What's New in Version 4.80 (08 October 2008)

Many user recommendations have been implemented. We value user comments. Please feel to visit our user feedback forum to inform us on your MovAlyzeR needs.

 

Anticipated Improvements/Additions

NOTE: This section is a summary of our future goals. These objectives are not "set in stone", but are current intentions of advancement.

- Wizard Improvements will be added. Condition and Experiment Settings wizards to assist in setting up new experiments. The goal is to ensure users do not get bogged down by semantics of settings of which they are uncertain.

- Interactive stimuli with grip-force experiments will be introduced. Such a feature will allow the measurement of a subject's ability to control grip-force to a designated level.

- World-wide database of experimental data to be shared by registered users. The goal is to provide a resource by which research and medical professionals can view experiments and their resultant data performed by other practitioners. The data will be secure and non-alterable (except by the orginator of the experiment and data with the expressed consent of NeuroScript). We, here at NeuroScript, feel that this feature will be parallel to the invention of the wheel...giving others immediate results on studies performed by others to employ in their own studies, with the ability to add their own results to the central database. More details will follow...

- Shared, reusable code will be available to other developers who endeavor to create their own programs using our technology. Although our technology is unique, our aim is to provide means by which others can re-use it in their own fashion. Currently, all of our code is modular based upon CORBA and Microsoft's COM/DCOM technology. License agreements will be required.

- Additional multi-dimensional measurements will be introduced. Many of the intentions above describe the means, but the intent is to provide a mechanism by which additional multi-dimensional data can be recorded and studied. One example could be that of neurological readings, such as CT scans and MRI's. Ultimately, our goal is to provide a program that will deliver abilities to record and analyze any source of multi-dimensional data.

 

Older Versions
Version 4.70	Version 4.60	Version 4.50
Version 4.40	Version 4.30	Version 4.20
Version 4.10	Version 4.00	Version 3.9x
Version 3.80	Version 3.70	Version 3.60
Version 3.50	Version 3.40	Version 3.30
Version 3.20	Version 3.10	Version 3.00
Version 2.85/2.90	Version 2.80	Version 2.70
Version 2.60	Version 2.50	Version 2.40
Version 2.30	Version 2.20	Version 2.15
Version 2.14	Version 2.13	Version 1.00
Release Candidate 2	Release Candidate 1

 

What's New In Version 4.70

Running Experiments:

• Full-Screen option (sub-option of "Maximize") while running an experiment, where the menu, status bar and all toolbars are hidden, and all windows other than the recording window are hidden. The recording window, thus, nearly consumes the entire desktop.
• Trial sequence file generated while running an experiment, regardless of randomization settings. For older experiments, this file is auto-generated (based on the chronological sequence of the raw data files) when needed. The sequence is accessible through the subject right-click menu.
• Advanced settings pages in experiment properties now with a button to return to the associated basic settings page.
  

Charting/Graphing:

• Left view (tree view) trial selection (highlight) now moves syncronously with charts when Next and Previous Trial buttons are used. As well, when switching between multiple chart windows, the associated trial is also selected in the tree view.
• Chronological sequencing (Next/Previous) in processed (TF) data charts is now based upon the true chronological sequence of the raw data files.
• "Chart All Raw Data" is now "Chart Selected Raw Data" allowing the user to choose which trials to be charted simultaneously in an overlay chart.
  

User Interface:

• "Quick" buttons to the right of the status bar have been separated and contain new icons for easier isolation and recognition.

What's New In Version 4.60

Running Experiments:

• Condition sequencing option added to apply rules to randomization.
• Option to run an experiment without overwriting subject device settings.

Processing:

• Improved accuracy in feature extraction. 
• Velocity scaling score added (View Related Articles).
• Spectral analysis changed to include position, velocity and acceleration, both filtered and unfiltered.
  

Questionnaire:

• Rapid answer input (spreadsheet) added with textual paste support (including data from MS Excel).
  

