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OSKA – The On-Screen Keyboard Application
5
The OSKA Suite is a commercial Assistive Technology software collection by the company
ClaroSoftware (http://www.clarointerfaces.com)
OSKA Suite provides a configurable On-Screen Keyboard with various features like keyboard grid
editor, support of different input devices, scanning and word prediction. (Scanning is a special input
method where keys are automatically highlighted and can be selected by e.g. a single switch input.
Several scanning techniques exist, e.g. Row/Column scan, User-triggered scan etc.)
Furthermore, several assistive tools for alternative mouse input are part of the OSKA Suite, including
TenKey Mouse, OneSwitch Mouse, ScrollWheel Scanning and others. For detailed information please
visit:
http://www.clarointerfaces.com/products/oska-suite.php
The core product of OSKA Suite is an on-screen keyboard application, which can be interfaced to the
AsTeRICS system. The OSKA on-screen keyboard has 3 main components, delivered as stand-alone
software applications for Windows (compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP):
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OSKA Editor, to create Keyboard grids and define ARE action commands
OSKA Keyboard, the actual on-screen keyboard application
The OSKA Settings Editor, to select input method and options
For the AsTeRICS project, the OSKA Keyboard is provided as freeware, and it is included in the
“AsTeRICS-Runtime” download package. OSKA Keyboard serves as a primary Graphical User Interface
for various AsTeRICS use cases. Due to a dedicated OSKA plugin for the ARE it becomes possible to
influence selections in the on-screen keyboard grid with desired sensors, or to control desired
parameters or actuators in the AsTeRICS model via OSKA and a touchscreen.
5.1.1 OSKA Keyboard
OSKA provides a wealth of features specifically designed for users who cannot easily use common
input devices:
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Text entry into all standard Windows applications, just like using a standard keyboard
Includes a range of keyboard templates including Mouth Stick and Head Pointer Keyboard
Offers a range of keyboards in different languages
Keyboard templates can be edited or designed from scratch for full customization
Support of existing pointing devices or switch systems
Supports Full Switch/Scanning Operation
Macros and User Definable Keys, Menu Shortcuts
Word Prediction
Fully supports touch technology such as touch screen laptops and PCs
Can be seamlessly integrated with AsTeRICS sensors and actuators
AsTeRICS User Manual
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