Perceptual image retrieval using eye movements

This paper explores the feasibility of using an eye tracker as an image retrieval interface. A database of 1000 Corel images is used in the study and results are analysed using ANOVA. Results from participants performing image search tasks show that eye tracking data can be used to reach target images in fewer steps than by random selection. The effects of the intrinsic difficulty of finding images and the time allowed for successive selections were also considered. The results indicated evidence of the use of pre-attentive vision during visual search.