Duration/Input Tab
The Duration/Input tab is common to objects capable of collecting input. It is used to set the properties related to the duration of the object, the collection of input, and logging. Input is enabled for an object through the definition of Input Masks. Input Masks define the device to be used for data collection, as well as the specific properties related to that input device. Once enabled, a device maintains its own Response Option settings as a mask on the device. Selection of a device in the Device(s) field will display the options for the mask in the Response Options.
Within a single object, multiple masks may be defined to allow input from multiple devices, or to vary the types of allowed responses and resulting actions using a single device for input. For example, masks may be defined to allow input from both the mouse and the keyboard. Or, several different masks may be defined to use the keyboard device. Masks using a common device may differ in the keys designated as allowable input, or in the action to be taken when a response is detected.
| Field | Possible Values | Description |
| Duration | Integer values, Attribute References | Sets the intended duration (msec) of the object’s Run method. This setting depends upon the object’s End Action setting. The "-1" value may be used to indicate that the object should run indefinitely until the conditions for termination are met (e.g., until a response is collected, audio file playback terminates, etc.). |
| Timing Mode | Event, Cumulative, Custom | Sets the timing method to be used by the object. Event - Timing is maintained relative to a single event. Cumulative - Timing is maintained relative to a consecutive set of events. Custom – Timing is maintained by the user. |
| Data Logging | None, Standard, Response Only, Time Audit Only, Custom |
Specifies the category of variables to be logged for the object.
Data for buttons can be logged as well when Button Devices are active. See E-STUDIO: Logging [22719] for further information. |
| PreRelease | Integer values | Amount of time released during the processing of the current object to allow for setup of the next object. |
| Device(s) | Keyboard, Mouse, Button, Chronos, Serial Response Box, Port, Parallel Port, Celeritas, Joystick | Displays devices currently enabled to accept input. Response options (i.e., input masks) must be set for each device separately. A single device may have several input masks. |
| Allowable | Alphanumeric values, Function Keys, Attribute references, {ANY}, {ALPHA}, {NUMBER} | Defines the allowed input for the specific device. Any character entered into the Allowable field becomes a valid response key. Function and special keys are enabled for input using left and right brackets (e.g., {F1}, {SPACE}). Keys not specified in Allowable are essentially ignored. |
| Correct | Alphanumeric values, Attribute references | Value used to score the response collected by the input object. If there is no correct response, the Correct field may be left blank. |
| Time Limit | (same as duration), (infinite), Integer values, Attribute references | Specifies the amount of time allowed for extended responses. The Time Limit may extend beyond the Run duration of the object. |
| End Action | (none), Terminate, Jump | Determines the action, if any, to take upon termination of the input mask. Care must be taken when using End Action in conjunction with extended input (i.e., Time Limit). If the Time Limit extends past the Run duration of the object, setting End Action to “terminate” will result in termination of the currently running object, which may or may not be the object collecting the input. |
| Jump Label | String values | Identifies a Label object within the current Procedure to which program execution jumps when input is received on a mask that has an End Action of “Jump”. |
Special mention is warranted by the Jump Label property. The user should take care to understand that the Jump Label is independent of any input masks enabled, and simply serves to initialize or update the current jump destination. Therefore, while set by a specific object, the Jump Label simply indicates the location to which processing will move if a jump occurs. Jump Label is not specific to the object setting Jump Label, and the jump may occur in relation to another object completely. Once initialized, the Jump Label setting remains active until updated by another object, or until the end of the Procedure. Use of the Jump Label property requires the use of a Label object within the same Procedure.
InputMask.TimeLimit “End of Proc” Option
When working with the Duration properties of a display object, there can be unintended side effects when the Duration property is set to “(infinite)” or the Time Limit property is set to “(same as duration)”. To avoid the side effects of choosing “same as duration” or “infinite” for the Time Limit property of an input mask, an end of procedure option is available for InputMask to terminate the input mask at the end of the current procedure.
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