Overview
The Total Access System (TAS) provides external access to all user functions on any computer or IT device. The TAS separates user interaction functions from the machine interface and allows the same operational procedures to be used with different target devices.
The Total Access System has three components:
Accessor
An Accessor is a personalized device that provides its user with his or her preferred interaction modalities. Options range from specialized keyboards and pointing devices through to sophisticated speech recognizers, head trackers and eye gaze trackers.Total Access Port (TAP)
A small keyboard and mouse emulator that provides direct access to any user accessible functions on the target computer.Universal Protocol
A communication protocol that allows any accessor to connect to any TAP. The connection can be wired or wireless (Infrared or Radio)
Advantages of the TAS
- A person with an accessor can operate any device that has a TAP.
- No drivers or software modifications are loaded in the target system.
- An accessor can be as simple or as complex as is required by the user.
- An accessor can be used for a very long time since it is independent of the target hardware, operating system and applications.
- Accessors are immune from version obsolescence initiated by the software OS and application manufacturers.
- The providers of the IT infrastructure don't need to know about disabilities.
- The responsibilities and costs of providing access are shared between the user who provides a personal accessor, and the provider of the IT.
