IMG's Blog - Recorded Keystrokes

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

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.

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.

Major National Retailer uses My-T-Soft^® to bridge user interface from Windows to Linux
written December 28, 2022 by Tracy Chang
Category: PR Tags: My-T-Soft; Build-A-Board; Linux; #102

During the transition from Industrial PCs to Touchscreen based systems, many customers used My-T-Soft Build-A-Board to layout panels that matched membrane panels, so the change-over was as seamless as possible. This reduced operator training time, and made new systems match the systems being replaced. Now that organizations are looking at Android & Linux based solutions, what's old is new again. If the new system looks and operates like the existing system, the actual users / operators will happily & readily accept the new technology roll-out. If everything operates the same way (or there are only minor changes and/or actual improvements), there essentially is no new training time required. In large scale roll-outs, and for ease of transition, these aspects are highly desirable.

One of our customers is now in this transition to a Linux based system, and are able to quickly & easily move over their custom boards & layouts from the existing Windows system to the new Linux targets. With the cross-platform capabilities of the My-T-Soft on-screen keyboards and the different OS targets available via Build-A-Board custom layouts, this is one item that can be checked off the list - just continue to use My-T-Soft!

About Innovation Management Group

My-T-Soft^® updates rolled into GE Digital iFIX 6.1
written November 28, 2022 by Tracy Chang
Category: PR Tags: My-T-Soft 1.90 Release 5; iFIX #101

My-T-Soft^® has been part of the iFIX release since 2002, providing a powerful user interface tool for operators and administrators. Custom layouts, macro capabilities, and the wealth of features added over the decades cannot be matched by any other on-screen keyboard solution. With support for Windows Server, developer tools for integration available with the IMG Developer's Kit, easy customization with Build-A-Board, and customer requested features and capabilities, My-T-Soft provides a competitive advantage for the full featured SCADA/HMI solution provided by GE Digital.

Improve productivity and process control with industrial-strength SCADA and High Performance HMI - for more information see GE Digital iFIX

To review, work with, or check out the My-T-Soft 1.90 release, you can download it here

About Innovation Management Group

Build-A-Board 2.20 Release 7 & My-T-Soft Basic 2.20 Release 12
written August 26, 2022 by Kermit Komm
Category: Development Tags: My-T-Soft; My-T-Soft Basic; Build-A-Board #100

IMG is pleased to announce that new updates to IMG's My-T-Soft� Build-A-Board and My-T-Soft� Basic are now available for download and use.

The Build-A-Board 2.20 Release 7 includes updates to run-times, including My-T-Soft for Android, My-T-Soft for Linux, My-T-Soft for Windows, and various other maintenance and usability updates. Both releases include the updated IMG License Manager, which provides local storage of Build-A-Board.com account credentials, etc. For specific details on these capabilities, see the My-T-Soft 1.90 Release 5 blog post. For product information, current download, and online help just go to the Build-A-Board product page or the My-T-Soft Basic product page.

For users running earlier releases of Build-A-Board, you just need to go to Help | Check for Updates... and walk through the automatic update option.

My-T-Soft for Linux 2.20 Release 16 now available!
written August 10, 2022 by Kermit Komm
Category: Development Tags: My-T-Soft; Linux; #99

IMG is pleased to announce that a maintenance update for Linux is now available as My-T-Soft for Linux 2.20 R16 (Release 16) for the following platforms: i386 (32-bit) and AMD64 (64-bit). This updates the recent R14 release to add a few key features. Download available here These are an ongoing process to bring improvements, new features, and new platforms to the Build-A-Board run-time targets. The past several updates have been internal, focusing on the Linux version working on a headless server so the web based Build-A-Board (not yet public) can generate KBF files, and create the layout image. This layout image can then be seen as the actual run-time visual representation of the target system layout visible to the user. Because the ability to display the high-resolution images was limited on Linux, full support for the 3D HiRes default key, and the open-ended Key Images is now fully supported for 64-bit targets. The 32-bit Linux target now matches the 64-bit release - the R14 had a few memory issues that affected image operation in the 32-bit build. Several minor memory issues were identified & resolved.

The R16 release includes updates to support the LKBF (Load KBF) command (e.g. [CMD:LKBF=NewLayout.KBF]. The Load KBF option provides an optional positioninfo indicator, which gives new layouts more flexibility in creating a robust user interface, and controlling the visual display of the layouts in use. As a reference, the following outlines the LKBF position information options now available in the Linux run-time targets:

LKBF Notes:

If no [,positioninfo] is provided, the KBF will open based on its embedded top/left position.

The following positioninfo values will exist:

top - the top / center will be the anchor point
bottom - the bottom / center will be the anchor point
left - the left / center will be the anchor point
right - the right / center will be the anchor point
toplft - the top / left corner will be the anchor point
toprgt - the top / right corner will be the anchor point
botlft - the bottom / left corner will be the anchor point
botrgt - the bottom / right corner will be the anchor point

scrntl - will position on the screen top / left
scrntc - will position on the screen top / center
scrntr - will position on the screen top / right
scrnml - will position on the screen middle / left
scrnmc - will position on the screen middle / center
scrnmr - will position on the screen middle / right
scrnbl - will position on the screen bottom / left
scrnbc - will position on the screen bottom / center
scrnbr - will position on the screen bottom / right

overlay - will overlay the existing window (layouts should be same size)

For example, [CMD:LKBF=TEST.KBF,right] will effectively open the new layout with the right-most edge anchored, giving the illusion that it extends the panel outwards to the left (assuming TEST is larger than than the showing layout).

