Ocular response (including eye blink rate, blink duration and lid closure amplitude)
From EuroVR Knowledge Base
Description
The gaze system is of special interest in the context of VEs as VEs commonly use only the visual perceptual channel for information presentation. Gaze behaviour might be closely related to the visual properties and thus the usability of a VE. The human gaze system consists of eyes with associated musculature, pupils, eyelids, head and neck musculature and the complex neuronal structures responsible to produce a sharp image of a potential information source upon the fovea (Sirevaag and Stern 2000). The behaviour of the gaze system’s partial functions as well as the integration of the entire system reflects both the control of visual input and information processing. Information on both eye ball movements and lid closures can be obtained with the Electrooculogram (EOG) (Stern et al. 2001). The head tracking system of many VR systems provides information on head position with sufficient temporal and spatial resolution. By combining EOG and head tracking data, all aspects of eye-head coordination are covered. Findings indicate, that the timing of head movements with respect to eye movements is significantly affected by the predictability of the environment (Zangemeister and Stark 1982; Moschner and Zangemeister 1993). The analysis of visual scanning patterns has also been used to quantify mental effort. The ocular system also provides insight into the user’s alertness, vigilance state and strain.
Primary Reference or Source
- Mager, R., Stoermer, R., Schaerli, H., Estoppey, K.H., Bullinger, A.H., Patel, H., Stedmon, A., Nichols, S.C., D’Cruz, M. (2003). Usability test-battery manual. Deliverable for the European Commission, IST Project VIEW of the Future, IST-2000-26089.
