The performance of computer input devices in a vibration environment

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of a touch screen, mouse and trackball in a motion environment. A Stewart motion platform was used to generate a six-degree-of-freedom motion environment. Participants were placed in an environment where vehicle vibration was simulated. Tasks were used according to Fitts' Law to obtain the movement time, error rate, index of performance and throughput of each input device. The results showed that during static conditions, the touch screen gave the best results. However, in the vibration environment, the mouse gave the best results. The trackball is the worst of the three. The error rate and end-point variation tends to increase for the touch screen in the vibration environment.

Statement of Relevance: This study investigates the performance of a pointing device in a vibration environment. The results showed that during static conditions, the touch screen gave the best results. However, in the vibration environment, the mouse gave the best results. The track ball is the worst of the three. This research achievement can help human–computer interaction design in various dynamic environments such as in sea and land vehicles.

Keywords:

• Fitts' Law
• input device
• mouse
• touch screen
• trackball
• vibration environment