Summarization and Analysis:

• Submovement analysis results are now on one line (MovAlyzeR only).
• Subject sorting added.
  

Charts/Graphs:

• Layout improvements: All action buttons are now grouped on top.
• Line thickness enhancements.
• X and Y axes are now individually selectable for processed data charts.
• Additional spectral analysis charts added.
  

Import/Export:

• Enhanced notifications for overwriting existing items while importing.
• NICI data import added.
  

Application and User Interface:

• Updated to the latest Microsoft libraries.
• All dialogs are now skinned to match the application look.

What's New In Version 4.50

Experiments:

What's New In Version 4.40

Running Experiments:

Processing:

Questionnaire:

Summarization and Analysis:

Charts/Graphs:

Import/Export:

Application and User Interface:

What's New In Version 4.30

Running Experiments:

Import/Export:

• Export/import use now 1 zip file which is encrypted & secure, no private info displayed. Old export files can still be imported 
• Warning when import overwrites a subject used in another experiment with option to view associations
• It is no longer necessary to respond for overwriting for exact duplicates when importing

Security:

• Private subject information can be safely stored without known security leaks 
• Fields displaying private information are yellow
• Encryption of database and export files containing private data and passwords
• Each subject carries a password that may differ from the user password for safe export of personal data
• User & subject password recovery/restore service (fee-based)
• Subject and user database signatures to distinguish original from copied data
  

Help:

• Start page with quick links and search 

What's New In Version 4.20

What's New In Version 4.10

What's New In Version 4.00

• Certified for Windows VISTA
• New look and feel for the application that is customizable (not yet persistent)
  

User Interface:

• User management improved with icons indicating access levels
• Instruction control window cleaned up and now only contains the instruction
• Improved icons for toolbars
• More intuitive graphics for the left-view/tree items
• Improved status bar with quick-access buttons and an improved progress meter
• Results window now has a right-click menu for copy and clear
• Menus items have been regrouped to be more intuitive

Extensions:

• Device setup wizard added (Settings -> Device Setup Wizard)
• Improved help
• Improved installation technology
• A new "side-kick" program called the Stimulus Editor for visually designing your stimuli (Support -> Stimulus Editor)
• User data locations adhere to Vista guidelines. Movement (copying) of user data is now available via the interface (User Management dialog).
• Discontinuity correction has been added (Right-click Experiment -> Properties -> Advanced -> Time Functions)

Charts/Graphs:

• Suppression of segmentation points available in processed data charts
• Analysis chart symbols extended for larger data sets
• Analysis chart legend text size improved for more charting room
• Analysis chart sorting options have improved scrolling
• Analysis chart identity codes now sorted numerically

Experiments/Trials:

• Experiment and condition instructions are now in rich-text format (RTF) for enhanced text formatting such as bold, italics, bullet points, etc.
• "Calculate loop area between every consecutive 2 strokes, instead of every consecutive stroke" added to extraction
• Subject's last experiment run added (via popup menu)
• Device resolution and sampling rate are now at the subject level to ensure that processing can accommodate different input devices within the same experiment
• Drawing options (for the recording window) have been added to the experiment settings. This includes such items as line size, color, etc.

Import/Export:

• Import and export now with reduced steps (and more intuitive)
• Individual subjects can now be exported
• Subject privacy improvements

Conveniences:

• Experiment properties, experiment settings, instruction and notes now combined into one location (dialog)
• Experiment processing settings have been regrouped to be more intuitive
• Subject name is now longer obligatory (it now defaults to -,- : this supports experiments where privacy is critical)

What's New In Version 3.9x

Charts/Graphs:

• Segmentation precision improved
• Chart speed and efficiency improved by a factor of up to two * # of segmentation points

Experiments/Trials:

• Individual subject can now be exported
• Importing experiments now has Yes/No/Yes To All/No To All options for overwriting existing items. Deletion option of import files has been removed.

