box contains all of the ScanBuddy™ options.  For more information on specific options offered there as well as other useful information, click on them in the list below:

About ScanBuddy (General Information on ScanBuddy™)

AutoClick Option

Automatic Startup Option

Button Options (Once a point is selected)

Color Options

Estimates of Scan Time and Clicks

Joystick Input Option

Keyboard Input Option

Line Width

Modes (Scanning options that can save you time)

Mouse Switch Input Option

Scan Active Window First Option

ScanBuddy Settings Dialog Box

Scanning Methods

Screen Scanning Options (Selecting a screen section and then a point)

Sound Options

Start Application Program Option

Unwind/Start OverAfter Click Options


Using ScanBuddy
Using ScanBuddy™

Starting, Pausing, and Exiting ScanBuddy

Starting ScanBuddy™

To start the ScanBuddy™ program, press the Microsoft®Windows "Start" button, select Programs, then the "ScanBuddy1.0" program group, and the "ScanBuddy1.0" executable file.  If you requested a ScanBuddy™ icon for your desktop during installation, then you can click on that [image] icon to start ScanBuddy.  If you have set ScanBuddy™ to start automatically (on the "Options" tab in the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box), then ScanBuddy will start automatically when you start your computer.  In any case, when ScanBuddy™ has started, a "computer face" [image] icon will appear in the "tray" of the Microsoft®Windows Task Bar.

Pausing ScanBuddy™

Once ScanBuddy™ starts, if you are using mouse buttons as input switches you will not be able to use your mouse in the traditional way.  However, there might be times when you want to temporarily pause ScanBuddy™ when, for example, someone needs to use the mouse directly to point and click on something.  If so, there are three ways to use the computer keyboard and mouse to temporarily pause Scan Buddy™.

First, pressing the "Pause" key on the computer keyboard pauses ScanBuddy™.

Second, pressing the "Alt" key on the computer keyboard and clicking the left mouse switch at the same time pauses ScanBuddy™.

Third, when ScanBuddy starts or continues after a mouse operation has been completed, a small window will appear with the title "Start ScanBuddy?".  Just below that title, a button is presented and labeled "Click here to pause ScanBuddy".  At that time, the mouse (or any other pointer that emulates a mouse) can be used to click on that button and pause ScanBuddy™.  If you use this method to pause ScanBuddy™, a message box will then appear reminding you how to start ScanBuddy™ back up again.  If you get tired of seeing that message, you can turn it off by going to the "Options" tab of the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box.

In any case, when Scan Buddy™ is paused by using one of these two methods, a red "NO" circle with a slash will appear as the ScanBuddy™ [image] icon in the tray of the Task Bar.

Restarting ScanBuddy™ After Being Paused

To restart ScanBuddy™ after being paused either 1) press the Pause button on your computer keyboard or 2) point at the ScanBuddy™ icon in the Task Bar tray and click the right mouse button.  In either case, when ScanBuddy™ becomes active the ScanBuddy™ face [image] icon will appear and the red circle removed.

Note:  ScanBuddy™ also automatically hides itself (stops offering options) if you have made no selections after some time has passed.  However, ScanBuddy™ will start scanning again when you next operate your switch.

Exiting ScanBuddy™

To exit ScanBuddy™ while you are scanning, either select "Settings" button from the variety of "Special" button options or the click on the ScanBuddy™ icon [image] in the "tray" of the Microsoft®Windows Task Bar.  In either case, the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box will appear.  Press the "Exit" button in the lower right corner to terminate the ScanBuddy™ program.

If you are using a mouse and have paused ScanBuddy™ (see above), then click on the ScanBuddy paused [image] icon in the "tray" of the Microsoft®Windows Task Bar and the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box will appear.  Press the "Exit" button in the lower right corner to terminate the ScanBuddy™ program.

Uninstalling ScanBuddy™

There are two options for uninstalling ScanBuddy™.  First, you can press the Microsoft®Windows "Start" button, select Programs, then the "ScanBuddy1.0" program group, and the "Uninstall ScanBuddy" option.

Second, you can use the "Add/Remove Programs" option provided by Microsoft®Windows (press the "Start" button, then "Settings", then "Control Panel", and then "Add/Remove Programs").

In either case, you first will be asked to put the original 3.5-inch key disk in your floppy disk drive so that the license can be transferred back to the key disk (so that you can then move the license to another computer).  After the license has been transferred back to the ScanBuddy Key Disk, the uninstallation procedure will continue.

Using ScanBuddy

ScanBuddy™ helps you use one or two switches or the keys on your computer keyboard to perform "mouse" activities on your computer.  Specifically, ScanBuddy™ helps you quickly and intuitively 1) specify a point somewhere on the computer display and 2) click, double click, drag, or perform some other activity at that point.

Selecting a Scanning "Method"

Three scanning methods are supported by ScanBuddy™.  One very general strategy is to try each and see which method works best for you.  If you are good at operating two different switches, then "Dual Switch Scanning" should be tried.  If you can reliably operate a single switch (e.g., press a button), then "Single Switch Scanning" might be best.  If you are best at releasing a switch (e.g., releasing a button), then you might want to try "Inverse Single Switch Scanning".

Summary of the three scanning methods:

1) Single Switch Scanning:  The computer offers options and you make selections by operating a switch.

2) Dual Switch Scanning:  You operate one switch to move from option to option and a second switch to make selections.

3) Inverse Single Switch Scanning:  The computer offers options while you hold a switch closed and you make a selection by releasing the switch.

To learn more about these methods and how to select them, click on "Scan Method".

Selecting a Strategy for Scanning

ScanBuddy™ was designed to help you get quickly and easily to a specific point on the display (i.e., scan the screen) and then perform the desired mouse activity (e.g., click, double click, drag, etc.).  A variety of scanning strategies are available for selecting a point on the screen.

All screen scanning strategies involve "line scanning".  In line scanning, a horizontal "line" first moves downward on the display and you use your switch to select the vertical location of the "target" point you are trying to reach.  Next, a hand shaped pointer moves from left to right on that line and you use your switch to select the horizontal location (i.e., you select the precise point).

If you like, simple line scanning can be performed on the entire screen.  However, it can take a very long time to use line scanning to select a point, (for example, if the target is in the lower right corner of the display).  For that reason, ScanBuddy™ offers "section scanning" as an option that can precede line scanning.  Section scanning lets you first identify the section of the screen that contains the target point before performing line scanning.

Section scanning is simple and intuitive.  All you have to do is decide yes or no to the question:  "Is the target point located in the highlighted part of the screen?".  Section scanning starts by dividing the screen in half and offering you one of the halves (i.e., the top half) by surrounding it with a colored frame.  If the target point is not in the top half, you do not select it and ScanBuddy™ then offers the bottom half.  After you select the correct half, it repeats the process except that it now offers you the left half of the section you selected, and then offers you the right half.  Each time you select a section, ScanBuddy™ then divides that section in half and you decide which half contains the target point.

If you select the a wrong section by accident, don't worry, just rest and ScanBuddy™ will "unwind" until the target is in the highlighted section.  If you have already selected the mouse location and discover it is not the correct spot, you can either rest and let ScanBuddy™ unwind, or you can press the "Cancel" [image] button from the presented list of button options.

With ScanBuddy™, you can use section scanning to divide the screen anywhere from zero to five times before performing line scanning.  If you select zero screen divisions, then only line scanning is performed.  If you select "one" screen division, then you specify the correct half of the screen before starting line scanning.  Select two divisions in order to specify which fourth.  Similarly, you can divide the screen three times (8 sections), four times (16 sections), or five times(32 sections).

Using section scanning before line scanning can save you a lot of time.  To see how much time you might save, check out the theoretical estimates provided on the left side of the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box.

Regardless of the scanning method and strategy you select, once a point is selected ScanBuddy™ then presents a dialog box with different button options (see picture below).  They are arranged in an order intended to provide fastest access to the most commonly used mouse actions.

Picture of the buttons options window that appears after positioning the mouse.

These basic button options include:

Click:  left mouse button click at the selected mouse location

Double:  left mouse button double click at the selected mouse location

Drag:  initiate a left mouse button drag at the selected mouse location -- the next selected mouse location is automatically used as the location where the left mouse button is to be released (i.e., the drag is completed)

Cancel:  start scanning over again (i.e., this is not the location I really want)

Special:  present several additional button options and other options (see picture below)

If you select the "Special" [image] button, even more options are available (see picture below):

Picture of window offering more button options after the "Special" button has been selected.

Special button options include:

Right:  perform mouse actions with the right mouse button

Scroll:  scroll down or up - if the application you are using supports scrolling

Shift +:  perform mouse actions with the "Shift" key pressed

Ctrl +:  perform mouse actions with the "Control" key pressed

Pulse Click:  have ScanBuddy™ to repeatedly click on a mouse location

Favorite:  launch your favorite program

Settings:  display the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box

Scan Buddy™ has many other options that can save you time.  All ScanBuddy™ options are found in the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box (see next section or click on "ScanBuddy Settings").

"ScanBuddy Settings" Dialog Box

The "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box contains all options.  It is displayed in one of three ways:

1.  When scanning, you can select "Settings" from the "Special" button options.

2.  When scanning, you can click on the Scanbuddy™ computer face [image] icon on the Task Bar tray.

3.  If scanning is paused, you can click on the paused ScanBuddy™ paused [image] icon on the Task Bar tray.

On the left side of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, you can view theoretical estimates for how long it will take to scan to different points on the screen, total number of clicks, and mean time to reach 32 representative points on the screen.  There also is a link to the AHF web site if you have hardware/software for connecting to the Internet.

Across the top of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box are a set of eight tabs which, when selected, display ScanBuddy options and corresponding information.  Following are brief descriptions of the contents of each tab of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

"Screen" Tab

The "Screen" tab contains options available for scanning the entire screen.  You can set how long you want ScanBuddy™ to pause before "going to sleep" (i.e., disappearing until you operate your switch again).  You also can set how many times you want the screen divided into sections, how long to pause on the first section, how long to pause on subsequent sections, and how many times to repeat this pattern before going to the next stage of scanning - line scanning.

Similarly, for line scanning you can set how long to pause for the first and subsequent lines and how many times to repeat before proceeding.  When selected, the "Do you want line acceleration?" option slows line scanning down at the beginning so that it is easier to select points close to the top or left.

Notice that when you change some of the settings on the Screen tab that the theoretical estimates on the left side of the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box will change to reflect the new estimated values.

Note:  The estimates shown are simply that.  The actual times might be very different for your computer depending on your graphics card, what graphics are currently on the display, etc.  The estimates are provided for the sole purpose of giving you an idea about how the time to get to a specific point or the average time to get to a set of representative points changes when you change your scanning strategy.

Note:  You should not base your selection of screen scanning strategy solely on the estimates provided because there are several other important issues.  If, for example, it is very difficult for you to operate a switch, then you do not necessarily want to select a strategy that gives very fast access times because those usually involve many switch clicks.  While the estimates can be useful for many people, you should consider all issues and select a strategy that works best for you.

Note:  The model estimates do not take into account any changes that result from selecting the "Do you want line acceleration?" option.  If you select "Yes" to that option, then the model will underestimate the amount of time to get to a selected point as well as the average time to get to the 32 representative points ("Mean Scan Time").

For more information on any options found on the "Screen" tab, click on "Screen Scanning Options".

"Buttons" Tab

The "Buttons" tab contains settings and options related to the button options that are presented after you position the mouse (see above).  You can specify how long ScanBuddy should pause on the first button option and subsequent options.  For the "Scroll" button option, you can set how long to pause before the first scroll and how long to pause before the next scrolls.  Similarly, for the "Pulse Click" option you can set the initial and subsequent times to pause.  To change any of these settings, first select the event you want to change and then use the scroll up [image] button and scroll down [image] buttons to the right to increase or decrease (respectively) the value for the selected event.  For more information on button options, click on "Buttons Scanning Options".

"Method" Tab

The "Method" tab allows you to select the scanning method you want (Single Switch, Dual Switch, or Inverse Single Switch - see discussion above).  Also, the source of the switch input can be specified.  Use "Mouse" if your switch is coming from a mouse or a device that emulates a mouse click.  The "Joystick" option should be selected if your switch is coming from a joystick or a device that emulates a joystick switch.  Use the "Keyboard" option if you are using keys on the keyboard instead of external switches.

