A new input system for disabled users involving eye gaze tracker and scanning interface

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new input interaction system for people with severe disabilities. The new system works based on eye gaze tracking and single switch scanning interaction techniques. It combines eye gaze tracking and scanning in a unique way which is faster than only scanning‐based systems while more comfortable to use than only eye gaze tracking‐based systems, which is also supported by a user study.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim was to design a new interaction technique combining eye tracking and scanning technique for severely disabled people. A comparative study with eight users involving only an eye tracking system and the system combining eye tracking and scanning was conducted.

Findings

The participants rated the new system easier and less strenuous to use than the eye gaze tracking‐based system, while the new system did not slow the speed of interaction.

Originality/value

This new method based on eye gaze tracking and single switch scanning interaction techniques has potential to be a new interaction technique combining free source eye tracker and scanning switches. It is hoped users who can move a limb to use a single switch‐based scanning system will be hugely benefitted by this new system.

Citation

Biswas, P. and Langdon, P. (2011), "A new input system for disabled users involving eye gaze tracker and scanning interface", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 58-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/17549451111149269