Horizontal and Depth Eye-Gaze Detection by Image Analysis

Abstract

Recently, several estimation methods of 3D gazing points have been proposed. Many of these are measured by pupil and corneal reflection with infrared light. This conventional method required special measuring devices for estimating 3D gazing points. We previously developed an eye-gaze detection system by image analysis under natural light. This detection system uses an eye-gaze detection method based on the image analysis for horizontal and vertical eye movements. In addition, this detection system consists of a personal computer and single home video camera. In this paper, we present the new eye-gaze detection method for depth direction. We set the new depth parameter by obtained eye-gaze characteristics both eyes. Also, we proposed a depth direction identification method using it. As a result, depth eye-gaze detection became possible by our horizontal eye-gaze detection using eye images with offline process. This detection system employs input images including both eye areas by single home video camera under natural light. Similarly, horizontal and depth eye-gaze detection became possible by combining with our horizontal direction identification method.