The Effects of Input Device and Latency on Ability to Effectively Pilot a Simulated Micro-UAV

Abstract

The effects of input device and latency during training to manually pilot a simulated micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (MAV) were investigated. In our prior simulation research, MAV missions were completed more quickly when trainees used a game controller than when they used a mouse. This experiment investigated whether this difference would persist when participants were tested in a novel environment and when some realistic latency was imposed between input command and MAV response. Fifty-six participants were trained to operate a MAV in one simulated environment and then tested in a novel environment. Four between-group conditions were examined, formed by crossing two 2-level factors: input device (mouse vs. game controller) and latency period (no time delay vs. 500 ms delay). The effects of input device replicated our prior research and also transferred to the novel environment; no substantial effects of delay were found.