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PubMed2005

The form of augmented force-feedback fields and the efficiency and satisfaction in computer-aided pointing tasks.

This study investigates operation efficiency and user satisfaction for spatial and temporal shapes of augmented force-feedback fields to be used with computer pointing devices in target acquisition tasks. In an experiment, three different force-field shapes at two different mean force levels were compared, with an electromechanical force-feedback trackball as control device and with efficiency and user satisfaction as dependent variables. Efficiency was measured by the time required to perform a certain task, and user satisfaction was measured through a subjective rating procedure. Satisfaction results indicate that to a rough approximation, participants can be grouped into those who prefer high and those who prefer low force levels. Members of the former group were most satisfied with force fields with a gradual start and an abrupt ending. This force-field shape also proved to be the most efficient for both groups. When all participants were considered as a single group, none of the effects was found to be statistically significant. A gender effect was also found; in both preference groups women achieved significantly shorter task completion times than men. Actual or potential applications of this research include enabling computer interaction for people prone to repetitive strain injuries and the increment of efficiency and satisfaction in human-computer interaction in general.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

How many screens does a CT workstation need?

A considerable number of prototype and commercial workstations have been developed during the last 10 years for electronic display of computed tomographic (CT) images during clinical interpretation. These CT workstations have varied widely in the number and size of monitors available for the display of the medical images ranging from a single 1,024 x 1,204-pixel monitor, to eight 2,500 x 2,000-pixel monitors. Image display times also have varied considerably, ranging from as fast as .11 seconds, to as slow as 26 seconds to fill a single monitor. No consensus has formed in the workstation community with regard to display area and response time requirements. To address this issue, we have constructed a time-motion model of CT interpretation. Model accuracy is experimentally verified with three workstations as well as with the film alternator. In general, CT interpretations with an electronic workstation become faster as display area increases and display time decreases. Results can be used by workstation designers and purchasers to roughly estimate differences in interpretation speeds among contending CT workstation designs.

Computer Peripherals↗
PubMed2004

The effect of forearm support on musculoskeletal discomfort during call centre work.

Using a computer keyboard with the forearms unsupported has been proposed as a causal factor for neck/shoulder and arm/hand diagnoses. Recent laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that forearm support might be preferable to working in the traditional "floating" posture. The aim of this study was to determine whether providing forearm support when using a normal computer workstation would decrease musculoskeletal discomfort in intensive computer users in a call centre. A randomised controlled study (n = 59), of 6 weeks duration was conducted. Thirty participants (Group 1) were allocated to forearm support using the desk surface with the remainder (Group 2) acting as a control group. At 6 weeks, the control group was also set up with forearm support. Both groups were then monitored for another 6 weeks. Questionnaires were used at 1, 6 and 12 weeks to obtain information about discomfort, workstation setup, working posture and comfort. Nine participants (Group 1 n = 6, Group 2 n = 3) withdrew within a week of commencing forearm support either due to discomfort or difficulty in maintaining the posture. At 6 weeks, the group using forearm support generated significantly fewer reports of discomfort in the neck and back, although the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. At 12 weeks, there were fewer reports of neck, back and wrist discomfort when preintervention discomfort was compared with post intervention discomfort. These findings indicate that for the majority of users, forearm support may be preferable to the "floating" posture implicit in current guidelines for computer workstation setup.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

A microcomputer program for automated neuronal spike detection and analysis.

A system for on-line spike detection and analysis based on an IBM PC/AT compatible computer, written in TURBO PASCAL 6.0 and using commercially available analog-to-digital hardware is described here. Spikes are detected by an adaptive threshold which varies as a function of signal mean and its variability. Since the threshold value is determined automatically by the signal-to-noise ratio analysis, the user is not actively involved in controlling its level. This program has been reliably used for the detection and analysis of the spike discharge of vestibular system afferent neurons. It generates the interval-joint distribution graph, the interval histogram, the autocorrelation function, the autocorrelation histogram, and phase-space graphs, thus, providing a complete set of graphical and statistical data for the characterization of the dynamics of neuronal spike activity. Data can be exported to other software such as Excel, Sigmaplot and MatLab, for example.

Ambystoma↗
PubMed2004

Physical workload during use of speech recognition and traditional computer input devices.

Musculoskeletal symptoms among computer users are frequently found. The aim was to investigate the musculoskeletal workload during computer work using speech recognition and traditional computer input devices (keyboard/mouse). Ten experienced computer users (nine female, one male) participated. They performed three different computer tasks: (1). text entry and (2). text editing of a standard text and (3). a self-selected work task. These tasks were performed twice using speech recognition and traditional computer input devices (keyboard/mouse). Additionally, a task consisting of reading aloud of the standard text was performed. Surface EMG from the forearm (m. extensor carpi ulnaris, m. extensor carpi radialis), the shoulder (m. trapezius) and the neck extensor muscles was recorded, in addition to the voice-related muscles (m. scalenii, m. cricothyroideus). Using speech recognition during text entry and text editing reduced the static muscle activity of the forearm, neck and to some extent the shoulder muscles. Furthermore, tendencies to longer periods of muscle activity pause (relative time with EMG gaps) in the forearm and shoulder muscles were found. This was seen at the expense of a tendency to an increased static activity and a decreased relative time with EMG gaps in m. cricothyroideus. Finally, during use of speech recognition the hand was tied to the keyboard/mouse for a shorter period of time, while the eyes were viewing the screen for a longer period of time compared to the condition with traditional computer input devices. It is recommended to use speech recognition as a supplementary tool to traditional computer input devices.