The "Keyboard" option is designed for persons who are using a standard keyboard for text entry and ScanBuddy™ for mouse emulation.  When the Keyboard option is active, the left bracket "[" key on the standard computer keyboard serves as the single switch if either Single Switch or Inverse Single Switch scanning methods are active.

If the Dual Switch scanning method is active, then the left bracket key "[" serves as the first switch (to move from option to option) and the right bracket "]" key serves as the second switch (to select an option).  For more information on scanning and input methods, click on "Scanning Method Options".

Note:  The Keyboard option is especially useful for persons who use the standard computer keyboard but who cannot or do not want to use a mouse or other pointer.

Note:  You can use any scanning method with any switch input source.

"Modes" Tab

On the "Modes" tab, three potentially time-saving options are provided.

First, you can activate an option that has ScanBuddy™ offer the currently active window first before offering the entire screen.  For example, if this option is turned on and ScanBuddy detects that a dialog box is open in the currently active program, then ScanBuddy will offer the that dialog box first, before offering the entire screen.

Second, you have ScanBuddy™ offer to "unwind" after a click, double click, etc. (instead of automatically starting again "from scratch").  If you select the Unwind option when it is offered, ScanBuddy™ reverses its pattern (e.g., shows the vertically scanning scan line, then the last section selected, etc.).

The Unwind option can be useful if you are doing work which requires a lot of "short" distances from click to click, drag to drag, etc., because it keeps your scanning activity in the same vicinity as the last mouse operation.  If you do not want to unwind, then just pass up the unwind option and ScanBuddy™ will start the entire scanning process over again.  However, if you find you rarely use the unwind option (e.g., you typically are moving great distances in between mouse actions), then you can turn this option off (click on the check box in front of "No").

The third option on the Mode tab is "AutoClick".  If you turn on AutoClick, ScanBuddy™ will automatically click on objects that it senses (usually) require a click (e.g., buttons, menu options, etc.).  If you find you are very accurate in using scanning, then you should consider AutoClick.  If you are not always accurate in locating a mouse location, then you might not want to use AutoClick because, for example, if you accidentally locate the mouse on a button, AutoClick will automatically click on that button even though you did not intend to press that button.

Warning:   When the AutoClick option is turned on, ScanBuddy™ automatically clicks on any "object" it determines is a likely candidate for a click (as opposed to a double click, drag, etc.).  Consequently, if you accidentally aim the mouse at a button, AutoClick will press that button (in error if you were trying to aim at something else).  There is no built in way to "cancel" the AutoClick.  As a result, you probably should only use AutoClick if you are very accurate at aiming the mouse using ScanBuddy™.  Also, if you want to double click or drag at a location that AutoClick has determined is likely to be a single-click location, you will not be able to.  You will have to turn AutoClick off to conduct those activities.

Note:  The AutoClick feature will not work on all buttons, menu items, etc.  ScanBuddy™ attempts to determine if the mouse is positioned on a program feature that is likely to require a single click.  However, it is sometimes difficult to determine for some programs because of the way those programs were written.

"Options" Tab

On the "Options" tab, you can select an option that will automatically launch ScanBuddy™ when your computer starts.  If you pause scanning by clicking on the "Click here to pause ScanBuddy!" button, ScanBuddy™ by default presents a window that reminds you how to restart scanning.  If you get tired of seeing this reminder, you can turn it off by clicking on the check box in front of "After pause, show me how to restart scanning."  Also, you can change the colors used to frame the screen sections and the line scans.  Finally, you can change the width of the lines presented during line scanning.  For more information on general options available, click on "Options Tab".

"Programs" Tab

On the "Programs" tab, you can select a program that can be launched when selected from the "Special" button options.  To help you select your favorite program, ScanBuddy searches your computer for programs and lists them on the Programs tab.  Just find your favorite program and click on it.  If you don't see the program you want, use the Browse button to locate it.  For more information on the Program option, click on "Programs Option".

"Sounds" Tab

In ScanBuddy, you can have a sound played on certain events (if you have the appropriate hardware/software for playing sound - *.wav - files).  Sounds can provide useful feedback and help you use ScanBuddy more accurately and efficiently.  For more information on the sound options available, click on "Sounds Options".

"About" Tab

The "About" tab provides information on the ScanBuddy product including the name, address, etc. for the developer, the version number, and acknowledgement to the principal software developer and graphics artist.  For more information on the "About" tab, click on "About ScanBuddy".


License Agreement

Applied Human Factors, Inc. created this software and grants you a non-exclusive license for its use.  If you have a demonstration version, this License Agreement is further limited to 30 days of use from the date you first install it.  You assume total responsibility for selecting this program for your use, and for the installation, use, and results from the use of this program.

In addition to the above restrictions, this ScanBuddy™ software is licensed to you as follows:

(1) This program cannot be used in a multi-user configuration.  If you want to arrange for a site or corporate license, contact Applied Human Factors, Inc.

(2) You shall not make backup copies.

(3) You may not sell copies of any pictures that come with ScanBuddy.  If you use other artwork in conjunction with ScanBuddy, you are responsible for making sure that no copyrights or other intellectual property laws are broken or infringed upon.

IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOUR LICENSE IS AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATED.

This license is governed by the laws of the State of Texas and the County of Bexar.

If this License Agreement is not acceptable, you may return this entire package.


Limited Warranty

THIS SCANBUDDY SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED COMPLETELY "AS IS".  THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, BE IT EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.  THIS INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR FUNCTION.  THE COMPLETE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE OF THE SCANBUDDY PROGRAM INCLUDED WITH THIS PACKAGE IS YOURS.  IF THERE IS ANY DEFECT, YOU ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.  BECAUSE SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MIGHT NOT APPLY TO YOU.  THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

Applied Human Factors, Inc. does not provide a warranty that the operations and functions in the ScanBuddy software will meet your requirements or that the operation of this software will be uninterrupted or error-free.  This software is intended to provide some assistance while using off-the-shelf application programs.  Applied Human Factors, Inc. has no control over the diverse programming methods used by the numerous vendors producing software products,  so there is no possible way of guaranteeing that this software will work flawlessly with all other programs.


ScanBuddy Settings

 Picture of 'ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box.

