Why are eye mice unpopular? A detailed comparison of head and eye controlled assistive technology pointing devices

This paper examines and compares the usability problems associated with eye-based and head-based assistive technology pointing devices when used for direct manipulation on a standard graphical user interface. It discusses and examines the pros and cons of eye-based pointing in comparison to the established assistive technology technique of head-based pointing and illustrates the usability factors responsible for the apparent low usage or unpopularity of eye-based pointing. It shows that user experience and target size on the interface are the predominant factors affecting eye-based pointing and suggests that these could be overcome to enable eye-based pointing to be a viable and available direct manipulation interaction technique for the motor-disabled community.     

Usability of pointing devices for office applications in a moving off-road environment

Three pointing devices (mouse, touch pad, touch screen) were evaluated for usability with a Windows-style menu selection task while in a moving off-road environment. A pilot study determined which commercially available devices had the potential to promote good performance in the environment. Eighteen subjects performed a series of complex pointing tasks that simulated the use of a standard application in a moving tractor. The devices were also rated for subjective usability. The mouse and the touch screen produced the best performances, with the mouse receiving the best subjective usability ratings. The participants had a significantly lower performance with the touch pad, which also received lower ratings in the subjective usability ratings.     

两轴模拟陀螺仪的空中鼠标指针控制方法研究

介绍了一种采用两轴模拟MEMS陀螺仪实现低成本空中鼠标指针的控制方法,详细阐述了该方法的硬件设计、两轴陀螺仪数据的模数转换、静态基准点的捕捉、动态旋转角度变化率的测量。针对陀螺仪受环境温度变化等因素的影响会发生随机零点漂移的问题,提出了一种动态自校正的算法对零点进行自校正,取得了满意的校正效果。目前该技术已成功移植到无线空中鼠标中。     

Biomechanics and performance when using a standard and a vertical computer mouse

Objective: to compare the biomechanics and performance while using a vertical computer mouse (VM) and a standard mouse (SM). Methods: muscle activation (electromyography), forearm movements (electrogoniometers), performance (Fitts' Law test) and satisfaction (questionnaire) of 16 subjects were evaluated. Results: there were significant differences between the VM and the SM, respectively, on motion (28° vs. 42° pronation, p = 0.001; 5° ulnar vs. 7° radial deviation, p = 0.016) and muscle activity (13% vs. 16% of extensor carpi activity, p = 0.006; 10% vs. 13% extensor digitorum activity, p = 0.001). VM user satisfaction was good (68); however, time to target was longer (4.2 vs. 3.4 s, p < 0.001). Conclusions: using the VM decreased wrist pronation and lowered wrist extensor muscle activity, but additional training and familiarisation time may be required to improve user performance.

Practitioner Summary: Using a vertical mouse can decrease the exposure to biomechanical risk factors for computer mouse use-related musculoskeletal disorders. Using a vertical computer mouse resulted in less wrist pronation and lower wrist extensor muscle activity. But, training and familiarisation are required.     

Evaluation of multimodal graphs for blind people

This paper introduces the development of a multimodal data visualisation system and its evaluations. This system is designed to improve blind and visually impaired peoples access to graphs and tables. Force feedback, synthesized speech and non-speech audio are utilised to present graphical data to blind people. Through the combination of haptic and audio representations, users can explore virtual graphs rendered by a computer. Various types of graphs and tables have been implemented, and a three-stage evaluation has been conducted. The experimental results have proven the usability of the system and the benefits of the multimodal approach. The paper presents the details of the development and experimental findings, as well as the changes of role of haptics in the evaluation.     

炉膛速度场声学检测装置

本文讨论了基于声学检测的炉膛速度场测量装置的可行性，并在此基础上设计了一个声学检测试验平台。利用声学检测技术，得到精确的声波时间，以此重建炉膛速度场。该装置将声波信号的发生和接收、A／D转换、基于三次样条插值的信号处理方法和相关计算等技术相结合，并在实验室条件下对测量装置设计方案进行了试验验证。结果显示，该测量装置对于炉膛速度场测量，结果准确，并且有可操作性好、投入低等优点，有着良好的应用前景。     

水声对抗仿真环境设计

该文以现代海战为背景,分析了水声对抗参与单元的技术性能参数及详细作战过程。利用系统仿真的方法,为各参与单元及水声环境建立了数学模型和仿真模型,利用结构化的设计思想,提出了建立水声对抗仿真系统的方法,给出了仿真系统的原理结构及实现过程。该系统利用VC 语言进行开发,具有良好的实用性、可扩展性和经济性。可用于水声对抗系统的研制、性能检测、效能评估和技术改进,同时也可用于水声对抗过程的模拟训练,具有良好的应用前景。     

