(IMHO) This raises an interesting point .. the perceived flicker rate is
indeterminate for almost all but intentional cases, and floats around
some fixed frequency determined by the monitor. I'd say you have no way
of controlling it one way or the other, and therefore would not be
liable. Of course, you can ALMOST ALWAYS be sued, regardless of the
strength of the case.
m0nik3r
Pat Caruthers wrote:
In article
<Pine.GSO.3.95.970313182528.24163C-100000 at holyrood.ed.ac.uk>,
Anthonie Muller <awjm at holyrood.ed.ac.uk> writes:
|>
|> Hi everyone,
|>
|> I know that fluctuating light can induce epileptic attacks
|> (by the way, is any mechanism known? I am a biophysicist, and
know a
|> little bit about epilepsy).
|>
|> Now Applets flicker a lot.
|> I know that the flicker can be diminished with double buffering,
|> but nevertheless some flickering remains.
|>
|> Can I choose a certain sleep time value in my Applet?
|>
|> Should I put a disclaimer for epileptics on my website?
|>
|> Does anyone know about the legal aspects of this all? Can I get
sued?
|>
|> Or is there no problem at all?
wow.
a new set of questions.
a whole new set of potential legal pit falls....gee, thanks.
This is photosensitive epilepsy.
it is not a common form but does seem to be becoming more common
these days. Possibly it's just being more noticed because of all
the
flashing lights around us.
photosensitives usually are responding to blinking at a frequency <
30Hz
but there are some who have trouble with the refresh rate of normal
monitors
(which is more like 75Hz). In general though, the faster the rate
the
less likely it is to trigger a seizure.
It seems that you are more likely to slow down (and hense
potentially
aggravate) the flicker by sleeps.
I have never heard of any suits taking place, but i have heard of
some
game manufacturer's putting in such a warning. Warnings generally
imply
that some lawyer at least Thought there was a rist of a suit...
your call about CYA.
pat
