Using Function keys in Captivate 5 simulations

[RMELNYK]

I have created a software simulation which uses function keys extensively for navigation and program control.  Once I publish my simulation and launch from my LMS, the function keys invoke browser commands instead of completing the action in my simulation.  For example, I instruct the user to press the F5 key to open an inquiry screen and the browser refreshes and starts the simulation over again.  How can I stop this from happening?  Our software uses all 12 function keys. (Actually 24 when using them in combination with the Shift key)

I have dozens of modules i have to created simulating this system and really need to figure out a solution.  I couldn't find anything so I am hopeful someone has.

Thanks

[RodWard]

I hope I am wrong, but I think you will find that certain function keys (such as F5, F11, etc) are reserved by the browsers universally for invoking browser functions.  You may not be able to get around these being hijacked by the browser using standard Captivate interactive objects (clickboxes and buttons).

Have you investigated whether or not you could use Javascript code like found here:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1400528/is-there-a-way-to-capture-override-ctrl-r-or-f5-on-ie-usi...

ActionScript 3 might also be able to provide a way around this issue.  But that would require creating a custom-built interactive widget, and that would cost you money.  Does your company have a budget for solving this issue or were you just looking for something free and easy?

[RodWard]

More information here: http://www.actionscript.org/forums/showthread.php3?t=54081

Looks like JavaScript is the way to go.

[Captiv8r]

Hi all

For what it's worth, not even the mighty JavaScript can coax some of the function keys to work for this. I've tried on many occasions and have basically come up empty handed and crestfallen each time.

Cheers... Rick

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[Guest]

Hi All,

Just to get a sense, how often do developers face this requirement i.e. requiring end-users to interact with the course via function keys? Or let me put it this way- Why would people not use keys that are not hijacked by browsers?

-Manish

blogs.adobe.com/captivate

[RodWard]

In answer Manish,

I don't think it would necessarily be a common scenario, but not being able to over-ride the function keys used by browsers is going to make some people's life very difficult.  For example the poor Captivate developer tasked with developing training tutorials to teach a software that makes heavy use of function keys in tasks.

With current Captivate functionality, it's virtually impossible to do.

So will everyone need it? No.

Will it be essential for some people? Yes.

[innocent bystander]

Why not simulate the function keys?

You could put an image of buttons across the top of your simulation, label them ( [F1] [F2] .. [F12] ) and program them to respond like the real keys.

[RMELNYK]

That is the path that I have had to go, although it obviously makes the simulation less realistic since you do not use a mouse with AS400 programs.  Thanks to all for your ideas.

[Grgonzalez]

I can put an image of the function keys but every time I ask the user to press F5 on the image below they instinctively touch F5 in the real keyboard causing all the simulation to refresh from zero.