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TESTING CYBERHAND
CYBERHAND FATIGUE & STABILITY TESTS
Comparison tests were carried out against the joystick/mouse since these are the most popular input devices for moving computer graphic images.
The main finding are based on the results of in testing:
a) Reaction time and accuracy
b) Endurance and stress caused by muscle strain
c) Adaptability
d) The link between mind and action
e) Compatibility
f) An intelligent input device
g) Stability.
TESTING a) reaction time and accuracy
Triggering the joystick requires the coordination of a great number of muscles including those in the neck, chest, back, arms, hands and fingers. It is reasonable to assume that the time required to move the joystick in any direction is far greater than that needed to move a single finger. The arm and hand are at rest when using CYBERHAND, the only muscle action needed to produce a signal is that of the finger.
Testing this theory on computer games produced the expected results. When using the joystick it became harder and took longer to overcome higher levels of play. After about 15 games some players using CYBERHAND achieved as much as a 30% increase in score over their highest joystick scores. It seemed that the increased muscle activity associated with using the joystick caused confusion and inaccuracy in movements in the higher levels of play.
TESTING b) endurance and stress caused by muscle strain
After prolonged periods of use (1 to 2 hours) people testing the joystick experienced some discomforts in the form of muscle cramps and blistering. Those using CYBERHAND over the same periods of time and greater suffered no side effects. As fatigue set in with the joystick users accuracy levels dropped as much as 75 percent. With CYBERHAND users accuracy and scores rose by as much as two hundred percent. This was measured by comparing joystick and CYBERHAND users� scores.
TESTING c) adaptability
It became apparent that a person could adapt to using CYBERHAND in about 10 games. Finger movements appeared to be programmed into the mind after using CYBERHAND for a week or so, such that movements became just reactions to a visual stimulus.
TESTING d) the special link between mind and action
After the users� fingers adapted to the key configuration there, a mind- hand link seemed to develop. This allowed the users the freedom continues as if they were controlling action through their minds. The only way they could explain it was to say, "it was as close as being there".
TESTING e) compatibility
I have emulated a joystick in these tests. With the proper onboard circuits, CYBERHAND can also emulate other input devices, such as a mouse.
TESTING f) an intelligent input device
There is enough room within the casing to hold elaborate circuits that could interactively drive other output devices such as a robotic arms, stepping motors and even a CRT display. The output is a full 8 bit configuration.
TESTING g) stability.
CYBERHAND is much more robust than joysticks and most other device when operated in unstable conditions. This test was conducted by putting the devices on a tennis ball to see how the hand could compensate for out of the ordinary operating conditions. It was found that CYBERHAND could be operated with one hand while it sat on the unsecured base. There was only a 10 percent drop in performance over previous results. This attribute means that the operator can control an object in 3 dimensional space with one hand while the other hand is free to do other things.
CONCLUSION.
CYBERHAND was well received by all testers. Once they were used to the key configuration, 95 percent preferred CYBERHAND over the joystick.
Canscan Imaging Inc.
931-7th Ave., Box 2847, Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 CANADA
Phone: (250)423-7787 ... Fax: (250)423-4333
Email: [email protected]