An Integrated Eye-Tracking and Motion Capture System in Synchronized Gaze and Movement Analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Studying visual-motor coordination is crucial for understanding locomotion.
• Existing methods often lack integrated, synchronized gaze and motion data.
• Mobile eye-tracking and motion capture offer a promising solution for synchronized data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate an integrated eye-tracking and motion capture system.
• To record and analyze synchronized gaze and motion data during dynamic movement.
• To quantify visual-motor coordination during locomotion.

Main Methods:

• Developed an integrated system for temporally and spatially synchronized gaze and motion data.
• Evaluated gaze measurement accuracy in static and dynamic conditions with five participants.
• Assessed system usability through walking tasks on three different pathways.

Main Results:

• Achieved similar gaze measurement accuracy in both static and dynamic conditions.
• Participants focused gaze on the upcoming path, particularly downward sections, for navigation.
• Complex pathways led to increased gaze time, longer step times, shorter step lengths, and reduced walking speed.

Conclusions:

• The integrated eye-tracking and motion capture system is feasible and accurate.
• This methodology effectively quantifies visual-motor coordination in locomotion.
• Gaze behavior significantly influences walking strategies and performance.