Import/Export:

• Handwriting images (PCX) are now importable (like HWR files) and viewable. Coming in 4.0: Handwriting image processing and research into the possibility of comparative analysis between images and recorded samples.
• Individual trials can now be imported (handwriting, grip-force and handwriting images) from the Data Import Wizard

Conveniences:

Data Generation Wizard now retains all settings during a given session of MovAlyzeR

What's New In Version 3.80

Charts/Graphs:

Improvements to stroke, sample, pressure and slant indicators.
Crosshairs now begin at the first point on processed charts.
Spectrum removed from feedback features (as they were not applicable).
Proportional scaling maintained and dialog components moved properly while resizing.

Charts (and data views related to a given chart) are now synchronous as you move your data crosshair. I.e., if you select a certain point on ONE chart, all OTHER open charts and data views (of the same trial) will be synchronous.

Recording/Drawing Options:

Via MENU: View->Drawing Options (on the toolbar, as well, appearing like a bar chart), a user can change line and ellipse size and color. Additionally, pen-up (less than minimum pen pressure) color can be changed. These settings are currently NOT persistent. You will be required to change them each time you run the program. In version 3.9, this new system will be improved and become persistent. NOTE: Line colors #2 and #3 apply to Grip-Force experiments (GripAlyzeR).

Improved Installation:

Previously, users were required to uninstall then reinstall when downloading the entire MSI installation (as opposed to using the online update mechanism). Now, when you choose (or cannot) use the online update feature and must download the full install, uninstalling of previous versions will no longer be required.

What's New In Version 3.70

Charts/Graphs:

Both raw data charts and processed charts now include sample #, stroke #, pen pressure, and slant (in degrees) in the upper right hand corner of the chart. If you click on a location in the chart with your mouse (the cursor will change from an arrow to a hand), it will place the chart's cursor (crosshair) at that point. You can move it around using your left and right arrow keys. As you move the mouse, the values mentioned above will reflect your current position.

Online Update (MENU: Support->Check for Updates):

The online update mechanism is now fully functional as of version 3.70. Users will no longer be required to uninstall the previous version and download and install the new versions. NOTE: You must be online to accomplish this. If you are not, you must download the full install from a computer that is online and follow the normal procedure (copy the new MSI to the desired computer, uninstall the previous version, install the new version).

Experiment Reports :

The previously existing experiment reports (subjects, experiment settings, questionnaires) have been improved. They all now include the user to which the experiment belonged. The subject questionnaire now, also, includes summaries of subjects per group and for the experiment. Device settings have been added to the experiment settings report.

A new report has been added called "Summary (Brief)...". It is a summary of the experiment consisting of the ID's and names/descriptions of all groups, subjects, conditions, stimuli, elements, and feedback that is part of the experiment. The detailed version will possibly be available at a later date to include all information if users show a high enough demand for it.

Conveniences:

• Importing an experiment will now no longer give an error if the trials and settings files were not included. As well, the leftview (tree on the left) is now refreshed after an experiment is imported, thus allowing access to it immediately without a manual refresh. If you choose to import an experiment WITH it's trials and/or settings and the files are not there, you will now be informed.
• Important warnings have been added when switching between devices (eg., mouse to tablet or vice versa).
• The number of elements and targets available to a given stimulus has been increased to 50. You can also no longer exceed the maximum # of elements accidentally.
• Conditions can now have the # of trials set to 0. This will allow users of experiments with multiple conditions to single out certain conditions for testing.
• When adding a new user, if your user list is long, the last added user is now scrolled into view and highlighted.
• When redoing an individual trial, it is now immediately processed.
• In the device settings, if you do not select a COM port (which most people apparently do not use), you receive a warning that it was not set. This has been removed.
• The default minimum and maximum # of strokes for a condition has been changed to be more consistent with typical usage of the software.
• Frequency Spectrum chart is now dynamic. It now reflects which method was chosen in the experiment settings and the name of the chart is now generic (Frequency Spectrum).
• Experiment and condition experiment instruction screens have been modified. The "Click OK to continue" at the bottom has been removed (leaving more room for instructions) and the "OK" button has been changed to "Continue". As well, drawing of the instructions has been improved to avoid word separations.

