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Computer mouse tracking is a simple and cost-efficient way to gather continuous behavioral data. As theory suggests a relationship between affect and sensorimotor processes, the computer mouse might be usable for affect sensing. However, the processes underlying a connection between mouse usage and affect are complex, hitherto empirical evidence is ambiguous, and the research area lacks longitudinal studies. The present work brings forward a longitudinal field study in which 179 participants hourly self-reported their affect while their mouse usage was tracked both during their self-directed, contextless as well as task-bound computer use over the course of 14 days, resulting in a dataset comprising 10,760 instances of data collection. Extensive statistical analysis using null hypothesis significance testing and machine learning reveal weak and sporadic relationships between mouse usage and longitudinal self-reported affect at best. The results of this study challenge the use of computer mouse tracking for longitudinal affect sensing and point to a necessity for more research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new method of using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in machine learning to identify brand consistency by product appearance variation. In Experiment 1, we collected fifty mouse devices from the past thirty-five years from a renowned company to build a dataset consisting of product pictures with pre-defined design features of their appearance and functions. Results show that it is a challenge to distinguish periods for the subtle evolution of themouse devices with such traditionalmethods as time series analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). In Experiment 2, we applied deep learning to predict the extent to which the product appearance variation ofmouse devices of various brands. The investigation collected 6,042 images ofmouse devices and divided them into the Early Stage and the Late Stage. Results show the highest accuracy of 81.4% with the CNN model, and the evaluation score of brand style consistency is 0.36, implying that the brand consistency score converted by the CNN accuracy rate is not always perfect in the real world. The relationship between product appearance variation, brand style consistency, and evaluation score is beneficial for predicting new product styles and future product style roadmaps. In addition, the CNN heat maps highlight the critical areas of design features of different styles, providing alternative clues related to the blurred boundary. The study provides insights into practical problems for designers, manufacturers, and marketers in product design. It not only contributes to the scientific understanding of design development, but also provides industry professionals with practical tools and methods to improve the design process and maintain brand consistency. Designers can use these techniques to find features that influence brand style. Then, capture these features as innovative design elements and maintain core brand values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change materials (PCMs) are materials whose most important property is latent heat capacity, which is an effective and important part of energy storage. These materials can provide or improve thermal comfort conditions through a phase change. A computer mouse is one of the pieces of equipment that are dependent on temperature and causes discomfort to the user if the temperature increases. By placing the hand on the mouse and doing the activity, based on the different metabolism of each person's body, it takes some time until the interface between the hand and the mouse gets hot and causes the user to be annoyed. Based on this, an experimental method was used to investigate the effect of using a PCM on the mouse. In this article, two PCMs (Paraffin Wax and Capric Acid) were used inside four capsule models (A: overall capsule, B: capsule parallel to the X-axis, C: capsule parallel to the Y-axis, D: checkered capsule), and the result was that with the addition of the capsule containing Paraffin Wax, the time to reach the maximum temperature was 7.14% compared to the normal state and with the addition of the capsule containing Capric Acid, the time to reach the maximum temperature will increase by 76.4% compared to the normal state. Regarding the comparison of the arrangement of capsules, the best case is to use a general capsule. But because using this type of capsule makes it difficult for the user, therefore, the best layout is the checkerboard type and increases the mouse’s performance by 76%.

Purpose. Vertical and slanted mouse models have been developed to reduce forearm pronation. Discomfort, performance and stresses have been analyzed with these mice in previous studies but not learning during the familiarization phase. Methods. Eighteen females performed repeated pointing–clicking tasks with a standard mouse used as a reference followed by a slanted mouse and a vertical mouse in a randomized order. The duration of each task was measured. For each participant–mouse combination, changes in duration upon repeating the task were analyzed using a statistical model including a log-linear slope followed by a plateau. We consider that when the plateau is reached, the participant is familiar with the task. Results. For both the slanted mouse and the vertical mouse, the plateau is reached after about 30 repetitions of the task. The duration of the plateau was similar for these two mouse models. For the vertical mouse only, the slope increased significantly when used second versus when used first. Conclusion. Learning speed appeared slower with the vertical mouse than with the slanted mouse. In light of these findings and those of previous studies, decision-makers and employees should consider the slanted mouse rather than the vertical mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer mouse tracking offers a simple and cost-efficient way to gather continuous behavioral data and has mostly been utilized in psychological science to study cognitive processes. The present study extends the potential applicability of computer mouse tracking and investigates the feasibility of using computer mouse tracking for stress measurement. Drawing on first empirical results and theoretical considerations, we hypothesized that stress affects sensorimotor processes involved in mouse usage. To explore the relationship between stress and computer mouse usage, we conducted a between-participant field experiment in which N = 994 participants worked on four mouse tasks in a