Alternative Input Systems

Alternative Input Systems allow the collection of data from additional keyboards and other sources via an RS-232 port.

The Observational Coding System-Dual Keyboard (OCS-KBD-2) input system allows two keyboards to enter data into one PC.

The OCS-Keyboard Capture (OCS-KBD-CAP) system connects two workstations. OCS software runs on one workstation, capturing keystrokes from the second as it operates normally.

The OCS-RS232 Capture (OCS-RS232) input system collects data from a variety of other input sources. All of these options may be enabled at the time of purchase or later using the Feature Access Control System (FACS) .

Dual Keyboard System

Dual Keyboard System The OCS-KBD-2 system allows for a second keyboard and keyboard interface box to be added to an OCS Tools workstation. This allows two operators (on separate monitors) to enter codes simultaneously while viewing the same event. Codes from each keyboard can be entered into the same dataset or into two separate datasets. This option can reduce coding time significantly and assist with coder agreement verification.


Components:

  • PC workstation

  • OCS with Dual Keyboard option enabled

  • Secondary keyboard

  • Keyboard Interface Box


Keyboard Capture System

Keystroke Capture System

The OCS-KBD_CAP system is designed for collecting keyboard operations from a secondary PC workstation. The OCS workstation automatically collects all keystroke data from the secondary system without interfering with its operations. A coder can also enter observational codes at the primary keyboard while observing the keyboard operator. This feature is valuable for conducting software usability studies, and which measures keyboard operator efficiency and accuracy.

Components:

Under ConstructionTRC is currently developing a new version of the keystroke capture system which will automatically collect additional data, e.g., mouse movements from the PC being monitored. Watch this space for updates.


OCS-RS232 Capture System

The OCS-RS232 data collection system, a versatile coding tool, collects synchronized serial input from a variety of sources via a standard RS-232 serial connection. The RS-232 software add-on automatically collects a synchronized data stream from the connected device, bypassing the manual coding procedure entirely (e.g. a flight simulator cockpit connected via a serial cable to transmit event data from actions being performed by the test subject). Simultaneously, OCS Tools software enables the expert observer to collect observational data and notes in a secondary dataset.

Any action or event output as RS-232 data can be collected, timestamped and entered into a virtual database. Data gathered in this manner, either independently or in concert with traditional coding sessions, is immediate, accurate and labor-saving.

The OCS RS-232 Capture feature can be added to your OCS Tools separately or in conjunction with Dual Keyboard Coding or Keyboard Capture.

Components: