Quick Start Guide

Version 2.2

Issue 2 – June 2014

This document contains
proprietary information of IVIM Inc,

and is not to be disclosed or
used except in accordance with applicable contracts or agreements.

Copyright©2014 IVIM Inc. All Rights
Reserved.

www.nouse.ca

Nouse – Quick
Start Guide

Version 2.2

Issued – June 2014

The following third-party products are used by Nouse
Applications Suite:

·
IBM is a registered trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation.

·
Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems,
Inc.

·
Microsoft, Visual Studio, Visual C++,
Windows, Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 7 are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

·
OpenCV Toolbox is a registered trademark
of Intel Corporation.

·
All other product names
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

All rights reserved. This document
may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated,
or converted to any electronic or machine-readable form without the prior
written consent of IVIM Inc.

Nouse
is a trademark of IVIM Inc.

Table of Contents

Preface. 4

Chapter 1 – Welcome to Nouse. 5

Chapter 2 – Nouse Documentation. 6

Chapter 3 – Installing and Starting Nouse. 7

3.1 System Requirements. 7

3.2 Installing Nouse and Third Party Applications. 7

3.2.1 Installing Java Runtime Environment 7

3.2.2 Installing a Webcam.. 7

3.2.3 Installing Speech Application (optional) 7

3.2.4 Installing Nouse Application. 8

3.3 Using the trial version. 8

3.4 Installing the License Key. 8

3.5 Positioning in Front of the Webcam.. 10

3.6 Nouse Settings. 10

3.7 Launching Nouse Application. 10

3.8 Calibration Mode. 12

3.9 Uninstall Nouse Application. 13

Chapter 4 – Troubleshooting Nouse. 14

4.1 Error Message Pops Up Saying "Could not
initialize webcam.". 14

4.2 Nouse does not calibrate. 14

4.3 Nouse Jumps or seems to be running very slowly. 14

Chapter 5 - Nouse Frequently Asked Questions. 16

Preface

Purpose

Nouse or “nose as a mouse”
is a technology that enables users to control the computer mouse
pointing device hands-free using only a webcam as an input device and the
movement of the user’s nose. The unique, patented technology uses advanced video
recognition algorithms to map the movement of the user’s nose to the movement
of a computer mouse device thereby allowing a user to operate a computer
hands-free. This User Guide will navigate the user through the use of
the technology and provide information on its various features and
functionality.

Audience

Nouse application
was developed for anybody to use, however, it will be most useful for those
computer users who have difficulty using their hands to manipulate a mouse or
keyboard, or for those who want to take breaks from using their hands due to
fatigue/injury. The solution is targeted for an older child or adult whose
physical limitations (strength, range of motion) make using their hands/arms
for operating a computer difficult or fatiguing.

The ideal Nouse
user needs to have good control of their neck movement, as well as an ability
to learn new computer skills. Their vision (with or without glasses) must be
sufficient to see and follow the cursor around the screen.  Nouse does not create more eye fatigue than
standard computer use.

A Nouse user does
not need to have full neck range of motion, as Nouse can be operated by very
small neck movements in all 4 directions.
Nouse is well suited to people with cervical spinal cord injuries, ALS or
brain-stem stroke. A person with a slight tremor could use Nouse when settings
and targets are adjusted to accommodate for their condition, however a person
with significant tremor or spasticity would likely not be a suitable candidate.

Computer experience
would be an advantage, but not at all necessary to learn how to use Nouse.

This User
Guide assumes that the user has a basic knowledge and understanding of Windows
applications, Web browsers and concepts such as double-clicking, menu bars, and
dialog boxes.

Graphics

The
appearance of graphics found in this document may vary according to the site
configuration and operating system used.

Related
Documentation

The following
documents should be used in conjunction with Nouse Quick Start Guide:

·
Nouse User Guide

·
Nouse Settings Guide

·
Nouse Training Video (Available to registered
Users).

Chapter 1 – Welcome to Nouse

The ability to use computer
technology is almost mandatory in today’s society. Many aspects of everyday
life, including schooling, shopping, banking, business, personal and employment
require interaction with a computer. For those who find working with a physical
keyboard and mouse cumbersome or have a disability due to disease or injury
that prevents them from using a computer, have lost one of the most important
communication mediums in the world today. This limits their ability to
socialize, to entertain, to work, to use the advantages of the internet and to
feel they are a part of society.

As computers become
more and more integrated into our daily lives, we need to ensure that Assistive
Technology (AT) is there to allow people with an arm or hand disabilities to be
able to operate computers. A growing area of AT is hands-free computer technology
that allows users with a disability to control a computer mouse and keyboard
using other parts of their body such as the nose. Using the movement of other
parts of your body can provide a different method for executing common tasks,
such as pointing, clicking, and typing.

