>From the file in Microsoft Word format http://trace.wisc.edu/ docs/ez_implementation_guide/ez_implementationv2.doc EZ ACCESS(tm) FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES V 2.0 IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE FEBRUARY 23, 2000 Check http://trace.wisc.edu/world/ez for updated versions ! Authors: Chris M. Law, Gregg C. Vanderheiden; Illustrations: Ben Caldwell; Additional input: David Kelso ! Copyright (c) 2000, Trace R&D Center, University Wisconsin-Madison, 5901 Research Park Boulevard, Madison, WI, 53719. EZ Access(tm) and EZ(tm) are trademarks of the University of Wisconsin - Trace Research and Development Center. EZ Access is Patent-Pending technology which can be licensed for use via the University of Wisconsin. Contac the Trace Center, info@trace.wisc.edu for details. Version and Contact Information Previous versions of EZ Access (Versions 1.x) were developmental versions which were not publicly available. Version 2.0 is the first published version of EZ Access, Dated February 23rd, 2000. For updates or more recent versions after this date, please visit the website listed below. Please note that EZ Access(tm) is patent-pending technology licensed by the University of Wisconsin's Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Developers of electronic devices who are interested in implementing EZ Access into their own products should contact the Trace Center for more information. For more information about EZ Access, or to supply feedback, please contact The Trace Center at: Trace R&D Center, University Wisconsin-Madison, 5901 Research Park Boulevard, Madison, WI, 53719 USA tel: (608) 263-1156 fax: (608) 262-8848 email: info@trace.wisc.edu web: http://trace.wisc.edu/world/ez Table of Contents Part I: Introduction to EZ Access 4 Section 1: Quick Overview of features 5 Section 2: How EZ Access improves electronic devices 14 Section 3: Differences between EZ Access and other talking devices 18 Section 4: Basic Interface Components 20 Part II: Specifications for implementing EZ Access 23 Section 1: Priorities 24 Section 2: Standard Operation 25 Section 3: Controls 26 Section 4: Virtual List 28 Section 5: Layered Help for interface elements 31 Section 6: Speech output 32 Section 7: Visual display 33 Section 8: Visual events for sounds 34 Section 9: Time-out parameter changes 35 Section 10: Actions 36 Section 11: Alerts 38 Section 12: EZ Access Instructions and Help 39 Section 13: User Options (and Defaults) 41 Part I : Introduction to EZ Access EZ Access is a simple set of interface enhancements, which can be applied to electronic devices, so that they can be used by people with disabilities, or anyone who experiences difficulty using a device in the standard method of operation. FIn Part I F * Quick Overview of features * "EZ-3-Button" * "ButtonHelp" * "ShowSounds/Captions" * How EZ Access improves electronic devices * Basic Interface Components * Differences between EZ Access and other talking devices Section 1: Quick Overview of features EZ-3-Button feature The EZ-3-Button feature allows a person to access all functions necessary to operate a device via a simple 3-button interface with speech and visual display. This provides access for users who are operating under a wide range of constrained conditions including those who - cannot see or look at the device - cannot read the labels or display - cannot make fine controlled movements - cannot find or use some of the device controls under certain circumstances EZ 3-Button Functionality With this feature everything can be done with 3 buttons: * From the user's perspective, the things that can be done on a device can generally be classified as follows: a) reading dynamic displays, viewing indicator lights etc. b) reading static displays, labels etc. c) activating buttons or other controls d) inserting or removing media, material, etc. * The EZ 3-Button feature gives full access to a, b and c (reading and controlling), and can be used to give assistance to the user in d (media handling). * The EZ UP and EZ DOWN buttons are used to move through a virtual list of the things (elements) that can be done or read at any given time. As the user steps through the list the name of each element is spoken and / or displayed on the device. * Any element on the list can be activated (chosen) by pressing the green diamond-shaped EZ BUTTON. The function / operation that is associated with that element is executed when the EZ Button is released. If the item is a text element, the text is read. * A confirmation beep (and often an echo of the button or control name, and / or notification to the user on what is happening) is made when an element is activated. Different sounds can be made for different types of items (e.g. action items vs. information items) but operation of the device is not dependent on recognizing the sounds or differences in sounds. * Using the EZ-3-Button feature, a user can access all functions on the device without relying on vision or the ability to read, and without knowledge of where controls are laid out on the device. See the section below on "real-world examples" to see how the EZ-3 Button feature can be used. * When the user presses any other button on the device, the device returns to its standard (default) operational behavior. (In some cases it may be desirable to warn or question the user should this occur because they are exiting the use of the EZ 3-Button feature and their activation of the control may have been accidental. For example, a person who is blind may brush their hand across a touch screen accidentally and not know they had done so.) Step 1: Navigate available elements via virtual list i ii Step 2. Select elements with diamond EZ BUTTON Examples of real-world use: EZ 3-Button feature People who have their eyes occupied by another task: The EZ 3-Button feature allows complete access to a device using just 3 buttons. For example - a phone could be