The "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box contains all ScanBuddy™ options.  It is displayed in one of three ways.

1.  While scanning, you can select the "Settings" [image] button from the "Special" button options.

2.  While scanning, you can click on the ScanBuddy™ [image] icon in the "tray" of the Microsoft®Windows Task Bar

3.  If scanning is paused (by using the "Alt + left mouse click", clicking on the "Click here to pause ScanBuddy" button, or pressing the "Pause Key" on your computer keyboard), you can click on the ScanBuddy™ paused [image] icon in the "tray" of the Microsoft®Windows Task Bar.

On the left side of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, you can view theoretical estimates for how long it will take to scan to different points on the screen, total number of clicks, and mean time to reach 32 representative points on the screen.  There also is a link to the AHF web site if you have hardware/software for connecting to the Internet.

Across the top of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box are a set of eight tabs which, when selected, display ScanBuddy™ options and corresponding information.  Following are brief descriptions of the contents of each tab of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

"Screen" Tab

The "Screen" tab contains options available for scanning the entire screen.  You can set how long you want ScanBuddy™ to pause before "going to sleep" (i.e., disappearing until you operate your switch again).  You also can set how many times you want the screen divided into sections, how long to pause on the first section, how long to pause on subsequent sections, and how many times to repeat this pattern before going to the next stage of scanning - line scanning.

Similarly, for line scanning you can set how long to pause for the first and subsequent lines and how many times to repeat before proceeding.  When selected, the "Do you want line acceleration?" option slows line scanning down at the beginning so that it is easier to select points close to the top or left.

Notice that when you change some of the settings on the Screen tab that the theoretical estimates on the left side of the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box will change to reflect the new estimated values.

Note:  The estimates shown are simply that.  The actual times might be very different for your computer depending on your graphics card, what graphics are currently on the display, etc.  The estimates are provided for the sole purpose of giving you an idea about how the time to get to a specific point or the average time to get to a set of representative points changes when you change your scanning strategy.

Note:  You should not base your selection of screen scanning strategy solely on the estimates provided because there are several other important issues.  If, for example, it is very difficult for you to operate a switch, then you do not necessarily want to select a strategy that gives very fast access times because those usually involve many switch clicks.  While the estimates can be useful for many people, you should consider all issues and select a strategy that works best for you.

Note:  The model estimates do not take into account any changes that result from selecting the "Do you want line acceleration?" option.  If you select "Yes" to that option, then the model will underestimate the amount of time to get to a selected point as well as the average time to get to the 32 representative points ("Mean Scan Time").

For more information on any options found on the "Screen" tab, click on "Screen Scanning Options".

"Buttons" Tab

The "Buttons" tab contains settings and options related to the button options that are presented after you position the mouse (see above).  You can specify how long ScanBuddy should pause on the first button option and subsequent options.  For the "Scroll" button option, you can set how long to pause before the first scroll and how long to pause before the next scrolls.  Similarly, for the "Pulse Click" option you can set the initial and subsequent times to pause.  To change any of these settings, first select the event you want to change and then use the scroll up [image] button and scroll down [image] buttons to the right to increase or decrease (respectively) the value for the selected event.  For more information on button options, click on "Buttons Scanning Options".

"Method" Tab

The "Method" tab allows you to select the scanning method you want (Single Switch, Dual Switch, or Inverse Single Switch - see discussion above).  Also, the source of the switch input can be specified.  Use "Mouse" if your switch is coming from a mouse or a device that emulates a mouse click.  The "Joystick" option should be selected if your switch is coming from a joystick or a device that emulates a joystick switch.  Use the "Keyboard" option if you are using keys on the keyboard instead of external switches.

The "Keyboard" option is designed for persons who are using a standard keyboard for text entry and ScanBuddy™ for mouse emulation.  When the Keyboard option is active, the left bracket "[" key on the standard computer keyboard serves as the single switch if either Single Switch or Inverse Single Switch scanning methods are active.

If the Dual Switch scanning method is active, then the left bracket key "[" serves as the first switch (to move from option to option) and the right bracket "]" key serves as the second switch (to select an option).  For more information on scanning and input methods, click on "Scanning Method Options".

Note:  The Keyboard option is especially useful for persons who use the standard computer keyboard but who cannot or do not want to use a mouse or other pointer.

Note:  You can use any scanning method with any switch input source.

"Modes" Tab

On the "Modes" tab, three potentially time-saving options are provided.

First, you can activate an option that has ScanBuddy™ offer the currently active window first before offering the entire screen.  For example, if this option is turned on and ScanBuddy detects that a dialog box is open in the currently active program, then ScanBuddy will offer the that dialog box first, before offering the entire screen.

Second, you have ScanBuddy™ offer to "unwind" after a click, double click, etc. (instead of automatically starting again "from scratch").  If you select the Unwind option when it is offered, ScanBuddy™ reverses its pattern (e.g., shows the vertically scanning scan line, then the last section selected, etc.).

The Unwind option can be useful if you are doing work which requires a lot of "short" distances from click to click, drag to drag, etc., because it keeps your scanning activity in the same vicinity as the last mouse operation.  If you do not want to unwind, then just pass up the unwind option and ScanBuddy™ will start the entire scanning process over again.  However, if you find you rarely use the unwind option (e.g., you typically are moving great distances in between mouse actions), then you can turn this option off (click on the check box in front of "No").

The third option on the Mode tab is "AutoClick".  If you turn on AutoClick, ScanBuddy™ will automatically click on objects that it senses (usually) require a click (e.g., buttons, menu options, etc.).  If you find you are very accurate in using scanning, then you should consider AutoClick.  If you are not always accurate in locating a mouse location, then you might not want to use AutoClick because, for example, if you accidentally locate the mouse on a button, AutoClick will automatically click on that button even though you did not intend to press that button.

Warning:   When the AutoClick option is turned on, ScanBuddy™ automatically clicks on any "object" it determines is a likely candidate for a click (as opposed to a double click, drag, etc.).  Consequently, if you accidentally aim the mouse at a button, AutoClick will press that button (in error if you were trying to aim at something else).  There is no built in way to "cancel" the AutoClick.  As a result, you probably should only use AutoClick if you are very accurate at aiming the mouse using ScanBuddy™.  Also, if you want to double click or drag at a location that AutoClick has determined is likely to be a single-click location, you will not be able to.  You will have to turn AutoClick off to conduct those activities.

