A novel method of displaying alphanumeric text is described, named "saccadic scrolling." Text is flashed onto an electronic display one line at a time and remains visible until replaced instantaneously by the next line. The user has manual control over the display by either advancing it line by line or adjusting the rate of automatic replenishment. Experiments are reported in which reading speeds and comprehension for various models of this kind of display were compared with the conventional "Times Square" type scrolling as well as with print. Single-line manual and automatic saccadic scrolling modes yielded results approaching that of print, suggesting that this type of refreshable display could become an acceptable alternative under certain conditions to hard copy. (The Times Square mode proved inferior to the others in every respect.) Suggested applications for the technique are: autotrainer for the reading handicapped, communication terminal for the deaf, and general business use.
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