high-stress or low-stress condition. In the manipulation check, participants reported different stress levels between the two conditions. However, frequentist and machine learning data analysis approaches did not reveal a clear and systematic relationship between mouse usage and stress. These findings challenge the feasibility of using straightforward computer mouse tracking for generalized stress measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Mouse is one of the most important data entry devices for computers. Undesirable and prolonged postures during work with the computer mouse increase workload, muscle aches and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare muscle activity during the use of 4 types of mouse, including trackball, trackpad, slanted and standard by Electromyography (EMG). Methods: This experimental study included 15 subjects (7 men and 8 women). The electrical activity of EDC, ECU, ECR, FDS, PQ, and FDL muscles was recorded by EMG while performing a standard task with each mouse. The order of using each mouse was randomized. The obtained results were analyzed by SPSS using the measures of central tendency, Friedman’s test, and Independent Samples t-test. Results: The results of assessing the electrical activity level of muscles suggested no statistically significant difference in the recorded EMG between FPL, FDS, and PQ muscles while working with the 4 mice. The electrical activity reduced in EDC, ECR, and FPL muscles with the use of slanted mouse, compared to that of other mice (P

The study of eye movements is a common way to non-invasively understand and analyze human behavior. However, eye-tracking techniques are very hard to scale, and require expensive equipment and extensive expertise. In the context of web browsing, these issues could be overcome by studying the link between the eye and the computer mouse. Here, we propose new analysis methods, and a more advanced characterization of this link. To this end, we recorded the eye, mouse, and scroll movements of 151 participants exploring 18 dynamic web pages while performing free viewing and visual search tasks for 20 s. The data revealed significant differences of eye, mouse, and scroll parameters over time which stabilize at the end of exploration. This suggests the existence of a task-independent relationship between eye, mouse, and scroll parameters, which are characterized by two distinct patterns: one common pattern for movement parameters and a second for dwelling/fixation parameters. Within these patterns, mouse and eye movements remained consistent with each other, while the scrolling behaved the opposite way.

The study of eye movements is a common way to non-invasively understand and analyze human behavior. However, eye-tracking techniques are very hard to scale, and require expensive equipment and extensive expertise. In the context of web browsing, these issues could be overcome by studying the link between the eye and the computer mouse. Here, we propose new analysis methods, and a more advanced characterization of this link. To this end, we recorded the eye, mouse, and scroll movements of 151 participants exploring 18 dynamic web pages while performing free viewing and visual search tasks for 20 s. The data revealed significant differences of eye, mouse, and scroll parameters over time which stabilize at the end of exploration. This suggests the existence of a task-independent relationship between eye, mouse, and scroll parameters, which are characterized by two distinct patterns: one common pattern for movement parameters and a second for dwelling/fixation parameters. Within these patterns, mouse and eye movements remained consistent with each other, while the scrolling behaved the opposite way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People have a good intuition of how to move a computer mouse to place a cursor at a desired position on a screen. This is surprising because the hand and the mouse are at different locations and they generally move in different directions and over different distances. But using a computer mouse is not always intuitive: try positioning a cursor after turning the mouse by 90° in your hand. To examine when using a computer mouse is intuitive, we asked participants to move a cursor to targets on a screen by moving a mouse along a surface. We varied the orientation of this surface in space and that of the mouse in the hand. Participants performed best when the mapping between hand and cursor motion was close to what we are accustomed to, either in space or relative to the forearm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An experimental method was used to investigate the effect of using a PCM on the mouse. • In this article, two PCMs (paraffin wax and capric acid) were used inside four capsule models. • With the addition of paraffin wax, the time to reach the maximum temperature was 7.14% compared to the normal state. • With the addition of capric acid, the time to reach the maximum temperature increases by 76.4% compared to the normal state. Phase change materials (PCMs) are materials whose most important property is latent heat capacity, which is an effective and important part of energy storage. These materials can provide or improve thermal comfort conditions through a phase change. A computer mouse is one of the pieces of equipment that are dependent on temperature and causes discomfort to the user if the temperature increases. By placing the hand on the mouse and doing the activity, based on the different metabolism of each person's body, it takes some time until the interface between the hand and the mouse gets hot and causes the user to be annoyed. Based on this, an experimental method was used to investigate the effect of using a PCM on the mouse. In this article, two PCMs (Paraffin Wax and Capric Acid) were used inside four capsule models (A: overall capsule, B: capsule parallel to the X-axis, C: capsule parallel to the Y-axis, D: checkered capsule), and the result was that with the addition of the capsule containing Paraffin Wax, the time to reach the maximum temperature was 7.14% compared to the normal state and with the addition of the capsule containing Capric Acid, the time to reach the maximum temperature will increase by 76.4% compared to the normal state. Regarding the comparison of the arrangement of capsules, the best case is to use a general capsule. But because using this type of capsule makes it difficult for the user, therefore, the best layout is the checkerboard type and increases the mouse's performance by 76%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We expect a cursor to move upwards when