Note:  The AutoClick feature will not work on all buttons, menu items, etc.  ScanBuddy™ attempts to determine if the mouse is positioned on a program feature that is likely to require a single click.  However, it is sometimes difficult to determine for some programs because of the way those programs were written.

"Options" Tab

On the "Options" tab, you can select an option that will automatically launch ScanBuddy™ when your computer starts.  If you pause scanning by clicking on the "Click here to pause ScanBuddy!" button, ScanBuddy™ by default presents a window that reminds you how to restart scanning.  If you get tired of seeing this reminder, you can turn it off by clicking on the check box in front of "After pause, show me how to restart scanning."  Also, you can change the colors used to frame the screen sections and the line scans.  Finally, you can change the width of the lines presented during line scanning.  For more information on general options available, click on "Options Tab".

"Programs" Tab

On the "Programs" tab, you can select a program that can be launched when selected from the "Special" button options.  To help you select your favorite program, ScanBuddy searches your computer for programs and lists them on the Programs tab.  Just find your favorite program and click on it.  If you don't see the program you want, use the Browse button to locate it.  For more information on the Program option, click on "Programs Option".

"Sounds" Tab

In ScanBuddy, you can have a sound played on certain events (if you have the appropriate hardware/software for playing sound - *.wav - files).  Sounds can provide useful feedback and help you use ScanBuddy more accurately and efficiently.  For more information on the sound options available, click on "Sounds Options".

"About" Tab

The "About" tab provides information on the ScanBuddy product including the name, address, etc. for the developer, the version number, and acknowledgement to the principal software developer and graphics artist.  For more information on the "About" tab, click on "About ScanBuddy".

Completing your Changes to Settings

When you have finished making changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom of the window and the changes will take effect and the dialog box is removed.

If you change your mind about some changes you made and want ScanBuddy™ to ignore them, press the "Cancel" [image] button and no changes will be applied.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you would like some more information on any of the options available, press the "Help" [image] button.

To terminate the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image] button.


Screen Scanning Options

"Screen" Options Tab

Picture of "Screen" tab in "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box.

The "Screen" tab contains options available for scanning the entire screen.  If you are not familiar with ScanBuddy™, just follow the three step procedure shown on the "Screen" tab of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box (see above picture).

Step 1.  Set the number of times the the screen is divided into sections.

If you do not want to scan the screen by sections and prefer to immediately use line scanning, set the number of divisions to zero.

If you want to save time by first selecting a section of the screen and then using line scanning, select one of the other five options (one to five).  Make your selection by sliding the marker [image] to the left or right (0 to 5).  If you select "one", then the screen will be divided once (in half) and you will be asked to select which half of the screen the target is located.  If you select "two" you will first be asked to select which half (top or bottom) the target is located and then which half of that half (left or right quarter of the screen) the target is located.

At the other extreme, if you select "five" divisions, then you end up specifying which 32th of the screen (which one of 32 sections) the target is located.

Note:  It is best to try different options to see which one is best for you.  Although the overall time to reach a point tends to decrease as you increase the number of screen divisions, if you easily become fatigued a large number of divisions might not be best for you (because each selection involves a click - or more if you are using the Dual Switch Scanning method).

Step 2.  Set the scan times and repetitions for sections and lines.

In the second step, you can change various scan times and the number of times ScanBuddy™ repeats a pattern before moving on.  To change any of these settings, click on the setting you want to adjust in the list of settings (on the left) and then click on the up or down arrows [image] to the right of the text box to increase or decrease the selected value.

Several values can be adjusted in the list of events.  First, the first listed is the amount of time ScanBuddy™ pauses before it "goes to sleep" (hides itself until you operate a switch to bring it back).  You also can set the time it pauses on each section during section scanning.  You can independently set the amount of time for the first screen section presented and subsequent screen sections.  Two settings have been included because some people like the initial option to be presented for a longer time (e.g., in case they want a moment to think or plan).

You also can set the number of times that ScanBuddy™ repeats scanning the currently offered sections before "unwinding" (i.e., going back to the last larger screen section that was selected).

An example might be useful.  Imagine that you have the number of repetitions set at "2", and on the very first screen decision you select the top half of the screen.  You immediately notice that this was wrong and you really should have selected the bottom of the screen.  The moment that you selected the top half, ScanBuddy™ starts dividing the selected top half into two sections, offering the left section and then the right section.  Because you set the number of repetitions to two, ScanBuddy will repeat that pattern twice (i.e., left, right, left, right), before "unwinding" - in this case going back to presenting the top and bottom halves.

For line scanning, you can change the amount of time ScanBuddy™ pauses on each line (when line scanning from top to bottom) and point (when scanning from left to right).  As in section scanning, you can independently set the amount of time for the first line presented and subsequent lines.  Two settings were included because some people like the initial line to be presented for a longer time (e.g., in case they want to position the mouse at the very top of the section).

You also can set the number of times that ScanBuddy™ repeats line scanning before "unwinding" (e.g., going back to the last screen section that was selected).  An example might be useful.  Imagine that you have the number of repetitions set at "2", and you have selected the wrong final section.  You immediately notice that this was wrong and you really should have selected a different section.  The moment that you select the final section, ScanBuddy™ starts line scanning from top to bottom.  Because you set the number of repetitions to two, ScanBuddy will line scan from top to bottom twice before "unwinding" - in this case going back to presenting the last two sections that were offered.

Notice that when you change some of the settings on the Screen tab that the theoretical estimates on the left side of the "ScanBuddy Settings" dialog box will change to reflect the new estimated values.

Note:  The estimates shown are simply that.  The actual times might be very different for your computer depending on your graphics card, what graphics are currently on the display, and other variables.  The estimates are provided for the sole purpose of giving you an idea about how much time it is likely to get to a specific point (as shown to the right of "Scan Time (sec):" when you point at the picture of the display) or the average time to get to a set of representative points changes when you change your scanning strategy (as shown to the right of "Mean Time Scan:").

