An eye tracking approach to image search activities using RSVP display techniques

Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) is now a well-established category of image display methods. In this paper we compare four RSVP techniques when applied to very large collections of images (thousands), in order to extract the highest quantity of items that match a textual description. We report on experiments with more than 30 testers, in which we exploit an eye tracking system to perform the selection of images, thus obtaining quantitative and qualitative data about the efficacy of each presentation mode with respect to this task. Our study aims at confirming the feasibility and convenience of an eye tracking approach for effective image selection in RSVP techniques, compared to the mouse-click "traditional" selection method, in view of a future where eye trackers might become nearly as common as LCD displays are now. We propose an interpretation of the experimental data and provide short considerations on technical issues.