# AutoGain: Gain Function Adaptation with Submovement Efficiency Optimization

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1611.08154 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1611.08154/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 24 Nov 2016.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [SSSUMO: Real-Time Semi-Supervised Submovement Decomposition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.08028/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

A well-designed control-to-display gain function can improve pointing performance with indirect pointing devices like trackpads. However, the design of gain functions is challenging and mostly based on trial and error. AutoGain is a novel method to individualize a gain function for indirect pointing devices in contexts where cursor trajectories can be tracked. It gradually improves pointing efficiency by using a novel submovement-level tracking+optimization technique that minimizes aiming error (undershooting/overshooting) for each submovement. We first show that AutoGain can produce, from scratch, gain functions with performance comparable to commercial designs, in less than a half-hour of active use. Second, we demonstrate AutoGain's applicability to emerging input devices (here, a Leap Motion controller) with no reference gain functions. Third, a one-month longitudinal study of normal computer use with AutoGain showed performance improvements from participants' default functions.