Low cost eye tracking for human-machine interfacing

摘要

One of the main challenges for developers of new human-computer interfaces is to providea more natural way of interacting with computer systems, avoiding excessive use of handand finger movements. In this way, also a valuable alternative communication pathway isprovided to people suffering from motor disabilities. This paper describes the constructionof a low cost eye tracker using a fixed head setup. Therefore a webcam, laptop and aninfrared lighting source were used together with a simple frame to fix the head of the user.Furthermore, detailed information on the various image processing techniques used forfiltering the centre of the pupil and different methods to calculate the point of gaze arediscussed. An overall accuracy of 1.5 degrees was obtained while keeping the hardwarecost of the device below 100 euros.