Focus 84 Braille Display
PUBLISHED BY
Freedom Scientific BLV Group, LLC
11800 31st Court North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716-1805
USA
http://www.freedomscientific.com
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Freedom Scientific. Copyright © 2002 Freedom Scientific BLV Group, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Features
Physical Layout
JAWS and the Focus 44, 70, 84
Focus Commands Overview
Convenience Commands
Braille Commands
Windows Commands
JAWS Commands
Whiz Wheels, Advance Bars, and Cursor
Routing Keys
Configuring the Focus Displays
Introduction
The Focus 44, 70, and 84 refreshable Braille displays provide a tactile interface to your computer. Used together with screen access software such as JAWS for Windows versions 4.02 and later, the Focus displays enhance your computing experience.
Features
The Focus Braille displays include the following features:
- 44, 70, or 84 Braille cells.
- A cursor routing key above each Braille cell.
- 9 key Perkins style Braille keyboard, with the addition of two SHIFT keys.
- Two advance bars and two programmable General Display Buttons.
- Two Whiz Wheels, one at each end of the display, for quick navigation of lists and menus.
- VariBraille adjustable Braille dot firmness.
- Status cells configurable to either end of the display.
- Rapid Reading mode for quick review of files.
- Serial or USB connection to PC.
- Removable handle that doubles as a keyboard stand/height adjustor for easy ergonomic positioning of a computer keyboard or portable computer.
Physical Layout
The Focus displays are designed with the Braille cells near the back of the unit so they are as close as possible to the keyboard. There is a cursor routing key above each Braille cell. There are two advance bars and two General Display Buttons (GDB) between the Braille cells and the back of each unit.
Between the Braille cells and the front of each unit, there are eight keys similar to those on a Perkins style Braille keyboard. These keys are used to enter commands. To either side of these keys, at either end of the display, there are Whiz Wheels used for easy navigation. Along the front edge of the display are three buttons, LEFT SHIFT, SPACEBAR, and RIGHT SHIFT. These three keys are used together with the Braille keys when entering commands.
On the left end of the display, there is a nine pin serial port, AC adapter jack, and a USB port. The AC adapter is required when connecting the Focus display to your computer via the serial port, but is not needed with a USB connection.
On the right end of the display, there are four audio jacks: the two near the front are audio out jacks, and the two near the back are audio in jacks. The audio out jacks are further designated with the front jack marked as speaker and the other marked as headphones. On this side, there is also another USB port.
Note: You can only use one USB port at a time. The second USB port does not function as a pass through port.
JAWS and the Focus 44, 70, 84
The following sections discuss use of the Focus 44, 70, and 84 refreshable Braille displays with JAWS 4.02 and 4.5 for Windows.
Focus Commands Overview
This section describes the method behind the command assignments for JAWS and the Focus Braille displays. Once you understand this methodology, there is no need to memorize a long list of commands. The commands are separated into Convenience commands, JAWS commands, Windows commands, and Braille commands. There is only one assignment pattern for each. Focus commands are consistently based on JAWS and Windows commands. If you are familiar with JAWS and Windows keyboard commands, Focus commands are very easy to learn. If you become familiar with Focus commands, JAWS and Windows keyboard commands are also easy to learn.
Convenience Commands
These commands are the most common functions and are performed right from the Braille display. They do not require any chording or use of the SHIFT keys.
JAWS Commands
These commands are easy to learn if you are familiar with JAWS. And if you are just beginning to learn your Focus display and JAWS, these commands should help you learn JAWS keyboard commands as well.
The RIGHT SHIFT key on your Focus display corresponds to your INSERT key on the keyboard. The JAWS keyboard command to make the JAWS window active is INSERT+J, so the corresponding Focus command is RIGHT SHIFT+J (RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-4-5).
