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22 January, 2024

The Future of Eye Tracking in Automotive Research: A Deep Dive into Smart Eye Pro Capabilities

As we wrap up our exploration of Smart Eye Pro’s groundbreaking capabilities, let’s delve into the intriguing questions posed during a Q&A session following a recent Smart Eye webinar we hosted. The audience’s curiosity touched upon various aspects, from camera configurations to calibration processes, offering valuable insights into the practical applications and nuances of this innovative eye tracking technology.

We thought it might be helpful to share these questions and summarize our answers here: 

Camera Configurations: Tailoring to Your Needs

The discussion kicked off with a query about the necessity of a three-camera system for research vehicles. Essentially, the number of cameras depends on the desired field of view. Larger vehicles might require more cameras, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the instrument panel and other crucial areas. This also emphasized the flexibility of Smart Eye Pro, stating that cameras can be strategically placed to track the subject’s gaze effectively.

Points of Interest in the World Model

The audience’s interest extended to the creation of points of interest in the 3D world model. The process entails the utilization of a laser chessboard tool to measure real-world dimensions and create a wireframe model. Each object in the model is named, allowing precise tracking of the subject’s gaze in three-dimensional space. This feature enables researchers to analyze not only where the subject is looking but also the distance and orientation relative to specific points.

Smart Eye Pro in Commercial Vehicle Platforms

A participant raised a pertinent question about the evolution of Smart Eye Pro concerning commercial vehicle platforms, such as trucks and buses. Smart Eye highlighted the system’s adaptability, emphasizing that the primary difference lies in size. The vibration and shock levels in commercial vehicles might be more challenging, but Smart Eye Pro’s resilience ensures accurate tracking. The key takeaway—Smart Eye Pro’s environment-agnostic nature enables seamless transition between automotive and commercial settings.

Calibration: Simple and Swift

Calibration, a crucial aspect of any eye tracking system, was addressed in response to another participant’s query. Both system calibration and gaze calibration were described as straightforward processes. The system calibration, involving a chessboard, takes a mere 15 seconds. Gaze calibration, carried out using points of interest, adds a minimal two minutes per point. The simplicity of the calibration procedures ensures efficient and accurate data collection.

Collaboration with iMotions: A Powerful Integration

The conversation extended to the collaboration with iMotions, where Smart Eye Pro plays a critical role as a sensor within the iMotions biometric analysis platform. The seamless integration allows researchers to leverage Smart Eye Pro’s data alongside other biometric sensors. The collaboration enhances the analytical capabilities, enabling the creation of heat maps, gaze paths, and emotion tracking—a powerful combination for comprehensive insights.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Precision in Tracking

Another question arose on KPIs for head pose and gaze accuracy, which Smart Eye explained our triangulation technique that Smart Eye Pro employs for head pose, utilizing facial features to anchor the head in space. Gaze accuracy is achieved by tracking subjects looking at specific points in 3D space. Precise eye gaze data, combined with calibration, ensures accurate tracking, with any inaccuracies offset for precision.

Tailoring Smart Eye Pro for Trucks

The final questions delved into specific scenarios, such as whether one camera suffices for trucks. Camera installation on the A pillar is feasible, but the number of cameras required may vary based on the size of the vehicle. The system profiles each subject individually, even in scenarios involving multiple people, ensuring accurate and unique tracking for each individual. (For more on eye tracking for fleets, check out our aftermarket AIS solution here!) 

The Bottom Line

This particular webinar Q&A session not only provided valuable insights into the technical aspects of Smart Eye Pro but also showcased its adaptability, precision, and integration capabilities. The questions posed by the audience reflect the diverse applications and scenarios where Smart Eye Pro continues to redefine the landscape of eye tracking technology. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth explorations into the realm of Smart Eye Pro. The journey towards unlocking the mysteries of human behavior within vehicles continues.

 

Interested in eye tracking for automotive research? Download our Comprehensive Guide to Eye Tracking Technology here, or contact us today to discuss your automotive research project or see a demo!

Written by Ashley McManus
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