T AF R User’s Guide Model ACN1000-40 Accent® D 1000 Dedicated and Non-Dedicated Devices with Empower ® Software Version 0.
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Document Version / Software Version Version 0.01 ∙ 09/22/2022 / Empower version 1.17 Applies to: Model ACN1000-40; Accent 1000 dedicated and non-dedicated devices with Empower software To view or download the latest version of this user’s guide, please visit https://www.prentrom.com/support/devices/accent-with-empower. For information on using an Accent 1000 device with NuVoice software, view or download the Accent 1000 User’s Guide for NuVoice from https://www.prentrom.com/support/accent.
Contents The Accent® 1000 is a speech-generating device that offers user-friendly features to make speaking fast and easy for individuals with severe speech impairments. This manual describes how to use and maintain your device. D R AF T Safety Information ........................................................................................ 10 A Quick Look at Device Features.................................................................... 13 Turning on the Device .................................
D R AF T Empower: Using the Menu Button and Quick Menu .................................... 52 Apps: Using the Menu Button and Quick Menu Access Bar .......................... 54 Turning Access to the Menu Buttons On or Off ............................................ 55 Using the Toolbox .......................................................................................... 56 Identifying Toolbox Features .....................................................................
D R AF T Creating a New User .................................................................................... 100 Deleting Users.............................................................................................. 101 Closing the Application ................................................................................ 101 Configuring Cursor, Dwell, and Selection Feedback ..................................... 102 Configuring the Cursor......................................................
D R AF T Setting Your Preferences for Button Appearance and Actions ................... 136 Changing the Font and Font Size ................................................................. 139 Changing Background Basic Colors .............................................................. 140 Customizing Background Colors .................................................................. 141 Renaming a Vocabulary ...............................................................................
D R AF T Creating, Copying, Modifying, and Deleting Pages ........................................ 190 Creating a New Page .................................................................................... 191 Copying a Page............................................................................................. 192 Modifying a Page ......................................................................................... 193 Deleting a Page .........................................................
D R AF T Configuring Device Power Settings .............................................................. 233 Restarting and Shutting Down the Device ................................................... 233 Configuring the Device Power Button using the Power Settings ................ 235 Saving Battery Power................................................................................... 236 Using the Power Shortcut .............................................................................
Safety Information Emergencies This device is not intended to be an emergency call device or sole communication aid. Cleaning, Maintaining, and Servicing Do not attempt to service or maintain the device while it is in use. Disconnect the charger and turn off the device before cleaning or disinfecting the device. If your device or an accessory is damaged, call Service for assistance. Do not attempt to make repairs yourself.
Small Parts, Cords, Cables, and Straps Cords, cables, and straps are potential entanglement or strangulation hazards. Please consider this prior to placing these items with device users. On a regular basis, visually inspect cables, cords, and connectors for damage or wear, especially where they are subject to extra stress. Cables and cords can become frayed or damaged from heavy use or with age.
Batteries and Charging Use only the battery charger provided with your device. Do not place the device where it is difficult to operate or difficult to disconnect from the charger. Always follow the instructions in this manual when charging your device. Do not insert any object into the charging port. This can result in damage to the port. To avoid electric shock and damage to your device, do not charge the device while it is wet or in an area where it could get wet.
A Quick Look at Device Features Front View 1 6 13 5 2 3 4 6 9 10 7 8 AF T 11 12 6 6 Handle 8 Microphone 2 Light sensor 9 Battery/charging LED 3 Camera indicator 10 Power LED 4 Front camera 11 Display screen 5 Power button 12 Tools key 6 Carry strap holders 13 Microphone 7 Volume button D R 1 Accent 1000 User’s Guide-Empower 13
Back View 1 2 3 4 3 18 17 16 15 14 9 5 6 7 7 T 8 10 13 2 12 13 AF Handle 11 10 USB 2.0 port for Look® module Mini USB connector for NuPoint® head tracker 11 Replaceable battery (under cover) 3 Attachment point for handle or NuPoint head tracker 12 Attachment points for Look module 4 Rear camera1 13 Battery cover screws 5 SD card slot 14 Headphone jack 6 USB 3.0 port 15 Switch jack B2 7 USB 2.
