Department of Industrial Engineering
Chung-Yuan Christian University
200, Chung Pei Rd., Chung Li, Taiwan 32023 R.O.C.
The study determined an optimal handle posture for the handled device from a combination of three forward angles (0¢X, 15¢X, and 30¢X) and lateral angles (0¢X, 15¢X, and 30¢X). The device was also compared with a usual table trackball for basic operation properties. Operational performance of ten subjects using the device to execute tasks of target acquiring, stability control, and obstacle avoidance was measured for each forward and lateral angle design, accompanied by subjective fatigue and usability evaluations. The results found that the forward 30¢X and lateral 30¢X combination reached the top cursor movement performance without imposing undue fatigue to the operator. The study suggests using the forward 30¢X and lateral 30¢X handled trackball as the optimal design solution to maintain performance for seated computer operation. A handled trackball mounted on a seat was developed aiming at future use in vibration environments.
Keywords:handled trackball, vibration environment, movement task
(*Contact: E-mail hsiang@cycu.edu.tw )
Cite this article as: Chiuhsiang Joe Lin, Chi-No Liu, Jun-Lung Hwang and Wei-Jung Shiang, "DESIGNING A HANDLED TRACKBALL FOR SEATED COMPUTER TASKS," Journal of the Chinese Institute of Industrial Engineers, 26, 1-10 (2009).