Note:  You should not base your selection of screen scanning strategy solely on the estimates provided because there are several other important issues.  If, for example, it is very difficult for you to operate a switch, then you do not necessarily want to select a strategy that gives very fast access times because those usually involve many switch clicks.  While the estimates are useful to many people, you should consider all issues and select a strategy that works best for you.

Note:  The model estimates do not take into account any changes that result from selecting the "Do you want line acceleration?" option.  If you select "Yes" to that option, then the model will underestimate the amount of time to get to a selected point as well as the average time to get to the 32 representative points ("Mean Scan Time").

Step 3.  Do you want line acceleration?

If you check "Yes" to this option, then when line scanning starts, it will accelerate from a slower speed to a faster speed early in the first scan instead of starting out at the faster scan rate.  This can be useful if you find you are missing targets because you are using your switch too late when the target is near the top or left of the section being scanned.

Note:  There will be no apparent acceleration unless the time entered for "Pause __ for the first line?" is considerably longer than the time entered for "Pause ___ for the next lines".

Note:  The model estimates do not take into account any changes that result from selecting the "Do you want line acceleration?" option.  If you select "Yes" to that option, then the model will underestimate the amount of time to get to a selected point as well as the average time to get to the 32 representative points ("Mean Scan Time").

Completing the Changes Made on the "Screen" Tab

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image] button.


Buttons Scanning Options

"Buttons" Options Tab

Picture of "Buttons" tab in ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

The options on the "Buttons" tab of the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box are related to the button options that are presented after you have position the mouse (see the two pictures below).

Picture of the first set of button options that appear after positioning the mouse.

If you select the "Special" button, even more options appear (see picture below):

Picture of window offering more button options after the "Special" button has been selected.

.

Step 1.  Set scan times and repetitions for buttons and other options.

You can change scan times for various button options by first clicking on the setting or event you want to adjust in the list of settings (on the left) and then click on the up or down arrows [image] to the right of the text box to increase or decrease the selected value.

One event that you can adjust is how long ScanBuddy™ pauses on each button (when in single switch or inverse single switch scanning modes).  Two settings are available.  First, you can set the time for how long the pause is for the first button option (i.e., left mouse click).  Second, you can set the time for how long scanning pauses for the subsequent button options.

You might want to make the pause for the first button option longer than for the next button options because 1) most of the time users are going to want to left mouse click, and 2) to eliminate some of the "surprise" involved when responding to the first option in a series of options (the next ones are more predictable).

You also can select how many times ScanBuddy™ scans through the button options before unwinding (i.e., moving backward through the scanning process because no button was selected).

Some programs support "Scrolling", where you position the mouse on the document or scroll bar and then, by repeatedly pressing the mouse switch, the program will scroll up or down.  ScanBuddy™ provides support for this feature - just select the "Scroll" button in the drop-down list of special button options.

After you select the "Scroll" button, a list of scroll options appears:

Picture of the Scroll options that appear after selecting the "Scroll" button.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to scroll up, select the "Up" button.  To scroll down, press the "Down" button.  When you select either option, ScanBuddy™ starts scrolling and the window showing these options disappears.  Use your switch again to stop scrolling and bring back the window of scroll options.

Press the "Pause" button to removes this window of options (e.g., if you want to see what is behind it).  Operate your switch again to bring back the list of scroll options and start scanning that list again.

Press the "Done" button to exit scrolling and start scanning the screen again.

Two of the events listed on the Buttons tab are related to this scroll option.  You can set the time that ScanBuddy™ pauses after the first scroll is executed and the time it pauses after subsequent scrolls.

Another useful special button option is the "Pulse Click" [image] button.  Press this button and a window is presented showing different "Pulse Click" options:

Picture of Pulse Click options that appear after pressing the "Pulse Click" button.

Select the Pulse Click button on this new window, and the window of options is removed and ScanBuddy™ starts clicking on the selected mouse location.  Operate your switch again to bring back the list of pulse click options and stop pulse clicking.

Press the Pause button to temporarily stop scanning and remove the window that shows the pulse click options (e.g., in case you want to view what is beneath that window). Operate your switch again to bring these options back and start scanning the pulse click options.

Press the "Done" button to end the pulse click options and start scanning the screen again.

The last event in the list of events presented on the Buttons tab relates to this pulse click option.  Select that event and you can set the time that ScanBuddy™ pauses after each click.

Completing the Changes Made on the "Buttons" Tab

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image] button.


Scanning Method Options

"Method" Options Tab

Picture of "Method" tab in ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

The options on the "Method" tab relate to the scanning methods and  switch input options available.

Step 1.  Choose your favorite scanning method.

ScanBuddy™ supports three scanning methods:

1) Single Switch Scanning:  The computer offers options and you make selections by operating a switch (for ScanBuddy™, this is always a left mouse button click).

2) Dual Switch Scanning:  You operate one switch to move from option to option and a second switch to make selections.  For ScanBuddy™ the first switch is always a left mouse button click and the second switch is always a right mouse button click).

3) Inverse Single Switch Scanning:  The computer offers options and you make selections by releasing a switch (for ScanBuddy™, this is always a left mouse button click)..

In Step 1, select the scanning method you want to use by clicking on the check box in front of that option.

Step 2.  Choose where the switch comes from.

ScanBuddy™ accepts switch information from three different sources.  In all cases, ScanBuddy uses a real or simulated left mouse button click for the first switch (i.e., the single switch for single switch or inverse single switch scanning and the first switch in dual switch scanning) and a real or simulated right mouse button click for the second switch in dual switch scanning.

If you are using the mouse buttons directly as your switches or if you are using other switches that emulate mouse button clicks, then select the "Mouse" option.

Note:  If you are using a joystick or other pointer that emulates a mouse, then you also should select the "Mouse" option.

If you are using switches on a joystick directly or switches that emulate those from a joystick, then select the "Joystick" option.  ScanBuddy™ automatically converts switch 1 from your joystick to a left mouse button click and switch 2 from your joystick to a right mouse button click (when the "Joystick" option is selected).

If you want to use keys on your computer keyboard to emulate one or two switches, then select the "Keyboard" option.

The "Keyboard" option is designed for persons who are using a standard keyboard for text entry and ScanBuddy™ for mouse emulation.  When you select the Keyboard option, a window will pop up to the right of the Keyboard option as shown in the picture below:

Picture of the pop up "Choose a key..." option for keyboard entry.