completely accessed using just 3 buttons on the side of the phone. This would allow complete eyes-free access to the full functionality of the phone. People who have no vision or poor vision: The EZ 3-Button feature also allows access to ATMs, kiosks, fare machines and other information or transaction machines for people who cannot see or have low vision. The two arrow keys allow the person to "look around" the displays and controls. All controls and text are read to the person and shown in large print on the display. To activate any item, the user would just press the third button (the EZ button). The technique is so simple that it can be easily mastered by people who are using the machine for the first time. People who cannot read or find it difficult to read: Even people who can see can sometimes have difficulty reading. Low literacy, learning disabilities or simply using a device whose text is not in a user's native language can present problems. The EZ 3-Button feature provides a very easy to understand method for having all of the text on the screen, and the names of all controls on the device, read to you and highlighted. People who do not have their reading glasses with them, or who do not have their contact lenses in: Occasionally, people will temporarily have low vision due to not having their regular glasses or contact lenses handy. The 3-Button approach is easy enough to use that even occasional users will find it convenient. People who cannot reach or reliably touch all elements of the device: In addition to its voice output features, the EZ 3-Button feature is also useful to those with limited reach or strength. The entire device can be operated by using just the three easy to operate EZ buttons. They can even be operated with a headstick or mouthstick. People who have certain mild cognitive impairments: Individuals with mild cognitive impairments can also use the EZ 3-Button feature for an easy to use access method that highlights all the choices and reads them aloud for you. ButtonHelp feature ButtonHelp allows the user to find and identify buttons on an interface without relying on vision or reading of button legends. Successive "Layers" of help explaining the purpose and operation for any element on the device can be made available (for all users). This can be thought of as a user manual that is always at hand, since it is on the device itself. ButtonHelp Functionality The names of buttons can be found, even when the user cannot see them: * Each button or control on a device has a name associated with it (e.g. "play"; "stop"; "eject" etc.). * To explore the names of buttons on the device without activating the buttons, the user can hold down the green diamond EZ BUTTON and (while holding down the EZ BUTTON) press target buttons. The name of the target button is spoken, and /or displayed on the dynamic display of the device (without activating the target button or its function). * On some products there may be a mechanical control where it is not possible for the EZ software to sense movement of the control with the control's function being invoked (for example a mechanical volume control or a toggle switch). To explore the names of controls that are mechanical (e.g. volume, treble, tone-pulse switches etc.) the name and new state of the control can be given (e.g. "Volume 65%"; "Pulse dialing selected") when the EZ button is held down. * The ButtonHelp feature is completely non-modal, and can be used any time on the device, including when the user is utilizing the EZ-3-Button feature. (This is possible because the EZ 3-Button feature is triggered on EZ BUTTON release, and ButtonHelp works only when the EZ BUTTON is held down). * If the EZ Button is held too long, an instruction is spoken to help the user. * When the EZ Button is released, the device returns to standard operation. Step 1: Hold and keep down the diamond EZ BUTTON iii Step 2: Press other buttons on the device to hear their names LayeredHelp's functionality Instead of the user having to resort to the manual for instruction or help on how a button or control works, the help can be provided by the device itself using the LayeredHelp feature of ButtonHelp: * Each button or control can have successive layers of help associated with it. The amount of information stored can vary depending on the type of control. It can also be dynamic, and change in various modes if its functionality is mode-specific. * To get LayeredHelp, the user starts off by using ButtonHelp ( e.g. while holding down the EZ BUTTON, press any target button to hear its name). * Successive layers of help are given by speech, and/or on the visual display of the device. The user has the following options while holding down the diamond-shaped EZ BUTTON: * Listen to all layered help at once: press the target button once only, or keep the target button held down - while the EZ BUTTON is held down, all layers are given in turn, separated by pauses; * Skip to the next layer of help at any time: press the target button repeatedly - the next layer down is given on each press of the target button; * Repeat, Go backward (or forward) through layers: use the EZ UP and EZ DOWN buttons * When the EZ BUTTON is released, the device returns to its standard operation. * For most users, the terms "ButtonHelp" and "LayeredHelp" can be rolled into the one term of "ButtonHelp". Example of real-world use: ButtonHelp feature People who cannot remember how a certain product feature works and do not have (or cannot locate) the manual: The ButtonHelp feature allows anyone to identify the name and purpose of any control on a product. Using LayeredHelp, the person can get either a quick summary or a longer description of the function and proper use of any button or control. People who cannot see but know (have memorized) most of the buttons on a product: Often people who are blind can and do memorize most of the buttons they use on a product. The ButtonHelp feature