Eye tracking, also known as eye tracking, is a technology that allows measuring and recording a person's eye movements. This technique has gained popularity in various areas, from academic research to commercial applications. In this article, we will explore in detail what eye tracking is, the different types that exist and their uses today.
What is Eye Tracking?
Eye tracking is a technique that uses special devices, such as high-speed cameras and tracking software, to monitor and record a person's eye movements. These movements can include movement of the eyes in different directions, dilation of the pupils and fixation of the gaze on specific objects.
Types of Eye Tracking
There are several types of eye tracking. eye tracking systems, each with its own characteristics and specific applications:
1. Hardware-based:
Hardware-based eye tracking systems use specialized cameras to capture a person's eye movements. These cameras can be integrated into devices such as monitors or glasses, or placed independently in front of the subject. This type of eye tracking is widely used in research and user interface design environments.
2. Software-based:
Software-based eye tracking systems use advanced algorithms to track and analyze eye movements without the need for additional hardware. These systems are typically less precise than hardware-based ones, but are more accessible and easier to implement. They are used in mobile applications, games and market studies.
3. Based on electrooculography:
This type of eye tracking measures the electrical signals generated by eye movements. Electrodes are placed around the eyes to capture these signals and convert them into data that can be analyzed. Although it is less common than other types of eye tracking, electrooculography is used in scientific and medical research.
What is Eye Tracking for?
Eye tracking has a wide range of applications in different fields, including:
1. Research in psychology and neuroscience:
Eye tracking is used in cognitive psychology studies to investigate how people process visual information and how they pay attention to different stimuli. It is also applied in neuroscience to explore brain activity related to eye movements.
2. User interface design:
In the field of user interface design, eye tracking is used to evaluate the usability of applications and websites. It allows you to identify areas of an interface that attract the user's attention, as well as analyze reading and navigation patterns.
3. Advertising and marketing:
In the field of marketing, eye tracking is used to understand how consumers interact with advertisements and products. Helps companies design more effective advertising campaigns by analyzing customers' visual attention and emotional response.
4. Training and simulation:
Some eye tracking applications are used in training and simulation environments, such as in aviation and medicine. It helps professionals improve their skills by tracking their gaze and detecting possible areas of improvement in their performance.
Conclusion
In summary, eye tracking is a powerful technology that offers a unique insight into people's visual and cognitive behavior. With its different types and applications, this technique has become an invaluable tool for researchers, designers and professionals in various fields. Its ability to analyze and understand eye movements opens a fascinating window into the human mind and its internal processes.