Nouse or
“nose as a mouse” is a technology that enables users to control a
computer hands-free using only a webcam as an input device and the movement of
their nose. The unique, patented technology uses advanced video
recognition algorithms to track the user’s nose and map the movement to the
mouse pointing device of a computer. This allows a computer user to operate a
computer hands-free using their nose.

Essentially, Nouse
is recognized as the first technology
to use the nose as the principle feature for facial tracking, a process that
involves setting up a webcam on a computer equipped with tracking software. The
computer registers an image of your nose and then maps it onto the on-screen
cursor, which you control with the movement of your nose. The nose's convex
shape enables the computer to track movements with dramatically improved
precision over traditional methods. Even if you turn your head to either side,
the nose will always be within view of the camera, unlike the eyebrows or the
mouth, which were formerly used for facial tracking.

Unlike other systems currently available to individuals who
cannot easily access a computer using their hands, Nouse requires only Nouse software
and a webcam. This makes Nouse extremely attractive as it is more affordable
and portable than current systems.

The key functions of Nouse application include
navigation of a computer mouse pointer (i.e., cursor movement) and mouse
actions (e.g. click), voice recognition, and keyboard operations.

Chapter 2 – Nouse Documentation

Before getting
started, the user must first install Nouse application. Chapter 3 of this guide
provides the user with details on how to install Nouse application.

In addition to this
guide, Nouse application provides the user with a User Guide and a Settings
Guide. The User Guide document is designed to assist the user in understanding
the basics of Nouse application and the Settings Guide how to configure it to
suit their personal needs.  To optimize
the use of these guides the user should take the following steps when getting
started:

(1)
Refer to this guide for installation

(2)
Refer to the User Guide for an overview of the
basic features

(3)
Refer to the Settings Guide to customize Nouse
configuration to suit the user’s unique setup needs.

Chapter 3
– Installing and Starting Nouse

The following
section provides instructions on how to install Nouse application.

3.1 System Requirements

A Nouse computer is
required to have a minimum of 2 Giga Hertz Central Processing Unit (CPU), 2
Giga bytes of Random Access Memory (RAM), and a Universal Serial Device (USB)
Webcam and Nouse installation software. Nouse application will operate on
Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.

3.2 Installing Nouse and Third
Party Applications

Before Nouse
application can be utilized there are a number of third party products that may
need to be installed. The user is required to review each section below before
installing Nouse application.

All documentation
that is provided with Nouse application will be in Adobe format. If you have
not already downloaded the Adobe Reader then visit http://www.adobe.com/ and download the latest version of the
reader.

3.2.1 Installing Java Runtime
Environment

The Java
Runtime Environment (JRE) is needed to run Nouse Settings program. Many of
today’s applications already utilize the JRE and so it may already be installed
on your computer. If you have not already installed the JRE then go to http://java.com
website and download the latest version.

3.2.2 Installing a Webcam

Nouse requires the
installation of a Universal Serial Device (USB) Webcam. The user should follow
the standard installation instructions provided with the Webcam product. Note
the Webcam should be hooked up to the computer screen and should be directed
towards the users’ face.

3.2.3 Installing Speech
Application (optional)

Although Nouse
application provides a default method to perform standard mouse clicks, there
is the option to utilize Voice commands. Voice commands can be used to skip
certain actions/clicks and generally make Nouse activities faster and easier.
If the user plans to utilize “Voice Commands” a speech recognition application
must be installed. Microsoft Windows provides a Speech application that can be
used with Nouse. The user must ensure there is a properly configured microphone
plugged into the computer.

To install the
Microsoft Windows’ Speech application the user must select “Start” then “All
Programs” then “Accessories” then “Ease of Access” and finally the “Windows
Speech Recognition” program. The user should follow the instructions for proper
installation. Note the user will need to “train” the operating system to learn
the user’s voice in order for Nouse application to better understand the
incoming voice commands. Refer to the user help file that is provided with the
Speech application to ensure proper use and configuration.

3.2.4 Installing Nouse
Application

Nouse application
is ready for installation on your computer either via the website download or
CD depending on the user selected preference. Nouse installation follows the
standard Window installation process and is easy to complete. If the user has
selected the CD option then the computer will need a CD reader attached to the
computer.

Install Nouse using the CD:

·
Insert the CD into the drive

·
In Windows, open the directory to the CD drive
under “My Computer” and select the CD drive.

·
Double click on Nouse-Installer-2.1.exe file.

·
Follow the instructions on the screen

Install Nouse using the Web Site Download:

·
Use Windows Explorer to go the location of the
downloaded file on the computer.

·
Double click on Nouse-Installer-2.1.exe file.

·
Follow the instructions on the screen

INSTALLATION NOTE: The user must have
read/write permissions in the directory where the Nouse application is
installed. By default the application is installed on the user’s desktop.

