Multi-stage gaze-controlled virtual keyboard using eye tracking

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Single-stage key selection algorithms struggle with large virtual keyboard interfaces.
• Eye gaze control for virtual keyboards requires efficient selection mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel multi-stage hierarchical approach for optimizing key selection on virtual keyboards using eye gaze.
• To improve the efficiency and usability of gaze-based text entry.

Main Methods:

• A multi-stage hierarchical selection technique was developed, dividing the keyboard into progressively smaller regions based on eye movements.
• Participants copied text using eye gaze under both the novel multi-stage and traditional single-step conditions.
• Key metrics included selection speed, words per minute, accuracy, and usability ratings.

Main Results:

• The multi-stage hierarchical approach significantly improved selection speed and words per minute.
• Selection times for initial region narrowing (half and quarter) decreased by over 30% while maintaining accuracy.
• Overall task completion time was reduced by 20%, and users reported higher comfort and ease of use.

Conclusions:

• The multi-stage hierarchical approach offers a more efficient and user-friendly method for gaze-based virtual keyboard text entry.
• This technique effectively optimizes interaction by refining the selection area through multi-level refinement.
• The findings suggest a promising advancement for assistive technology and human-computer interaction in text input.