Eye Tracking Trends In Computer Graphics: pt 2

The goal of computer graphics is to communicate data visually from computer to human,so it’s only natural that eye tracking and virtual reality would be mentioned. In the first part of this pair of articles covering current trends in computer graphics, we discussed Werner Purgathofer and Robert F. Tobler’s list of features typically used in graphics these days. Features such as scalability, semantics, fusion, interaction, and acquisition play large roles computer graphics.

In their section on interaction, Purgathofer and Tobler describe eye tracking in a long list of potentially interactive ways designers, programmers, and engineers have begun to relay computer graphics in novel and current ways. Asking themselves how visualization might be integrated into workflow in order to shorten design cycles, the two authors mention face and gesture tracking, speech or voice recognition, multi-touch sensors, optical tracking, eye tracking, EEG based input, and various other systems that have made their mark on the industry in recent times. The amount of data that can be physically “interacted” with is astounding, and those in the industry have not shied away from working with the, now ubiquitous, systems.

The authors mention Sony’s EyeToy, a gesture based interaction system used with a camera, Nintendo’s Wii interface, which incorporates inertial tracking into the player’s living room, and a system called Surface, which utilizes a non classical interaction method similar to a tabletop setting.

Of course, most think the obvious goal of computer graphics is to create and supply a truly interactive world in which a user can explore and interact. It’s supposed to be both effective and intuitive, and this is where eye tracking comes in. One goal is to create “non-classical interface techniques as virtual environments, tangible user interfaces.” Vision-based interaction essentially becomes effective and provides effective interactive tools for the user (or player).

The authors go on to list a number of research goals when it comes to true user interaction, and eye tracking gets mentioned a few more times. Goals like design and the combination of multiple visualization techniques are important, as is narrative, the creation of interactive visualization systems and various scenarios and contexts.

CURRENT TRENDS IN COMPUTER GRAPHICS

Related articles:

1. Eye Tracking Trends In Computer Graphics: pt 1