makes it possible to learn the buttons independently. It also helps them identify seldom-used buttons or to double check their memory on products that are similar to but different from other products they use. People who only have trouble reading some words: For those who can read most of the words on a product, ButtonHelp provides an easy way to find out the names and functions of the rest. ShowSounds/Captions feature All sounds (beeps, music, mechanical noises), including speech, would have a parallel visual presentation enabling use of the device when a user is in a silent or noisy environment, or when they have difficulty hearing or cannot hear the device. ShowSounds/Captions functionality Visual events for all sounds from the device are shown on the visual display, or via indicator lights: * ShowSounds/Captions can be turned on directly or indirectly: * Direct: A Closed Captioning button can be pressed (an icon on screen or a physical button) * Indirect: ShowSounds/Captions can be selected via the EZ-3-Button feature, usually via a menu within the virtual list of elements. * Notes: ShowSounds can be always turned on. It may also be turned on automatically when the sound is muted, but it must be possible to have ShowSounds turned on even when the sound is not muted. Example of real-world use: ShowSounds/Captions feature People who are in a noisy environment: In noisy environments (such as a factory, a noisy shopping mall, etc.) the ShowSounds/Captions feature allows all information presented via sound to be seen/read on the display. Thus, no amount of noise would cause a user to miss some or all of the information presented. People who are in a quiet environment: In some cases, people are in environments where their products would be disruptive if they made sounds. For example, a library, a business meeting, a theatre and sometimes even shared offices. The ShowSounds/Captions feature allows any user to Mute their product yet still have full functionality. People who cannot hear or have difficulty hearing: For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, ShowSounds/Captions is a convenient and natural way to ensure that they are able to fully access and use products that make sounds or talk. Section 2: How EZ Access improves electronic devices People may not be able to use standard mainstream devices as they are designed because they have a disability or are working under constrained conditions. EZ Access is a simple and inexpensive-to-implement set of interface enhancements that provide alternate ways to operate standard devices (in eyes-free, silent and minimum user-control situations). Various environmental or situational conditions constrain users of standard devices Eyes occupied: If a user has their eyes on another task (e.g. driving) then they cannot see where buttons are or read displays on the device. As a result, the user has to memorize where the controls are or glance toward the device, taking their eyes away from the other task. Eyesight temporarily limited: Vision can be temporarily limited in a number of ways, such as leaving a pair of reading glasses upstairs, or trying to operate a device in a dark room or dark part of a room. Movement: Walking, jogging, riding in a vehicle over a bumpy surface... activities which create movement make it difficult to reliably press buttons on an electronic device without stopping. Hands covered: In winter, wearing gloves can make it difficult to press the buttons and operate fine controls on an electronic device. Hearing occluded: If the user is in a noisy environment (e.g. a factory, a football stadium), they will not be able to clearly hear the sounds emanating from the device. Hearing prevented: If the user is in a quiet environment or where it is not appropriate to make noise (e.g. library, meeting room), then it will not be possible to let the device make sounds without disturbing others. Human memory is limited: Most personal electronic consumer devices come with a manual to tell the user how the device works. Even experienced or technically-savvy users may have to refer back to the manual to jog their memory on a certain function. If a user has six electronic gadgets in their travel bag, should they need to carry six manuals? Cognitive processing is limited: If a person is tired or is in a stressful situation (e.g. emergency), they may have trouble thinking or remembering well. Temporary or permanent disabilities: Aging, injury, or disabilities may leave any person (temporarily or permanently) less able (or unable) to see, hear, read, handle, or operate fine controls on a device. Disability Access The EZ Access features are applied to an interface to overcome functional limitations experienced by people because of circumstance. There are people who experience some of these functional limitations because of temporary injury or illness, or from long term or permanent disabilities or aging. EZ Access can be used to gain access to all functions of a device without vision, hearing, or the ability to physically manipulate most of the interface items. With EZ-Link (coming in the future) it will also allow people to easily connect and use alternate interfaces to access a device. The disability groups that may gain access to a device outfitted with EZ Access are: * People who are blind * People who have low vision * People who are deaf * People who are hard of hearing * People who have certain physical manipulation difficulties * People who have certain tremor or other coordination difficulties * People who cannot read * People who have reading difficulties * People who have certain learning difficulties * People who have certain memory problems Overcoming Limitations by alternate means of information presentation In its most basic terms, EZ Access provides a means of accessing the controls of a device, and presenting information displayed on a device in alternative ways: Visual information can be presented