we push our computer mouse away. Do we expect it to move upwards on the screen, upwards with respect to our body, or upwards with respect to gravity? To find out, we asked participants to perform a simple task that involved guiding a cursor with a mouse. It took participants that were sitting upright longer to reach targets with the cursor if the screen was tilted, so not only directions on the screen are relevant. Tilted participants' performance was indistinguishable from that of upright participants when the screen was tilted slightly in the same direction. Thus, the screen's orientation with respect to both the body and gravity are relevant. Considering published estimates of the ocular counter-roll induced by head tilt, it is possible that participants actually expect the cursor to move in a certain direction on their retina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The computer mouse is one of the most familiar artefacts of the developed world to have been devised in the late twentieth century. The essential form remains the same as when it was first invented, but during this time the mouse has transformed our physical interaction with and perception of computers. With increased attention being paid to curating and collecting technologies of the contemporary world, and within the context of an archaeological research culture that extends to the contemporary, an archaeological examination of this ubiquitous object appeared timely. There are millions - if not billions - of mice in circulation, including models that are now outdated or obsolete. Despite their apparent uniformity they differ in significant ways, and examination of these differences can help us to understand human experiences of technology in ways that resonate with artefact types of much earlier periods. With that time depth in mind, this paper will therefore focus on the form and function of the computer mouse and its place in the contemporary imagination. This will be followed by a detailed study of five specific examples which together illustrate some of the key issues and challenges that face us, as archaeologists and curators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the fetish of the click through a technofeminist history of the computer mouse as vulva. It argues that this material turn is a necessary corrective to abstractions of the click in con-temporary media studies and the long history of phallic technological practices. Drawing from anthropological, Marxist, and psychoanalytic approaches to fetish, this paper enables a rethinking of the computer mouse in the materiality of what it is and does within its broader cultural formation. This interpretation of the computer mouse serves as a feminist claim to ubiquitous computing technology. Further, the argument connects the computer mouse's supposed obsolescence to the new and emerging technologies of touch pads and screens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged use of a standard mouse is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. This review provides professionals with in-depth analysis of the literature regarding the evidence behind the use of alternative computer mouse designs and their ability to reduce discomfort in mouse users, in addition to the potential effect of ergonomics training and forearm supports. Multiple data bases were searched by independent researchers to identify 17 high-quality controlled trials including varieties of acceptable mouse designs (vertical, slanted, upright, roller bar, biofeedback and others). Methodological quality of these studies were assessed by independent raters utilizing the PEDro quality assessment scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) scale, and the results revealed that included studies were of moderate quality (5–6/10) and had some intrinsic ROB. It is concluded that there is moderate quality of evidence to support the use of alternative mouse designs to reduce discomfort, promote posture and decrease unnecessary muscle activation, especially if accompanied by appropriate ergonomic training. However, standard mouse still offers appropriate users preference levels. Hence, the consensus is that, mouse selection and purchase should be an individualized process based on individual needs and work demands and that there is no universal model that works well with everyone.

Heart rate is an important physiological parameter for healthcare. Among measurement methods, photoplethysmography (PPG) is an easy and convenient method for pulse rate detection. However, as the PPG signal faces the challenge of motion artifacts and is constrained by the position chosen, the purpose of this paper is to implement a comfortable and easy-to-use multi-PPG sensor module combined with a stable and accurate real-time pulse rate detection method on a computer mouse. A weighted average method for multi-PPG sensors is used to adjust the weight of each signal channel in order to raise the accuracy and stability of the detected signal, therefore reducing the disturbance of noise under the environment of moving effectively and efficiently. According to the experiment results, the proposed method can increase the usability and probability of PPG signal detection on palms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared muscular and postural stresses, performance and subject preference in women aged 18–40 years using a standard mouse, a vertical mouse and a slanted mouse in three different computer workstation positions. Four tasks were analysed: pointing, pointing-clicking, pointing-clicking-dragging and grasping-pointing the mouse after typing. Flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) activities were greater using the standard mouse compared to the vertical or slanted mouse. In all cases, the wrist position remained in the comfort zone recommended by standard ISO 11228-3. The vertical mouse was less comfortable and more difficult to use than the other two mice. FDS and ECR activities, shoulder abduction and wrist extension were greater when the mouse was placed next to the keyboard. Performance and subject preference were better with the unrestricted mouse positioning on the desktop. Grasping the mouse after typing was the task that caused the greatest stress. Practitioner Summary:In women, the slanted mouse and the unrestricted mouse positioning on the desktop provide a good blend of stresses, performance and preference. Unrestricted mouse positioning requires no keyboard, which is rare in practice. Placing the mouse in front of the keyboard, rather than next to it, reduced the physical load. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]