Eye Gaze Tracking for Human Computer Interaction

With a growing number of computer devices around us, and the
increasing time we spend for interacting with such devices, we are
strongly interested in finding new interaction methods which ease
the use of computers or increase interaction efficiency. Eye
tracking seems to be a promising technology to achieve this goal.
This thesis researches interaction methods based on eye-tracking
technology. After a discussion of the limitations of the eyes
regarding accuracy and speed, including a general discussion on
Fitts’ law, the thesis follows three different approaches on how to
utilize eye tracking for computer input. The first approach
researches eye gaze as pointing device in combination with a touch
sensor for multimodal input and presents a method using a touch
sensitive mouse. The second approach examines people’s ability to
perform gestures with the eyes for computer input and the
separation of gaze gestures from natural eye movements. The third
approach deals with the information inherent in the movement of the
eyes and its application to assist the user. The thesis presents a
usability tool for recording of interaction and gaze activity. It
also describes algorithms for reading detection. All approaches
present results based on user studies conducted with prototypes
developed for the purpose.