auditorally; audible information can be presented visually; visual display of information can be enhanced (enlarged or made better contrast etc.). The interface is made flexible to meet each individual users needs at any given time, through relatively simple programming and little or no physical additions to the device. What EZ Access does for an interface EZ Access overcomes all of the above limitations for users, providing a simpler interface in addition to the standard interface. This can allow use of devices in situations that were previously difficult or impossible. Three simple access techniques (separate or combined depending on the user's needs) enable these limitations to be overcome while using any electronic device: * The EZ-3-Button feature allows all functions necessary to operate the device to be accessed using just 3 buttons on the device. Because the user only has to use 3 buttons, this feature provides access for users who have difficulty finding, identifying, or reliably pressing / activating the standard controls and/or viewing the visual displays of the device. * ButtonHelp allows the user to find buttons, and identify the function of any button, without relying on vision. Successive "Layers" of help for any button on the device can be made available to all users providing a built-in instruction manual as well (simple or complete). * The ShowSounds/Captions feature gives a visual 'event' for sounds such as warnings or errors, and written captions on the visual display for spoken messages / multimedia clips etc. ShowSounds can be used in association with text messaging and vibration alerts etc., to provide access when the user is unable to hear the interface for any reason. Note: An EZ-Link feature will be available in the future (2-5 years), using a new industry-standard under development to allow external devices of all types to control a device. Are there certain people with disabilities who cannot use EZ Access? EZ Access, like all interaction techniques has its limitations. In general, if a person is able to understand the purpose and general operation of the device and is able to follow spoken instructions (written instructions if they cannot hear), they will be able to use the device with the EZ Access methods. EZ Access does not overcome certain moderate or profound cognitive disabilities, but this depends on the individual, and the device in question. For persons who have complete or near-complete paralysis, interaction by pressing buttons directly on the device is not possible. Individuals who cannot see or hear may need special tactile displays to use devices with displayed information. The EZ-Link Protocol will allow separate "alternate interfaces", "assistive technologies" or "accessors" that a person may carry with them to be used instead of the displays or controls on the device. This feature requires the existence of a device interaction standard which is currently under development. EZ-Link will be added as part of the EZ Access "set" when the standard is publicly available. Public versus personal devices The requirements of a public or shared device and a personal device differ in many ways. The personal device is under control of the owner, and thus can be set up to behave a certain way most or all of the time at their discretion by setting preferences / options, which includes EZ Access features. The public, or shared device is intended to be used by different people, and is therefore characterized by its requirement to reset to standard operation when the user of the EZ Access techniques is no longer at the device. Personal devices can have more functionality and user settings than the minimum set required for public devices (though the public devices may incorporate this greater functionality if desired). Section 3: Differences between EZ Access and other talking devices EZ Access allows users immediate and easy to learn access to all major device functions; many other talking products use speech as a gimmick, hand-holding, or do not enable control of the whole device using speech. Access to all functions of the device Many products use speech output as a means to provide eyes-free operation. For example, in-car systems designed so that the user does not have to take their eyes off the road while driving. Such systems normally do not allow access to all functions on the device... like setting the clock or other functions that the designers think should only be done while the car is stationary. Other talking products use speech as a means to reduce the need for displays and reduce the number of controls required. For example, a telephone answering machine that has many advanced capabilities such as time-variable outgoing messages, time-stamping, and multiple mailboxes... control of these functions can be given to the user via a simple speech menu: the user cycles between menu items with one button, and sets parameters with another button. In this case a two-button speech interface can eliminate the need for 10 or more seldom-used buttons, and the need for a dynamic visual display (or the need for one more complicated than a two-digit message counter). In these cases, access to all product functions is not given through speech, so the situation arises where a blind user could access answering machine functions, but could not use speed-dial, call waiting, and other "advanced" call functions. In contrast, EZ Access enables the user to access and control all displays and controls on a device, using a simple 3-button interface. Furthermore, it does so in a manner that can be applied across different product types making it easier for users to use new products. Where products have partial speech functionality, EZ Access can be used to supplement, rather than compete with, such interaction techniques. Not a talk-through / hand-holding technique Interactive multimedia kiosks have used speech for "talk-through" or "voice lead through" for