Towards Task Transparency in Alternative Computer Access, Selection of Text Through Switch-based Scanning
Towards Task Transparency in Alternative Computer Access, Selection of Text Through Switch-based Scanning

Author: G. Fraser Shein

Publisher:

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Current access technology for people with disabilities is based on a concept called transparency. Developers have generally interpreted this by building access systems that emulate the keyboard and mouse. In contrast, this thesis proposes and studies a refinement to transparent access, called task transparency. This approach has much potential impact on scanning access within a GUI. Here, scanning is applied to the underlying tasks, rather than emulating the input devices. The goal is to derive new knowledge and understanding of the interactions that arise with a number of strategies that apply switch-based scanning to text selection in a task transparent fashion. In the case of selecting text, it was demonstrated that directness to the task could be achieved with minimal effort by applying scanning within the text area itself. The concepts are readily extended across other GUI objects including menus, buttons, and window controls. These objects can be incorporated within the access system such that they are directly engaged in the scanning. Through such strategies, users can significantly reduce their efforts and in doing so achieve greater overall productivity, and accomplish tasks that are otherwise strenuous. Text scanning was implemented using repeating keys injected by an on-screen keyboard such that the user perceived scanning in the text area. Two test applications were developed and used to evaluate a number of proposed text scanning strategies. In addition, predictive performance models were derived to predict performance measures under error-free conditions. Initial design guidelines for scanning in a task transparent fashion were also formulated. An access system developer could extend the concepts in new ways with scanning and other access methods. Future areas of research are identified that may improve overall productivity. Through this work I have contributed new knowledge towards improving scanning access and I have demonstrated the feasibility of task transparency by which further gains are possible.

A Multimodal End-2-End Approach to Accessible Computing
A Multimodal End-2-End Approach to Accessible Computing

Author: Pradipta Biswas

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-07-16

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 1447167082

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This book illustrates how Interactive Systems can help elderly and disabled populations engage with the world around them by finding methods of overcoming the difficulties these communities face when using such systems by presenting the latest in state-of-the-art technology and providing a vision for accessibility for the near future. The challenges faced by accessibility practitioners are discussed and the different phases of delivering accessible products and services are explored. A collection of eminent researchers from around the world cover topics on developing and standardizing user models for inclusive design, adaptable multimodal system development for digital TV and ubiquitous devices, presenting research on intelligent voice recognition, adaptable pointing, browsing and navigation, and affect and gesture recognition. The research not only focuses on how these can be hugely beneficial to primary users, but often finding useful applications for their able-bodied counterparts. For this new edition, new chapters have been added focusing on the latest developments in games for the visually impaired, inclusive interfaces for the agricultural industry in India and technologies to improve accessibility in broadcasting in Japan. A Multimodal End-2-End Approach to Accessible Computing will be an invaluable resource for both researchers and practitioners alike.