Auditory display as feedback for a novel eye-tracking system for sterile operating room interaction

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Medical Technology
• Operating Room Systems

Background:

• Operating rooms increasingly use technical systems, necessitating sterile interaction methods.
• Existing touchless interaction lacks tactile feedback, unlike traditional devices.
• Eye-tracking is a promising touchless interaction method for sterile environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel touchless eye-tracking interaction system with auditory display.
• To provide feedback for operating room tasks, compensating for the lack of tactile sensation.
• To assess the system's effectiveness in improving user performance and experience.

Main Methods:

• Developed an eye-tracking system incorporating a novel auditory display (earcons and sonification).
• Implemented touchless interaction for six typical scrub nurse tasks.
• Conducted an evaluation comparing auditory display with visual display using novice participants.

Main Results:

• Auditory display significantly reduced reaction time compared to visual-only display.
• Participants reported lower subjective workload with auditory feedback.
• Higher ratings for usefulness and system acceptance were observed with auditory display.

Conclusions:

• Auditory display is a valuable addition to touchless interaction methods in sterile operating rooms.
• It effectively compensates for the absence of tactile feedback in eye-tracking systems.
• The system demonstrably reduces reaction times and enhances user satisfaction and cognitive workload.