HW Agenda Aug 24

Hardware 08/24 Agenda

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2.2-C - Audio Connection

When products provide auditory output beyond simple tonal feedback or signaling, the audio signal must be provided at a standard signal level through an industry standard connection that will allow for private listening. If the product is a public-shared product then the connection must be via a standard 2.5mm or 3.5mm phone jack. If the product is personal-private product then the connection can be wired or wireless as long as a 2.5mm or 3.5mm phone jack adapter is available from the manufacturer.

2.1-B Contrast Ratio for Legends and Instructions

If the legend or instructions on the device are the only means of conveying information, then the contrast ratio shall be X:1 and the relative luminance difference must be at least 15% of XXX.

NOTE: XXX is a placeholder for the final scale on which the 15% is based.

Secondary labels …

Advisory notes: (OLD NOT FIXED)

Primary legends refer to the highest level function of an interaction point.

NOTE: If other means of conveying the information conveyed by the label or instructions, is uniquely tactiley descernible though shape and/or location, exist then this contrast ratio requirement does not apply.

This requirement excludes system labels, such as the regulatory labels, where information can be found in other sources associated with the product either in hard or soft copy format.

Measurement method – do we need to define? My opinion is let’s get agreement on language first before we spend time on measurement methods.

2.1-A Contrast Ratio for Display

For displays on products, at least one mode must exist where the contrast ratio between the Luminance at ligt state compared to luminance at dark state shall be X:1.

Advisory notes:

High state typically refers to the lighter condition for the display. For example, white screen on an LCD. Low state typically refers to the darker condition for the display. For example, black screen on an LCD. Measurement method – do we need to define? My opinion is let’s get agreement on language first before we spend time on measurement methods.

2.1-E Connector/connection language

If users can control any product functionality through a non-standard user connection, they must also be able to control that functionality through a standard user connection using standard protocols for that type of input or output. If an adapter is required to convert a non-standard user connection on an E&IT device into a standard user connection, it shall be the responsibility of the E&IT vendor to provide such adapter.

NOTE: "Standard Connection" shall be deemed to be a connection that has been readily adopted by industry and is in common and current use. For example, while a serial port with a DB25 connector used for mouse input was a standard connection many years ago, it is no longer in common and current use on modern computers, and would no longer be considered a standard connection.

2.1-D Touch operated controls

The two versions of the requirement that appear in the July 6 draft are:

Version 1 - If a product utilizes touch screens or touch-operated controls, an input method must be provided that complies with Mechanical Controls Section.

Version 2 - If a product utilizes touch screens or touch-operated controls, an equivalent means of input/interaction/control shall be provided.

Here is an attempt to reword the requirement to address the concerns that I heard at the TEITAC plenary this morning.

Version 3 - If a product utilizes touch screens or touch-operated controls

     (a) A functionally equivalent, alternate means of operation that does not require vision must be provided. 
     (b) A functionally equivalent, alternate means of operation that does not require fine motor control must be provided. 
     (c) If the product is freestanding, non-portable, and intended to be used in one location, the alternate means in (a) and (b) must not require speech. 

Related Sufficient Techniques: If a product utilizes touch screens or touch-operated controls, and is freestanding, non-portable, and intended to be used in one location, a sufficient technique to satisfy the requirement would be to provide functionally equivalent Mechanical Controls (see). To protect the privacy of the user, user speech (input) cannot be required . However, if Mechanical Controls are provided, redundant voice-input controls may be provided as well.

To satisfy the requirement for other products that utilize touch screens or touch-operated controls, sufficient techniques include providing functionally equivalent (1) Mechanical Controls, or (2) voice controls with audio response.

LANGUAGE AT THE END OF THE HARDWARE MEETING 8-24-2007

If a product utilizes touch screens or touch-operated controls then the product must provide directly or through AT that does not require user-speech:

(a) A functionally equivalent, alternate means of operation that uses Mechanical Controls and does not require vision.

(b) A functionally equivalent, alternate means of operation that does not require fine motor control.

SUGGESTED CLEAN-UP OF LANGUAGE ABOVE: Provided by Closed Group

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

(a) A functionally equivalent, alternate means of operation that uses Mechanical Controls and does not require vision.

(b) 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.

Here are some additional thoughts:

1. In order to leave room for innovation, the provision begins to look something like the Functional Performance Criteria. In order to compensate for this, I tried to consider the human abilities that may be required for operation of a touch screen or touch control (vision and fine motor control), and to address those specific interface requirements.

2. This language does not address the needs of those who have multiple disabilities.