Discrete Tracking Performance with Limited Velocity Resolution

Advances in the design of radar data processing and display systems have resulted in certain nonlinearities in the response of the displayed cursor to a manual input. This paper examines the effects upon target acquisition time, in a simulated air defense environment, of (1) a low-velocity “dead zone” for which no cursor movement occurs, and (2) quantization of control velocity into a small number of discrete cursor velocities. Resulting decrements in acquisition latencies are given as functions of tracking distance and direction. A rolling ball control is used.