SofType for Touchscreens™
Windows
Keyboard
SofType for TouchScreens (STT) is an excellent on-screen keyboard for any touchscreen application. It operates under Windows 95/98/ME and Windows NT/2000/XP. SofType can be configured to launch at boot time and provide the capability to log on to Windows 9x/ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. In addition, STT can be used to enter the screen saver password in Windows NT/2000/XP. STT can also be used to enter Ctrl+Alt+Del key sequences for accessing the Task Manager and the Security features of Windows. This allows one to use Ctrl+Alt+Del to call the "Close Program" dialog box in Windows 95/98/ME. In Windows NT/2000/XP, Ctrl+Alt+Del allows one to call the task manager, to log off, lock the computer (Win2000/XP), or reboot.
All aspects of the user interface can be modified including keys, key arrangement, fonts, colors and keyboard size, and many can be changed under program control. The program ships with many standard layouts and custom layouts can be created using a standard text editor. The Title, Menu and Status bars of a keyboard can be hidden to reduce the screen area occupied by the keyboard and to eliminate unauthorized modifications. Control of the user interface also assures a consistent functionality across multiple target systems.
(Standard Qwerty keyboard layout with word completion bar.)
SofType for TouchScreen has abbreviation expansion and macro capability. These features can be used to minimize keystrokes when entering repeated phrases or multi-line text entries, such as login sequences.
(Qwerty layout with word prediction and round keys.)
Simple keyboard layouts can be used for simple tasks, as shown below.
Application Programmer's Interface
STT has an Application Programmers Interface (API) library for rudimentary control of the keyboard from another application. For example, there are API's that allow an application to launch and exit STT, hide the keyboard, position the keyboard, change its size and the specific layout.
Access Toolbar
In addition to the normal functions of a keyboard, STT has a utility toolbar available that allows the user to hide and show the keyboard as well as convert touch events ("left clicks") into right clicks. There are several options for this toolbar, some with text descriptions on the keys and some that only include the right button or the hide/show button.
Configuration Utility
There is a utility to assist the developer in configuring, porting and updating an installation or group of STT installations. This is a graphical utility that changes the keyboard dynamically as entries are made and then saves a configuration file used by STT at startup. After using the file to update an installation STT removes the file to allow local customization. This technique for easily reconfiguring a fielded customer installation can be a powerful technical support tool. It can be used to repair an installation or customize it for a customer.
(The main dialog box for the configuration utility is shown above. )
(Dialog showing some of the command line options available to control STT configuration.)
Data Sheet
Download SofType for TouchScreen
data sheet 
Demonstration Program
A time limited demonstration version of SofType for TouchScreens is available for evaluation.
This program will run for twenty minutes and exit. It can be restarted as many times as you need to evaluate its functionality. In addition to exiting every twenty minutes, the demonstration version of STT does not save configuration information.
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TouchStrokes™
Onscreen Keyboard for Mac
TouchStrokes provides a fully-functional virtual keyboard for Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X (including Tiger and Leopard) that works by drawing a keyboard image on the display and allows you to type characters into any normal application using a mouse, touch screen, graphic tablet, trackball, head pointer or other mouse emulator. It works seamlessly with all standard Mac applications (including those running in the Classic) allowing you to type virtually anywhere a hardware keyboard can be used. TouchStrokes automatically adjusts to US and international keyboard layouts and has multiple resizable keyboard models. It handles command-key combinations, dead-keys, and modifier key - click combinations. It offers a quick access toolbar and has many customizable settings.
TouchStrokes is ideal if you work with a touch screen, electronic white board, or set-up a touchscreen kiosk. Also for artists working with large graphic tablets or server managers that want to eliminate the clutter of having multiple physical keyboards on a desk it provides a great solution. People with disabilities should also check out KeyStrokes virtual keyboard, which offers special accessibility features.
TouchStrokes' Kiosk Mode dialog allows you to control user access to on-screen keyboard features. It also allows you to block certain keys and key combinations, such as those used to switch applications or do a Force Quit.
TouchStrokes works with any mouse or mouse emulating device that is compatible with Mac OS X. This includes the Wacom Graphire and Intuos tablets and Cintiq displays. It also includes Mac OS X compatbile touch screens such as those from TrollTouch or just about any touch screen using the drivers from Touch-Base. Such touch screens are a great combination with a Mac mini and TouchStrokes to create a touch screen kiosk or station.
TouchStrokes key-features
- Fully functional on-screen keyboard.
- Works seamlessly with all standard Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X applications.
- Handles command-key combinations, dead-keys, and modifier key - click combinations and auto-key repeat.
- Works with US and international keyboard layouts and offers five interactively resizable keyboard models.
- Offers extensive customization, including various key designs, selectable font, and adjustable key spacing.
- Provides a customizable kiosk mode to control user access to on-screen keyboard features and block certain keys and key combinations.
- Works with any touch screen, mouse, trackball, or graphic tablet that emulates a regular mouse.
- Has an iconizable and collapsible keyboard window floating above other applications.
Requirements for TouchStrokes
Requires Mac OS 9 or higher or Mac OS X 10.1.3 or higher (including Tiger and Leopard).
Requires a minimal screen resolutions of 800 x 600 pixels.
Demonstration Program
A time limited (5-day period) full demonstration version of TouchStrokes is available for evaluation. An Adobe Acrobat encoded (pdf) version of the TouchStrokes Manual is also available for download.
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