21-12-2012, 01:11 PM
Using Eye Movements For Text & Graphics Input Now Possible
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INTRODUCTION
If we take a look at the evolution of input technology, here’s how it goes – Initially, you had to type the entire thing using the keyboard; then, you could speak and that is converted to text; further on, you could scribble the word on the touch screen and it would be converted to standard text. And now here is the next step - Use your eye movements to see words, numbers or drawings on the screen. Not exactly easy, but with some training people can control their eye movements to represent letters, patterns or numbers.
This technique has already been invented and implemented by Dr. Jean Lorenceau of the Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris for his patients. They can draw and write by controlling the eye muscles alone. Eye is not exactly a total voluntary organ. There are so many instances where you just can’t control your eyes, but bringing them under control is the crux of this technique. For that Lorenceau discovered the technique called ‘reverse phi motion’
Training in eye awareness
Generally, people know what they see, but are not aware of how their eyes are moving, says Lorenceau.
"This display is the opposite, you don't pay attention to what you see, but what you do with your eyes," he says.
He speculates that training with the technology could also improve eye control for people with dyslexia and experts who rely on excellent vision such as surgeons and athletes.
However, he is quick to add training did not work with everyone. In the small group of six, only four could master the technique.
Small study looks promising
Associate Professor Mike Horsley, Learning & Teaching Education Research Centre director at CQUniversity, says the research is promising.
"He's thought of this particular issue in saccade movement in a completely different way," he says.
"The next stage for [Lorenceau] and his team is to use more subjects and find out if people can really do it."
Horsley says eye-tracking research is growing with the first EyeTrack Australia Conference held recently and the variety of applications of eye-tracking research "was pretty amazing".