Computer Peripherals↗
PubMed2006

ECoG factors underlying multimodal control of a brain-computer interface.

Most current brain-computer interface (BCI) systems for humans use electroencephalographic activity recorded from the scalp, and may be limited in many ways. Electrocorticography (ECoG) is believed to be a minimally-invasive alternative to electroencephalogram (EEG) for BCI systems, yielding superior signal characteristics that could allow rapid user training and faster communication rates. In addition, our preliminary results suggest that brain regions other than the sensorimotor cortex, such as auditory cortex, may be trained to control a BCI system using similar methods as those used to train motor regions of the brain. This could prove to be vital for users who have neurological disease, head trauma, or other conditions precluding the use of sensorimotor cortex for BCI control.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Touch a screen or turn a knob: choosing the best device for the job.

Input devices enable users to interact with systems. In two experiments, we assessed whether and how task demands and user age influenced task performance for a direct input device (touch screen) and an indirect input device (rotary encoder). In Experiment 1, 40 younger (18-28 years) and 40 middle-aged to older adults (51-65 years) performed tasks using controls such as sliders, up/down buttons, list boxes, and text boxes while using a system. The optimal input device to facilitate performance was dependent on the task being performed and the age of the user. In Experiment 2, touch screen use was assessed for 20 younger (19-23 years) and 20 older adults (51-70 years). Task demands were manipulated through button size, movement distance, direction, and type of movement. Performance was moderated by the age of the user and by task demands. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidance for the optimal selection of input devices for different user populations and task characteristics.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of alternative computer input devices used by people with disabilities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a range of alternative computer input devices suitable for people with disabilities and to provide comparative data that will enable health care professionals and users to make informed choices when selecting products. Our focus was on the potential advantages and disadvantages of individual product features as they related to the abilities and needs of different users. A sample of 14 alternative keyboards and pointing devices commonly used by people with disabilities were appraised by 35 disabled adults. A multi-disciplinary panel of independent assessors also appraised the products. We identified key factors regarding the set-up, personal acceptability, ease of use, design features, compatibility and potential limitations of each device. We found that difficulties in accessing computers could sometimes be reduced or overcome by adjusting the existing workstation and customizing computer settings rather than through additional technology. However, successful computer access often requires a combined approach, as a single piece of equipment will rarely provide a complete solution. If alternative computer input devices are necessary, it is likely that the hardware settings will need customizing.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Mouse manipulation through single-switch scanning.

Given the current extensive reliance on the graphical user interface, independent access to computer software requires that users be able to manipulate a pointing device of some type (e.g., mouse, trackball) or be able to emulate a mouse by some other means (e.g., scanning). The purpose of the present study was to identify one or more optimal single-switch scanning mouse emulation strategies. Four alternative scanning strategies (continuous Cartesian, discrete Cartesian, rotational, and hybrid quadrant/continuous Cartesian) were selected for testing based on current market availability as well as on theoretical considerations of their potential speed and accuracy. Each strategy was evaluated using a repeated measures study design by means of a test program that permitted mouse emulation via any one of four scanning strategies in a motivating environment; response speed and accuracy could be automatically recorded and considered in view of the motor, cognitive, and perceptual demands of each scanning strategy. Ten individuals whose disabilities required them to operate a computer via single-switch scanning participated in the study. Results indicated that Cartesian scanning was the preferred and most effective scanning strategy. There were no significant differences between results from the Continuous Cartesian and Discrete Cartesian scanning strategies. Rotational scanning was quite slow with respect to the other strategies, although it was equally accurate. Hybrid Quadrant scanning improved access time but at the cost of fewer correct selections. These results demonstrated the importance of testing and comparing alternate single-switch scanning strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Computer-based typing and keypad skills raining outcomes of unemployed injection drug users in a therapeutic workplace.

The Therapeutic Workplace is an employment-based treatment for chronic drug misuse and unemployment. As a part of this intervention, participants are taught skills to perform data entry jobs and are paid based on attendance and productivity. In this study, computerized typing and keypad training programs were evaluated in recently detoxified HIV-positive injection drug users (n = 32) enrolled in the Therapeutic Workplace treatment program between October 2000 and September 2001. Results show that trainees can be taught fundamental typing and keypad skills in an average of 51.48 and 1.73h of training, respectively, administered over 17.91 and 12.59 weeks, respectively. Overall, the results demonstrate that adults with long histories of chronic unemployment and drug addiction can reliably acquire typing and keypad skills and do so over relatively short periods of time.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The limited use of digital ink in the private-sector primary care physician's office.

