Eye Movements and Human-Computer Interaction

Gaze provides an attractive input channel for human-computer interaction because of its capability to convey the focus of interest. Gaze input allows people with severe disabilities to communicate with eyes alone. The advances in eye tracking technology and its reduced cost make it an increasingly interesting option to be added to the conventional modalities in every day applications. For example, gaze-aware games can enhance the gaming experience by providing timely effects at the right location, knowing exactly where the player is focusing at each moment. However, using gaze both as a viewing organ as well as a control method poses some challenges. In this chapter, we will give an introduction to using gaze as an input method. We will show how to use gaze as an explicit control method and how to exploit it subtly in the background as an additional information channel. We will summarize research on the application of different types of eye movements in interaction and present research-based design guidelines for coping with typical challenges. We will also discuss the role of gaze in multimodal, pervasive and mobile interfaces and contemplate with ideas for future developments.