Overall:

Program performance and efficiency has been improved. All known deficiencies have been resolved.

What's New In Version 3.60

Update MovAlyzeR With One Mouse-Click (Support->Check for Updates):

As a result, update times will be greatly reduced. Your personal computer needs to be connected to the Internet in order or use this feature. If not, please continue to use the old method: Uninstall old version of MovAlyzeR, download the new version, then reinstall.

Remember, always back up your data and databases before you update. If you wish to download a beta version, updates might not be available until after it has been officially released.

Online and Automatic Copy Release Protection:

As a result, the unlock code will be entered automatically when starting MovAlyzeR for the first time. Your personal computer needs to be connected to the internet. If not, please continue to use the old method: Go to the copy protection release system, login, manually input the Activation Request Code and manually copy and paste the Activation/Unlock Code into MovAlyzeR.

Experiment Settings Enhancement:

The experiment settings report has been enhanced and now includes all settings. As well, the default settings for each setting is included in the report. The window where you edit the experiment settings now has the default values included in each field's tooltips.

View Raw Data Directly from the Chart (Chart >View Data):

The button "View Data" will now show you either raw input data (for raw data charts) or time function data for processed data. Processed data will utilize MS Windows Notepad...while raw data will be displayed in our tabular format.

International Sales and Support Around the Globe:

Partnering organizations will provide local, personal sales and user support. Help around the globe will become available after a quick phone call. Customers in Europe can contact www.kikosoft.com. Additional local organizations for sales and user support will follow.

Downloads from NeuroScript are safe as they are digitally signed by Verisign using Microsoft Authenticode™:

This means that users can be sure that all files downloaded from NeuroScript have not been tampered with and are free of viruses and spyware. Beware of downloads displaying the warning that the publisher could not be verified!

 

What's New In Version 3.50

Update MovAlyzeR With One Mouse-Click (Support->Check for Updates):

As a result, update times will be greatly reduced. Your personal computer needs to be connected to the Internet in order or use this feature. If not, please continue to use the old method: Uninstall old version of MovAlyzeR, download the new version, then reinstall.

Remember, always back up your data and databases before you update. If you wish to download a beta version, updates might not be available until after it has been officially released.

Online and Automatic Copy Release Protection:

As a result, the unlock code will be entered automatically when starting MovAlyzeR for the first time. Your personal computer needs to be connected to the internet. If not, please continue to use the old method: Go to the copy protection release system, login, manually input the Activation Request Code and manually copy and paste the Activation/Unlock Code into MovAlyzeR.

Experiment Settings Enhancement:

The experiment settings report has been enhanced and now includes all settings. As well, the default settings for each setting is included in the report. The window where you edit the experiment settings now has the default values included in each field's tooltips.

View Raw Data Directly from the Chart (Chart >View Data):

The button "View Data" will now show you either raw input data (for raw data charts) or time function data for processed data. Processed data will utilize MS Windows Notepad...while raw data will be displayed in our tabular format.

International Sales and Support Around the Globe:

Partnering organizations will provide local, personal sales and user support. Help around the globe will become available after a quick phone call. Customers in Europe can contact www.kikosoft.com. Additional local organizations for sales and user support will follow.

Downloads from NeuroScript are safe as they are digitally signed by Verisign using Microsoft Authenticode™:

This means that users can be sure that all files downloaded from NeuroScript have not been tampered with and are free of viruses and spyware. Beware of downloads displaying the warning that the publisher could not be verified!

 

What's New In Version 3.40

New Stimulus Targets Options:

Users can now opt to have a trial begin upon reaching the first target in an experiment that uses stimulus targets. This means