Software that tracks shoppers’ eye movements as they browse supermarket shelves may seem a bit Big Brother, but the latest technology in ‘eye-tracking’, which monitors what grabs a person’s attention, could have far-reaching implications for consumers and result in services being tailored towards their specific interests in the future.
The software is the result of a partnership between the University’s Department of Computer Science and Applied Science Laboratories (ASL). The latter’s eye-tracking system (Mobile Eye™), has been combined with the University’s vision location and mapping software (SLAM) to create a unique technology (GazeMapä) that allows a viewer’s attention to be measured and analysed. The new system enables the gaze analysis to be done in 3-D, something previously not possible.
The technology allows researchers and designers to collect data about eye movements and what people are looking at (their ‘point of gaze’) when they perform natural tasks like window-shopping or browsing in-store. It also dramatically reduces the time needed to analyse and interpret the data.
Beyond the consumer market, the software could be applied to research in other fields including sports, reading, safety and training – the possibilities are limitless.
Dr Andrew Calway, Reader in Computer Science, who is leading the project, commented:
‘We are very excited about the potential of this new technology. Computer science at Bristol has a reputation for delivering pioneering research and teaming up with ASL has meant we were able to help take the technology to another level, whilst at the same time applying it to a real-world application.’
Robert Wilson, Product Manager of ASL added:
‘The GazeMap project is a good example of a successful partnership between a university and company, bringing advanced research into a form for everyday use.’
The University team consists of PhD student Denis Chekhlov, Dr Walterio Mayol and Dr Andrew Calway.