This is an intriguing development. However, having been involved with
eye-tracking for the use of people with severe physical disabilities for
over 25 years, I would make a couple of comments:
1 The high costs are a reflection of the small market size. If there was
a mass application for this technology, the price would be in the consumer
price range using current designs. Of the people who could in principle use
the technology, only a subset have the motivation and drive to press for it,
only a subset of these have the funds to pay for it, and only a subset of
these have the necessary support personnel to set things up and teach its
use. The resulting market is small.
2 While there are undoubtedly several application areas in addition to
helping people with disabilities, some of which will be commercially
remunerative, the eye is always at a disadvantage with the fingers if
fingers are available. The fingers interface has two groups of five
independently positioned digits independently supported by positioning
agents (arms). Finger action is strong and dynamic enabling many inputs
actions per second. In contrast, the eye is a single bit interface where
direction is controlled and selection must be confirmed by a time-consuming
dwell period. Moreover, its natural function as a prime input device to the
person must also be sustained.
I have no doubt that this initiative will stimulate further advances.
However, I would suggest that if only a small fraction of the funds spent on
research were directed to the benefit of those with disabilities who need
the existing technology, the world would be a better place.
David Kahn
H.K. EyeCan Ltd.
Ottawa - Canada
www.eyecan.ca
----- Original Message -----
From: "derrick" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 1:52 PM
Subject: [EM_LIST] The IPRIZE - A Grand Challenge for Human Computer
Interaction
> Eye tracking is a viable next-generation human computer interface. For
> individuals with significant motor disabilities, eye-tracking interfaces
> represent one of the few or only ways to communicate effectively.
> Unfortunately, current eye-tracking systems are expensive ($10,000 or
> more),
> invasive, inflexible, cumbersome and frustrating to use. Moreover,
> improvements in commercial eye tracking technology over the last 30 years
> have
> been only incremental.
>
> A revolution in eye tracking will be required in order to make eye
> tracking
> the next ubiquitous human computer interface. Factors of 10 improvement
> are
> needed in the price, intrusiveness, robustness, speed, and accuracy of
> eye-
> tracking systems. A high-quality low-cost eye-tracking solution is needed.
>
> At the 2006 ACM Eye Tracking Research and Applications (ETRA) symposium
> last
> week, I announced the IPRIZE, a $1,000,000 Grand Challenge designed to
> spark
> advances in eye-tracking technology through competition. Repeatedly,
> throughout history, such Grand Challenges have lead to radical innovations
> that overcome significant technical and economic barriers. The IPRIZE
> competition will focus the efforts of scientific, engineering and
> entrepreneurial communities on high-quality low-cost eye-tracking.
>
> We are looking to raise a total of $1,000,000 for the IPRIZE Grand
> Challenge,
> and are already off to a good start with the generous commitment of
> $100,000
> by Hawk Laboratories. Because a low-cost solution for gaze-based
> communication
> has the potential to significantly enhance quality of life for millions of
> disabled individuals, we will be looking towards charitable organizations
> and
> private donors to fund what remains.
>
> At this point, we are looking for support from this community that eye
> tracking represents an important problem and that the IPRIZE competition
> is a
> valuable way to solve it. Please take just a second and visit the IPRIZE
> website to learn more:
> http://hcvl.hci.iastate.edu/IPRIZE
> and to express your support for the competition:
> http://hcvl.hci.iastate.edu/IPRIZE/index.cgi?support
>
> An advisory committee is now being formed and I am looking for committed
> individuals willing to participate in fund raising and willing to help
> formulate the competition rules. The current advisory committee consists
> of a
> broad range of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs:
> http://hcvl.hci.iastate.edu/IPRIZE/index.cgi?advisory
> Funds have been obtained to hold a workshop in the Fall of 2006 for
> committee
> members to meet and organize the competition.
>
> Please forward this notice onto anyone who might be interested in
> participating in the IPRIZE competition.
>
> Thank you very much for your support,
> Derrick Parkhurst
> ---
> Derrick Parkhurst, PhD
> Assistant Professor,
> The Department of Psychology and
> The Human Computer Interaction Program
> Associate Director,
> The Virtual Reality Application Center
> Iowa State University
> 1620d Howe Hall
> Ames, Iowa, 50011
> [log in to unmask]
> http://hcvl.hci.iastate.edu/
> ---
> Support the IPRIZE
> A Grand Challenge for Human Computer Interaction
> http://hcvl.hci.iastate.edu/IPRIZE/
>
> --
> EYE-MOVEMENT mailing list ([log in to unmask])
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>
>
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