Abstract
BackgroundTraditionally synchronous access strategies require users to comply with one or more time constraints in order to communicate intent with a binary human-machine interface (e.g., mechanical, gestural or neural switches). Asynchronous access methods are preferable, but have not been used with binary interfaces in the control of devices that require more than two commands to be successfully operated.MethodsWe present the mathematical development and evaluation of a novel asynchronous access method that may be used to translate sporadic activations of binary interfaces into distinct outcomes for the control of devices requiring an arbitrary number of commands to be controlled. With this method, users are required to activate their interfaces only when the device under control behaves erroneously. Then, a recursive algorithm, incorporating contextual assumptions relevant to all possible outcomes, is used to obtain an informed estimate of user intention. We evaluate this method by simulating a control task requiring a series of target commands to be tracked by a model user.ResultsWhen compared to a random selection, the proposed asynchronous access method offers a significant reduction in the number of interface activations required from the user.ConclusionThis novel access method offers a variety of advantages over traditionally synchronous access strategies and may be adapted to a wide variety of contexts, with primary relevance to applications involving direct object manipulation.
Highlights
Synchronous access strategies require users to comply with one or more time constraints in order to communicate intent with a binary human-machine interface
A binary interface is formally defined as a device that may present only one of two distinct and stable states at any given time, which may be used to convey information between two entities [1]
According to basic principles of information theory, binary interfaces are the simplest possible means through which a user may communicate intent, since they represent the basic unit of information, namely, the binary digit or bit [2]
Summary
Synchronous access strategies require users to comply with one or more time constraints in order to communicate intent with a binary human-machine interface (e.g., mechanical, gestural or neural switches). Many Disabled individuals require custom interfaces that enable them to access the devices they may wish to control When appropriately designed, such interfaces take advantage of the user's known abilities, while eliminating reliance on onerous operational requirements. In order to facilitate this process, it is necessary to count on widely available and highly adaptable tools that may be customized and combined in order to obtain the most appropriate solutions in each case. One such tool is the binary interface (commonly represented as a button or a switch), which, due to (page number not for citation purposes). Minimal interfaces for Disabled users include other means of communication characterized by a low information storage (i.e., memory) capacity, this is the case, for example, with most braincomputer interfaces (BCI) currently available [3,4]
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