Many JAWS keyboard commands use INSERT together with the function keys, F1 through F12. For keyboard commands that use INSERT+F1 through F9, just press and hold down the RIGHT SHIFT on the Focus and press the computer Braille number of the function key. For example, the JAWS keyboard command for screen sensitive help is INSERT+F1, so the Focus command is RIGHT SHIFT+1 (RIGHT SHIFT+DOT 2).
Windows Commands
Windows commands follow a similar convention. Many Windows commands use CTRL, ALT, or SHIFT as part of the command. On the Focus, the LEFT SHIFT key is used in these commands. The Windows keyboard command to copy selected text to the clipboard is CTRL+C, so the Focus command is LEFT SHIFT+C (LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-4).
The same letter assignments that are used with Windows commands are used for the equivalent Focus commands to make it as easy as possible to learn to use the Focus displays or to learn Windows.
Braille Commands
These commands primarily change settings for your Braille display. They are key combinations with the SPACEBAR, referred to as chord commands. Use the SPACEBAR like other modifiers (SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, etc.). Press SPACEBAR first, hold it down, and then press the other key or keys that are part of the command. These commands all change the settings used to format, translate, or present information on your display.
Exceptions
The computer Braille number and function key relationship does not apply to the List System Tray Icons command, INSERT+F11 on the keyboard. We have assigned RIGHT SHIFT+K (RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-3) to this command.
The command to open the Window List dialog, INSERT+F10, is RIGHT SHIFT+0 (RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 3-5-6).
Commands that have been assigned using the Convenience Commands convention are not duplicated using the JAWS/Windows assignment convention.
There are other exceptions based on availability of keys, however we have attempted to retain the logic of consistency with the JAWS or Windows commands wherever possible.
Convenience Commands
All convenience commands use only the Braille keys. These commands do not use the SHIFT keys or SPACEBAR.
Note: For your convenience, we have provided both the Braille signs for each command and the dot pattern equivalents. If there is no Braille sign corresponding to the dot patterns, the dot patterns are listed in both columns.
Convenient JAWS and Windows Commands
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Positions |
|
Start Menu |
ST Sign |
DOTS 3-4 |
|
Minimize All Apps |
D |
DOTS 1-4-5 |
|
Keyboard Help |
TH Sign |
DOTS 1-4-5-6 |
|
ENTER |
DOT 8 |
DOT 8 |
|
BACKSPACE |
DOT 7 |
DOT 7 |
|
ESC |
Z |
DOTS 1-3-5-6 |
Convenient Navigation Commands
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Positions |
|
TAB |
DOTS 4-5 |
DOTS 4-5 |
|
SHIFT+TAB |
B |
DOTS 1-2 |
|
PAGE UP |
K |
DOTS 1-3 |
|
PAGE DOWN |
DOTS 4-6 |
DOTS 4-6 |
|
HOME |
DOT 2 |
DOT 2 |
|
END |
DOT 5 |
DOT 5 |
|
Top Of File |
L |
DOTS 1-2-3 |
|
Bottom of File |
DOTS 4-5-6 |
DOTS 4-5-6 |
|
Next Document Window (CTRL+TAB) |
W |
DOTS 2-4-5-6 |
|
Braille Next Line |
DOT 4 |
DOT 4 |
|
Braille Prior Line |
A |
DOT 1 |
|
Move Left on Current Line |
DOT 3 |
DOT 3 |
|
Move Right on Current Line |
Capital Sign |
DOT 6 |
Convenient Cursor Commands
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Positions |
|
PC Cursor |
P |
DOTS 1-2-3-4 |
|
JAWS Cursor |
J |
DOTS 2-4-5 |
|
Route Braille to Active Cursor |
R |
DOTS 1-2-3-5 |
Convenient Braille Commands
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Positions |
|
Tether Braille to Active |
T |
DOTS 2-3-4-5 |
|
Braille Follows Active |
F |
DOTS 1-2-4 |
|
Braille Toggle Mode (Line, Structured, Speech Box) |
M |
DOTS 1-3-4 |
Braille Commands
These commands all use the Focus SPACEBAR. We use the term Chord to indicate this. A Chord is just a key sequence pressed together with the SPACEBAR.
