Lancaster University computing researchers are developing new ways to interact with virtual reality (VR) headsets - through the movement of our eyes.
Whether it's for gaming, watching films or for use in the workplace, VR technologies have been steadily growing in popularity in recent years.
These head-mounted displays provide a portal into a virtually infinite digital space extending all around the user in 360 degrees with the potential to revolutionise work, learning and leisure.
However, one major drawback is that because VR headsets are fixed to the user's head, full use of the visual space surrounding the wearer is only available with extensive head and body movements.
Currently this is a major limitation to the user experience, making use difficult in confined spaces, causing neck strain for use when sitting down, as well as excluding people with limited mobility.
Researchers from Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications aim to overcome these challenges by developing an innovative new way of interacting with VR applications through the use of eye-movement.
Taking advantage of eye-tracking functionality embedded in some VR headsets, the research team will develop a method that analyses the viewer's eye movement to automatically shift the visual environment in front of them to prevent the need for exaggerated head and body rotation, as well as eliminate the use of additional controllers.
The EyeView360 project, which is led by Professor Hans Gellersen, has just received €150,000 funding through a Proof of Concept grant awarded by the European Research Council (ERC).
Professor Gellersen said: "This is a very exciting project for us, as it applies my team's fundamental research on eye movement to a very practical problem, of enabling users to look around a virtual environment while sitting comfortably."
The work will build on previous ERC-funded research through the Gemini project and will demonstrate the useability, efficiency and ergonomic benefits of eye control for VR.
The project is one of 150 to receive Proof of Concept funding from the ERC as part of Horizon Europe.
