The beam cursor: A pen-based technique for enhancing target acquisition

In this paper we introduce a novel interaction technique that improves target acquisition in pen-based interfaces. This technique is called Beam Cursor. The Beam Cursor exploits the sliding motion and dynamically updates the effective width of targets on screen according to the original location of the pen-tip, such that even if the pen-tip lands in the vicinity of a target the target can easily be selected. We also provide reports on two controlled experiments which were performed to evaluate the Beam Cursor in both 1D (dimension) and 2D target selection tasks on the pen-based interface. The experimental results indicate that the Beam Cursor is modelled on and predicted by Fitts' Law and that it is governed by the effective width of the targets. Results also show that the Beam Cursor significantly outperforms the Point Cursor and the Bubble Cursor.