2-1-D Touch controls Changes

2-1-D Touch controls Changes

If a product uses touch screens or touch-operated controls, it must provide a functionally equivalent alternative means of operation that allows operation without vision and without fine motor control using controls that meet the same requirements as mechanical controls (2.1-C).

Note: Speech input may also be provided but cannot be relied upon to meet this provision

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2.1-D - Touch Operated Controls

Version 1

If a product utilizes touch screens or touch-operated controls then the product must provide, without requiring user-speech:

1. A functionally equivalent, alternate means of operation that uses Mechanical Controls and does not require vision.
2. A functionally equivalent, alternate means of operation that does not require fine motor control.

Note: This provision should not discourage the provision of control via user speech in addition to the above methods.

Version 2 (proposal from plenary)

If a product uses touch screens or touch-operated controls, it must provide a functionally equivalent alternative means of operation that meets the requirements for Mechanical Controls. This alternative must not require either vision or fine motor control.

Note: A product may also provide control via user speech in addition to the above methods.

Rationale: This language addresses the issues associated with touch-based controls (including biophysical, accidental activation and vision) by requiring a redundant interaction method without assigning the control type.

Discussion of Work in Progress
* Keyboard controls that provide equivalent functionality are equivalent
* Touch screens can't always provide a 1:1 match of soft and mechanical controls.
* Need to finalize some language that addresses the intent of “redundancy” 
  of controls beyond just requiring another set of mechanical controls.  
* Need to add an ability to de-activate the touch screen to prevent accidental
  activation
* Is remote control an acceptable alternative