Real-Time Gaze Mapping in Virtual Environments

Abstract

In order to analyze an analyst's behavior in an immersive environment, his or her eye movements can be monitored using eye trackers. Hereby, points of individual interest can be objectively identified, for instance, to assess the usability and intuitiveness of a framework. However, this technique can be used not only as a post-event analysis tool but also to assist an ongoing exploration of a virtual environment. With this poster, we present a technique that allows a real-time gaze map creation which supports the immersed analyst by providing real-time feedback on the user's own activity. In our approach, all surfaces in the virtual environment are enwrapped with a mesh structure. The grid structure recognizes when a user drifts with his or her eyes above it and increments weights of activated node points. This allows highlighting areas that have been observed, but also those that have not been observed - also when they are occluded by other objects or surfaces. We tested our technique in a preliminary qualitative expert study and received helpful feedback for further improvements.