Left Side View 1 2 3 5 4 2 3 External access mini port USB 2.0 port1 USB 2.0 port1 1 USB 3.0 port2 5 SD card slot The USB 2.0 ports support USB 2.0 and USB 1.0 accessories. The USB 3.0 port supports USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.0 accessories. AF 2 4 T 1 Right Side View 1 2 3 4 R 5 Charging port 4 Headphone jack 2 Switch jack A * 5 HDMI port 3 Switch jack B * D 1 * If you use a switch or switches for access to your device, plug them into switch jacks A and B.
Turning on the Device 1. Press and hold the power button located on the top edge of the device. 2. When you hear a beep, release the button. The green power LED will illuminate. The LED will remain illuminated while the device is on and while the device is in sleep mode. 3. Wait for the Empower® software to load. Using the Touchscreen AF T Important! Do not use sharp, pointed objects on the touchscreen. The touchscreen is designed to be used with your finger or the stylus that came with your device.
Charging the Battery Important! Always use the battery charger that came with your device. Any other charger may damage the battery. Locate the device in a safe location while charging. T How long the battery lasts depends on how you use your device. The time required to fully charge the battery varies depending on the charge level when the charge begins. When the device needs charging, locate the charging port on the back of the device and connect the battery charger.
The Battery/Charging LED When the device is on and the charger is NOT plugged into the device: • The battery/charging LED is not illuminated. • When the battery has less than 15% (about three hours) of its power remaining, the battery/charging LED will glow red. When the device is plugged into the charger: If the device is on: The battery/charging LED will glow yellow. When the device is fully charged, the LED will turn green. • If the device is off: The battery/charging LED will glow yellow.
Cleaning and Disinfecting the Device If your device will only be used by one person, routine cleaning and disinfecting should be sufficient. If, however, more than one person will be using the device, take additional measures to clean and disinfect the device after it has been used by one person before allowing it to be used by another. Disconnect the charger and turn off the device before cleaning or disinfecting the device.
Disinfecting To disinfect everything but the display, use a solution of vinegar and water (¼ cup vinegar to 1 cup water). Wipe the case (not the display) using a cloth dampened with this solution. Wash the keyguard frame, keyguard, and TouchGuide separately with the vinegar and water solution. Allow all equipment to air dry. Do not use vinegar and water on the display! T What about drooling/saliva? Any saliva should be wiped up immediately, especially on the touchscreen or around any of the connectors.
Disinfecting a Device and Accessories for Multiple Users Note: This section applies only when more than one person will be using the same device. In that situation, it’s vital to effectively disinfect the device and accessories that have been used by one person before allowing it to be used by another. First Step: Put on protective gloves Next Step: Clean the device and accessories 1.
Positioning or Removing the Stand Do not carry the device by the stand. When carrying the device, use the handle or carry strap. Positioning the Stand T The stand provides multiple viewing positions. When latched against the back of the device, the stand provides a slight angle for viewing the screen when the device is sitting on a flat surface. When you need an additional angle, extend the legs of the stand away from the back of the device by doing the following: 1.
Removing the Stand If you do not want to use the stand, you can remove it from the back of the device. You can reattach it at any time. If you do not want to use the stand, you can remove it from the back of the device. You can reattach it at any time. AF Screws holding stand stop to back of device T Loose holders, screws, and washers could be a choking hazard. Screws holding stand to back of device First, place the device face-down on a flat surface.
Removing or Reattaching the Handle To remove the handle from the device: 1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove screws that hold the handle in place. 2. Pull the handle away from the device. 3. If you are not going to mount a NuPoint module, it is important to attach the port cover to protect the mini USB connector. See “Attaching the Top Port Cover” on page 25.
Attaching the Top Port Cover If you removed the handle and are not going to mount a NuPoint module, it is important to attach the port cover to protect the Mini USB Connector on the top of the device. AF T 1. Line up the holes in the cover with the holes on the back of the device. D R 2. Insert and tighten the two screws that previously secured the handle. To remove the port cover: Remove the two screws that hold the port cover in place.
