March 2004
Clemson University
Most-hated inventions to get lesson in mannersEye-tracking leaders share latest technology, research breakthroughs CLEMSON – Researchers turn the tables on technology: Instead of paying attention to multiple devices like computers, cell phones and PDA's, those devices will pay attention to you thanks to advances in eye-tracking technology that give gadgets "eyes."
Field leader Andrew Duchowski of Clemson University says it'll be five to 10 years before the technology is commonplace, but experts will glimpse cutting-edge eye trackers at the Eye Tracking Research & Applications symposium March 22-24 in San Antonio, Texas. Duchowski, associate professor in computer science, expects 100 experts and researchers from around the world to attend the one-of-a-kind symposium.
Eye-tracking technology follows a person's gaze, allowing computers to make assumptions about a user's behavior. "The computer will be able to interact with you based on where your attention is. It'll know not to be disruptive if you are busy, or to alert you because you should be paying attention," said Duchowski.
In other words, the computer is paying attention to the user. This application of eye tracking is known as an attentive user interface (AUI) and can be used to manage how cell phones seek attention -- reducing unwanted interruptions. An MIT study found that one in three adults rank cell phones as the most-hated invention.
Duchowski and colleague Roel Vertegaal of Queens University, Ottawa, started the symposium as a platform for researchers, developers and vendors to explore eye-tracking developments. This year, participants will glimpse next generation eye-tracking technology, which will replace bulky helmets and wired sensors with digital cameras fitted in flat panel displays.
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