Using a head joystick in a one axis manipulation

Introduction to the problem situation where hands are busy doing something else control by view-field for imaging /horizontal focus of attention/ mobile – no need for fixed reference point people with special needs

Background and previous research Previous research on this field have consentraded in fixed reference point systems Commercial systems are on sale, but expensive and not really for mobile use

Objectives in general To find out how users feel about using a 1- axis head joystick Compare 1-axis head joystick to normal joystick and conventional mouse

Schedule User testing – early March Prosessing data – mid March Article draft – early April

Research methods  constructive research to design and simulate the new techniques & tools for evaluation of user behavior in the task …  empirical research based on…( hand-free manipulation through 1-axis input technique) - usability testing for prototype including interviewing test subjects after the tests

Preliminary results Device has been found to be extremelly sensitive Takes considerably long time to learn how to control by After a while, quite fast and accurate

Experimental setup Normal desktop PC Software: One button manipulation software you can capture software on your PC – like snapshot

Forecasted results users will find 1-axis targets pointing & selection too hard, at first at least the importance of calibration will be highlighted fast when user has got used to 1-axis control

Prospective applications (Development of new dynamic strategies for interacting with entities in an information space will require modal-spatial- temporal redistributed feedback as well as adequate user behavior ) an opportunity to record user attention and to redistribute accordingly info imaging the situation when the Y coordinate was controlled by hand and the X ordinate by head should be investigated Mobile applications The use of a new technique of human computer interaction (menu pointing, scrolling) through head-tracking will essentially increase designing opportunities of special applications for N-dimension space, such as cascading menu selections. In addition, modal-redistributed feedback will provide new features for common interfaces. Control features by attention. Individual features of selective attention in a situation of modal-redistributed feedback, information content is a key question for extended control by perceptive functions as well as on user behavior which will allow intensifying human-computer interaction. New interaction techniques for the task of menu selection and manipulation Secondary tasking – while driving a car Hands-busy situations

References Evans, G. and Blenkhorn, P. A head operated joystick – experience with use, CSUN 99 LoPresti, E.F., Brienza, D.M. and Angelo, J. Computer Head Control Software to Compesate for Neck Movement Limitations LoPresti E.F., Brienza D.M. and Angelo, J. Head-operated controls: effect of control method on performance for subjects with and without disability Interacting with Computers 14 (2002)