Mounting the IR Reflector on a Non-Dedicated Device T Note: Infrared (IR) functionality is only available on non-dedicated devices. Your device emits infrared signals from the IR area on the back of the device. The optional IR reflector allows the user to better “aim” those signals from any position. If you have the IR reflector, follow these instructions to attach it to the device.
Port Cover: If a port cover is attached to your device, and the front device frame is held in place with screws, remove the top frame screws. Remove these two screws, if present 2. Align the holes in the reflector with the empty holes in the handle, port cover, or NuPoint module. AF T Important! Make sure the reflective shield is aimed downward toward the back of the device, as shown in step 3. 3. Insert the appropriate screws in the holes, as shown.
NuPoint Module Reflector side pointing downward Insert long screw D R AF 4. Tighten the screws.
Applying a Screen Protector If you plan to use a screen protector, you must first remove the device frame. To remove the frame, see “Removing or Replacing the Device Frame” on page 30. There are six screen protectors in the kit. Three have a matte finish and three have a luster finish. The matte finish offers the most glare resistance. Matte protectors can be identified by the small red square on the backing. 1. Turn your device off and lay it flat on a table. T 2.
Removing or Replacing the Device Frame Your device came with a frame mounted on it. If you need to remove or replace the frame, follow these instructions. Removing the Frame 1. If you are using a Keyguard or TouchGuide, remove it from the frame. See “Removing the Keyguard” on page 35 or “Removing the TouchGuide” on page 37. D R AF T 2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the frame to the device. side. Important! If you are replacing the frame, set the screws aside.
4. Grasp the other side of the frame and pull it loose from the device. Note: When you pull the other side loose, the top or bottom tabs (steps 5 and 6) may pull out at the same time 5. Pull the tabs on the top of the frame out of the slots on the device. 6. Pull the tab on the bottom of the frame out of the slot on the device. 7. Proceed to the next section, “Attaching the New Frame”. Attaching the New Frame 2. Pull the other side into place.
Attaching the Frame More Securely If you do not expect to remove and reattach the frame to the device frequently, you may want to insert the original screws in the top and side holes of the frame. If you expect to remove and reattach the frame to the device frequently, you may not want to use the screws. 1. Place the device face-down on a flat surface. 2.
Attaching, Raising, and Removing a Keyguard Your device came with a frame mounted on it. The Keyguard attaches to the frame. If you removed the frame, first reattach it, referring to “Removing or Replacing the Device Frame” on page 30. Attaching the Keyguard 1. Hold the Keyguard over the screen, with the pins toward the top of the screen and the tabs toward the bottom. AF T Important! Position the Keyguard so that the tabs are on the bottom.
AF T 3. While holding the pin in place, lift upward with your fingers to bend the middle of the Keyguard upward slightly. Then insert the other pin into the opening on the other side of the device frame. 4. Press down on the bottom portion of the Keyguard to snap the tabs into place. Note: If the Keyguard tabs at the bottom do not snap into place, make sure that the Keyguard is not upside-down. (See step 1.
Removing the Keyguard 1. While holding the bottom edge of the device with one hand, use the thumb of your other hand to grasp the bottom edge of the Keyguard in the middle. 2. Pull upward to release the bottom tabs. AF T 3. Lift upward with your fingers to bend the top-middle portion of the Keyguard upward slightly. Bottom tabs already pulled loose from the device. D R 4. Pull the pins out of the openings at the top of the device frame.
Attaching or Removing a TouchGuide Your device came with a frame mounted on it. The TouchGuide attaches to the frame. If you removed the frame, first reattach it, referring to “Removing or Replacing the Device Frame” on page 30. Attaching the TouchGuide 1. Align the TouchGuide so that the two squares at the top are positioned at the upper right corner of the display.
3. Insert the left tab into the top left slot of the frame using the same method as in step 2. 4. To make sure the TouchGuide fits flat against the screen, push down on the TouchGuide in each of the four corners to seat it into the rubber completely. Hint: Pulling up on the corners of the frame slightly while pushing down on the TouchGuide corners also helps to nestle the TouchGuide into the rubber. Removing the TouchGuide AF T 1. Grasp the plastic above the first row of keyholes. D R 2.
