Re: Checkpoint 7.2

thatch@us.ibm.com wrote:
> 
> Current 8/11 checkpoint 7.2 reads:
> 
> 7.2 For dependent user agents. Ensure that the user has
>       access to the content of an element selected by the user.
>       [Priority 1]
> 
> I don't understand what this means. 

The intention is to allow the user to select content (e.g.,
structured by element or text content that may span element
boundaries) and have it rendered as speech or braille. 
UAs should also allow users to select content and find
out contextual information about it (e.g., row/colum
coordinates of a table cell).

> And didn't find help in the techniques
> document. 

Alas, the techniques document has been slow to catch
up to the guidelines. We are turning our attention to it
more actively as we near last call.

> Perhaps the problem comes from the phrase "element selected by the
> user." With the keyboard? With a mouse?

With any supported input device.

> Can any element be "selected." 

It's not just elements - it can be attribute values. I think
that the user should be able to select any rendered text content.
I believe that the user should be able to select any non-text
content as well, but there are undoubtedly implications to
be considered for graphics, etc.

> If none
> can be selected, is 7.2 vacuously satisfied?

Probably, we should clarify that this refers to content
rendered natively (i.e., not by a plug-in, etc.). 

Please let me know if this clarifies the checkpoint. If
not, or if you think there are issues, please let me know.

 - Ian

-- 
Ian Jacobs (jacobs@w3.org)   http://www.w3.org/People/Jacobs
Tel/Fax:                     +1 212 684-1814

Received on Tuesday, 17 August 1999 12:28:17 UTC