Integrated Computer Mouse (ICM) For On-The-Move Operations

Increased use of computers on military vehicles requires operator interface with a mouse or mouse-equivalent, regularly or continuously. The interface is susceptible to influence by vehicle random motion; the differential motion between the mouse platformand the operator's hand, induced by bumps and vibration appears as a random component of on-screen cursor motion that can degrade operator effectiveness. There is a need for a practical mouse-equivalent that eliminates the effects of vehicle-induceddifferential motion between it's platform and it's control element. Jona proposes to address this need with a combination of hardware and signal processing. The hardware will reduce actual differential motion to a very low level. The signal processing willeliminate the effects of unintended motion that still remains. Objectives of Phase I are:1. Develop a controller configuration that can significantly reduce vehicle-induced differential acceleration.2. Design a package geometry that will allow precise usewith minimum physiological stress and maximum long-term comfort.3. Develop signal-processing means to remove unintended signals from the controller output.4. Demonstrate the rejection of unintended signals by simulation.5. Prepare a preliminary packagedesign and formulate a test plan for prototypes to be built in Phase II.The proposed Integrated Computer Mouse (ICM) will have immunity to inertial effects up to a generous threshold, and a superior combination of high operator effectiveness with lowfatigue, in a low-cost device including adaptive self-optimizing signal processing.