Attaching a Carry Strap AF Strap Holder T PRC offers two sizes of straps for your device. The shorter strap adjusts from 28 inches to 36 inches and is included with some orders. A longer strap adjusts from 38 inches to 60 inches. For details and pricing, please call PRC inside sales at 800.262.1933 or visit https://store.prentrom.com and select Accessories and then Carry Case & Strap. At each end of the strap there is a loop connector with a quick-release connector on the strap side.
4. Thread the loop connector through the loop. AF T 5. Pull the connector through until it is tied securely to the device. D R 6. Insert the loop connector into the strap connector until they click and hold together. 7. Repeat these steps to connect the other end of the strap to the device.
Attaching a Strap Handle The strap handle allows you to carry your Accent device with one hand comfortably. Connectors on the ends of the handle attach to the holders on the top (or bottom) of the device. Connector Connector T 1. If the standard handle is attached to your device, remove it by removing the screws. See “Removing or Reattaching the Handle” on page 24. AF 2. Attach the port cover included with your device to protect the Mini USB connector on the top of the device.
For one-handed carrying and/or operation, slide your hand between the strap handle and the back of the device. D R AF T If you use the strap handle across the back of the device, use extreme caution and make sure you have a firm grip on the device.
Attaching a QRM Mounting Plate Your device can be mounted on a table stand or a wheelchair mount. If you purchased the QRM mounting plate with your device, the plate is already mounted on the back of your device. If you purchased the QRM mounting plate separately, or if you need to replace it, follow these instructions. Important! The mounting plate’s screws are held in place on the plate with retaining washers. Do not remove the washers. T To attach the QRM mounting plate to the device: 1.
Mounting a NuPoint Module AF T Important! The NuPoint module must be securely attached to the device with all screws to operate properly. If you purchased a NuPoint module with your device, the module is already mounted on the device. If you purchased the module later, follow these instructions to attach it to the device. You can attach the module to a device with or without a frame. Note: Your device may look slightly different from the device shown in these photos. 1.
AF T 4. Tighten the screws you removed in step 1 to secure the module to the device. 5. The NuPoint module is ready to set up for use. For detailed instructions on customizing settings, refer to the NuPoint User’s Guide. D R Using a Strap Handle with a NuPoint Module You can use a strap handle to carry your device when a NuPoint module is mounted on the device. Attach the strap handle to the strap holders either across the top or diagonally across the back. See “Attaching a Strap Handle” on page 24.
Getting Started with the Empower Software Creating a User and Selecting a Vocabulary When your device is charged and you first turn it on, the Empower software loads. 1. Read the End User License Agreement and select I Agree. 2. Read the information in the Help Us to Improve Your Experience window and select either I Agree or I Don’t Agree.
5. Select the Username box, use the keyboard to enter a user name, and select Finished. The name you enter will appear in the Username box. AF T 6. Select Next. You will be prompted to select a vocabulary for the user. D R 7. Select a vocabulary tile to display a list of available vocabularies.
8. Select a vocabulary and select Get Started. The home page of the vocabulary will be displayed. Hint: To learn how to create additional users, switch between users, delete a user, and close the application, see “Working with Users” on page 99. To learn how to back up information for a user, see “Exporting a User’s Vocabularies and Settings” on page 225. D R AF T 9. Proceed to the next section, “Using Basic Features”.
Using Basic Features When you purchased your PRC communication device you also selected one or more vocabularies to use with it, such as Unity®, Essence®, LAMP Words for Life®, or Engage®. Within each language system, many built-in vocabularies are available which are pre-populated with commonly used words, phrases, and sentences. Use your vocabulary to communicate.
Description Status area When a feature is turned on, its icon appears in the status area of the multi-bar: Vocabulary Builder, touch access, head tracking, eye tracking, or scanning. The status area also shows system sound/mute status and the current time and battery charge level. Activity Window The activity window displays tools (such as punctuation), common activities (such as greetings and calendar time), and fringe vocabulary.
