3 Space Tracking

Argus Science offers a method for real-time gaze tracking with the ETVision head mounted eye trackers in complex environments that have multiple stationary surfaces. Our ET3Space package combines eye position data obtained by the eye tracker with head position data from an integrated motion capture device.

The eye tracker provides gaze direction with respect to the head, and the motion capture device provides head position and orientation with respect to the environment. ET3Space software uses this information to determine line-of-gaze with respect to the 3 dimensional environment and the gaze intersection point on stationary surfaces in the environment.

For use with optical motion capture devices, an array of reflectors are mounted to the ETVision optics frames, and the motion capture device measures the position and orientation of the reflector array.

3 Space Environment and Data

ET3Space software calculates point-of-gaze on up to 20 surfaces of interest. Typical surfaces include monitor screens, keyboards, instrument panels, poster displays, walls, floors, etc. Surfaces of interest are quickly and easily specified to the ET3Space program using the head mounted optics scene camera image.

The data reported by ET3Space includes head position and orientation, position of the eye and direction of the gaze vector in environment ("room") coordinates, identification of the surface being viewed and the coordinates of the gaze point on that surface, and pupil diameter. Data are displayed in real-time, are available in real-time via Local Area Network, and can be recorded on a digital data file.

The Argus Science ETAnalysis program is designed to conveniently and effectively process ET3Space data.

When using ET3Space, point of gaze can also be displayed on the image from a Stationary Scene Camera positioned in the environment.

Head Tracking Systems for use with ET3Space

Argus Science eye trackers are compatible with a variety of motion capture devices that can be used as the ET3Space head tracking component. We support systems from many leading companies, such as NDI, Advanced Realtime Tracking (ART), Vicon, Qualisys, and others. From the list of supported devices, and with individual help from engineers at Argus Science, the user is free to choose the motion capture technology that best meets the needs of a particular environment and application.

ET3Space Features

Reports the location of the gaze vector in 3 dimensional space.

Reports the intersection of gaze with multiple flat surfaces whose location and boundaries known in 3 dimensional space.

Reports head position and orientation.

Data available in real-time and recorded on a digital data file.

Displays real-time point-of-gaze on the video image from a stationary ("room mounted") camera. (see Stationary Scene Camera)

Data conveniently analyzed by ETAnalysis.