users. Common scenarios are for background narration or "talking heads" to tell the user what to do on each screen. Some developers have used this technique for blind or low-vision access to products, usually in a form such as: "Please choose a transaction: press 1 for withdrawal, press 2 for deposit, press 3 for balance inquiry, press 4 for transfers, press 5 to go back, press 6 to cancel" etc. etc. One difficulty with such systems is that by the time the user has heard all of the choices they have forgotten the key they wanted, and there is often no way to repeat the information. In addition, the instruction pace is not controllable by the user. EZ Access differs in that users can access all instructions and button/control names as they are written on the display, at their own pace. Users of the EZ 3-Button feature do not need to know the location of individual buttons on the device, other than the EZ Buttons. But if they did, they could explore the other buttons without activating them, using the ButtonHelp feature. No prior user knowledge required With many talking devices, the user must consult the manual to discover how the speech part works and how to activate the speech. EZ Access is non-modal and always available for all users. Turning on EZ Access is immediate and obvious to the user, and instructions are simple enough to fit into one or two sentences that are given the first time a user touches one of the three EZ Access controls (EZ UP, EZ DOWN, OR EZ BUTTON). Section 4: Basic Interface Components The design of standard / mainstream devices usually needs to be modified slightly to include the necessary EZ Access interface components. Buttons An electronic device which features EZ Access requires a minimum of three buttons: 1. an EZ BUTTON, 2. an EZ UP button 3. an EZ DOWN button. On Public Electronic Devices, it is recommended that the Buttons be shaped and laid out as in figure 1. On other devices, various alternative configurations are possible, and where appropriate, existing buttons on the device can be used. Note: on certain devices where an "Escape" (or "Cancel" / "Back") button is necessary, and a cancel key is not already provided, a dedicated "cancel" button can be added to the EZ Access interface buttons. Preferred layout of EZ Access interface buttons on a Public Electronic Device. iv Speech Output Speech output capabilities must be added to the device for EZ Access. This can be done through voice synthesis, or the playback of pre-recorded speech. Speech output provides the necessary alternative to the primarily visual display of information on most contemporary electronic devices. Most new electronic devices today already have the electronics needed to play back pre-recorded digitized speech, and if they do not have the capability it is often very inexpensive to implement. Speech is used for both eyes-free and reading-free access to devices. Virtual List of elements In order for EZ Access to be implemented, all of the elements (controls and displays) must be accessible as a "virtual list" in both speech and text form. For example, if a device has physical buttons of PLAY, RECORD, REWIND etc., then these controls need to be written into a text list. The text list is either converted to speech via voice synthesis (or pre-recorded speech), and/or the text items are displayed on the device. The verbal list for all interface elements is not necessarily presented to the user all at once - it can be broken down into sub-lists (e.g. Playback Controls, Editing Controls, Recording Controls). Button activation alternatives In order to add EZ Access to a device, button activation must be possible from software, i.e. the user must be able to pick a button from a verbal list, and activate it by selecting it from the list, as opposed to directly pressing the button on the interface. Thus, a device which requires the user to physically push a button which mechanically operates a function, could not be controlled via EZ Access without adding the necessary hardware for software-based control. Layers of Help for elements Each element of the device can have associated help, which is given to the user in layers. Layer structure is flexible depending on the device, but in general the layers can be thought of as given below: Layer zero: The name of the element and quick status (if any) Layer 1: The basic function of the element (and longer status, if necessary) Layer 2: How the element can be used Layer 3: Special instructions particular to the element Layer 4: Related elements Layer 5: Reference to a user manual page number (Loop back to Layer Zero) Note: If a device does not warrant the use of layers of Help, the element name and status only can be stored (layer zero). Any number of layers can be provided. Layer zero is the minimum requirement. Priorities It might not be possible or practical to add EZ Access interface controls for all elements of a device's interface, and so the elements should be prioritized: Priority 1. Tasks required to operate all of the functions that the device is designed for (including accessing all forms of built-in or online help or instruction manuals, and operating controls associated with everyday use) Priority 2. Routine tasks associated with regular operation (including inserting and removing storage media) Priority 3. Regular user maintenance Priority 4. Setup and installation Priority 5. Periodic maintenance or repair Labels on the device for enabling users to get started It is desirable that the user who has a functional limitation knows of the existence of, and is able to get started using, the EZ Access interface elements. Appropriate labeling or instructions in a device manual, or on the device's main menu etc., can be used to get this information across. Note: Braille can be used to tell the user the name of the device and to "...press the diamond shaped EZ Button for access". This is the only Braille that would be required