Identifying Status Area Icons When a feature is turned on, its icon appears in the multi-bar status area. Icon Description A Bluetooth phone is connected. A text message notification has been received. Touch access is turned on. Head tracking is turned on. T Eye tracking is turned on. AF When either head tracking or eye tracking is turned on, a miniaturized version of the positioning guide is displayed. Show Positioning Guide must be turned on in the Multi-bar Settings window.
Icon Description Vocabulary Builder is turned on. Battery charge level. This icon turns red when the battery charge is critically low; it turns green when the battery is charging. Data logging is turned on. D R AF T An Empower software update is available.
Empower: Using the Menu Button and Quick Menu When you are viewing a vocabulary, the Menu button appears in the upper right corner of the screen. Feature Description Takes you back to the last page you were on in the vocabulary. R Exit Menu AF T When you select Menu, the Quick Menu is displayed. The Quick Menu provides access to the Toolbox and displays shortcuts to commonly used features. Allows you to configure settings that control application features. See “Using the Toolbox” on page 56.
Description Power Allows you to put the device to sleep, shut down the device, or restart the device. See “Using the Power Shortcut” on page 237. Go Back Takes you back one screen when you are in your vocabulary. Vocabulary Builder Turns Vocabulary Builder on. See “Using Vocabulary Builder” on page 123. Editor Displays the Editor buttons for customizing vocabularies. See “Using the Editor” on page 147. Modify Shortcuts Allows you to add, remove, and rearrange Quick Menu shortcuts.
Apps: Using the Menu Button and Quick Menu Access Bar When you are using an app, the Menu button appears in the upper right corner of the screen. AF T Note: To exit the app, select Exit App (below the Menu button). You will return to the Empower software screen you came from. When you move the mouse pointer over Menu, the Quick Menu Access Bar appears. D R When you select the Quick Menu Access Bar, the Quick Menu is displayed. • To return to the last page you were on in the app, select Exit Menu.
Turning Access to the Menu Buttons On or Off You may want to turn off access to the Menu button, Quick Menu, and Quick Menu Access Bar so that the user does not accidentally select or get distracted by them. Use the Menu Buttons setting to allow or restrict access to the Menu buttons. When the setting is turned on: The Menu button is available in the top right-hand corner of the screen. • The Quick Menu and Quick Access Menu Bar are available.
Using the Toolbox D R AF T The Toolbox provides access to user settings, vocabulary settings, system settings, and applications. To access the Toolbox, select Menu and then Toolbox. The Toolbox opens to the User Settings tab. User Settings allows you to customize settings for the current user.
Identifying Toolbox Features Description Exit Toolbox Exit the Toolbox and return to where you came from. For example, if you are in the Web Browser app and go to the Toolbox to change a setting, Exit Toolbox will take you back to the Web Browser app. Go To Vocabulary Exit the Toolbox and return to the last page you were on in your vocabulary.
Changing the Toolbox Language This setting changes the toolbox language only. To change the language used with vocabularies, see “Changing the Language Used with Vocabularies” on page 144. AF T 1. Choose Menu > Toolbox > User Settings > Toolbox Language. The Toolbox Language window shows the language currently selected for the Toolbox. D R 2. Select the Current Language Change button. The available languages are displayed. 3. Select the Choose button for the language you want. 4. Select Close.
Changing Settings Using Tabs Most information is displayed in windows. Windows can include such features as tabs, setting controls, and buttons. Tabs AF T Tabs Tabs allow you to switch among views in the same window. They do not navigate to different areas of the application. Changing a setting D R Increase or decrease the number displayed for a setting by moving the slider button until the number you want is displayed or by selecting the – and + buttons to change the number one digit at a time.
Returning to the previous screen When necessary, select the return arrow in the upper left corner of a window to return to the previous screen. Entering information in text entry fields AF Touch Access: T How you enter information in a text entry field that displays a keyboard icon depends on the access method you selected.
Using an Editing Keyboard When you select a text entry field, an editing keyboard opens. Select keys to enter words, numbers, etc. The characters you select appear in the text field at the top of the keyboard. Note: When you select the shift key or CAPS LOCK key, the letters on the keyboard will adjust to your selection. For example: Uppercase letters with shift selected T Lowercase letters with shift not selected D R AF As you enter characters, predicted words are displayed.
