Eye trackers use a clever method of detecting where your gaze is directed. They work by shining near-infrared light into your eyes, and then capturing the reflections with a special camera. Let's break down the process:
How Eye Tracking Technology Functions
Eye trackers don't rely on you having to wear anything obtrusive. The process is generally non-invasive. Here’s a step-by-step look:
- Near-Infrared Light Emission: The eye tracker begins by emitting a near-infrared light. This light is not visible to the human eye and is safe.
- Light Reflection: This infrared light is reflected off various parts of your eye, most importantly the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye).
- Camera Capture: The eye tracker’s camera(s) are designed to detect these subtle reflections. The cameras record the patterns of these reflections.
- Data Processing: The captured images are then processed using specialized software. This software applies algorithms to filter out the noise and calculates the precise position of your gaze. This includes:
- Filtering out unwanted elements from the captured images.
- Calculating the location of the corneal reflections.
- Determining the point of gaze based on the movement and position of reflections.
Practical Applications of Eye Tracking
Eye tracking technology is used in various fields, including:
- User Experience (UX) Design: Eye trackers help understand how people interact with websites and applications, improving usability.
- Marketing and Advertising: Companies use eye tracking to see where customers focus their attention on advertisements and product packaging.
- Medical Research: Eye tracking helps in diagnosing and studying various neurological and eye conditions.
- Psychology: Researchers use eye tracking to study cognitive processes, attention, and human behavior.
- Gaming: Eye tracking offers gamers a more immersive and interactive experience.
Key Components of an Eye Tracking System
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Near-Infrared Light Source | Emits near-infrared light into the eyes. |
| Camera(s) | Captures the reflections of the infrared light from the eyes. |
| Processor and Software | Filters, calculates, and determines the point of gaze based on the camera's input. |
In summary, the eye tracker sends out near infrared light. The light is reflected in your eyes. Those reflections are picked up by the eye tracker's cameras. Through filtering and calculations, the eye tracker knows where you are looking.