on a device that had space for Braille instructions. Braille on or next to buttons is not necessary when EZ Access has been added to a device. It may be appropriate to provide it on a public device for those who know Braille. This would also be sufficient to allow use by deaf-blind individuals or blind individuals in very noisy environments. Part II : Specifications for implementing EZ Access FIn Part II F * Priorities * Standard Operation * Controls * Virtual List * Layered Help for interface elements * Speech output * Visual Display * Visual events for sounds * Time-out parameter changes * Actions * Alerts * EZ Access Instructions * User Options (and Defaults) Section 1: Priorities Priority system Where possible, the EZ Access interface controls should be applied to all elements of a device. Where this is not possible, application of the EZ Access interface controls should be determined by the priority order given below. Priority 1. Tasks required to operate all of the functions that the device is designed for (including accessing all forms of built-in or online help or instruction manuals, and operating controls associated with everyday use) Priority 2. Routine tasks associated with regular operation (including inserting and removing storage media) Priority 3. Regular user maintenance Priority 4. Setup and installation Priority 5. Periodic Maintenance or Repair Minimum priority Minimum qualification for an "EZ Access" device: Priorities 1 and 2 are satisfied. Section 2: Standard Operation The "Standard Operation" (default) mode is defined as the way the device works and behaves in "normal" everyday operation (e.g when it is first turned on). EZ Access should not affect standard operation of the device, unless the user wishes it to do so. Users should be able to switch between standard operation and EZ Access-style operation easily. Section 3: Controls EZ Button and up / down buttons The device must have a button which is designated as the "EZ BUTTON". This button must be identifiable to the user by one or more of the following (listed in order of priority): * a green colored, diamond shape (a square standing on one corner is acceptable) * the letters "EZ" on or next to the button * At this time, we recommend that the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Wheelchair symbol for disability access be placed near any dedicated EZ Button where space allows. The device must have increment / decrement buttons, referred to herein as the UP and DOWN buttons. The orientation of these buttons may be left/right or up/down or any other orientation. Electronic activation of functions It must be possible to electronically activate (from software) all of the functions that are associated with the control and use of the device, at the Priority 1 level (see Section 1). That is, if using a control causes an action, it must be possible to send an electronic signal from software based on an EZ button push which causes that same action. Note: This is necessary because the device must be controllable using only the EZ-3-Buttons. Button states detectable for all buttons on the device The state the following buttons must be readable by the device's software simultaneously: 1. EZ BUTTON 2. EZ UP BUTTON 3. EZ DOWN BUTTON 4. Any other individual button (must be readable at same time as 3 EZ Buttons) Activation of EZ buttons and UP or DOWN buttons The function associated with the EZ BUTTON always occurs on BUTTON-UP. The function associated with the UP and DOWN buttons always occurs on BUTTON-DOWN. If the UP and DOWN buttons are not dedicated EZ Buttons and are used for other functions (such as volume) when they are not being used as EZ-3-Buttons, the activation of the EZ UP and DOWN buttons can be on button-down or button-up. Activation of other buttons The functions associated with the other buttons on the device may occur on button down or button up, whichever is preferred for Standard Operation. Other types of control Implementing EZ Access for controls other than simple pushbuttons is possible. In general, the user should be able to : * get help on how the control is manipulated * determine the current state of a control * receive feedback during manipulation of the control as to what changes in the state of the device have occurred Section 4: Virtual List List creation Each element* of an interface must be available to the user on a "virtual list" that is navigated up and down using the UP and DOWN buttons, and selected from using the EZ BUTTON. *(an "element" can be a control, display, label etc) The list of available elements may change as necessary depending upon the state of the device, and the options which are available to the user at different points in time. The list may be linear or hierarchical depending upon what is appropriate for the device. The list should be split into logical, manageable chunks of elements. Logical Order The virtual list should appear to the user in a logical sequence that is consistent with the standard operation of the device. Nominal list structure The list contains interface elements and can contain virtual items that are not part of the standard interface. The virtual items help the user in controlling the device using EZ Access, by giving instruction or user options. *Top of List** List title: .. .. .. .. * About this List** * EZ Access Help, Instructions and Options *Bottom of List** * This is a Virtual List item. The item appears on the list but not necessarily on the device itself as a physical item. ** The word "List" can be substituted with "Screen" or "Menu" or "Choices", or any other appropriate term. Example: Automated Teller Machine Top of Withdrawal Screen Screen title: Withdrawal Screen Select the amount you want to withdraw $10 $20 $30 $50 $100 $200 Other Amount Go Back Cancel Transaction About this Screen EZ Access Help, Instructions and Options Bottom of Withdrawal Screen Section 5: Layered Help for interface elements Each