3.3 Using the trial version

The trial version
of the Nouse software is time-sensitive and will stop running seven (7) days
after the user installs the software. The user must purchase and install a
product key in order to have indefinite access to the Nouse software.

For the trial
version the user will be reminded to install the product key on each start of
the Nouse application during the seven day period until the product key is
installed.  If the user does not install
the product key within the seven days the user will not be able to access the
software and the software will stop running.

3.4 Installing the License Key

When the user has
purchased a licensed copy of the Nouse the user will be sent an “Activation
Instructions” email with the license key information. Below is an example of
the activation information sent in the email.

Name:
Joe Smith

Email:
[email-masked]

Activation:
k=c3i_#E}zTH

In order to install
the license key the user simply launches the activation program. Users can
access the program by clicking on the windows “Start” button (found in the
bottom left hand corner of the screen), then clicking on “All Programs”, then
Nouse folder and finally click on Activate Nouse icon. Figure below displays
Activate Nouse Program being launched.

Once the program is
launched the user will see a Nouse Registration window in the top left hand
corner of the screen as in the figure below:

To finalize the
registration the user must enter the Email and Activation Code found in the “Activation
Instructions” email received by the user. Once the information is entered the
user can click on the “Validate” button. The user will receive the following
message if the Email and Activation Code are entered correctly.

The user has
completed the registration process and can launch the Nouse application. If the
user gets an “Activation Code Invalid” error message during the registration
process the user needs to confirm the Email address and Activation code match
the Email and Activation Code sent in the Nouse Activation Instructions

3.5 Positioning in Front of the
Webcam

Nouse user should
be seated comfortably in front of their computer. The ideal distance away from
the webcam is approximately an arm’s length. The webcam should be directed
toward the user but a specific angle is not needed.

3.6 Nouse Settings

Nouse application is
installed using Nouse default settings however, the application has a myriad of
settings and configurations that can be modified by the user to suit their
personal preferences.

These settings are
broken down into basic and advanced settings. The basic settings are options
that most users will be expected to modify at some point, while the advanced
settings may likely only be used by experienced Nouse users.

A detailed
description of all the settings and configuration can be found in Settings
Guide.

3.7 Launching Nouse Application

Once everything has
been installed and setup, the user can start Nouse application. The application
provides the user with three methods for starting the application. Each method
is summarized below:

Note – Before starting the application
the user should read through Chapter 3 of the User Guide to get an overview of
the basic features of Nouse.

(1)
Nouse application installs Nouse launch icon in
the Windows application launch menu system. Users can access Nouse launch icon
by clicking on the windows “Start” button (found in the bottom left hand corner
of the screen), then clicking on “All Programs”, then Nouse folder and finally
click on Nouse icon. Figure 3.1 displays Nouse application launch icon.

Nouse

Figure 3.1 – The launch icon for Nouse
application

In
addition to Nouse launch icon, the application provides the user with launch
icons for this Quick Start Guide, the User Guide and the Uninstall program.
Figure 3.2 display Nouse application launching icons.

Figure
3.2 – Starting Nouse application from Windows Start Menu

(2)
Auto Startup – Nouse installation process
automatically sets up Nouse application so that it will automatically start
when the user logs into their account. If the user prefers to have Nouse
application launched manually then this launch icon can be removed from the
Windows Startup menu.

(3)
Nouse installation process places a shortcut Nouse
Icon on the user’s desktop. To start the application, the user simply double
clicks on Nouse icon found on the user’s desktop. Figure 3.3 shows Nouse Icon
found on the user’s desktop.

Figure 3.3 – The launch icon for Nouse
application from the desktop

3.8 Calibration Mode

When the user
starts Nouse application, the user is presented with a window that provides
video feedback of the Webcam connected to the computer. The user should ensure
the webcam is pointing towards the user and that the face of the user is in the
centre of the window. Figure 3.3 provides a picture of the window the user will
see at start-up.

Figure 3.3 – Nouse application Initial
Launch window

Nouse application
needs to determine where the user’s nose is located. This is called the
calibration mode. The user must “Be Still” through the calibration mode as the
application learns what the user’s nose looks like and can then track the nose
as it moves in any direction.

Once a face is
found, a box is drawn around the face (see blue box of figure 3.3), and the
application will zoom in to only view the user’s face. The application then presents
the window with a green cross hair as it learns the user’s nose. The user
should ensure their nose is on the crosshair (see Figure 3.4). Once the
countdown reaches zero (0) NouseCursor will display the word “leave” on the
bottom. The user can then move their nose and starts to navigate the mouse
cursor.

Figure 3.4 – Nouse Leaning the location of
the User’s Nose

The user should now
be able to move Nouse cursor (see Figure 3.5) by moving their nose in the
desired direction. The users should reference the User Guide and the Settings
Guide to learn more about using Nouse application.

