Eye Tracking Basics

What is eye tracking?

Eye tracking technology detects eye movement by identifying the pupil region and tracking its motion to determine precisely where the user is looking. The Eye-Com EC7T™ eye tracking system uses microcameras and complex eye tracking software algorithms to electronically monitor eyelid and pupil activity. The eye has unique functions and movement patterns identifiable with the Eye-Com EC7T™ that can be linked to behavior and mental focus, which makes the EC7T™ a powerful tool for human factors research and clinical studies. Eye tracking systems are also revolutionizing the way we interact with technology, possibly replacing the standard keyboard and mouse and becoming the next human interface device. There are many applications for this technology, including assistive communication and fatigue detection.

What is head tracking?

Head tracking detects the angle and orientation of wearer’s head relative to a computer monitor and can be used to control the viewing angle of an image on the screen as it appears from the wearer’s perspective. The Eye-Com EC7T™ system uses an externally facing, frame-mounted microcamera and specially designed markers as reference points on the computer screen to track head movement. Head tracking devices, like the one by Eye-Com Corporation, are increasingly being used for applications like human performance evaluation in training scenarios and computer interface control with head movement.