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Think. Write. Go!

WiViK 3

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User Guide

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WiViK

Point and click/dwell selection of on-screen keyboard (virtual keyboard) keys with any pointing device
unique expanding quadrant selection developed individuals with imprecise pointing abilities involving a special keyboard for selection. Quadrants of a keyboard are expanded to provide larger target areas for selection.
configurable switch-based scanning (automatic, inverse/step and directed scanning with 1-6 switches)
Advanced word prediction using WordQ
abbreviation expansion for commonly used expressions and to minimize keystrokes
speech output

Who Uses it?

Our users are of all ages unable to use a physical keyboard, such as those with spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Any pointing device or one through six discrete switches may be used as input. There are many alternative pointing devices and switches available in the assistive technology field that work with WiViK. From joystick users to switch users, WiViK offers complete access to your PC.

Pointing Access

Using any pointing device (e.g., mouse, trackball, touchpad, and headpointer) you can select the WiViK on-screen keys. All keys work just as they would if you were typing on a physical keyboard. Select a key and WiViK sends it to a word processor, e-mail message, web page or other text-based application you may be using. Keyboards can contain any keys you want, can be moved anywhere on the screen and can be any size. WiViK also has a unique expanding quadrant keyboard for those with limited pointing abilities.

Click Selection

Click selection enables you to to select a key by clicking the button associated with your pointing device. There are several optional ways of using this selection method. You can select the key that first point at while clicking, or you can hold the button down while dragging across the keyboard—a useful technique for touchscreen users. Other options include quick shifting a character without using the Shift key by double-clicking a letter; using the right button to quickly perform an Undo action; and selecting a key on pressing the button down rather than waiting for the button to be released.

Dwell Selection

Dwell selection allows you to select a key by dwelling or pausing over a key for an adjustable time. There are several optional ways of using this selection method. You can turn on averaging so that if you move off the key while dwelling, you do not have to start the dwelling time over again. The key that you are over most of the time will be the one that is selected. This is very useful if you have difficulty holding the pointing device perfectly still or have imprecise pointing ability. You can also choose to have keys auto repeat or not. Associated with auto repeating is an option to automatically stop repeating if the motion of the pointing device is absolutely still (as in the case of you taking your hand off the device).

Sticky Keys

Sticky keys are standard with the Shift, Caps Lock, Alt and Ctrl keys which automatically latch with a single selection, or latch on with a double selection.

Expanding quadrant selection

Expanding quadrant selection is a WiViK innovation which involves a special keyboard for selecting keys which has been developed for people with imprecise pointing abilities. Quadrants of a keyboard are expanded to provide larger target areas for selection.

Scanning Access

With switch-based scanning, a highlight moves or scans across the keyboard. Select the switch to choose the key you want and WiViK sends it to a word processor, e-mail message, web page or other text based application you may be using. With WiViK you can also use the switch to open menus, edit text, move or resize windows, jump to other applications or move the mouse pointer.

While there are several standard scanning strategies available, WiViK also lets you define your own unique strategy based on your abilities and preferences. By choosing the number of switches (1 – 6), the basic scanning method (automatic, directed, inverse/step etc.) and the pattern of scanning movement you prefer (item, row/column, quadrant) you create your own personal scanning strategy which will make accomplishing your tasks easier and faster.

Automatic scanning

In automatic scanning, groups or items are automatically highlighted or scanned in sequence. The highlight pauses at each group/item for a preset time.

When you activate (press and release) the select switch, scanning begins across smaller groups or individual items. If you click the select switch when an individual item is highlighted, that item is selected. One or two switches are usually used with automatic scanning with select and cancel actions assigned to switches.

You must be able to activate the switch within the preset time to make a selection.

Inverse/step scanning

With inverse scanning you advance the highlight by holding the select switch down. While the switch is held down, the highlight pauses at each item for a preset time.

Step scanning is a variation where you advance by repeatedly activating the select switch. Sometimes, step and inverse scanning are combined.

The advantage of inverse/step scanning is that timing is not as critical as with automatic scanning. Groups or items are selected with a select switch or by dwelling. Typically two or three switches are used with move, select and cancel actions assigned to switches.

Directed Scanning

Directed scanning matches separate switches with moving the highlight across individual keys. These switches are used in a step or inverse fashion. The switches are often housed in a gated joystick, allowing users to direct the scanning cursor as they would drive an electric wheelchair. Items are selected by activating the select switch, or by dwelling for some period. Directed scanning requires the greatest degree of control. Switch connection

Switch Interface Cable (joystick connection)

The Switch Interface Cable is used with the WIVIK 3 on-screen keyboard to provide switch scanning for an individual. Provides two single switch connections.

Switch Interface Box (USB connection)

The Switch Interface Box is used along with the WIVIK 3 on-screen keyboard to provide switch scanning for an individual. It is connected through the USB port and provides up to six single switch connections, two dual switch connections and a joystick connection.

Benefits

WiViK has a number of benefits over competing products. Evaluate WiViK for yourself to appreciate these benefits.

