Cursor Control Device Research Articles

Диагностические маркеры двигательной активности человека в электронной образовательной среде

The article aims to study the dynamics of psychological and psychophysiological indicators of students’ cognitive activity in a digital learning environment. As a research platform, we used the well-known task of speed–accuracy tradeoff, adapted for work in the LMS Moodle using a set of plug-ins that implement both the stimulus situation itself and the ability to monitor the characteristics of the user’s motor activity displayed in the track of the cursor control device (mouse tracking). As part of the study, LMS users performed a cognitive test, included in the digital learning environment and demonstrating the manifestation of Fits’s law in two versions: with instructions for the accuracy and speed of searching for the center of a reference figure that appears on a computer screen. The results were obtained in the form of tracks of the movement of a computer mouse, the main characteristics of the motor activity of the subjects – the time to complete both parts of the test, the distance traveled, the accuracy of hitting targets, and speed and acceleration – were analyzed and evaluated. All participants’ indicators significantly differed depending on the stages of the experiment. These studies were presented in the form of a set of formal statistical generalizations and visualization, reflecting the characteristic features of the subjects’ actions, the distance traveled, speed and acceleration on all segments of the path. As a result of data analysis, 6 groups of users were identified, differing in the degree of severity of indicators in terms of the characteristics of speed, accuracy and amplitude of movement. Of particular interest were such traces of a person’s actions, which, on the one hand, were an expression of his skills or experiences, and, on the other hand, were available not only for subjective, but also for objective analysis. As an example, we can point to the handwriting of a person who became one of the promising objects of study by psychologists of the early twentieth century. The concept of “handwriting” was easily transferred to other ways of transmitting information, for example, to the work of an operator with a key when transmitting messages using the “Morse code” method. Thus, the use of a computer mouse monitoring system in a digital learning environment provides an opportunity to quickly and adaptively provide interaction with the user, taking into account their psychophysiological characteristics and emotional state. The proposed diagnostic system allows us not only to determine the quantitative characteristics of the path traveled and the click map of a computer mouse, but also to classify the user into one or another group, taking into account their psychological characteristics.

Perceptual grouping effects on cursor movement expectations.

Two studies were conducted to develop an understanding of factors that drive user expectations when navigating between discrete elements on a display via a limited degree-of-freedom cursor control device. For the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle spacecraft, a free-floating cursor with a graphical user interface (GUI) would require an unachievable level of accuracy due to expected acceleration and vibration conditions during dynamic phases of flight. Therefore, Orion program proposed using a "caged" cursor to "jump" from one controllable element (node) on the GUI to another. However, nodes are not likely to be arranged on a rectilinear grid, and so movements between nodes are not obvious. Proximity between nodes, direction of nodes relative to each other, and context features may all contribute to user cursor movement expectations. In an initial study, we examined user expectations based on the nodes themselves. In a second study, we examined the effect of context features on user expectations. The studies established that perceptual grouping effects influence expectations to varying degrees. Based on these results, a simple rule set was developed to support users in building a straightforward mental model that closely matches their natural expectations for cursor movement. The results will help designers of display formats take advantage of the natural context-driven cursor movement expectations of users to reduce navigation errors, increase usability, and decrease access time. The rules set and guidelines tie theory to practice and can be applied in environments where vibration or acceleration are significant, including spacecraft, aircraft, and automobiles.

Cursor Control Device Test Battery

The test battery was developed to provide a standard procedure for cursor control device evaluation. The software was built in Visual Basic and consists of nine tasks and a main menu that integrates the set-up of the tasks. The tasks can be used individually, or in a series defined in the main menu. Task 1, the Unidirectional Pointing Task, tests the speed and accuracy of clicking on targets. Two rectangles with an adjustable width and adjustable center- to-center distance are presented. The task is to click back and forth between the two rectangles. Clicks outside of the rectangles are recorded as errors. Task 2, Multidirectional Pointing Task, measures speed and accuracy of clicking on targets approached from different angles. Twenty-five numbered squares of adjustable width are arranged around an adjustable diameter circle. The task is to point and click on the numbered squares (placed on opposite sides of the circle) in consecutive order. Clicks outside of the squares are recorded as errors. Task 3, Unidirectional (horizontal) Dragging Task, is similar to dragging a file into a folder on a computer desktop. Task 3 requires dragging a square of adjustable width from one rectangle and dropping it into another. The width of each rectangle is adjustable, as well as the distance between the two rectangles. Dropping the square outside of the rectangles is recorded as an error. Task 4, Unidirectional Path Following, is similar to Task 3. The task is to drag a square through a tunnel consisting of two lines. The size of the square and the width of the tunnel are adjustable. If the square touches any of the lines, it is counted as an error and the task is restarted. Task 5, Text Selection, involves clicking on a Start button, and then moving directly to the underlined portion of the displayed text and highlighting it. The pointing distance to the text is adjustable, as well as the to-be-selected font size and the underlined character length. If the selection does not include all of the underlined characters, or includes non-underlined characters, it is recorded as an error. Task 6, Multi-size and Multi-distance Pointing, presents the participant with 24 consecutively numbered buttons of different sizes (63 to 163 pixels), and at different distances (60 to 80 pixels) from the Start button. The task is to click on the Start button, and then move directly to, and click on, each numbered target button in consecutive order. Clicks outside of the target area are errors. Task 7, Standard Interface Elements Task, involves interacting with standard interface elements as instructed in written procedures, including: drop-down menus, sliders, text boxes, radio buttons, and check boxes. Task completion time is recorded. In Task 8, a circular track is presented with a disc in it at the top. Track width and disc size are adjustable. The task is to move the disc with circular motion within the path without touching the boundaries of the track. Time and errors are recorded. Task 9 is a discrete task that allows evaluation of discrete cursor control devices that tab from target to target, such as a castle switch. The task is to follow a predefined path and to click on the yellow targets along the path.