Note: For your convenience, we have provided both the Braille signs for each command and the dot pattern equivalents. If there is no Braille sign corresponding to the dot patterns, the dot patterns are listed in both columns. Use computer Braille for numbers noted in the Braille Sign column.
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Positions |
|
Braille Top of Window |
L CHORD |
DOTS 1-2-3 CHORD |
|
Braille Bottom of Window |
DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD |
DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD |
|
Adjust Braille Options |
B CHORD |
DOTS 1-2 CHORD |
|
Grade 2 Expand Current Word |
T CHORD |
DOTS 2-3-4-5 CHORD |
|
Grade 2 Translation |
G CHORD |
DOTS 1-2-4-5 CHORD |
|
Toggle Characters and Attributes |
CH Sign CHORD |
DOTS 1-6 CHORD |
|
Toggle Marking |
M CHORD |
DOTS 1-3-4 CHORD |
|
Toggle 8 Pixels per Space |
P CHORD |
DOTS 1-2-3-4 CHORD |
|
Toggle 8/6 Dot Braille |
8 CHORD |
DOTS 2-3-6 CHORD |
|
Color Marking Assign |
C CHORD |
DOTS 1-4 CHORD |
|
Change Cursor Shape |
SH Sign CHORD |
DOTS 1-4-6 CHORD |
|
Restrict Braille Cursor |
R CHORD |
DOTS 1-2-3-5 CHORD |
Windows Commands
All Windows commands use the LEFT SHIFT key as part of the command.
Note: For your convenience, we have provided both the Braille signs for each command and the dot pattern equivalents. If there is no Braille sign corresponding to the dot patterns, the dot patterns are listed in both columns.
Navigation and Editing Commands
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Patterns |
|
ALT+TAB |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 4-5 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 4-5 |
|
Paste from Clipboard |
LEFT SHIFT+V |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-3-6 |
|
Copy to Clipboard |
LEFT SHIFT+C |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-4 |
|
Cut to Clipboard |
LEFT SHIFT+X |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-3-4-6 |
|
Undo |
LEFT SHIFT+Z |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-3-5-6 |
|
Delete |
LEFT SHIFT+D |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-4-5 |
Selection Commands
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Patterns |
|
Select Next Character |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 6 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 6 |
|
Select Prior Character |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 3 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 3 |
|
Select Next Line |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 4 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 4 |
|
Select Prior Line |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 1 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 1 |
|
Select to End of Line |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 5 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 5 |
|
Select from Start of Line |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 2 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOT 2 |
|
Select from Top |
LEFT SHIFT+L |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-3 |
|
Select to Bottom |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 4-5-6 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 4-5-6 |
|
Select Next Screen |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 4-6 |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 4-6 |
|
Select Prior Screen |
LEFT SHIFT+K |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-3 |
|
Select All |
LEFT SHIFT+FOR Sign |
LEFT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
Selecting with the Cursor Routing keys
To select with the cursor routing keys, press and hold down LEFT SHIFT, then press the cursor routing key above the text where you wish to begin the selection. Release both keys. Move to where you wish to end the selection, and press LEFT SHIFT plus the cursor routing key at that location. Use any navigation commands to move from the begin point to the end point of the text you are selecting, even the Whiz Wheels, but if the window containing the text scrolls, this affects what information is selected.
JAWS Commands
All JAWS commands use the RIGHT SHIFT key as part of the command.
Note: For your convenience, we have provided both the Braille signs for each command and the dot pattern equivalents. If there is no Braille sign corresponding to the dot patterns, the dot patterns are listed in both columns. Use computer Braille for numbers noted in the Braille Sign column.
