Gaze based selection of a function from a menu

Abstract

A computer system can be controlled with non-contact inputs through zonal control. In an embodiment, a non-contact input that is an eye-tracking device is used to track the gaze of a user. A computer's display, and beyond, can be separated into a number of discrete zones according to a configuration. Each zone is associated with a computer function. The zones and/or their functions can, but need not, be indicated to the user. The user can perform the various functions by moving gaze towards the zone associated with that function and providing an activation signal of intent. The activation signal of intent can be a contact-required or non-contact action, such as a button press or dwelling gaze, respectively.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of controlling a computer, comprising:
 causing a menu to be displayed on a display, wherein the menu includes an option for selection associated with a computer function;   determining a user's gaze location on the display with an eye tracking device;   detecting that the user's gaze remains fixated on or near the option;   selecting the option in response to detecting that the user's gaze remains fixated on or near the option;   performing the computer function associated with the option, at a location where the user's gaze next remains fixated.   
     
     
         2 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 1 , wherein the menu comprises:
 a plurality of options for selection, each associated with a different computer function.   
     
     
         3 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a left click computer function.   
     
     
         4 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:
 prior to performing the computer function associated with the option for selection, enlarging an area around the user's gaze on the display.   
     
     
         5 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a left click computer function.   
     
     
         6 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the menu is displayed in response to a contact input action.   
     
     
         7 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the menu is displayed in response to a non-contact input action.   
     
     
         8 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a double click computer function.   
     
     
         9 . The method of controlling a computer of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a right click computer function.   
     
     
         10 . A computing device, comprising:
 a computer including:
 a display device for presenting a display; and 
 an eye tracking device for determining the location of a user's gaze on the display device; 
   wherein the computer is programmed to at least:
 display a menu includes an option for selection associated with a computer function; 
 determine a user's gaze location on the display device; 
 detect that the user's gaze remains fixated on or near the option; 
 select the option in response to detecting that the user's gaze remains fixated on or near the option; and 
 perform the computer function associated with the option, at a location where the user's gaze next remains fixated. 
   
     
     
         11 . The computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the menu comprises:
 a plurality of options for selection, each associated with a different computer function.   
     
     
         12 . The computing device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a left click computer function.   
     
     
         13 . The computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the computer is further programmed to at least:
 prior to performing the computer function associated with the option for selection, enlarging an area around the user's gaze on the display.   
     
     
         14 . The computing device of  claim 13  wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a left click computer function. 
 
     
     
         15 . The computing device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the menu is displayed in response to a contact input action.   
     
     
         16 . The computing device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the menu is displayed in response to a non-contact input action.   
     
     
         17 . The computing device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a double click computer function.   
     
     
         18 . The computing device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a right click computer function.   
     
     
         19 . A system, comprising:
 a computer including:
 a display device for presenting a display; 
 an eye tracking device for detecting gaze indications of a user; 
 a processor operably connected to the eye tracking device and the display device; and 
 programming enabling the processor to at least:
 cause a menu to be displayed on the display, wherein the menu includes an option for selection associated with a computer function; 
 determine a gaze target from the gaze indications; 
 detect that the gaze target remains fixated on or near the option; 
 select the option in response to detecting that the gaze target remains fixated on or near the option; 
 detect that the gaze target remains fixated on the display; 
 perform the computer function associated with the object at the location of the gaze target. 
 
   
     
     
         20 . A system of  claim 19 , wherein the menu comprises:
 a plurality of options for selection, each associated with a different computer function.   
     
     
         21 . A system of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a left click computer function.   
     
     
         22 . A system of  claim 19 , wherein the programming further enables to the processor to at least:
 prior to performing the computer function associated with the option for selection, enlarging an area around the user's gaze on the display.   
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22  wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a left click computer function. 
 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the menu is displayed in response to a contact input action.   
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the menu is displayed in response to a non-contact input action.   
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a double click computer function.   
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the option for selection is associated with a right click computer function.