This techncial bulletin outlines the steps recommended during the design procedure of a database form to optimize Hal/Supernova’s support.

Introduction

The rules of thumb provided below are based on Microsoft Access 97 forms, however, it is hoped that the principles outlined will also assist in the design process for other Windows database application forms.

To accompany this web page a sample Microsoft Access 97 database, Dolphin’s sample database, is available for review.

Optimizing accessibility in an MS Access form

A Hal/Supernova speech friendly MS Access form can be achieved through the simple introduction of a Group Option border within the form. This border alters Hal/Supernova’s perception of the form making Hal/Supernova perceive it as a dialog box and, as such, Hal/Supernova’s layout analyzer will search for labels accompanying object/fields (even in obscure locations) as the form is navigated.

The Group Option feature within an MS Access form can be located within the View Toolbox whilst in Form Design View. It is important to ensure the edges of the border are all visible in the form at the user’s given screen resolution. It is also recommended that the default properties of the border style be maintained, notably, the Format Special Effects is maintained as Etched.

This simple change should now mean that labels are announced as the user navigates the form, however, a number of additional steps can improve access further.

• Labels: Although, as previously stated, the introduction of a Group Option border should mean Hal/Supernova reads all labels, the optimal location for a field label is to the left and close to the text entry box and, preferably, not left justified.
• Field Entries: These should maintain their default setting (i.e. sunken) and should never be set to flat.
• Status Line Text: Hal/Supernova (v3.01) comes equipped with a ‘speak status line’ key, thus, obscure fields can be supported with additional data reported on the status line.

• Shortcut Keys: Within the properties of each field/command button a shortcut key can be assigned to navigate directly to this location. Such shortcut keys can assist users greatly in their efficient use of a form (i.e. it is not necessary to TAB through the whole form to reach their desired data/task).
• Command buttons: These should be designed with text labels (e.g. Next Record) rather than being represented by graphical images.
• Behavior Entering Field: From the Keyboard property sheet within the Tool Menu Options dialog box you can change how the cursor performs when entering a field. The default setting is to ‘Select entire field’, however, this may mean an accidental key press would replace the existing text without any undo facility. Hence, we would recommend users change this setting to ‘Go to end of field’.

These design suggestions should mean successful access for all Hal/Supernova users with MS Access 97 forms.

Bug in Hal/Supernova with MS Access

A bug has been reported in Hal/Supernova v3.01 with MS Access 97 which makes the Hal/Supernova layout analyzer consider the background window to be in the foreground. This spoils the way Hal/Supernova perceives the form.

To resolve this problem it is necessary to ensure the background window is minimized when accessing the given database form. This task can not be (at least obviously) achieved via a simple keyboard press and, therefore, we would recommend a macro be created to accomplish the task.

Because the problematic window is the opening database ‘control center’ window a simple macro containing the following commands should be created:

Minimize

OpenForm (provide appropriate view and form details)

Maximize

This macro will, therefore, minimize the ‘control center’ window prior to opening the desired form and, hence, resolve the potential window confusion.

Finally, it should be noted that our developers are now aware of this ‘bug’ and this will be resolved in the next release of Hal/Supernova.

Assistance

If you require additional information or need further assistance with these issues, please contact your local Dolphin Technical Support Department: