The Grid

TheGrid is a very complete solution for Windows access. It includes an on-screen keyboard, some  communication aid grids and an environmental control.

System requirements :

Windows 95 à XP

600 Mhz processor, 64 MB of RAM, soundcard

Functions :

Cells content : each cell may contain text, sound, symbols or pictures. When the user selects one the cells, which content can be a picture, a simple word, ... TheGrid writes or speaks the appropriate message which can be different from the content of the cell.

Input devices : keyboard, mouse, pointing device, switch(es).

Scanning : all the usual scanning functions are possible : automatic cell scanning, row-column or column-row scanning, block scanning. The user will press the switch once to start the scanning and a second time to select the desired cell. The scanning speed is adjustable. A speech feedback is possible.

On-Screen Keyboard : TheGrid may be used as an on-screen keyboard thanks to alphabetic grids. Those allows typing with an intelligent dynamic word prediction. 

Access to other applications : TheGrid allows to write in a special text window but it also provides access to any Windows applications. Grids for many popular programs are included on the CD.

Computer control : Special action cells can be included in the grids. It gives the user back the complete control over the computer via TheGrid.

Environnemental control : Environnemental control grids can be created with TheGrid . GEWA PROG may be launched from within the program.

Edition :

Creating and editing grids is fast and simple, but it probably won't be done by the disabled person.

For each cell, you just have to right-click on it and fill up the fields of the cell properties window. You can choose the cell colour, its content (picture, symbol, sound, text, ...). You can also create special action cells which allow to create links to files in the computer or to jump between grids. You can also program often-seen actions (clearing, printing, ...).

For each grid, you just have to right-click on any cell and choose grid settings. You fill up the grid settings window to choose the number of rows and columns, cell size, cell spacing, font colour, ...

Many ready made grids are included on the CD.

Avantages :

TheGrid really is a very complete solution. It provides control over the computer, over the environnement. Of course, it is a communication aid, an on-screen keyboard, ...

There are many editing possibilities.

Nice design.

Disadvantages :

The software programming probably won't be done by the final user.

To control Windows, you have to create your own « control grid » : it is not included on the CD.

Expensive.

Supplier :

www.zygo-usa.com/grid.html

To receive a free evaluation copy of TheGrid on CD via priority mail, simply e-mail the supplier at zygo@zygo-usa.com , including your name, complete adress and phone number.

Price : 560 $