SofType is a software utility which replaces the functionality of a standard keyboard with a full featured on-screen keyboard. SofType can be accessed using a mouse or mouse emulator such as the HeadMouseŽ Extreme . SofType is compatible with Windows 2000 and XP. SofType works by generating an image of a keyboard on the computer screen. When a key is selected, the character represented by that key is sent to the active Windows application.
AutoClick and Dragger
SofType has a built-in dwell selection feature called AutoClick™. When
AutoClick is enabled, clicking functions are performed by holding the pointer
motionless (dwell) for a programmable length of time.
Dragger™ is a toolbar integrated into SofType which allows AutoClick and single-switch users to perform all of the common clicking functions of a two-button mouse. Specific buttons on the Dragger toolbar are associated with the common clicking functions. Dragger also has an AutoClick Rest (On/Off) button, which enables and disables AutoClick's dwell feature.
Floating the Dragger toolbar is a very functional way to use Dragger. This will allow you to position Dragger on a seldom-used area of the screen. SofType's keyboard can be hidden and still allow the use of Dragger's dwell feature. This is especially useful while using applications which do not require text entry, such as a web browser or card game like Solitaire.
Predictive Word Completion
Word Prediction eliminates keystrokes when words are selected from the word
list. As you begin to type, a list of words is displayed in the Word Bar,
which match the spelling of the word you type. When your word appears in the
list, simply select that word. This feature will automatically complete the
word and add a space at the end.
Keyboard Layouts
SofType offers a variety of keyboard layouts ranging from a very basic keyboard
such as the Kidkeys layout to a more comprehensive keyboard such as the Qwerty
layout. It is also possible to create your own keyboard layout by using a
text editor to edit an existing layout. All aspects of a keyboard layout can
be modified. Parameters associated with keys including key size, font size,
styles and colors are changed through menu selections, and by dragging the
keyboard window edge. Background colors can also be modified using a simple
dialog box.
Macro and Abbreviation
Expansion
Macro capability and abbreviation expansion make using SofType easier and
more enjoyable by eliminating keystrokes when entering frequently used phrases,
commands and other text entries. For example, using SofType's macro capability,
complete log on sequences to an Internet service provider can be entered with
only two clicks.
Compatibility
SofType 4.2 and 4.5 are for use with Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000 and Windows
XP. (SofType version 3.1 is available for use with Windows
3.1, 3.11 and Windows for Workgroups. Call or email for more information.)
Log on Capability
SofType 4.5 has the capability to log on to Windows at boot time or to enter
a Screen Saver password. A small, minimal function keyboard appears with the
log on prompt and allows name and password entry using AutoClick (dwell).
International Languages - SofType 4.5
SofType version 4.2 is for United States English, while SofType 4.5 is for English and other languages that use the roman
character set. SofType 4.5 uses the localization features of Windows to support
keyboard layouts and unique characters of languages other than U.S. English.
For information on this feature search for "input locales" in Windows
Help.
Shortcuts
Use SofType's Run menu to create shortcuts to your favorite applications for
fast single button access.
Feature List:
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SofType version: |
4.5 |
4.2 |
| Word Prediction | To reduce keystrokes SofType features predictive word completion. Statistical word tracking allows the entry of complete words with only a few keystrokes. Words can be selected from an included or personalized word list. Words can be added to the word list with a single keystroke. |
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| AutoClick | Mouse button clicks can be performed anywhere in the Windows environment automatically using a technique known as AutoClick. This feature enters a left mouse button click after the mouse pointer is motionless for a programmable length of time. The AutoClick feature can be used with Jitter Box to define a larger target area. AutoClick can be adjusted to activate from between 0.2 to 10 seconds. |
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| Stability Compensation | The Jitter Box feature can be adjusted for a user's capability to control the mouse pointer. Jitter Box is used to enlarge the AutoClick target area and thereby compensate for user instability. |
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| Dragger (Double Click, Right Click, Left & Right Drag) |
Dragger provides single switch control of most mouse click functions. Single clicks, entered manually or with AutoClick, can be converted to a double click, right click, or a drag and drop operation. The Dragger toolbar can be docked on any inside edge of the keyboard or it can be caused to "float" and positioned anywhere on screen. For applications that do not require text entry, the keyboard can be hidden, and still allow access to Dragger's features. A standalone version of Dragger is also available. |
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| Access for Microsoft Windows | Any Windows application or utility can be accessed with only an adaptive switch, SofType, and a HeadMouseŽ Extreme. Even for those people who cannot use a switch, AutoClick can be used in conjunction with Dragger to provide complete access to Windows. Standard Windows applications and utilities can be used, existing files can be opened, edited, saved, and new ones created. Even Internet browsers can be used to access the Worldwide Web. |
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| Custom Keyboard Layouts and Key Sizing | Custom Keyboards may be created to suit every need. Custom keyboard layouts may be created that modify character layout, character font, and keyboard colors. In addition, key sizes, aspect ratio and spacing between keys can be independently adjusted. Some standard keyboards included are Default QWERTY, Alphabetic, Kids, 12-key numerical, etc. |
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| Run Applications | Frequently used applications can be started from SofType using a single mouse click. Up to 10 applications can be added to SofType. Applications can be set to "Auto Size", which causes them to fill the portion of the desktop not occupied by SofType, giving users maximum screen usage. |
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| Maximum Screen Use | SofType and other applications can be quickly sized and moved allowing the user maximum screen space. The title bar, menu bar, Word Bar, and Dragger Bar of SofType can be hidden to further increase screen space. |
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| Extensive Help | Extensive on-line help describes every aspect of using and configuring SofType. |
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| BlackHand Menu | By clicking the keyboard background a popup menu appears that can be used to select any SofType option. |
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| Single Click Characters | Any keyboard character can be produced by a single click. |
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| Macros | SofType offers the capability to assign text and a set of macro commands to almost any key. Frequently used phrases, commands and other text can be entered with only 2 clicks using a defined macro. |
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| Abbreviation Expansion | An abbreviation can be assigned to enter frequently used word or phrases in as few as 3 clicks. |
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| International Keyboards | SofType 4.5 is designed to support International Keyboards. SofType dynamically displays the appropriate keyboard for the language selected from within Windows Settings. (Roman character set languages only.) |
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| Import Words | Rapidly import text files to add new words to the current dictionary, or create a new dictionary. |
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| Log On Capability | Log on to Windows at boot time and enter a Screen Saver password. |
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| More Features | SofType has many features not listed here. Go to the Download page and obtain a demonstration version to explore the other great features. |
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Order SofType 4.2
Downloads:
A demonstration version of SofType is available for evaluation
from our demonstration page. The SofType Manual is also available for download. Try it out today!
Requirements:
- IBM PC Compatible Computer capable of running Windows 2000 or Windows XP
- Requires at least the Microsoft minimum required RAM per operating system
- CD-ROM disc drive for installation
- Input device such as a HeadMouse Extreme, mouse, trackball, or any Windows compatible pointing device
- 2 megabytes free hard drive space
Origin Instruments also an on-screen keyboard for Mac OS called, KeyStrokes.
