LAIF: A logging and interaction framework for gaze-based interfaces in virtual entertainment environments

Eye tracking is starting to be used for evaluation and interaction in virtual environments. Especially digital games can benefit from an integrated approach, using eye tracking technology for analysis and interaction. One benefit is faster development of gaze interaction games, which can be automatically evaluated in iterative development cycles. For this purpose, we present a framework of programming libraries that enables rapid game development and gameplay analysis within an experimental research environment. The framework presented here is extensible for different kinds of logging (e.g., psychophysiological and in-game behavioral data) and facilitates studies using eye-tracking technology in digital entertainment environments. An experimental study using gaze-only interaction in a digital game is presented and highlights the framework’s capacity to create games and evaluate novel entertainment interfaces.

Research highlights
► Triangulation tools much needed in game research for analysis of gaze logs.
► LAIF is a programming framework for both analysis and input from gaze and physiological signal data.
► First step toward comprehensive triangulation tool for eye tracking in games.
► Gaze interaction was perceived as a fun and novel gaming input method.
► It required time to learn since it is not as easy to control as mouse interaction.