IMG's Blog - Recorded Keystrokes

My-T-Soft and Assistive Technology Suite updates
written February 19, 2025 by Tracy Chang
Category: PR Tags: My-T-Soft; Build-A-Board; Assistive Technology; Accessibility Suite #107

IMG is pleased to announce updates to the My-T-Soft Family and IMG's Assistive Technology Suite (AT Suite).

My-T-Soft� Professional 1.90 Release 6 is a maintenance release that includes the latest updates to the shared source component of the on-screen keyboard offerings. Only the 64-bit version has been updated, with the 32-bit previous version still available.

My-T-Soft Basic 2.30 R14 also includes this shared source component, and has been released as a 64-bit version. These releases also mark the previous versions as the final 32-bit releases, as most systems are 64-bit, these releases have no known issues, and will remain available for any older systems that require a 32-bit build.

My-T-Soft for Linux 2.20 R24 (Release 24) has been released and includes the same shared source component, resolves some resource and CPU usage issues, as well as optimizing some graphic items.

IMG's Assistive Technology Suite (AT Suite) has been updated to incorporate Build-A-Board as one of its components. The flexibility of custom layouts provide another set of tools when working with people who have special needs, and provides the newer features and capabilities of IMG's on-sceen keyboards and tools.

To review, work with, and check out My-T-Soft Professional 1.90 R6 for Windows, you can download My-T-Soft Professional here

To review, work with, and check out the My-T-Soft Basic 2.30 R14 for Windows, you can download My-T-Soft Basic here

To review, work with, and check out the My-T-Soft 2.20 R24 for Linux, you can download My-T-Soft for Linux here

To review, work with, and check out the IMG AT Suite, you can download the AT Suite here

Technical notes on the shared source component mentioned above (My-T-Soft releases). Back in the early 2000's when looking at creating a cross-platform version of the software, various technologies and approaches were reviewed, and it was determined that keeping the software as close to the operating system would offer the most flexibility, all while being able to leverage available system APIs (Application Program Interfaces) for different target platforms. So the source code was designed to create as much code as possible using the shared source interface, with various approaches to wrap system API calls in My-T-Soft specific functions. This allowed many key aspects to be written once for supported platforms, while compiling on different systems was managed by the shared source. When necessary, specific target specific approaches were used to isolate and separate these different target systems approaches. For example, there is a TargetPaintPNG image handling function that exists outside the shared source approach because each platform has its own unique way of handling PNG images. On the other hand, apiStringCopy code is all the same at the API level, with any differences at compile time being handled by the shared source portion. While other software might rely on high level approaches like Qt to accomplish cross-platform support, IMG has built a vast range of its own API functions that can be compiled and built for different platforms all while keeping critical components of the keyboard software the same across different target platforms. This shared source comprises api calls that integrate with system API calls and libraries, and a core portion that handles image painting, file handling, user interface aspects, virtual events, etc. that is the same for all platforms.

About Innovation Management Group

AT Accessibility Suite

The AT Suite includes IMG's best-selling computer access utilities: Build-A-Board, OnScreen, CrossScanner, Joystick-To-Mouse, The Magnifier, SmartClick, TouchRight Utilities, and WordComplete. It runs concurrently with traditional software & devices, so it leaves computers operational for ALL USERS.

The My-T-Soft� Family along with IMG's Build-A-Board Keyboard Designer offers a consistent cross-platform onscreen user interface that is fully customizable and programmable for various hardware / software platforms. It allows customers to control user input in any field or any application and maintain a higher level of security than with a traditional physical keyboard or membrane panel. The My-T-Soft product family is ideal for use in environments such as automation, field service, food and beverage, instrumentation, in-vehicle, kiosk, laboratory, logistic, medical, military, mobile, pharmaceutical, ruggedized, utility, warehousing, whiteboard, or other extremely clean, dirty, or hazardous interactive user environment.

