You are probably familiar with eye tracking technology from the widespread attention this innovation has received in recent years. You may even have some understanding of how this complex technology works to provide important data for research and to provide a means of communication for those who are unable to speak.
However, much more is going on when an eye tracker “watches” your eyes. Yes, there’s more than meets the eye behind this fascinating technology, and here are five ways your eyes can be tracked with devices like our Eyegaze Edge® and EyeFollower:
- Detect eye presence: First things, first – the system must find the eyes to begin the tracking process. In possible, future iterations of our products, features such as power saving could be triggered when the eyes are not detected.
- Study eye movement and patterns: Researchers can study human behavior, and doctors can diagnose injuries and diseases by assessing the movements of your eyes, which can reveal conditions like concussions and autism.
- Study gaze direction and gaze point: Researchers can also study how people interact with computers and other interfaces to determine what attracts – and holds – people’s attention.
- Measure pupil size and dilation: Similarly, pupil dilation can be studied as an indicator of excitement to show which elements on a web page, for example, are most engaging. Also, pupil dilation can reveal impairment, such as in a concussion.
- Monitor eyelid closure: Hypothetically, users’ sleepiness can be monitored when they are driving a vehicle to improve operator safety.