element of the device can have associated help, which is given to the user in layers. Layer structure is flexible depending on the device, but in general the layers can be thought of as given below: Layer zero: The name of the element and quick status (if any) Layer 1: The basic function of the element (and longer status, if necessary) Layer 2: How the element can be used Layer 3: Special instructions particular to the element Layer 4: Related elements Layer 5: Reference to a user manual page number (Loop back to Layer Zero) Note: If a device does not warrant the use of layers of Help, the element name and status only can be stored (layer zero). Minimum requirement Any number of layers can be provided. Layer zero is the minimum requirement. Section 6: Speech output All elements given in the list and layers of help must have a speakable term associated with them. It is usually the text on the control (or the text in a text field). For buttons with icons, or shapes only, the associated term should be a word or phrase indicating the function of the button. Section 7: Visual display Where possible, text should be rendered at a minimum of 18 point typeface (or equivalent size) and icons should be recognizable from 5 feet away. Where possible, text should be rendered in high contrast, sans serif fonts. If only a limited amount of text can fit on a display, the text is sometimes programmed to scroll. If this is done, the user must be able to adjust the speed of scrolling text and be able to pause scrolling text. Section 8: Visual events for sounds All sounds All sounds from the device must have an associated visual event or corresponding display. The visual events/format are displayed on the device when ShowSounds/Captions is on. Sounds include speech, background music, alerts, meaningful / useful mechanical noises, beeps etc. Background music does not need to be continuously described if it is not conveying information, but the existence of background music should be relayed visually. Captions for spoken dialog All spoken dialog from the device must have associated text captions which can be displayed when ShowSounds/Captions is turned on. The captions must be displayed in synchronization with the spoken dialog. EZ Access constructs such as Button names, Help Layers, and the list, which are spoken as part of EZ Access, also require associated text captions that can be displayed when ShowSounds/Captions is turned on (the text is already displayed). Section 9: Time-out parameter changes The user must: a) be able to adjust the Time-outs of the device up to 10 times their duration in Standard Operation, or b) turn time-outs off. Section 10: Actions Terminology note The 3 EZ Buttons are the: * EZ BUTTON * EZ UP * EZ DOWN Any other button (or control, including touchscreen controls) on the device is referred to as a * TARGET Button Note: "Target" is not a term that is told to users as it is confusing to them. User's should be given terms such as "any other button". EZ 3-Button feature User Action Result First momentary press of EZ BUTTON, EZ UP, EZ DOWN* Brief instructions on how to use the EZ 3 Button feature. EZ UP pressed momentarily Move up to next element in list (note: list rolls over) EZ UP held down for 2 seconds Move up to top element in list** EZ DOWN pressed momentarily Move down to next element in list (note: list rolls over) EZ DOWN held down for 2 seconds Move down to bottom element in list** EZ BUTTON pressed momentarily Select element in list Press UP and DOWN button simultaneously (or hold down either and press the other) Jump to "About this List" * When there is a New User (when the device has timed out from the previous user) ** if using a linear list that is split up with heading elements, holding down the arrow buttons jumps to the next heading ButtonHelp feature User Action Result EZ BUTTON held down No action*** EZ BUTTON held down and a TARGET button on the device is pressed momentarily Name and Status (Layer zero) of the button is given EZ Button held down and a TARGET button on the device is held down Layers of Help (Layer 0 through Layer n) for the button are given. Each Layer is separated by a brief pause (of greater than 1 second). If Layer zero is being given, the speech will continue if target button is released. For all other layers, the speech is silenced when either button is released. This mode can move directly into the next if the EZ button is held down and the target button is pressed again. EZ Button held down and a TARGET button on the device is pressed momentarily a number of times Layers of Help (Layer 0 through Layer n) for the button are given. Each time the button is pressed, it jumps to the next layer. The speech continues until the end of the help layer. Lifting finger from EZ button causes speech to end immediately. EZ Button held down and a TARGET button on the device is pressed momentarily and then the EZ UP or EZ DOWN buttons are pressed Layers of Help are repeated or skipped with each press of the EZ UP button; skipped forward with successive presses of the EZ DOWN button. Lifting finger from EZ button causes speech to end immediately. a TARGET button pressed momentarily or held down Standard Operation action associated with pressing or holding that button is performed. Note: pressing any button while EZ Access speech is in progress causes the speech to be cut off and any new action is taken. a TARGET button on the device is held down and then EZ Button, or UP or DOWN button is pressed momentarily or held down No associated EZ Access action, but the user can be notified what the proper actions are. *** if the EZ Button is held down for 5 seconds without touching any other button (or touchscreen) and the device is not performing an action that requires the EZ Button to be down, the user can be told to release the button. Section 11: Alerts An Alert is a condition that normally requires user intervention - for example: out-of-paper, telephone