声音传感器节点的设计

无线传感器网络是集成了传感器技术、计算机技术和无线通信技术的一种新型的网络。它是获取外部环境的物理信息的一种有效的方法。可以工作在恶劣的环境下,获取人们自身无法得到的信息。本文主要介绍了传感器网络的基本概念、特点和应用。还有声音传感器节点的具体设计。     

A Review of: “A Library Management Game” (University of Lancaster Library Occasional Papers,no. 7.) By P. BROPHY,M. K. BUCKLAND,G. FORD,A. HINDLE and A. G. MACKENZIE.(University of Lancaster, 1972.) [Pp. 90.] £1.00.

Game controllers are emerging as a preferred choice for the manual control of unmanned vehicles, but an understanding of their usability characteristics has yet to emerge. We compared the usability of an Xbox 360 game controller in a dual task situation using MATB II to the traditional joystick and keyboard interface in two experiments. In the first experiment, performance with the game controller was associated with fewer tracking errors. In a second experiment, we trained users on the devices, and found that even after training the game controller was still associated with fewer tracking errors as well as higher usability and lower workload ratings. These results are consistent with the idea that game controllers are highly usable input devices and do not require high mental workload to operate, thus making them suitable for complex control tasks.     

基于HLA的一体化水声对抗仿真系统研究

为解决水声对抗仿真过程中遇到的模型重用、仿真系统互操作等问题,提出了基于HLA的一体化水声对抗仿真。通过对水声对抗过程的分析,给出了联邦成员划分、系统总体结构以及FOM设计;然后应用逻辑分层软件结构实现了建模、实验、分析一体化;最后对采用HLA实现水声对抗仿真过程中遇到的水声信号交、互时间管理等几个关键问题进行了讨论。该系统的实现有利于水声对抗技术及应用的深入研究,也为海、地、空、天联合信息对抗仿真的实现打下了基础。     

随机共振在水声信号检测中的应用

海洋混响是水声信号目标检测中的主要干扰之一,克服混响干扰一直足水声信号处理的一个重要课题.如何在混响背景中有效地进行水声信号目标的检测?为了解决着一问题,引入了随机共振的方法.首先,在随机共振的原理基础上,给出了利用随机共振原理检测微弱周期信号的基本方法,并对方法进行了分析与验证.然后,将方法应用于以模拟混响为背景干扰的水声信号的检测中,仿真结果进行了分析,证明了方法的可行性.     

多语言语音识别声学模型建模方法最新进展

随着多媒体信息和通信技术的快速发展,网络上的多语言语音数据日益增多.语音识别作为语音分析与处理的核心技术,如何快速地把中文和英文等少数多资源主要语言处理能力推广到更多的低资源语言,是当前识别技术迫切需要突破的瓶颈.文中试图总结声学模型建模领域的最新进展,探讨传统语音识别技术从单语言向多语言跨越过程中可能面临的困难.并在...     

On the use of a multimedia platform for music education with handicapped children: A case study

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for students with special learning needs is being particularly studied by the research community. Likewise, music has gained recognition through the years in the field of learning disabilities, playing lately a key role in providing a better quality of life to people with special needs. However, there is still a gap on the combination of ICT and music teaching tools. In this work, we present the results of a case study where students with disabilities took a 3-month introductory music course using the multimedia tool called PLAIME (PLAtform for the Integration of handicapped children in Music Education) developed by the same authors. The aims of this work are three-fold: i) to explore the capability of disabled students to acquire musical knowledge using PLAIME, ii) to measure the improvement in their ICT skills, and iii) to observe their behavior along the study. At the end of the program, students showed an advance in their music knowledge and a positive improvement in behavioral development, being able to perfectly manage the computer platform.     

Development of non-keyboard input device checklists through assessments

An assessment of non-keyboard input devices (NKID) was conducted to identify factors for good design in relation to operation, performance and comfort. Twenty-seven NKID users, working in health and safety, evaluated eight devices that included mice, trackballs and a joystick mouse. The factors considered important for good design were: (1) comfortable hand and finger position, (2) adequate control, (3) intuitive and easy to use, (4) ease of device, button and trackball movement, (5) good interaction with software, (6) provision of suitable accessories. Mice were rated more favourably than trackballs or the joystick mouse. The design of the standard 2-button mouse (D4) was considered most desirable to use; the 3-button mouse (D1) and 3-button curved mouse (D8) were also favoured. Assessment data and comments were drawn together with previously published research to produce useful tools for NKID purchasing (i.e. Device Purchasing Checklist) and assessment (i.e. Device Assessment Checklist).     