License Updates for 2024
written June 28, 2024 by Kermit Komm
Category: Development Tags: SmartClick; OnScreen; The Magnifier; Joystick-to-Mouse; #106

Due to the design of the licensing system in place, a date was used as part of the algorithm to unlock and license a system. Way back in 2010, the future date of Feb 24, 2024 was used, thinking that was far enough in the future that the software would change during those years, and a new license scheme would be incorporated. Indeed, this is what has happened for our My-T-Soft software, which uses a Build-A-Board.com account to manage licenses (Windows, Android, etc.) as well as boards, settings, etc. For some of the more popular products, the IMG Personal License was created to allow individuals to license various products using the Build-A-Board account approach. However IMG has other products that are more specific, addressing special needs, and still use the older/legacy license approach. Due to the low volume of some of the products, and the ease of a simple license key approach (i.e. not having to use an account), as well as customer priorities, the switch to an updated license approach was delayed until it became absolutely necessary. Once the Feb 24 date rolled by, it became absolutely necessary. So over the past few months we have updated all products not using the account approach to a new license algorithm.

So for new licenses, replacing existing licenses, and any license transfers, a new license key is needed. For example, if a customer installs a product purchased in 2023 or earlier, and try to use the issued key on the Certificate of Authenticity, it will fail, since it is now past Feb 24, 2024. What is required is the license program update, and a new license key. For older/already installed products, there is a separate License Update download, which will update the license program, and then a transfer will issue a new license key. For newly downloaded, then purchased products, the license program is already incorporated, and the issued license credentials will include the new license key. For the most part, this is seamless, and new customers don't need to do anything different - just download the software, verify it meets your wants and needs, then purchase a license.

For older customers with previously purchased software/license keys the license update/new license key is required.

My-T-Soft for Linux 2.20 Release 22 now available!
written November 17, 2023 by Kermit Komm
Category: Development Tags: My-T-Soft; Linux; #105

IMG is pleased to announce that a maintenance update for Linux is now available as My-T-Soft for Linux 2.20 R22 (Release 22) for the following platforms: i386 (32-bit) and AMD64 (64-bit). You can download here.

Several items have popped up over the past year that needed updates (font selection, need to capture rendered layout image for online builder, and some performance / display issues). In digging into the image rendering code, it was decided to include caching of rendered images, so first time displays can be rapid once layouts have been fully rendered and saved in a cache location. In order to accomplish this in parallel, the ability to launch a second process that renders these cached images along side the user process required additional logic and capabilities. Additionally, a great deal of time was spent with valgrind (Linux development utility to track memory usage) to ensure all memory handling was optimized. There are also several command line options added (details below), as well as an opening splash screen.

When the My-T-Soft process is first launched, it now displays an opening splash screen (partially to indicate to the user the program is running, partially to show the version, and partially to allow first time image rendering). Because (in many deployed situations), the splash screen is not desirable, there are a couple of options to prevent its display. If a file (mytsoft.nosplash) exists, the splash screen will not be shown. (e.g. in location where mytsoft process is located, create the file "touch mytsoft.nosplash" - when this file exists, no splash screen will be shown. There is also a command line -nosplash option.

Command Line options

There are 4 options to save the KBF (Keyboard Image) as a file. Basically these render the layout, and then save the layout image as a file. These really are for development, and for creating the embedded image used in a KBF (and display for the online builder). It may also be helpful if documenting layouts. There are PNG and PNM format options.

-imgsave = paint window, save [KBF]PNG image, exit -imgsavebuild = paint window, save embedded IMG99999.PNG, exit -imgsavepnm = paint window, save as PNM binary IMG99999.PNM, exit -imgsavepnmtxt = paint window, save PNM text IMG99999.PNM, exit
There are certain window managers (also called desktop environments) where certain environments can cause issues. The way the process checks the window manager is via a XLib "Atom" If running in a window manager where this "Atom" does not exist, it will generate an error. To bypass this error, you can pass the -skipwmcheck command line option.

-skipwmcheck = Skips Window Manager check (Virtual/Older/Atom error)
To bypass the opening splash screen, either create the mytsoft.nosplash file in the same folder as the mytsoft process, or pass in the -nosplash command line.

-nosplash = do not display opening splash screen (alt: mytsoft.nosplash file)
Once an image is rendered (or loaded from cache), it is stored in graphic memory. To prevent this internal approach (to save run-time memory), you can pass the -nographicmemory option. For almost all cases, this would not be recommended, as the reason for this memory is to speed up display when changing layouts.