Two of the greatest obstacles to the implementation of the standardized electronic medical record are physician and staff acceptance and the development of a complete standardized medical vocabulary. Physicians have found the familiar desktop computer environment cumbersome in the examination room and the coding and hierarchic structure of existing vocabulary inadequate. The author recommends the use of digital ink, the graphic form of the pen computer, in telephone messaging and as a supplement in the examination room encounter note. A key concept in this paper is that the development of a standard electronic medical record cannot occur without the thorough evaluation of the office environment and physicians' concerns. This approach reveals a role for digital ink in telephone messaging and as a supplement to the encounter note. It is hoped that the utilization of digital ink will foster greater physician participation in the development of the electronic medical record.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enterprise digital assistants: the progression of wireless clinical computing.

By virtue of increasingly pervasive wireless connectivity, the proliferation of wireless handheld devices in clinical care is rapidly transforming the concept of the personal digital assistant (PDA) to the enterprise digital assistant (EDA). Wireless handheld devices are becoming extensions of the central hospital information system, in which it's understood that the health care enterprise, not the clinician carrying the information-dispensing device, owns the data. The practical implication for clinicians is that, despite the potential long-term benefits of seamless, just-in-time clinical data access, this paradigm shift portends decreased efficiency in the short term, as clinicians duplicate clinical data collection on private devices. Assuming eventual clinician acceptance, EDAs can form the basis of a national real-time clinical data acquisition system that ensures uniform prescribing, decision support, and diagnosis, and the means for tracking unusual disease presentation patterns that could be indicative of bioterrorism or natural disease outbreaks.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed2005

Effect of computer mouse gain and visual demand on mouse clicking performance and muscle activation in a young and elderly group of experienced computer users.

The present study evaluated the specific effects of motor demand and visual demands on the ability to control motor output in terms of performance and muscle activation. Young and elderly subjects performed multidirectional pointing tasks with the computer mouse. Three levels of mouse gain and three levels of target size were used. All subjects demonstrated a reduced working speed and hit rate at the highest mouse gain (1:8) when the target size was small. The young group had an optimum at mouse gain 1:4. The elderly group was most sensitive to the combination of high mouse gain and small targets and thus, this age group should avoid this combination. Decreasing target sizes (i.e. increasing visual demand) reduced performance in both groups despite that motor demand was maintained constant. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid small screen objects and letters. Forearm muscle activity was only to a minor degree influenced by mouse gain (and target sizes) indicating that stability of the forearm/hand is of significance during computer mouse control. The study has implications for ergonomists, pointing device manufacturers and software developers.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Effects of keyswitch design and finger posture on finger joint kinematics and dynamics during tapping on computer keyswitches.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of postural and keyswitch characteristics on musculoskeletal tissue loading during tapping on computer keyswitches. DESIGN: We hypothesized that joint torques, stiffness and work parameters differ across keyswitch designs and finger postures typical of those observed during computer keyboard typing. We experimentally measured joint kinematics and calculated joint torques while tapping on different keyswitches in different postures, and analyzed the data using mechanical impedance models. METHODS: Sixteen human subjects tapped with the index finger on computer keyswitches mounted on a sensor which measured vertical and horizontal forces. Miniature electro-optical goniometers mounted dorsally across each finger joint measured joint kinematics. Joint torques were calculated from endpoint forces and joint kinematics using an inverse dynamics algorithm. A linear spring-damper impedance model was fitted to joint torque, position, and velocity during the contact period of each tap. Subjects tapped in three postures approximating those employed during tapping on three rows of a computer keyboard, on four different keyswitches, resulting in 12 conditions. RESULTS: More extended finger posture was associated with greater joint torques, energies, and stiffnesses, despite minimal differences in endpoint forces across posture. Greater keyswitch make forces were associated with increased forces, joint torques and joint stiffnesses, however this relationship was not monotonic. CONCLUSIONS: Joint torques and stiffness parameters differed across keyswitch designs and finger postures. Estimates of joint impedance and work provided a unique perspective into finger dynamics. RELEVANCE: Determining the causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is facilitated by characterizing workplace task biomechanics, which can be linked to specific injury mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A novel accelerometer tilt switch device for switch actuation in the patient with profound disability.

We describe the design and operation of a new switch that can be operated by patients with severely limited movement. The basis for the switch is an inexpensive single-chip accelerometer device. The switch responds to a relatively rapid rotation of the active components. We have ensured that the sensitivity of the switch device is adjustable over a wide range. The device automatically adjusts for changes in attitude of the device that result from a patient changing posture. We show that the device can operate in a wide range of attitudes. We describe 2 case studies in which the switch was successfully used as a head tilt switch.

Acceleration↗