Computer Simulated Tests for Lever Controls with Circular Displays

Using computer simulated tests, this study examined direction-of-motion stereotypes and response times for different configurations of lever controls and circular displays. Quantitative measures of the strength and reversibility of stereotypes were used to analyze the effects of pointer position, direction of turn instruction, and control plane on movement compatibility. The results showed that strong and significantly reversible stereotypes were obtained for horizontal and vertical levers, at the 12 and 9 o’clock pointer positions, respectively. Response times were generally longer when there were no clear movement stereotypes. In the analysis of contributions of component principles to overall stereotypes, the results were explained in terms of a number of common control operating principles. Based on the experimental findings, recommendations for check reading or resetting purposes are that the pointer should be placed at 12 and 9 o’clock positions for the horizontal and vertical levers, respectively. Both the levers and the display should be positioned in the frontal plane. Due to weak response preferences and low reversibility, vertical and horizontal levers were found not suitable for use with other control/display configurations tested here. This study provided useful design guidance for improving the design of control panels used in person-machine interfaces.