-nographicmemory = bypass graphic buffers, force reload at KBF changes
Cache options. As each key image is rendered, the rendered image will be saved as pixel map (.pix file) in a cache location. In Linux, most caches are sub folders in the hidden .cache folder in the current user's home folder. The options are pretty well documented in the descriptions below. Note the parallel cache process is an instance of mytsoft run with the -createcache option. To bypass this, you can run with the -skipcache option. This does not stop the running process from creating cache files - to disable the second process, and not create cached files you need both -skipcache and -nocache. If -localcache is used, and directory named .cache will be created, then a subdirectory of mytsoft. The user must have the permissions to create directories in their home location. The -clearcache will expect the default location, use -localcache and -clearcache to clear the local cache.

-clearcache = deletes all cached files (typically ~/.cache/mytsoft) -nocache = prevents runtime use of cached graphic files (but render as needed) -skipcache = skips running cache sub-process always (use with -nocache for cache free run) -localcache = uses current location to create (e.g. ./.cache/mytsoft) -createcache = run creates cached keys for current KBF, no display, closes
There are a few more detailed logging options added (-verbose1/-verbose2). Logging will occur if the mytsoft.log file exists. This can also be a symbolic link (for details on this, see this Tech Item QU1123120984). The verbose options provide additional logging option details.
mytsoft.log used as a flag to log certain items if writable file exists
mytsoft.log must exist in same location as executable (can use symbolic link)
-verbose0 = this is minimal verbosity/default (not needed for basic logging) -verbose1 = this is medium verbosity (more details logged) -verbose2 = this is high verbosity (even more details logged)
Some known issues exist with the Wayland replacement to the X11 / Xorg due to security/changes with support. You will find the keyboard displays, but will not type. Since GNOME and KDE provide alternatives (GNOME on Xorg/KDE on X11), this (at the moment) is just a known issue. Also with Cinnamon.

About IMG

Since 1995, Innovation Management Group has been the primary supplier of onscreen keyboard user interfaces and designer utilities to major corporations, manufacturers, integrators, and users worldwide. IMG's products run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on some of the most secure, advanced, and critical systems in the world.

The My-T-Soft� Family along with IMG's My-T-Soft Build-A-Board Keyboard Designer offers a consistent cross-platform onscreen user interface that is fully customizable and programmable for various hardware / software platforms. It allows customers to control user input in any field or any application and maintain a higher level of security than with a traditional physical keyboard or membrane panel. The My-T-Soft product family is ideal for use in environments such as automation, field service, food and beverage, instrumentation, in-vehicle, kiosk, laboratory, logistic, medical, military, mobile, pharmaceutical, point-of-sale, ruggedized, utility, warehousing, whiteboard, or other extremely clean, dirty, or hazardous interactive user environment.

Major National Trucking Company uses My-T-Soft^® on thousands of tablets
written July 28, 2023 by Tracy Chang
Category: PR Tags: My-T-Soft; Build-A-Board; #104

Using CMAC as a provider of technology solutions, Saia trucking is deploying thousands of tablets using My-T-Soft as a key aspect of the interface. Working with CMAC, IMG answered specific questions which enabled CMAC to customize My-T-Soft using Build-A-Board to tie into the entire system and optimize the user interface. IMG always recommends asking questions to ensure the best and quickest way to accomplish specific tasks using the My-T-Soft and Build-A-Board software. In some cases, there may be multiple ways to accomplish the goal, but often tapping into our experiences, the best solution can be provided for the customer.

Whether in trucking, retail, warehousing, automation, or any other major industry, if your end-users or operators use the default on-screen keyboard, often a customized or optimized layout can improve productivity, reduce errors, lower training costs, or just make things easier. IMG has been providing these tools for over 28 years, and we constantly update the software and knowledgebase tech items to address customer wants & needs. That's why we say "Get the My-T-Soft Advantage!"

About SAIA LTL Freight

Saia was established in 1924 at Houma, Lousiana by Louis Saia, Sr. Saia's core Business is Less-than-truckload, non-asset service, and third-party logistics. Over 12,000 employees handle over 30,000 daily shipments at 192 terminals.

Through it's network of partners, they provide service to Alaska and Hawaii, plus Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. Their operating service groups, Saia Logistics Services and LinkEx, provide complete transportation and logistics solutions.

Saia's Mission: To safely drive our customers� success with custom solutions built on the three pillars of our service-focused values: people, purpose and performance.

Saia's Core Values: Customer First, Safety, Taking Care of Each Other, Dignity and Respect, Do the Right Thing, and Community

About CMAC, Inc.