General Commands
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Patterns |
|
Screen Sensitive Help |
RIGHT SHIFT+1 |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOT 2 |
|
JAWS Window |
RIGHT SHIFT+J |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-4-5 |
|
Adjust JAWS Verbosity |
RIGHT SHIFT+V |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-3-6 |
|
Open Window List |
RIGHT SHIFT+0 |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 3-5-6 |
|
List System Tray Icons |
RIGHT SHIFT+K |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-3 |
|
Refresh Screen |
RIGHT SHIFT+Z |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-3-5-6 |
|
Say Font |
RIGHT SHIFT+F |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-4 |
|
Window Keys Help |
RIGHT SHIFT+W |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-4-5-6 |
|
Read Current Window |
RIGHT SHIFT+B |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2 |
|
Default Button in Dialog |
RIGHT SHIFT+E |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-5 |
|
Shut Down JAWS |
RIGHT SHIFT+4 |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-5-6 |
|
Select a Synthesizer |
RIGHT SHIFT+S |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-3-4 |
Cursors
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Patterns |
|
Route JAWS to Pc |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 3-6 (MINUS Sign) |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 3-6 |
|
Route PC to JAWS |
RIGHT SHIFT+ING Sign (PLUS Sign) |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 3-4-6 |
Utilities
|
Description |
Braille Sign |
Braille Dot Patterns |
|
Run JAWSManager |
RIGHT SHIFT+2 |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-3 |
|
Set Frame Top Left |
RIGHT SHIFT+OW Sign |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-4-6 |
|
Set Frame Bottom Right |
RIGHT SHIFT+ER Sign |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-4-5-6 |
|
Graphics Labeler |
RIGHT SHIFT+G |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-4-5 |
|
JAWSFind |
RIGHT SHIFT+F CHORD |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD |
|
JAWSFind Next |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-5 |
RIGHT SHIFT+DOTS 2-5 |
Whiz Wheels, Advance Bars, and Cursor Routing Keys
The Focus Braille displays provide two Whiz Wheels, two advance bars, and cursor routing keys above each Braille cell. There are also two General Display Buttons between the advance bars.
Whiz Wheels
The Focus Whiz wheels are used to quickly move through files, dialogs, lists, and menus. In a file, move by line, sentence, or paragraph. In a dialog, move between the available controls, and even interact with them. In a menu, move up and down through the menu items.
Advance Bars
The Focus advance bars are used to move forward or back through a file or while in line mode. Press the Left Advance bar to move left on a line or back through a document. Press the Right Advance bar to move right on a line or forward through a document.
Cursor Routing Keys
The Focus displays provide cursor routing keys above each Braille cell. Press a cursor routing key to move the cursor to that point, or to select a link in a web page or email message. In line mode, press a cursor routing key to open a menu or select menu items.
Press the RIGHT General Display Button with a cursor routing key to simulate a right mouse click at that location.
Configuring the Focus Displays
The Focus Braille displays provide several features that you can customize to suit your needs. You can adjust the location of the status cells, vary the firmness of the Braille dots, and enable a Rapid Reading mode.
These settings are all adjusted under Configuration Manager, Set Options, Braille Options, Focus Braille Display Options. Open Default.jcf to adjust these settings for all applications, or open an application specific .jcf file to adjust these settings for that application. For more information, refer to JAWS Configuration Manager help.
Placement of Status Cells
Specify if the informational Status Cells are located on the left or right end of the display, or choose to not display them at all. The status cells are located at the left end of the display by default.
Reading Line
Specify the start and end cell for display of information. Use the Reading Line edit spin boxes to only display information within the portion of the display you wish to use. The default settings are determined by the location of the Status Cells, and the length of the display.
Variable Braille Dot Firmness
Specify the firmness of the Braille dots on the Focus display. There are five levels of firmness. Adjust the display to the level of firmness most suited to the sensitivity of your fingers.
Rapid Reading
Set the Focus display to use only 20 Braille cells. Limiting the Braille display
to 20 cells may increase your reading speed. When the Rapid Reading check box
is checked in the Focus Braille Options dialog, the Placement of Status Cells
radio buttons and Reading Line edit spin boxes are disabled.