Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

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xiando
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Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2015 2:57 pm

Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by xiando »

Hi,

I am one of those unfortunate people you might have read about who has a negative physiological response to bright, high contrast color flashes. Repeatedly being subjected to them (as is the case when processing with Star Tools) results in migraines (especially with the high-visibility, lime-green mask). I have no alternative but to try to look away when it happens, but the flashing mask happens very frequently and routinely catches me off guard (for instance, when I'm watching for tiny changes when executing an action. (I do understand the logic of choosing that color, since it's not one we'd normally encounter...)

Would it be possible to provide some user-config method by which I change the color used for the mask, and maybe even stop the flashing altogether? I don't care if it's a text setting in a cfg file or a prettified menu thing, whatever works and minimizes the effort necessary to provide it.

I'm trying to enjoy using this software, but much as one might not think so (if one does not happen to suffer from the condition), it goes well beyond "a minor inconvenience" and results in me slipping back to DSS/PS due to the literal pain I experience as a result of using Star Tools. Love the results, but not the effects on me due to this issue.

regards,

Andrew
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admin
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Re: Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by admin »

Hi Andrew,

Sorry to hear that. What operating system are you using, so I know which one to target for this?
Ivo Jager
StarTools creator and astronomy enthusiast
xiando
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2015 2:57 pm

Re: Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by xiando »

Hi Ivo,

I'm running windows (8.1 now but soon 10)

thanks,

Andrew
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Re: Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by admin »

Hi Andrew,

Can you try the latest alpha for me?
The blinking will not be present if you create a 'bogus' file called 'noblink' in the folder where StarTools (e.g. resources, CHANGELOG, executables, StarTools.log, etc.) resides.
Instead it will show the current mask once for a duration of time, and then remove it.

Let me know if this alleviates the problem for you.

Cheers,
Ivo Jager
StarTools creator and astronomy enthusiast
xiando
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Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2015 2:57 pm

Re: Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by xiando »

Sorry for the long delay in responding.

Yes, that helps considerably, thank you. By the way, it's a combination of the bright lime green coloration and flashing that causes the affect.

Is there a configuration file that determines the background color used for the mask?

regards,

Andrew
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Re: Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by admin »

Good to hear that works for you!

Green was chosen as it is a very rare color in outer space, and hence really stands out.
Ivo Jager
StarTools creator and astronomy enthusiast
ecuador
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Re: Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by ecuador »

admin wrote:Good to hear that works for you!

Green was chosen as it is a very rare color in outer space, and hence really stands out.
Sorry, but that's not what I've heard. What about all those Little Green Men?
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Re: Mask Flash color/flash config option please. migraines

Post by admin »

:lol:
Ivo Jager
StarTools creator and astronomy enthusiast
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