Leaving a screen without saving changes Select … AF If you decide … T If you try to leave a screen on which you made changes without selecting Save, the application prompts you to save your changes.
Adding, Removing, and Rearranging Quick Menu Shortcuts When you select Menu, the Quick Menu displays shortcuts to commonly used features. D R AF T To add, remove, and rearrange shortcuts, select Modify Shortcuts. The top section of the page displays current shortcuts. The lower section displays available shortcuts and non-selectable used shortcuts.
Adding a Shortcut 1. Select the space in the top section to which you want to add a shortcut. The space will change color. AF T 2. Select the shortcut you want. The shortcut will appear in the selected space. 3. Select Save. The page will close and the current vocabulary page will be displayed. When you select Menu, the new shortcut will be available. R Note: If you are not satisfied with the new shortcut, do either of the following: Select Cancel instead of Save.
Removing a Shortcut 1. Select the shortcut you want to remove. The shortcut changes color and a delete icon appears. . The selected shortcut moves to the lower AF T 2. Select the delete icon section of the page. D R 3. Select Save.
Rearranging Shortcuts To move a shortcut to a different location combines the procedures for removing and adding shortcuts. 1. Select the first shortcut you want to move and select the delete icon . The selected shortcut moves to the lower section of the page. AF T 2. Select and delete each additional shortcut you want to move. The selected shortcuts move to the lower section of the page. 3. Select the first space to which you want to move a shortcut.
Using Shortcuts Description Check Positioning The Check Positioning shortcut opens the Eye Tracking window. Check and adjust your calibration settings. See “Finding Information on Eye Tracking” on page 74. Desktop On a non-dedicated device, the Desktop shortcut displays the Windows desktop. On a dedicated device, the desktop is not available. Editor The Editor shortcut displays the Editor buttons for customizing vocabularies. See “Using the Editor” on page 147.
Shortcut Description For details on adding and using this shortcut, see “Using a Shortcut to Turn Speech On and Off” on page 96. The Tracking shortcut allows you to toggle head tracking or eye tracking on and off. When Tracking is turned off, head tracking or eye tracking is paused and the tracking button in the top center of the screen shows “Tracking is OFF”.
Configuring User Settings AF T The user settings allow you to configure device settings for the access method (touch, head tracking, eye tracking, or scanning), speaking and prompt voices, the application user interface (skins, colors, and fonts), and feedback sounds. You can also create and manage users and modify the feedback method. User settings apply to any vocabulary in use. To access the user settings, select Menu > Toolbox. The Toolbox opens to the User Settings screen.
Message Window & Multi-bar Message Window & Multi-bar allows you to customize colors, styles, autoformatting, and speech for the message window and show the positioning guide in the multi-bar. Users Users allows you to create and manage users. The current user is displayed. Cursor, Dwell & Selection Feedback T Cursor, Dwell & Selection Feedback allows you to adjust the appearance of the cursor/pointer and configure visual and audio feedback when you dwell on, scan, or touch a button.
Choosing an Access Method R AF T An access method is the method you use to control your device—touch, head tracking, eye tracking, or scanning. Select an access method and then customize that method for your personal use by selecting the options you want. Select Menu > Toolbox > User Settings > Access Method. The Access Methods window allows you to set the method for controlling your device. Select Touch, Head Tracking & USB Input, Eye Tracking, or Scanning.
Setting up Touch Access AF T If you want your device to select a button when you touch it, select Menu > Toolbox > User Settings > Access Method > Touch. The Touch window displays the touch access settings. Button Selection Type When Pressed: A button is selected when you touch it. R When Released: A button is selected when you release it. Button Selection Time D With the When Pressed tab selected: Selection time is the amount of time you must hold a button before it is selected.
Next Button Selection Delay Set how long you must wait after a button selection before you can select another button. Available times range from 0.0 to 10.0. This setting is only available when the When Pressed tab is selected. Repeat Delay Set how long you must hold down a button before it repeats. Available times range from 0.0 to 10.0. This setting is only available when the When Pressed tab is selected.
