Dual-screen eye-tracking

Project Overview

Dual-screen eye-tracking hardware configuration and calibration to power SecondRead

Motivation and Objective

Screen-based eye-tracking is achieved using a special screen-mounted camera system. However, for our SecondRead pilot study, we neede to support the two diagnostic displays that is typical for mammography. There were no off the shelf solutions for dual screen eye-tracking that was screen-mounted.

Key Contributions

  • Created the dual calibration procedure compatiful with our WPF application.
  • Resolved issues of overlapping and simulatenous data at the caused by the shared screen border.
  • Designed custom mounting compatible with VESA mounts with a clean, finished look.

Technologies Used

  • Frontend: C#, WPF
  • Tools: Git, EyeTechDS’s proprietary software

Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenge The simultaneous data acquisiton of the eye-tracker system interfere with each other.

    • Solution I worked with the manufacturer to test custom firware updates that allowed alternating acquisitions between the two eye-tracking cameras.

  • Challenge The provided calibration procedure was meant for single screen and used a standalone, clunky interface.

    • Solution I created out own dual-screen calibration routine and integrated it into the SecondRead software.

  • Challenge While the cameras came with stands, any movement would have rendered the calibration useless and ruined data collection. The calibration requires a fixed position between the camera and the eye-trackers.

    • Solution I created a custom solution by modifying VESA keyboard mounting systems meant for trade show exhibits. The modificaitons allowed precised mounting of the eye-trackers at the optimal position relative to the screens.

Impact and Results

  • As far as I am aware, this is the only dual-screen camera based system that has ever been used for data collection in the wild.

  • The calibraiton procedure allowed us to onboard radiolgists easily and keep track of their profiles.

  • The mounting system was robust but not permanent and was easy to install and uninstall. When not in use, the eye-tracking system caused no issues with normal operation.

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