When the Keyboard option is active, you can use the keys on your computer hardware keyboard as an input to control scanning.  One default key is the left bracket "[" key on the standard computer keyboard and it serves as the single switch if either Single Switch or Inverse Single Switch scanning methods are active.

If the Dual Switch scanning method is active (as in the above picture), then the left bracket key "[" serves as the first switch (to move from option to option) and the right bracket "]" key serves as the second switch (to select an option).  ScanBuddy™ automatically converts the left bracket key press to a left mouse button click and the right bracket key press to a right mouse button click (when the "Keyboard" option is selected).

If you do not want to use the left and right bracket keys for your left and right mouse buttons, you can select two other keys.  To select a different key for "Left Click," click in the text box to the right of "Left Click" (you should see a text caret appear in the text box) and then press the key (on the keyboard) that you want to use for the Left Click.  You will see the text in the text box change to reflect your choice.  If you are using dual-switch scanning, you can follow the same procedure to change the key to be used for the "Right Click."

Warning:  When you select a key, be careful to pick one that 1) you do not normally use and 2) will not affect the application(s) you will be using.

Note:  You will not be allowed to use some keys (for example, the Backspace, Insert, Delete, Tab, Shift, Control, Alt).  If the key you type is not accepted, then "None" will appear in the text box.  If you accept the "None" option by pressing the "Apply" button, the default left and right bracket keys will be used.

Completing the Changes Made on the "Method" Tab

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image] button.


Mode Options

"Modes" Options Tab

Picture of "Mode" tab in ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

The Modes tab contains three options that could potentially save you time and effort: scanning the active window first, unwinding after a mouse action, and Autoclicking for you.

Step 1.  Scan the currently active window first?

If you find you are spending too much time scanning the entire screen, try this option.  When this option is turned on, ScanBuddy™ offers to scan the currently active window first before offering to scan the entire screen.  If you have just opened a dialog box in a program, ScanBuddy™ attempts to detect that and offer the dialog box as a screen section before going to full screen scanning. In this case, if you have section scanning turned on, it will divide the dialog box into sections (ScanBuddy™ will not try to divide a small area into very small sections).  This option can save a lot of time because dialog boxes are usually much smaller than the entire screen.

To turn this option on, click on the check box in front of "Yes".  To turn it off, click on the check box in front of "No".

Step 2.  After a click, do you want ScanBuddy to ask whether to "unwind" from last point?

After you have completed a mouse action, ScanBuddy™ can either start scanning again "from scratch" (i.e., the entire screen) or it can "unwind" from the point where that last mouse action was performed.  "Unwind" means that ScanBuddy™ reverses the pattern it took to get to that point.  The unwind option can save you time if you tend to perform several mouse actions in the same area of the screen.  Otherwise, you might be better off restarting scanning.

To have ScanBuddy™ present an option to unwind after a mouse action, click on the check box in front of "Yes".  To have ScanBuddy™ start scanning from scratch after a mouse action, click on the check box in front of "No".

Step 3.  Have ScanBuddy "AutoClick" when it detects buttons, etc.

The third option on the Mode tab is "AutoClick".  If you turn on AutoClick, ScanBuddy will automatically click on objects that it senses (usually) require a click (e.g., buttons, menu options, etc.).  If you find you are very accurate in using scanning, then you should consider AutoClick.  If you are not always accurate in locating a mouse location, then you might not want to use AutoClick because, for example, if you accidentally locate the mouse on a button, AutoClick will automatically click on that button even though you did not intend to press that button.

Warning:   When the AutoClick option is turned on, ScanBuddy™ automatically clicks on any "object" it determines is a likely candidate for a click (as opposed to a double click, drag, etc.).  Consequently, if you accidentally aim the mouse at a button, AutoClick will press that button (in error if you were trying to aim at something else).  There is no built in way to "cancel" the AutoClick.  As a result, you probably should only use AutoClick if you are very accurate at aiming the mouse using ScanBuddy™.  Also, if you want to double click or drag at a location that AutoClick has determined is likely to be a single-click location, you will not be able to.  You will have to turn AutoClick off to conduct those activities.

Note:  The AutoClick feature will not work on all buttons, menu items, etc.  ScanBuddy™ attempts to determine if the mouse is positioned on a program feature that is likely to require a single click.  However, it is sometimes difficult to determine for some programs because of the way those programs were written.

Completing the Changes Made on the "Mode" Tab

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image]  button.


Options Tab

"Options" Tab

Picture of "Options" tab in ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

Startup Option

If you want ScanBuddy™ to automatically start when your computer starts, click on the check box in front of "Start ScanBuddy when the computer starts."

Pause Option

There are three ways you can make ScanBuddy™ pause scanning:

1.  Press the "Alt" key and click the left mouse button.

2.  Click on the "Click here to pause ScanBuddy" button on the window that appears after you have performed a mouse action.

3.  Press the "Pause" key on your computer keyboard.

When you pause scanning, a prompt can be presented to remind you how to start scanning again.  This is especially useful when you are first learning how to use ScanBuddy™.  If you want this prompt to appear, click on the check box in front of "After pause, remind me how to restart scanning" until a check mark appears.  If you do not want the prompt to appear, click on that check box until the check mark is removed.

"Colors" Options

In the "Colors" section of the Options tab, you can change the colors of the section borders (when scanning sections) or lines (when line scanning).  The procedure is the same for both section borders and lines.  Also, both section borders and lines can appear to be one consistent color (e.g., green) or two alternating colors (e.g., black and yellow).

To change colors, click on the "Change" button and a dialog box will appear with the title: "Step 1.  Choose a color".  Click on one of the colors you want for the section border or line and then press the "OK" button.  Next, a similar dialog box will appear with the title:  "Step 2.  Choose a second color".  If you want to use two alternating colors, click on a second color that is different from the first color you picked.  If you want the lines to be solid and one color, click on the same color you picked for the first color.  Press the "OK" button to complete the color change.

"Line Width" Option

In the "Line Width" section of the Options tab, you can change the width of the scan line.  You can make the scan line wider or narrower by clicking on the up or down [image] buttons just to the right of the text box.  The units for the numbers shown in the text box are pixels; the adjustable range for width is 1 pixel to 30 pixels.  In general, if you are trying to get very high (pixel) accuracy, you will want to use a thin line (at the expense of taking more time to get there).  If you are more interested in quickly getting to a general area, then use a wider line (at the expense of accuracy).

