Center for Computer Aided Design

Eye Trackers

OPL uses eye trackers in all the research vehicles and simulators we operate. We also have portable eye trackers.


	The Smarteye system has been installed on the JSF. There are three cameras that have been placed strategically in the cockpit to monitor the eye movement of the pilot.

	Another photograph of the JSF. Note that the Heads Down Displays (HDDs) have been illuminated.

	A view from behind the JSF. The computer behind is where the flight test engineer can calibrate the Smarteye system and monitor it throughout testing.

	The Smarteye system viewed from the head rest of the pilot.

	One of the infrared cameras that has been installed in the Computerized Airborne Research Platform (CARP).

	The Smarteye camera that is installed to the right of the pilot in the CARP. Three cameras are used to monitor the movement of a pilot's eyes.

	The back of the instrumented Lexus. This is where the data is integrated and stored during test drives.

	Kyle calibrates the Smarteye system on the ground before a flight test in the CARP.

	Nick works on setting up the Smarteye system from the Flight Test Engineer's seat in the CARP.

	A close-up of the screen in the CARP that the Flight Test Engineer can view.

	Smarteye specialist talks to the public as the Smarteye system is demonstrated in the instrumented Lexus at one of OPL's Open House events.

	Smarteye installation in the instrumented Lexus. Note the cameras located on the dashboard.

	The Smarteye camera to the right of the steering wheel is pointed out at OPL's Open House.

	Smarteye installation in the Boeing 737-800 simulator. We like to use at least 3 cameras on the Smarteye. The accuracy is excellent.

	This is our ISCAN ETL 500 eye tracking box with a Polhemus head tracker. We took all the hardware and put it into the ATR case and added Canon plugs on the front. Setting this up is easy. It takes 7 - 32VDC on the input; plug in the helicopter helmet with the eye and head tracker, and you are up and running. We decided to install all this stuff in one box, because in an aircraft application, we have got to keep things simple and reliable.

	This is our ISCAN ETL 500 optics mounted on an OPL proprietary fixture that clamps on the ANVIS plate on our HGU56 Helicopter helmet.

	Smarteye in the CARP. This is a really cool installation and works great. The global scene camera is used for quality control during the runs and for post-run discussions. The SmartEye Pro does not depend on the global scene camera as it delivers 3D gaze data relative to the cockpit CAD model. Having a scene camera is a good idea, though, because sometimes objects are fixated but not tracked in the 3D world.

	We have designed our own lightweight peripheral for the ISCAN system. It is really nice for harsh environments such as construction machines. The dark shield is useful in very bright conditions, where operators otherwise squint their eyes.

	We now have a very miniaturized direct view system. The eye camera is so small that it can view directly into the eye. A Combiner is no longer needed. The set is very lightweight and unobtrusively mounted on a BOSE aviation headset for use in the flight test aircraft. Wrapping the connection cord 20 times around your neck is strictly optional and not necessary for operational credit.