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.
- First you can select the correct language for you:
Then click on Next. - Next you can then set the appearance 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 System option means that Semanux Access will automatically change color when you change your operating system to a light or dark color scheme.
Then click Next. - After that follows the privacy policy:
Read the privacy policy and click I have acknowledged the privacy policy at the end 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 get a confirmation displayed that the activation was successful:
Then click on Next. - The end user license agreement follows:
At the end of the End User License Agreement, click I agree to 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, you need to decide how you want to use Semanux Access. To do this, you can select one of several preferences:
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: Head Movement Only
You control your computer only with head movements. For example, you can turn your head to the left to move the active spot on the screen to the left. Similarly, if you turn your head to the right, up, or down.
To perform actions such as a click, you can use dwell time on a control 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 operating in Preset: Head Movement Only, you can also perform actions with your facial expressions. By opening and closing your mouth you can perform a click at the active spot. If you hold the mouth open for longer, you switch to precision mode, which allows you to move the active spot in a more controlled way.
For this preset you only need a webcam. - Preset: Head Movement + Pedal (or Button)
In addition to the operation in Preset: Head Movement Only, you can also perform actions with a pedal or a button. By pressing the pedal/button you can perform a click at the active spot. Holding the pedal/button for longer will switch you to precision mode, which allows you to move the active spot in a more controlled way.
For this preset you need a webcam and a pedal or button. - Preset: Head Movement + Controller
In addition to the operation in Preset: Head Movement 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 can be easier to use for certain movement patterns. By pressing a button on the controller you can perform a click at the active spot. Holding down the button for longer will switch you to precision mode, which allows you to move the active spot 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: Controller Only
With the analog stick of a controller you move the active spot on the screen. This can be, for example, the controller of a game console. But there are also special accessibility controllers that can be easier to use for certain movement patterns. By pressing a button on the controller you can perform a click at the active spot. Holding down the button for longer will switch you to precision mode, which allows you to move the active spot 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.
In the setup wizard, click the preset you decided to use and then click Next.
- Next, select your screen:
If you have several screens 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 screen in inches. This dimension is needed by the program to translate your head movements to the screen. If you're not sure, a rough estimate will do. Laptops usually have screen diagonals of 14 to 16 inches, while external monitors are typically between 24 and 32 inches. You can usually find the screen diagonal in the manufacturer's monitor description.
Then click on Next. - Now follows the selection of the camera or webcam:
A camera is required in all presets that rely on head movement. Once you have chosen one of these, click Enable 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 in the center above or below the selected screen. If that's not possible, a sideways position may also work; however, you may need to perform an alignment calibration.
Next, click Next. - You have now successfully completed the setup wizard:
If you like, you can set Semanux Access to start automatically when you log in to Windows.
Then click on Done. - 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.
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 Show settings entry:
- Improve face alignment. This step is necessary if you are using a preset with head movement and your camera is not centered at the top or bottom of the screen. Otherwise, the setting can also help if you can't point your face at the screen at exactly the right angle, for example, because your screen is tilted upwards.
Navigate to Face in the settings (under Input). Now click on the Improve Alignment button. You will probably have to scroll down to see the button.
You will now see a black screen with the request to center your head. Position and turn your head in a way that feels like a good center to you. That is, so that you can still comfortably turn your head up, down, left and right. Hold this position for a few seconds until the alignment improvement is complete. - Adjust Facial Expression Sensitivity. This step is necessary if you are using the Head Movement + Facial Expressions preset.
Navigate to Facial Expressions in the settings (under Input). With the Sensitivity slider you can now set from when a mouth opening should be detected. You can also try this out directly. The smiley imitates your movements. If the mouth color changes, it means that the mouth opening has been detected. - Adjust Pedal/Button. This step is necessary if you are using the Head Movement + Pedal preset.
Navigate to Pedal in the settings (under Input). Now choose one of the options for how your pedal or button indicates activation. What to select here varies from model to model. Please refer to the manual of your pedal or button. The device software included with many models allows you to set which signal is sent to the computer when pressed.
You can check if you have selected the right option. To do this, press your pedal/button. The outlined switch in the settings should move and color when you do this. - Check Controller. This step is necessary if you are using a preset with controller.
Navigate to Xbox Gamepad in the settings (under Input). Check all buttons and analog sticks on your controller. When pressed, the corresponding area in the outlined controller should color up.
You don't have a controller from Xbox? No problem! The menu item is called exactly the same, but it also works with models from other manufacturers. If necessary, the device software of your controller needs to be configured about for signals it sends to the computer. How this is done varies from model to model. Please refer to the manual of your controller.
When you are done, you can close the settings. Click on the "X" in the upper right corner.
Now Semanux Access is ready for you!
Next you can learn and try out the most important things in our tutorial game.