Note:  For all lines, ScanBuddy™ will place the actual selected line at the center of the entire line width.

Completing the Changes Made on the "Options" Tab

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image]  button.


Programs Option

"Programs" Option Tab

Picture of "Programs" tab in ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

One of the "Special" button options available when you are scanning and select the "Special" [image] button option, is the "Favorite" program [image] button.  When you first start using ScanBuddy™ the Favorite [image] button will appear as it is shown here.  Also, if you select it when scanning, nothing happens.

On the Programs tab, you can select a program that will be launched when the Favorite button is selected.  Also, its appearance will change to reflect the program that you selected.  For example, if you select the Microsoft®Paint program, the button will now look like this:   (the button will show the name and icon for the program you selected).

To select or change a favorite program,  scroll down the list of programs provided and select the one you want.  If you cannot find it in the list, then press the "Browse" [image] button and locate/select the program you want.

Completing the Changes Made on the "Programs" Tab

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image] button.


Sounds Options

"Sounds" Options Tab

 Picture of "Sounds" tab in ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

In ScanBuddy™, you can have a sound played on certain events (if you have the appropriate hardware/software for playing sound - *.wav - files).  Sounds can provide useful feedback and help you use ScanBuddy™y more accurately and efficiently.

Adding or Changing a Sound for a ScanBuddy™ Event

To add or change a sound file, first locate the event you are interested in.  Following is a list of the different ScanBuddy™ events that you can select from:

When ScanBuddy is offered

When a screen section is offered

When a "top to bottom" Scan Line is offered

When a "left to right" Scan Point is offered

When a "Button" option is offered

When a "Click" is sent

When an "AutoClick" is sent

When a "Double Click" is sent

When a "Drag" is started

When a "Drag" is completed

Use the scroll bar on the right side of the list box to locate the event you want.  Then select it by clicking on it (it will change to blue when it is selected).  If no sound is assigned to that event, then the text box to the right of "Play" will be empty.  To pick a sound to be played, press the "Browse" [image] button and select one of the sounds that come with ScanBuddy™ or a sound from another source (maybe one you created).

If a sound file is already shown in the text box to the right of "Play", then you can change it by selecting another sound (i.e., press the "Browse" [image] button and select a different sound).

Note:  If you want to hear what a selected sound file sounds like, just press the "Play" [image] button.  If it is a long sound and you want to stop if from playing, press the "Stop" [image] button.

Removing a Sound for a ScanBuddy™ Event

If you want to stop playing a sound for a specific ScanBuddy™ event, first select it from the list of events (it will turn blue when selected), and then press the "Nothing" [image] button.

Note:  Because these sounds can be played repeatedly, try to find a sound that does not get too annoying.  In general, it is recommended that you select short sound files to use.

Warning:  If you experience any problems with sounds when using ScanBuddy™, do not use these sound options.  Remove sounds from all events by selecting each event and then press the "Nothing" button.

Completing the Changes Made on the "Sounds" Tab

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image] button.


About ScanBuddy

"About ScanBuddy" Tab

Picture of the "About" tab in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box.

The "About ScanBuddy" tab contains version and other information about the ScanBuddy™ product.

ScanBuddy™ 1.0

Copyright © 2000, Applied Human Factors, Inc.

Developed by:

Applied Human Factors, Inc.

P.O. Box 781076

San Antonio, TX 78278

Phone: (210) 408-0098

FAX:	(210) 408-0097

e-mail:  sales@www.ahf-net.com

support@www.ahf-net.com

info@www.ahf-net.com

Web Site: www.ahf-net.com

Current Release: Version 1.0

Principal Computer Scientist:  Kevin S. Templer

Graphic Artist:  	Norbert Acuña (Splash Screen)

Completing the Changes Made in ScanBuddy Settings

When you have finished making your changes in the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Apply" [image] button at the bottom to accept the changes you have made.

If you want ScanBuddy™ to ignore any changes you made and hide the ScanBuddy Settings dialog box, press the "Cancel" [image] button.

Note:  Pressing the "Cancel" button will cancel any changes you made on all tabs.

If you need more information about any of the options, click on the "Help" [image] button.

To exit the ScanBuddy™ program, press the "Exit" [image] button.


How Do I

How Do I . . .

Change (also:  Modify, Alter)

Acceleration (Line Scanning)

How ScanBuddy Starts

Input from Switches

Line Width

Number of Scan Cycles

Program to be Started

Scan Input

Scan Method

Scan Mode

Sounds Played

Switch Input

Time/Speed (Button Scanning)

Time/Speed (Pulse Click)

Time/Speed (Line Scanning)

Time/Speed (Screen Section)

Time/Speed (Scroll Button)

When ScanBuddy Starts

Use (also: Operate, Control)

ScanBuddy

Add (also:  Include, Introduce)

Colors

Prompt Reminder for How to Start Scanning After a Pause

Sounds

Start (also:  Begin, Initiate)

Prompt Reminder for How to Start Scanning After a Pause

ScanBuddy (the program)

ScanBuddy after Pausing

Sounds

Stop (also:  Terminate, Quit, Exit)

Prompt Reminder for How to Start Scanning After a Pause

ScanBuddy (the program)

Sounds

See (also:  View, Observe)

Colors

Prompt Reminder for How to Start Scanning After a Pause

Sections

Increase (also:  Increment)

Acceleration (Line Scanning)

Line Width

Number of Scan Cycles

Time/Speed (Button Scanning)

Time/Speed (Pulse Click)

Time/Speed (Line Scanning)

Time/Speed (Screen Section)

Time/Speed (Scroll Button)

Decrease (also:  Remove, Decrement, Reduce)

Acceleration (Line Scanning)

Line Width

Number of Scan Cycles (Button Options)

Number of Scan Cycles (Sections and Lines)

Time/Speed (Button Scanning)

Time/Speed (Pulse Click)

Time/Speed (Line Scanning)

Time/Speed (Screen Section)

Time/Speed (Scroll Button)

Uninstall

ScanBuddy