Two Step Gaze Interaction

Abstract

A computer system can be controlled with non-contact inputs, such as eye-tracking devices. A computer can enlarge a portion of a display adjacent a first gaze target in response to detecting a first action (e.g., pressing a touchpad). The computer can then allow a user to position a second gaze target in the enlarged portion (e.g., by looking at the desired location) and perform a second action in order to perform a computer function at that location. The enlarging can allow a user to identify a desired location for a computer function (e.g., selecting an icon) with greater precision.

1 . A computing device comprising:
 a display,   an eye tracking device which tracks the gaze of a user of the computing device,   a processing device for controlling information shown on the display,   wherein if the gaze of the user is directed toward the edge of the display, the processing device directs the display to display a menu.   
     
     
         2 . A computing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the menu contains items corresponding to computer functions. 
     
     
         3 . A computing device according to  claim 2 , wherein selection of an item on the menu is performed by the user gazing at an item on the menu. 
     
     
         4 . A computing device according to  claim 3 , wherein after selection of an item on the menu, the user holding their gaze at a location on the display causes the computer function represented by the item selected to be performed by the computing device. 
     
     
         5 . A computing device according to  claim 2 , wherein after selection of an item on the menu the processing device causes an area of the display to enlarge. 
     
     
         6 . A computing device according to  claim 5 , wherein if the user holds their gaze in the enlarged region, a function is performed by the computing device. 
     
     
         7 . A method for performing a function on a computing device, the method comprising:
 displaying information on a display of a computing device,   tracking the gaze direction of a user on the display using an eye tracking device,   determining the gaze of the user is directed toward the edge of the display and displaying a menu on the display.   
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the menu contains items corresponding to computer functions. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein selection of an item on the menu is performed by the user gazing at an item on the menu. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein after selection of an item on the menu, the user holding their gaze at a location on the display causes the computer function represented by the item selected to be performed by the computing device. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein after selection of an item on the menu an area of the display is enlarged. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein if the user holds their gaze in the enlarged region, a function is performed by the computing device.