Keywords
We introduce ViewPointer, a wearable eye contact sensor that detects deixis towards ubiquitous computers embedded in real world objects. ViewPointer consists of a small wearable camera no more obtrusive than a common Bluetooth headset. ViewPointer allows any real-world object to be augmented with eye contact sensing capabilities, simply by embedding a small infrared (IR) tag. The headset camera detects when a user is looking at an infrared tag by determining whether the reflection of the tag on the cornea of the user's eye appears sufficiently central to the pupil. ViewPointer not only allows any object to become an eye contact sensing appliance, it also allows identification of users and transmission of data to the user through the object. We present a novel encoding scheme used to uniquely identify ViewPointer tags, as well as a method for transmitting URLs over tags. We present a number of scenarios of application as well as an analysis of design principles. We conclude eye contact sensing input is best utilized to provide context to action.
One of the problems with mobile media devices is that they may distract users during critical everyday tasks, such as navigating the streets of a busy city. We addressed this issue in the design of eyeLook: a platform for attention sensitive mobile computing. eyeLook appliances use embedded low cost eyeCONTACT sensors (ECS) to detect when the user looks at the display. We discuss two eyeLook applications, seeTV and seeTXT, that facilitate courteous media consumption in mobile contexts by using the ECS to respond to user attention. seeTV is an attentive mobile video player that automatically pauses content when the user is not looking. seeTXT is an attentive speed reading application that flashes words on the display, advancing text only when the user is looking. By making mobile media devices sensitive to actual user attention, eyeLook allows applications to gracefully transition users between consuming media, and managing life.
