First setup

When you start Semanux Access for the first time, the First Setup Wizard will open automatically, where you can go step-by-step through the first setup.

On macOS, you need an administrator to set permissions for Semanux Access when you first set it up.

Appearance, activation and legal information

First you can select the correct Language for you:

Then click on Next.
Next you can then set the Colors of Semanux Access:

Just try all the options once and then choose what you like best.

By the way, you can still adjust all settings in the settings menu later.

Info:
By the way, the option System means that Semanux Access will automatically change color when you change your operating system to a light or dark color scheme.

Then click Next.
Next, you need to select the Country in which you are using Semanux Access:

Then click on Next.
After that follows the Privacy Policy:

Read the privacy policy and then click Next.
Now you need to activate Semanux Access with your license. There are two options for this:

Either your license is linked to a user account. To do this, select the Subscription option, enter your Email address and Password, and then click Log in:

Alternatively you can enter your license with an activation code. To do this, select the Activation Code option, enter the appropriate code and then click Activate now:

In both cases, you should now receive a confirmation that the authentication and thus the activation of your license was successful.

Then click on Next.
The Edition follows:

The edition of Semanux Access associated with your license is displayed here. The license is stored locally on a computer. However, some licenses must be renewed, for example with a subscription. However, this happens automatically in the background while you are using Semanux Access.

Then click on Next.
The End User License Agreement follows:

At the end of the End User License Agreement, click I accept the End User License Agreement and then click Next.
Under macOS Semanux Access needs Permissions:

Grant access to all listed functions to be able to use Semanux Access. Sometimes the permissions are only updated after a restart of Semanux Access. If a permission is not recognized immediately, restart Semanux Access.

Info:
These permissions are not necessary under Microsoft Windows and therefore this dialog does not appear.
Next, select your Display:

If you have several displays connected to your computer, you can select the one you want Semanux Access to run on here.

Next, you can specify the Size of the selected display in inch. This dimension is needed by the program to translate your head movements to the display. If you're not sure, a rough estimate will do. Laptops usually have display diagonals of 14 to 16 inches, while external monitors are typically between 24 and 32 inches. You can usually find the display diagonal in the manufacturer's monitor description.

Then click on Next.

Presets

Next, you need to decide how you want to use Semanux Access. To do this, you can select one of several presets:

Setup window: "Presets"

Which preset is right for you depends on how you plan to use your computer and what additional input devices you have available.

In the following we list all possible presets, explain the basic operation and which additional input devices you need. It's best to read through the entire list and then choose the one that suits you best.

Preset: Only head movement

You control your computer only with head movements. For example, you can turn your head to the left to move the active location on the screen to the left. The same is when you turn your head to the right, up or down.

To perform actions such as a click, you can use dwell time on a panel element at the edge of the screen to select the respective actions.

For this preset you only need a webcam.
Preset: Head movement + Facial expressions

In addition to the operation in the preset: head movements only, you can also perform actions with your facial expressions. By opening and closing your mouth you can perform a click at the active position. If you hold your mouth open longer, you switch to precision mode, which allows to move the active location in a more controlled way.

For this preset you only need a webcam.
Preset: Head movement + Button

In addition to the operation in the preset: head movements only, you can also perform actions with a button. By pressing the button once, you can perform a click at the active position. By pressing the button twice, you can start scrolling at the active position. By holding the button for longer, you can open the action menu the active position.

For this preset you need a webcam and a button.
Preset: Head movement + Controller

In addition to the operation in the preset: head movements only, you can also perform actions with a controller. This can be, for example, the controller of a game console. But there are also special accessibility controllers that are easier to use for certain movement patterns, for example. By pressing a button on the controller you can perform a click at the active location. Holding down the button longer switches to precision mode, which allows you to move the active location in a more controlled way.

If you have a controller with multiple buttons, you can set individual functions (such as right-click or our action menu) for each button.

For this preset you need a webcam and a controller.
Preset: Only controller

With the analogstick of a controller you move the active position on the display. This can be the controller of a game console, for example. But there are also special accessibility controllers that are easier to use for certain movement patterns. By pressing the button on the controller you can perform a click at the active location. Holding down the button longer switches to precision mode, which allows you to move the active location in a more controlled way.

