Determination of stereotypes for lever control of object motions using computer generated graphics

Abstract

Lever control stereotypes for translational and rotational motions in a cartesian coordinate system were examined. Two methods were used, one with drawings of cube motions on paper, the other with computer graphics. In the graphics version a lever actually controlled cube motions, allowing subjects to interact with control schemes before selecting a preferred one.

Stereotypes found common to both methods were: push lever to move cube away, pull lever to bring cube nearer; and push lever to rotate the top of the cube away, pull lever to rotate the top nearer. A very strong push for up and pull for down stereotype was found in the paper test, but no stereotype for these cube motions was found in the graphics test. This is of particular interest because pull for up and push for down are the usual control schemes for heavy equipment. These differences may relate to subjects having the opportunity to interact with the control scheme. Smaller differences between methods were observed with translations and rotations about the X-axis. Some of these differences may be due to unintentional cues within the drawings themselves, a problem not present in the graphics version.

The determination of lever stereotypes has commonly relied upon paper-based tests. Conclusions based upon paper tests may not accurately reflect expectations for actual machine operations. Use of computer graphics adds realism and possibly better generalizability of results to real life.

Keywords:

• Human engineering
• Equipment design.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. STEPHEN KAMINAKA

Address all correspondence to Professor M. Stephen Kaminaka.