Figure 3.5 – Nouse cursor

If the user is not
able to get past the calibration mode then the application is having difficulty
finding the user’s nose. Refer to troubleshooting chapter of the document as
there may be an issue with lighting.

3.9
Uninstall Nouse Application

Nouse application allows the user to uninstall Nouse application
automatically. If the user has created any custom configuration files (i.e.,
.nouse, .board) they should be moved to a safe location in the event that Nouse
application will be re-installed.

To uninstall the application the user goes to the “Start” button
(found in the bottom left hand corner of the screen), then clicking on “All
Programs”, then Nouse folder and finally click on the “Uninstall Nouse” icon.
The user can then follow the instructions on the screen to remove the
application.

Chapter 4 – Troubleshooting Nouse

The following section proves the user with resolutions to
issues that may occur during the installation process or during normal use of
the application.

4.1 Error Message Pops Up Saying "Could not initialize
webcam."

The computer is not recognizing any webcam that is
connected. Ensure that all required webcam drivers connections are properly
installed. Use the webcam software to ensure the webcam is working properly.

If there are more than one webcam attached to the computer refer
to the Settings Guide.

4.2 Nouse does not calibrate

There are a number of items that can cause this to happen.
Review each of the following to determine if the problem is resolved:

(1)   The
user’s entire face is not in the camera view. Adjust the webcam or the distance
from the webcam to ensure the face is clearly visible. The user should only be
approximately one arms length away from the webcam.

(2)   Poor
lighting conditions. Nouse application requires good lighting conditions in
order to work optimally. Good lighting means that the face (and especially
nose) is clearly visible and not over or under exposed. Adjust the lighting to
ensure clear visibility of the face. For example, if the user is wearing a
baseball cap, then the nose area may be shaded too much.  Also, if the user wears their bifocals very
low on the bridge of the nose, this may interfere with calibration.

If the user must work in an area
with poor lighting conditions then the application can be configured to
compensate for this. The Settings Guide provides details

(3)   Too
much movement by the user’s head during the calibration. The user must be still
during the calibration step.

In the worst case, if none of the above resolves the issue,
then the user can disable the "Activate Uses Face Detection" option.
This will skip the calibration step. Details of this option are described in
section 1.2.11 of the Settings Guide.

4.3 Nouse Jumps or seems to be running very slowly.

There are a number of items that can cause Nouse to either
jump or be perceived as running slowly. Review each of the following to
determine if the problem is resolved:

(1)   Ensure
that there is enough RAM and CPU is available. In order to use Nouse
application the computer needs to have a minimum amount of RAM and CPU speed.
The user should refer to section 3.1 of this guide to ensure meeting the minimum
requirements.

(2)    Reduce the number of programs running. If the
user’s computer is close to the minimum RAM and CPU requirements then having a
number of other programs running at the same time can slow down Nouse
application. The user should close one or more of the other applications.

(3)
Slow smooth head movements. To prevent Nouse
from jumping the use must ensure their head movements are slow and smooth. Nouse
does not require a lot of head movement in order to work optimally. Jerky or
sporadic movements will cause Nouse cursor to jump from one part of the screen
to another.

(4)   Review
Nouse configuration options. Nouse provides a number of configuration options
that allow the user to adjust how Nouse will react to the movement of the
user’s nose. The user should review each one and reset any of the options that
might suit their situation better.

Chapter 5 - Nouse Frequently Asked Questions

Who
should use Nouse?

This technology was developed for anybody to use, however,
it will be most useful for those computer users who have difficulty using their
hands to use a mouse or keyboard, or for those who want to take breaks from
using their hands due to fatigue/injury. It is not suitable for people with
significant head tremor.

How
long will it take to learn this system?

Most people can learn this technology within 1-2 sessions.
If the user has experience with a joystick, it is even easier to learn.

Where
can I learn more about Nouse?

Nouse application has an easy to use guide that walks users
through the process of using and configuring the system. You can also visit
www.Nouse.ca for more information or to find contact information.

Can
I adjust the settings to suit my specific mobility needs?

Yes, Nouse has been designed to meet the individual needs of
many types of users. For example, the amount and speed of neck movement required
to use that Nouse can be adjusted in both the vertical and horizontal ranges.
The size of Nouse cursor can be adjusted to meet visual needs. These are just
two of many adjustments possible. Nouse manual goes into further detail.

Can
I perform different clicks (right click, double etc.) using Nouse?

Yes. Left, right, double clicks and drag are all easily
available and do not require the user to select the clicking mode from a
toolbar. This is a very nice feature of Nouse. The last section of this quick
guide will tell you how.

Can
someone with very minimal neck range of motion use this technology?

Nouse can be used with people who have very little neck/head
mobility who might have trouble using other head tracking systems.