If you have a controller with multiple buttons, you can set individual functions (such as right-click or our action menu) for each button.

For this preset you only need one controller.
Preset: Only eye movement (with eyeV Skyle)

You control your computer only with eye movements. You focus a specific point on the screen with your eye gaze and the active location on the screen will follow. Don't move your head while using this mode to ensure the best accuracy.

To perform actions such as a click, you can use dwell time by focusing an element at the edge of the screen to select the respective actions.

For this preset you only need an eyeV Skyle Eyetracker.

In the setup wizard, click on the preset you have chosen and then click on Next.

Now you can determine the Camera (or webcam) if you have selected a preset with head movements:

A camera is required in all presets that rely on head movement. Once you have chosen one of these, click Activate camera as input and select the correct one from the list of detected cameras. Your camera is not displayed? Make sure the cable is plugged in properly and click Refresh list.

The camera should be positioned so that your face is clearly visible. Ideally, the camera should be positioned centrally above or below the selected screen. If this is not possible, a lateral position may also work; however, you may have to perform an alignment calibration later in the settings for Head Control with Improve alignment.

You don't have a webcam yet and are thinking about buying one to use with Semanux Access? We have tested a few webcams in different price categories in our blog – take a look there!

Next, click Next.
Now follows the setting of Facial Expressions, if you have selected the Preset: Head movement + Facial expressions:

You can now use the Sensitivity slider to set when a mouth opening should be detected. You can also try this out directly. The smiley imitates your movements. If the mouth changes color, this means that the mouth opening has been detected.

Next, click Next.
Now follows the setting of the Buttons, if you have selected the Preferences: Head movement + Button:

Select a button signal for the Multi-Button here. Please refer to the manual for your button to find out which button signal your button emits. Many models allow you to set in the supplied software which button signal is sent to the computer when the button is pressed or released.

You can check whether you have selected the correct button signal. To do this, press your button. The sketched button in the preview above should change color accordingly.

You don't have a button yet and are thinking about buying one to use with Semanux Access? We've tested a few switches in different price categories in our blog – take a look there!

Next, click Next.
Now follows a setting of the Controller, if you have selected a preset with controller:

Select a controller that is connected to your computer. The controllers can only be recognized by Semanux Access once you have pressed any button on the controller. Check all buttons and analog sticks on your controller. When pressed, the corresponding area in the outlined controller should change color.

Semanux Access currently only supports Xbox-compatible controllers.

You don't have a controller yet and are thinking about buying one to use with Semanux Access? We've tested a few controllers in different price categories in our blog – take a look there!

Next, click Next.
Now follows the setting of the Eye Tracker, if the Preset: Only eye movement (with eyeV Skyle) has been selected:

If you connect a compatible eye tracker to your computer according to the manufacturer's instructions, the eye tracker will be automatically recognized by Semanux Access. As soon as the connection works, you will see a preview of the collected data in the upper section. If you scroll down further, you will find a function to recalibrate the eye tracker. You should calibrate the eye tracker at least once with Semanux Access, preferably even before each use.

The calibration shows a colored dot on your screen that you have to follow with your gaze. The eye tracker gets to know your eyes. You can cancel the calibration at any time by pressing the escape key (ESC) on your keyboard.

Semanux Access currently only supports Sklye eye trackers (second generation) from eyeV GmbH.

Next, click Next.

Complete the setup

You have now successfully completed the setup wizard:

If you like, you can enable to Start Semanux Access directly after logging in to the computer.

Then click on Finish.
This will close the setup wizard and the What's new? window will open:

In this window we inform you about new features and what else has changed with every version update.

Close the window by clicking on the X in the upper right corner.

Additional settings

Depending on how you want to use Semanux Access you may need to adjust additional settings.

You can access the settings by right-clicking on the Semanux Access icon in the information area of the taskbar under Microsoft Windows (in the bottom right-hand corner of the display) or in the menu bar under macOS (in the top right-hand corner of the display) and selecting the Open settings entry:

When you are done, you can close the settings. Click on the X in the upper right corner.

What happens next?

Now Semanux Access is ready for you!