Computer Display Control Devices: A Model for Predicting Performance with Different Devices

摘要

A model which predicts rapidity of target acquisition, using joysticks, roll balls and light pens is presented. The model is based on the application of Fitts' index of difficulty to the prediction of movement times for the hand and a cursor on the screen. Comparison with performance data shows that the model sets reliable lower limits for movement times. The model distinguishes naturalistic devices used by natural pointing movements from mechanistic ones where a cursor on a screen is controlled via a complex transfer function. If the devices are well designed, and the task is not overly simple, the movement times, or acquisition times, with a naturalistic device are less than with a mechanistic device.