Works in all versions of Windows.
Customizable settings enable access with any physical ability, including imprecise pointing and limited movements, as well as abilities that change over time.
Unique scanning strategies can be created by choosing the number of switches (1 - 6) along with specific switch actions, scanning method (automatic, inverse/step, or directed), and pattern of scanning movement (item, row/column, quadrant).
Scanning keyboard layouts include commands that apply scanning to scrolling, resizing and moving windows, selecting from menus, and positioning the text cursor, that are faster and more effective than mouse emulation.
State-of-the-art WordQ™ word prediction and abbreviation-expansion enables you to write faster and with less effort. You can choose a vocabulary level appropriate to yourself (starter, intermediate, advanced). As you write it will learn your writing style and extend your vocabulary to include correctly spelled works derived from a large background dictionary. Background dictionaries that are localized for Canada and the US, including personal and place (cities, towns) names. A true Canadian English dictionary is included.
Speech feedback lets you hear what you type and helps you proofread.
Intelligent always on top is a WiViK innovation that was first introduced in 1991. In fact WiViK was the first commercial application with the menu setting “Always on top.” You have the choice of having the keyboard always remain on top of all application windows, OR you can let WiViK automatically display itself on top when you need to type. In the latter case, WiViK allows menus and dialogs to display on top of the keyboard when you point to them, thus allowing unobstructed viewing of what you need to see! No other on-screen keyboard has this capability.
Automatic key re-sizing is a standard feature only available with WiViK. Keys automatically re-size and text adjusts to fit when WiViK is re-sized. You also have the option of locking the keyboard size and/or position.
Adjustable inter-key spacing is a key feature to accommodate individual resolution of pointing control.
Easy-to-view keys with customizable fonts that automatically size to the keys. Reverse image feedback of selected keys ensures that you are certain which keys are selected. You can also have keys highlighted as you pass over them with the pointer.
Optional hidden menu and title bars maximizes the keyboard area once options are properly set-up for you.
Multiple WiViK keyboards may be displayed and used simultaneously; the one in use automatically comes on top.

Word Prediction

Prediction dictionary and user vocabularies at different age and grade levels

WiViK incorporates WordQ™ technology for its word prediction. WordQ is a separate application that runs at the same time as WiViK and displays predicted words within WiViK on-screen keyboards. As you type, correctly spelled words are continuously displayed. When you see the word you want to use, you can choose it with your pointing device or switch. You can also display a word with its different word endings. Using knowledge about the last word that you wrote, WordQ software also suggests relevant next words in your sentence.

A user vocabulary reflects your personal writing style. This user vocabulary continually adapts as you write and improves its performance as you use it. This vocabulary ensures words are suggested that you regularly use and understand, thus reducing confusion. A number of initial user vocabularies are included based upon starting, intermediate, and advanced writing styles. You can further customize your user vocabulary by adding novel words and by importing text files. You can also create and use groups of words called topics, such as your favorite sport, the family pet, or general math concepts. When you write about one of your topics, its words are more likely to be suggested.

When WordQ encounters unfamiliar and misspelled words, it saves them for you to review at a later time. You can then delete a misspelled word or add a novel word to your vocabulary.

Prediction Options

There are four options associated with word prediction:

Predict new words that you use enables WordQ to automatically add correctly spelled words to your vocabulary. Novel and misspelled words are put aside for you to review.
Predict words from the WordQ Dictionary suggests words from the WordQ Dictionary when appropriate words cannot be found in your vocabulary.
Predict next words displays the words that are most likely to follow the word you have just selected.
Adapt predictions based on how you combine words enables WordQ to learn which words you use to follow one another. If you have trouble with grammar, you may want to leave this option unchecked.
Predict words based on creative spelling enables WordQ to consider creative spelling when making its predictions. Whenever there are no words in WordQ’s dictionary beginning with the letters that you type, WordQ will suggest words that take into consideration possible spelling/typing mistakes. Also, when you highlight a word, creative spelling will be considered when predicting words, i.e., spell checked.

Spelling

In addition to suggesting correct spelling, any novel words and misspelled words are put aside for later review.

Customized topic-specific vocabularies

Customizing a vocabulary for specific needs is done at two levels. A user vocabulary may be customized for an overall writing style by importing samples of text files. Importing text is similar to the adaptation that occurs naturally over time, but it is done quickly. The user vocabulary may initially start as a blank or with just core function words. When text files are imported, they are automatically analysed for word usage and the word prediction will then take on the writing style of the source documents. There are no limits on the number of user vocabularies that may be created.

You can also easily add and use topic lists of words/phrases that emphasize those words in the prediction process. For example, a topic may be a list of baseball terms, a list of Prime Ministers, or a list of dinosaurs. Topic words are essentially user vocabulary words that are singled out for boosting in the prediction process. Because they are user vocabulary words, they will have word usage data and hence they will be shown only when appropriate. When creating a topic list, novel words are automatically added to the user vocabulary.

While only one topic active can be active at a time, there are no limits on the number of topics that you use. You can switch between topics at any time (e.g., between sentences or paragraphs). When a topic is active, words within that topic are more likely to appear.

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