CMAC, Inc. is a supply chain consulting and systems integration firm focused on delivering operational and technical solutions for enterprises. CMAC provides Managed Services (CaaS, IaaS, ITaaS), Systems Integration, Mobility and Cloud & Carrier Solutions, as well as Human Capital Management.

CMAC is committed to improving it's client�s competitive position by developing operational excellence strategies and implementing best-in-class supply chain planning, execution, and automated data collection solutions.

CMAC�s experienced team has provided cost effective solutions to over 800 organizations in various industries and evolved into a proven market leader. CMAC provides our clients highly experienced and affordable professionals using proven methodologies designed to achieve a quicker value realization. CMAC, Inc. is a supply chain consulting and systems integration firm focused on delivering operational and technical solutions for enterprises.

About Innovation Management Group

25+ Years of Innovations in On-Screen Keyboard Interface, How IMG Ensures Security and Productivity Across Industries
written January 19, 2023 by Tracy Chang
Category: PR Tags: My-T-Soft; Build-A-Board; Security; Productivity; #103

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As seen on Yahoo! Finance

IMG, an industry leader in customizable on-screen keyboard utilities, creates solutions that optimize the human-computer interface improving security and productivity. Their My-T-Soft Family and Build-A-Board Keyboard Designer provide a consistent and customizable cross-platform on-screen user interface that can be programmed for various hardware and software platforms. This allows customers to have control over user input in any application and a higher level of security than traditional physical or on-screen keyboards or membrane panels.

"We listen to our clients and provide the features and capabilities they need to meet their requirements. Our customisation, 25 years of experience, and real-world implementation sets us apart from the rest. No one does what we do - we have what you want, when you want, where you want it," says Kermit Komm, VP engineer at Innovation Management Group.

Their virtual pointing device utilities and onscreen keyboard user interfaces are trusted by major manufacturers and end-users in a variety of industries, including automation, HMI/MMI, AIDC, industrial, instrumentation, kiosk, medical, military, mobile, public safety, rugged, SCADA, tablet, touchscreen, handheld, wearable, voting, and whiteboard.

The onscreen keyboard utilities offer a secure alternative to traditional input methods, such as physical keyboards. By eliminating the need for a physical keyboard, IMG's solutions reduce the risk of keylogging and other malicious input-based attacks. Their virtual pointing device utilities also add an extra layer of security, as input options can be customized for the task at hand, removing possible avenues of attack.

IMG's solutions are also highly customizable, allowing customers to tailor their onscreen keyboard to fit their specific needs. This includes the ability to add custom characters, languages, and layouts to the keyboard. This level of flexibility makes IMG's solutions suitable for a wide range of applications, from industrial automation to military operations.

In addition to security, IMG's onscreen keyboard utilities are designed with ease of use in mind. Their user-friendly interface and intuitive design make them easy for users of all skill levels to navigate. This is particularly important in industries where time is of the essence, such as public safety and military operations.

The company's commitment to security and ease of use has made them the go-to choice for major OEM system manufacturers, software publishers, and end-users worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, IMG's onscreen keyboard utilities are the world standard for secure input solutions.

"Our solutions aim to enable mobile workers to improve productivity without interfering with established work processes in markets such as utilities, telecommunications, transportation, warehousing, public safety / EMS, etc. We offer endless possibilities for optimizing the user input interface with customizable layouts, flexible key sizes, and the option of using both text and images on the keys. This will increase productivity and definitely make life easier for the user," concludes Kermit Komm, VP engineer at Innovation Management Group.

About IMG

IMG was founded in 1995 and has been the professional's choice for onscreen keyboard user interfaces and virtual pointing device utilities by major Automation, HMI / MMI, AIDC, Industrial, Instrumentation, Kiosk, Medical, Military, Mobile,Public Safety, Rugged, SCADA, Tablet, Touchscreen, Handheld, Wearable, Voting, and Whiteboard OEM system manufacturers, software publishers, and end users worldwide.

IMG has also applied its technology to the field of Assistive Technology. From the beginning IMG has worked closely with end-users, teachers, therapists, and AT Specialists to optimize and enhance its commercially successful software to provide physically and visually challenged individuals full computer access. See IMG's Assistive Technology Products. IMG's onscreen keyboard utilities and designer tools are used by tens of thousands of equipment manufacturers, software developers, systems integrators, VARs, corporations, agencies, and organizations worldwide. IMG's products run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on some of the most advanced and critical systems in the world.