| Abstract: | Although computer keyboards and mice are frequently used in measuring response times (RTs), the accuracy of these measurements
is quite low. Specialized RT collection devices must be used to obtain more accurate measurements. However, all the existing
devices have some shortcomings. We have developed and implemented a new, commercially available device, the RTbox, for highly
accurate RT measurements. The RTbox has its own microprocessor and high-resolution clock. It can record the identities and
timing of button events with high accuracy, unaffected by potential timing uncertainty or biases during data transmission
and processing in the host computer. It stores button events until the host computer chooses to retrieve them. The asynchronous
storage greatly simplifies the design of user programs. The RTbox can also receive and record external signals as triggers
and can measure RTs with respect to external events. The internal clock of the RTbox can be synchronized with the computer
clock, so the device can be used without external triggers. A simple USB connection is sufficient to integrate the RTbox with
any standard computer and operating system. |