is ringing, device is temporarily out of order etc. If there is a visual Alert and the person is using the EZ Access feature, that alert should be spoken. If it is a spoken auditory alert, it should be presented visually. In addition the alert becomes the current element in the list (i.e. pressing the EZ BUTTON would repeat the Alert). Section 12: EZ Access Instructions and Help EZ Access Instructions can be put into a menu or sub-list, named "EZ Access Instructions" or "Options and Instructions" or "EZ Access Menu", or equivalent. Labels on the device to lead into EZ Access If space permits, the following should be put onto the device in 18 point sans serif font: If you are having difficulty seeing, reading, hearing, or physically operating this device, press the green diamond-shaped EZ Button. In Grade 2 Braille, on as close to a horizontal surface as is practical, the following should be given: : for access, press the diamond-shaped EZ button located . First momentary press of EZ BUTTON, Up BUTTON, or DOWN button The following is spoken, and displayed on screen in Large font: Note: This message is given when there is a new user (when the device has timed out from the previous user). Note: If the user has pressed one of the EZ Access Buttons for the first time on a screen other than the idle or start screen /state of the device, a dialog should tell them where they are, and give them the option to start over or continue from where they are. EZ-3-Button feature detailed Instructions More detailed instructions on topics such as user options and holding the arrow buttons down to skip to the end of the list, etc., can be given in a sub-menu / sub-list on the virtual list of elements. ButtonHelp Instructions Instructions on how the ButtonHelp feature works can be given in a sub-menu / sub-list on the virtual list of elements. Physical layout of the device A description of where all of the physical elements of the device are can be given on a sub-menu / sub-list on the virtual list of elements. In addition, on devices where the user has to interact with various interface elements at different stages of using a device, for example on an ATM, instruction for the current physical element of interest can be given on the virtual list (help with the orientation of media can be given as part of this). General help for current situation The ButtonHelp / LayeredHelp gives a set of help texts which enable the user to find out about the functionality of the device in standard or alternative modes of interaction. This help can also be given as part of the virtual list, as an item named "Help for this screen / list / menu" etc. An alternative term is "About this screen / list / menu" etc. When designing the help for a given situation, the author of the help should bear in mind that the user may not be able to see the device or the layout of the components on the device or its screens. Section 13: User Options (and Defaults) The following are the standard options provided to the user. This list may be shortened or extended by developers depending on device functionality. On a new device, or if a device has timed out from the previous user, the default states should be in place (given in parentheses). User Options can be put into a menu or sub-list, named "User Options" or "Options and Instructions" or "EZ Access Menu", or equivalent. Speech On / Off (On [Conversational pace and tone] ) Highlight On / Off (On, when using EZ Access) Text Display [of all list elements] On / Off (On, when using EZ Access [elements that are already displayed in Standard Operation do not need additional display] ) Text Size Standard / Large (Standard) [Standard=Standard Operation text size, Large = 18 point or equivalent minimum] Note: EZ Access Instructions must appear initially in Large text size. ShowSounds/Captions On / Off (Off) Time-outs Standard / 2x / 5x / 10x (2x) EZ Button temporarily hold down Normal / Temporary Hold Down (Normal) Note: This Option is required to enable people who have one hand to be able to use the ButtonHelp feature Descriptions of Figures i EZ 3 Button - Step 1: Picture shows three buttons. On the right is a diamond shaped button with EZ printed on it. To the left are two triangular shaped buttons pointing up and down. A finger is pressing the triangular shaped button that points down. A voice bubble shows that the words "Pause, Play, Stop, Rewind" are being spoken. ii EZ 3 Button - Step 2: Picture shows the same three buttons. The finger is now pushing on the diamond shaped EZ button. A voice bubble shows the words "(BEEP), Rewind, Rewinding Tape" being spoken. iii ButtonHelp - Step 1 and 2: A finger presses and holds the diamond shaped EZ button down while (step2) a finger on the other hand pushes the fast forward button on a row of playback control buttons. A voice bubble shows that the words "Fast Forward" are being spoken as the button is pushed. iv EZ Access Button Group Picture shows the 3 EZ Access buttons. On the left are two yellow triangular shaped buttons, one above the other. The button above has a point pointing upward. The button below is inverted so that its button points downward. Together the two buttons suggest up and down but are not labeled. To the right is a green diamond-shaped button (a square button turned so that it has a corner at the top and bottom). The green diamond shaped button has the disability access symbol printed on it along with the letters E Z and a trademark symbol. The word "push" is shown in Braille immediately below the diamond shaped button. EZ Access V 2.0 Released February 23rd, 2000 Page 36 ---------- End of Document -- This mailing list is sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind, NFB. To view or search an archive of messages for this list, go to: http://www.nfbnet.org For more information about the NfB, please call (410) 659-9314, point your internet browser to http://www.nfb.org or Telnet to nfbnet.org.