Adoption potential of occupational exoskeletons in diverse enterprises engaged in manufacturing tasks

Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) provide the opportunity to reduce fatigue and physical demands, however little is known about adoption and use of such technologies especially among varying company sizes and especially small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Ten focus groups (including seven SMEs) were held across the state of Ohio, with participants representing line employees, management, and safety. Employees tried on a variety of EXOs and then participated in discussions focusing on the adoption and use of this new technology at their site. Consistent comments were obtained regarding donning, fitting, dissemination, and use strategies; space constraints related to EXO “footprints”; and potential undesirable impacts of EXO use. Major concerns expressed by participants were task-specific, and were related to costs and work conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, dust). Overall, individuals from larger companies and diverse SMEs expressed a strong interest in how EXOs could help employees with repetitive tasks that were often difficult to modify or eliminate. Many concerns still exist, though, regarding specific benefits and costs, how to develop training programs on EXO use, and understanding potential adverse effects of EXO use. Findings from this study help capture the perspectives of diverse enterprises toward adopting and using occupational EXOs to reduce the risk of injury.     

井下声波通讯信号的随机共振检测方法

针对旋转导向钻井技术中,稳定平台与随钻测量系统之间进行声波通讯时,通讯信号被强噪声干扰,使得信号幅频特性检测难度增大的问题,提出了一种利用随机共振检测声波通讯信号的新方法。通过进行短距离钻杆声波传输实验,研究声波传输特性,再分析微弱信号的随机共振检测原理,然后利用双稳态系统中,噪声能量可以提高待测信号传输能力这一特殊机制,构建声波通讯信号的随机共振检测系统并进行matlab仿真。仿真结果表明,随机共振系统可以检测到被噪声完全淹没的钻杆声波通讯信号的幅频特性。     

基于NS-3的水声传感器网络CW-MAC协议吞吐量分析

随着微型传感器技术、无线通信技术、微电子系统制造技术以及嵌入式技术的发展,集感知、存储计算和通信能力于一体的无线集成传感器得到越来越广泛的应用,水下传感器网络就是其中的一个重要应用领域。针对水下传感器网络的特性,详细阐述基于竞争的CW-MAC协议基本思想和新型网络仿真平台NS-3,并在NS-3上搭建仿真场景,对CW-MAC协议进行模拟仿真。改变仿真节点参数,着重比较每次仿真结果得到的信道平均吞吐量。仿真结果为搭建最佳水下通信节点条件提供重要依据。     

修正共形FDTD技术在声散射中的应用

传统时域有限差分法(UFDTD)将曲面目标边界作为台阶近似来处理,当网格划分不很精细时,计算结果会有很大的误差.共形技术可以解决这一问题,但它要满足一定的共形条件,实现起来比较困难.针对刚性目标的声散射问题,提出一种修正共形技术,它不需要满足任何共形条件就能达到很好的稳定性.文中给出了此共形技术的基本原理和稳定性证明,并针对声散射问题进行数值模拟.仿真结果表明:在同样计算量的情况下,此方法的计算精度明显高于传统方法;在同样计算精度的情况下,此方法的计算量大约比传统方法节省50%.     

Acoustic signal separation of mechanical devices using ICA with band-pass filters

We propose a method of separating the acoustic signals of motors and the gears of mechanical devices by using independent component analysis (ICA) with band-pass filters. The frequency distribution of a recorded acoustic signal from the operating mechanical device can be divided into three fields, the low-frequency field, which corresponds to the frequency characteristics of the gear, the medium-frequency field, which is mixed with the frequency characteristics of the gear and the motor, and the high-frequency field, which corresponds to the frequency characteristics of the motor. Since only the medium-frequency components are a mixture of the acoustic signals of gears and motors, ICA with band-pass filters is expected to separate the acoustic signals of motors and gears more accurately than conventional ICA. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can separate the acoustic signals of motors and gears of mechanical devices successfully.This work was presented, in part, at the 9th International Symposium on Artificial Life and Robotics, Oita, Japan, January 28–30, 2004     

用M程序批量处理声学数据文件的应用技巧

详细介绍在MatLab环境下,通过编写M程序,组合运用mkdir()、cd()、num2str()、fopen()、fscanf()、fprintf()六个函数和for…end循环结构,对声学数据文件进行批量处理的应用技巧和需要注意的事项,并给出关键程序代码。