Wearable video-based eye tracking system with a webcam

This paper introduces a real-time eye tracking system mounted on an eyeglasses frame, utilizing color camera as the video input device instead of infrared (IR) camera. IR camera system is preferred in many studies because pupil is very easily discernable with clear margin under proper IR illumination. However, IR illumination increases not only the total weight but also the size of the system, resulting in bulky and heavy head-mount system or table-mount system with chin rest. In addition, IR camera cannot detect the pupil of the examinee wearing eyeglasses because of the reflection of the IR illumination on the eyeglasses. Color camera doesn't need additional light source except daylight or room light, which allows less intrusive system with light weight and small size. However, captured images are worse than IR camera, showing blurred boundary and shimmering noise. Thus it needs compensation algorithms which will he described through this paper.