The technical updates of the past 2 releases include better handling for PNG images with scaling and improved speed. All rendered images are held in memory, so once all key aspects are properly rendered, there is no delay in displaying key changes (up/down/shift/Caps/etc.). We also have matched the Android versioning in the sense that all public releases will be even numbers, while odd numbers will be "under development" for internal purposes.

About IMG

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.

IMG is pleased to announce that My-T-Soft^® 1.90 Release 5 is now available
written May 31, 2022 by Kermit Komm
Category: PR Tags: My-T-Soft 1.90 Release 5 #98

The My-T-Soft� 1.90 Release 5 adds a few new important features, addresses the Windows 11 roll-out, as well as providing a maintenance release.

The IMG license manager includes support for Build-A-Board.com Account based licenses and now provides a mechanism to enter license credentials prior to license authentication, which creates additional license flexibility when deploying My-T-Soft on Windows platforms. Utilizing an ACCOUNT.TXT file, license credentials can be added to a system without the need for human interaction. With the AUTOLICENSE option, a license can be retrieved from the account using the embedded license credentials, so a system can be licensed without the need for human interaction. This provides a seamless way to deploy or configure a system via script, where installation and licensing can be performed automatically, resulting in a clean and easy way to roll out multiple systems.

In addition to the new features, all known issues have been addressed as part of this maintenance update

For those new to My-T-Soft, and for a full breakdown of all the details of the 1.90 release, please see the original notes from the original release: IMG is pleased to announce that My-T-Soft^® 1.90 is now available

In addition to the software release, the IMG Developer's Kit 1.90 is now available publicly for the first time. This includes various updates, and 64-bit builds with code-signed executables of the critical Developer Kit utilities. While previously available to IMG customers, this is now publicly available in the Developer's Corner. For developers and integrators, it provides a wealth of possible solutions to the user interface needs of sophisticated systems. By integrating a flexible on-screen keyboard solution (driven by an application's (or user's) needs), a comprehensive, secure user interface can be built.

To review, work with, or check out the My-T-Soft 1.90 release, you can download it here

The Magnifier support - software vs. hardware
written January 10, 2022 by Alex S.
Category: Development Tags: The Magnifier; Support; Video #97

Below is from a recent case regarding The Magnifier. Due to the nature of the software, reliance on the underlying magnification API, and the need for the system's physical video throughput to sustain and keep up with constant visual updates, sometimes the software simply can't perform on a lower-end system. Because the underlying problem is hardware based, there is nothing we can do from a support standpoint. We do have this tech link that outlines some issues and possible solutions for an existing system, sometimes the only solution is to upgrade the video capabilities. This case outlines how the problem with The Magnifier was resolved.

Windows 10 - 32 bit - Intel Q35 display adapter

Case open Message:

Screen flashes when the magnifier is set to full screen. When the Intel Q35 display adapter is disabled The Magnifier works as it should but there is screen distortion because of resolution issues without the functioning Intel Q35 adapter. I don't think The Magnifier is compatible with the Intel Q35 display adapter on a 32 bit system. I purchased license but not happy with the functioning of the product. Screen flicker on full screen very distracting. Is there any way to fix this issue? Please advise.

IMG Response:

What you are describing has to do with the video driver or capabilities of your video subsystem. This tech item http://www.imgpresents.com/imgfaq.htm?keyword=IU2111120673 provides some options - depending on settings, the amount of video memory used (& system speed/video throughput) can be drastically different. Also actual video driver.

Message:

Do you think an upgrade video graphics card would help?

IMG Response:

Yes, almost without a doubt. Almost every issue with the Magnifier has to do with video throughput. Although there are various factors, comparing video memory on the video card is a pretty good gauge to how powerful it is. If this is a motherboard based video, most of these systems are aimed at office use, not super strong with video capabilities.

Message:

Yes, this is an onboard Dell Optiplex 755 motherboard based video system. I'll try installing an upgrade video graphics card. I've already tried an NVIDIA graphics card and it stopped the flickering problem but was incompatible with the operating system in other regards and I'm sending it back. Next I'll try A Dell based graphics card designed for the Optiplex 755 operating system. Thanks for your time and trouble. My mother is practically blind from retinal issues at 94 and likes using The Magnifier to see email and internet. I've disabled the onboard Intel graphics device and The Magnifier works as it should but having issues with screen resolution elsewhere. Need to install a graphic card that works.

IMG Response:

Thanks for understanding the situation. We sometimes have people that want the software to solve a hardware problem. It is appreciated that you grasp the real issue.

Message:

Just to let you know. I installed an upgrade video graphics card and The Magnifier now works perfectly. I purchased an ATI Radeon HD 2400 Full Profile Graphics Adapter card on eBay. Works good on Dell Optiplex 755 32 bit computer. All is well. Thanks for your help.