Deriving Cursor Control Device Expectations for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle

A unique challenge for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle is the need for a novel cursor control device (CCD) that allows the crew to interact with display formats while seated and restrained. Display formats will contain “controllable elements” that will be used for input by astronauts, and will most likely not be laid out in a rectilinear grid. A four-way “caged” castle switch on the CCD was designed to travel only to controllable elements toward decreasing erroneous cursor movements. The ability of the four-way castle to intuitively navigate the cursor from a user perspective is a vital consideration. A cursor expectations study was conducted to understand dominant user expectations for CCD movements when controllable elements are not arranged on a rectilinear grid. Algorithms were developed that governed cursor movement in such a way as to match the dominant user expectations, to support the development of user mental models for cursor behavior, and to guide designers when laying out display formats.

Evaluation of a two cursor control device for development of a powered laparoscopic surgical tool

The current study was performed to test two electronic cursor control devices (a Touchpad and a MicroJoystick) for use in an articulating powered laparoscopic tool. A simple target acquisition test was conducted to test how well the cursor control devices could be manipulated and how accurate they were (including endpoint and movement path). The study varied the width (0.27, 0.54 and 1.07 cm) of the target as well as the hand position used (thumb and index finger control). Additionally, each participant was able to choose their ideal operating cursor speed for each cursor control device. The MicroJoystick had a higher throughput and movement variability than the Touchpad. In all other categories tested, the cursor control devices did not differ significantly. The speed of the cursor control devices did not affect the performance of the devices; therefore, the ideal cursor speed could be chosen by the participant. Finally, the hand position did not affect the performance of the devices. This experiment found both hand positions, cursor control devices and all speeds could be used to effectively manipulate an articulating end-effector in a powered, cauterising, laparoscopic tool. This article addresses the advantages and limitations of two control mechanisms for laparoscopic tool controls considering both the subjective and objective data. The controls are tested in two hand positions to test how well the participants can manipulate the device while minimising perceived fatigue.

Cursor Control Device Test Battery: Development and Application

A test battery was developed for cursor control device evaluation. Four tasks were taken from ISO 9241–9, and three from previous studies conducted at NASA. The tasks focused on basic movements such as pointing, clicking, and dragging. Four cursor control devices were evaluated with and without Extravehicular Activity (EVA) gloves to identify desirable cursor control device characteristics for NASA missions: a large trackball, a Hulapoint mouse, a small trackball, and an aircraft trackball. Conclusions include: 1) the test battery is an efficient tool for differentiating among input devices; 2) devices used with gloves have to be larger, and should allow good hand positioning to counteract the lack of tactile feedback; 3) none of the devices, as designed, were ideal for operation with EVA gloves.

MOUSE AND DISPLAY TABLETS AS CURSOR CONTROL DEVICES

Given the proliferation of touch-sensitive screen technologies, the factors contributing to efficiency of cursor control device were examined to better inform choice and design of Graphical User Interfaces. Fitts' law can be used to describe the relative efficiency of these cursor control devices. Experiment One required 18 participants to move a cursor between targets depicted upon a WACOM PL400 display graphics tablet, over various amplitudes, using a computer mouse or stylus, examining the speed and accuracy of cursor placement. The touch sensitive screen allowed faster acquisition of targets than the mouse. Since the mouse has a higher control/display ratio (gain) than the touch sensitive screen, Experiment Two addressed manipulation of the gain settings on computer mouse performance. Low gain offered some accuracy benefits. Possible posture problems associated with the touch sensitive screen were explored in Experiment Three. Screen orientation had little effect upon cursor positioning performance, suggesting the benefits of the touch sensitive screen can be transferred to user-friendly postures.

