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Swinging Windows
Swinging
Windows is a small application which enables the
window you're working on to move gently through
various angles. With a slight movement you can easily
still use the mouse to select text and objects, and
it is just as simple to type as if the window were
stationary. You can also use larger movements to help
get your eyes moving.
"The
world moves. Let it move. All objects move if you
let them. Do not interfere with this movement, or
try to stop it. This cannot be done without an
effort which impairs the efficiency of the eye
and mind."
Wm H. Bates M.D.
Instructions:
Download Swinging
Windows 1.0 here
Unzip the file
and double click on swing1_0.exe- Swinging Windows
starts immediately and there is no installation
procedure. You can use your mouse to alter the
movement, but if the window is moving you can also
use the following keys:
| Up
Arrow |
Increase
Speed |
Once you have
the movement the way you want it, switch to
the program you're working on; that window
then starts to move according to your
settings. For best results, make sure the
window is not maximised. |
| Down
Arrow |
Decrease
Speed |
| Left
Arrow |
Decrease
Distance |
| Right
Arrow |
Increase
Distance |
| Home |
Increase
Angle |
| End |
Decrease
Angle |
| S
|
Start/Stop |
| M |
Switch
mode (Circle/Straight) |
| A |
Clockwise/Anti-clockwise |
It is also
possible to start swinging windows on startup. This
way, windows will swing from login.
Swinging Windows- How to use
Swinging Windows | How to use | Head Swing
and Optical Swing | Top
How to use the
swinging windows
One of the
most basic aims of the Bates method is in helping
people to break the habit of staring - rigid fixing
of the eyes on a point, for the purpose of forcing
the vision to work. The reason computers have such a
reputation for creating eyesight difficulties is
because they often encourage this kind of use of the
eyes, and by the end of the day many people find
their eyes are very tired, achy and sore.
Swings are a
major part of the Bates method for learning to use
the eyes well. In short, they simply help to break up
the pervasive habit of staring.
However,
people respond differently to the swings. Depending
on the degree of refractive error of the eyes, swings
can be a challenge - the higher the refraction, the
more likely that the person will find using the swing
windows difficult.
In order to
help overcome any obstacles, firstly understand that
the swing is a skill that can be learned, and as with
any skill, take things slowly and in bite-size
chunks!
- If you
experience unpleasant feelings at any point,
stop and rest your eyes by closing them or
palming.
- Set the
swinging window up to make small, smooth and
slow
movements
- Follow
the movement by turning your head, so that
your nose follows the window and your eyes
follow the place at which your nose is
pointing.
- Don't try
to focus on text that is swinging. Let the
movement be of interest in itself.
- As you
watch the swinging window, tell yourself
consciously to let it move - this helps the
mind to accept the movement.
- Oppositional
movement - If you are
feeling comfortable, start to notice the
surrounding items on the screen, and objects
in the background. If you're letting the
movement be easy and comfortable, you may
start noticing the background objects appear
to move in the opposite direction.
- Bring
your mind's focus back to the content of the
swinging window - you can then try working
with the window moving.
- Alternatively,
try increasing the movement and using
different angles and speeds. You may find
that there's a particular motion that seems
to be most relaxing. Just play with it and
try things out!
- Remember:
If you experience unpleasant sensations, stop
and rest your eyes, or close the swinging
windows application, and come back to it
later.
Swinging Windows- Head Swing and Optical
Swing
Swinging
Windows | How to use | Head Swing and Optical Swing
| Top
Head Swing and
Optical Swing
In the
instructions above I said: "Follow
the movement by turning your head, so that your
nose follows the window and your eyes follow the
place at which your nose is pointing."
This is
known as a 'head swing'. You can also experiment
by reducing the amount of head movement and thus
allowing the eyes to move in their sockets - the
optical swing. Seeing the illusion of
oppositional movement is usually more difficult
with the optical swing, however, if you can
gently work at it, it affords a deeper degree of
relaxation.
Kevin
Wooding © 2003
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