A Human Factors and Electromyographic Evaluation of Proposed Pointing Devices for Air Traffic Controllers

Abstract

To ensure that the Next Generation Air Transportation System is efficient and safe, we conducted a simulation to explore the use of alternative pointing devices at en route air traffic control workstations. The current en route trackball supports limited interactions. However, speed, accuracy, interaction capabilities, and ergonomic issues of different pointing devices must be assessed to determine their effect on performance and musculoskeletal strain. Participants controlled simulated traffic with the current trackball, alternative trackball, hand-shake mouse, and a three button wheel-mouse. We collected surveys and recorded performance, behavior, and muscle activity data. Participants preferred the mouse and current trackball to the other devices. The air traffic measures we evaluated did not differ across any of the devices and there were no physiological indications that any of the devices had the potential to cause injury. The mouse was associated with greater pointing accuracy and speed than other devices. Based on these findings, we recommend using a mouse in future en route air traffic control systems.