International space station (ISS) robotic work station system

The Robotic Work Station is designed to support the Canadian robotic functions of the International Space Station. Each RWS consists of internal electronic units and external rack components that provide operator command interfaces and visual displays. The internal units contain the electronics and software necessary for processing of data and video and support of the external rack components. These units also host the robotic manipulator Operations and Control software. The external rack components, include video monitors, hand controllers, Display and Control Panel, Cursor Control Device, and mounting structure. The RWS supports a Laptop that hosts the Graphical User Interface.

Method and apparatus for controlling a speech recognition function using a cursor control device

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The Effects of Physical Attributes of Computer Interface Design on Novice and Experienced Performance of Users with Physical Disabilities

It is well accepted that with even very simple tasks, a user's performance with a cursor control device improves substantially over some period of time before stabilizing. Although no systematic studies are available concerning how particular attributes of screen or device design affect the rate at which users learn to interact with a system, past studies with input devices have shown that the overall period of time required to learn to physically interact with a system is generally quite short. Hence the lack of attention paid to the “learning” phase with respect to physical interaction is probably justified. For users with mobility impairments, however, not only may the overall physical learning phase be significantly longer than for nondisabled users, but certain features of the interface design may require a longer learning period than others. Depending on how different “initial” performance is from “practiced” performance, systems meant for “walk up and use” or casual use may need to be designed differently to allow easy access for persons with mobility impairments. In addition, adaptive interfaces which change the physical design of features over time as a user becomes more proficient may facilitate access for individuals with impaired motor control. Twenty persons with impaired hand and arm function (as a result of spinal cord injury) performed a target acquisition task with five cursor control devices. The task required that the user select targets of different sizes and distances using both “point and click” and “drag” modes of interaction. Time and errors were recorded. The results indicate not only that some physical design attributes negatively effect performance, but that the magnitude of the effects differ for “initial” performance and “practiced” performance. In fact, in some cases attributes which had no effect once performance had asymptoted were shown to have a significant effect on novice performance. Also, some features required significantly longer periods of time for the users to become proficient at using than others. The implications for interface design are discussed.

Cursor Control Device Use by Persons with Physical Disabilities: Implications for Hardware and Software Design

Computer technology has the potential to offer individuals with physical limitations greater levels of independence and increased opportunities for meaningful employment, but this can only be realized when the individual can interact efficiently with the computer. Choosing a cursor control device is particularly important given the growing popularity of direct-manipulation style interfaces. Twenty persons with impaired hand and arm function (as a result of a spinal chord injury) and 10 nondisabled persons performed a target acquisition task with five cursor control devices: a mouse, trackball, cursor keys, joystick, and tablet. Even persons with profound impairment were able to compensate for their disability and operate each device by using minor device modifications and/or unique operating strategies. These modifications and compensation techniques are described. Regardless of the physical skill level of the user, the rank ordering of the five devices with respect to target acquisition time was the same. The mouse, trackball, and tablet provided better performance than the keys, which provided better performance than the joystick. Dragging was particularly problematic for persons with motor control limitations, as was acquiring small targets. The implications of the results for hardware and software design are discussed.

The evaluation of cursor control devices for space station freedom

Human-Computer Interface researchers at the Johnson Space Center are faced with the challenge of designing a cursor control device for use in zero gravity so that crewmembers can take full advantage of direct manipulation interfaces. Over the past year, the Crew Interface Analysis Section (CIAS) and the Astronaut Space Station Support Office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston have been working together to generate a research-based recommendation for the design of a microgravity cursor control device for Space Station Freedom.

Target Acquisition Performance Using a Head Mounted Cursor Control Device and a Stylus with Digitizing Tablet

The ability of users to control cursor movement by tilting and nodding their head from side to side and front to back was examined in the present study. Ten non-handicapped subjects performed a target acquisition task with a head-based cursor control device and a stylus with a digitizing tablet. A similar pattern of acquisition times was found for both devices, with the stylus based performance being about 2.5 times faster than head based performance. Acquisition time with both devices was significantly affected by target size and movement amplitude and could be well described by Fitts law. Acquisition times were also affected by target location. For the head-based control device it took subjects significantly longer to position the cursor in the horizontal axis than in the vertical axis, while for the stylus forward movement of the hand (up on the display) took longer. Several interpretations for these results as well as some practical implications are provided.

Part-Task vs. Whole-Task Training on a Supervisory Control Task

The primary aim of training is to improve performance. Part-task training may be the more economical method, because full mission training simulators often cost more than the vehicles they simulate. However, the skills learned may not transfer effectively to performance of the complete task. This study investigated the effectiveness of Part-task training on the psychomotor portion of a supervisory control simulation. Twelve subjects were divided into Part-task and Whole-task groups and told to perform the task as quickly as possible. Part-task training was provided with the cursor-control device (a magnetic pen and pad), prior to transition to the Whole-task. Some distinct advantages of the Part-task training were: (1) The Part-task group learned the task faster; (2) The Part-task group's scores and task times continued to improve, while the Whole-task group's did not; and (3) A significant increase in speed of response for the Part-task group and almost no improvement in speed for the Whole-task group.