Improving eye–computer interaction interface design: Ergonomic investigations of the optimum target size and gaze-triggering dwell time

Abstract

The Midas touch is reflected by the interactive feedback of interface functional elements, and a low level of spatial accuracy is related to the interaction area. This study tried to solve these two problems from the perspective of human-computer interactions and ergonomics. Two experiments were conducted to explore the optimum target size and gaze-triggering dwell time of the eye–computer interaction (ECI) system. Experimental Series 1 was used as the pre-experiment to identify the size that has a greater task completion rate. Experimental Series 2 was used as the main experiment to investigate the optimum gaze-triggering dwell time by using a comprehensive evaluation of the task completion rate, reaction time, and NASA-TLX (Task Load Index). In Experimental Series 1, the optimal element size was determined to be 256 × 256p x2. The conclusion of Experimental Series 2 was that when the dwell time is set to 600 ms, the efficiency of the interface is the highest, and the task load of subjects is minimal as well. Finally, the results of Experiment Series 1 and 2 have positive effects on improving the usability of the interface. The optimal control size and the optimal dwell time obtained from the experiments have certain reference and application value for interface design and software development of the ECI system.

Toward Gaze-Based Map Interactions: Determining the Dwell Time and Buffer Size for the Gaze-Based Selection of Map Features

“…For example, Paulus and Remijn [31] found that a dwell time of 600 ms was rated easiest by users to select objects. Niu et al [13] found that selecting a button size of 256 × 256 px was more accurate than selecting a button size of 128 × 128 px, whereas Penkar et al [17] identified a circular area of 150 px as being the easiest to select. Feit et al [32] suggested that the shape and size of buttons should be designed individually according to the position of the button on the screen.…”

“…Second, neuroscience studies have shown that the foveal vision of adults is limited to the central 1.5-2 • of the visual field [43,44]. Third, commonly tested button sizes in previous studies ranged from 3.3 • to 7.7 • (radii of approximately 1.6 • to 3.8 • ) [13,32]. Fourth, points and polylines should be assigned different buffer sizes because they differ geometrically: points are 0-dimensional objects and polylines are 1-dimensional objects with an attribute of length.…”

“…Penkar et al [17] compared different combinations of button sizes and dwell times used to trigger the selection of buttons and found that larger buttons and longer dwell times resulted in higher efficiency than smaller buttons and shorter dwell times. Likewise, Niu et al [13] reported that larger buttons could increase the selection accuracy. In map interaction, button size can be replaced by the buffer size of map features (points and polylines): if one's gaze falls into the buffer area of a map feature and remains fixated in that area for a certain dwell time, then the feature is selected.…”

“…Using gaze to select objects may be more efficient than using either mouse or touch because eye movements are initially faster [12]. However, gaze-based selection encounters at least two difficulties [13,14]: low spatial accuracy and the Midas touch problem (Figure 1). The former signifies that the spatial accuracy of gaze is not as high as that of a cursor being maneuvered by a mouse, leading to the selection of unwanted features.…”

Eye movements in real and simulated driving and navigation control - Foreword to the Special Issue

“…Eye-Computer-Interaction (ECI) is an interactive method of directly controlling a technological device by means of ocular parameters. In this context, Niu, Gao, Xue, Zhang & Yang ( 8 ) conducted two experiments to explore the optimum target size and gaze-triggering dwell time in ECI. Their results have an exemplary application value for future interface design.…”