Abstract
We investigate the dynamic structure of human gaze and present an experimental study of the frequency components of the change in gaze position over time during free viewing of computer-generated fractal images. We show that changes in gaze position are scale-invariant in time with statistical properties that are characteristic of a random walk process. We quantify and track changes in the temporal structure using a well-defined scaling parameter called the Hurst exponent, H. We find H is robust regardless of the spatial complexity generated by the fractal images. In addition, we find the Hurst exponent is invariant across all participants, including those with distinct changes to higher order visual processes due to neural degeneration. The value we find for H of 0.57 shows that the gaze dynamics during free viewing of fractal images are consistent with a random walk process with persistent movements. Our research suggests the human visual system may have a common strategy that drives the dynamics of human gaze during exploration.
Highlights
IntroductionTo allow the human neural system to sample its visual environment, the gaze, or line of sight from the fovea to the position of interest in the visual field, is adjusted over time
The fovea is the region of the retina with the highest visual acuity
We identify scale invariance of the gaze shifts and determine the Hurst exponent associated with the time series using the variation method, as described in the Analysis section
Summary
To allow the human neural system to sample its visual environment, the gaze, or line of sight from the fovea to the position of interest in the visual field, is adjusted over time. Eye tracking technology can measure the position of the gaze in the visual field, allowing participants’ scan paths to be tracked while they engage in visual tasks in realtime. Using this technology, the human eye’s scan path is observed to have a complex structure both spatially and temporally. The underlying mechanisms in the neural system which modulate how the eye navigates the visual field to generate this complex structure is a topic of much discussion [1]. Models tend to focus on the role of visual
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
