A time prediction model of cursor movement with path constraints

Abstract

A mouse is an important input device that is used in most of all computer works. A mouse control time prediction model was proposed in this study. Especially, the model described the time of mouse control that made a cursor to move within path constraints. The model was developed by a laboratory experiment. Cursor movement times were measured in 36 task conditions; 3 levels of path length, 3 levels of path width and 4 levels of target’s width. 12 subjects participated in all conditions. The time of cursor movement with path constraints could be better explained by the combination of Fitts’ law with steering law(r2=0.947) than by the other models; Fitts’ law(r2=0.740), Steering law(r2=0.633) and Crossman’s model(r2=0.897). The proposed model is expected to be used in menu design or computer game design.