| Year | Early 1800s |
| Inventor | Maxwell |
| Power Source | Steam engines • Clockwork mechanics |
| Subsequent Uses | Diagnostic medicine • Industrial Revolution |
| Initial Application | Education (teaching reading and comprehension) |
| Current Applications |
Eye-tracking is a technique that measures the point of gaze, or the motion of the eyes as they are focused on a particular object or visual stimuli. It has a variety of applications, including cognitive psychology, visual marketing, and industrial design. In this alternate timeline, the history of eye-tracking technology diverges in several significant ways.
The origins of eye-tracking technology in this timeline lie with a British inventor named Maxwell, who created the first device for tracking eye movement in the early 1820s. He was inspired by studies of human vision and observed that focusing on different objects caused the eyes to move in distinct ways. Maxwell developed a mechanical system that used clockwork gears and mirrors to measure a person's point of gaze.
Early iterations of Maxwell's device were cumbersome and required subjects to remain perfectly still while a specialized technician operated the machine. However, the technology improved significantly over the ensuing decades.
One of the earliest applications of eye-tracking technology in this timeline was in education. Teachers and librarians found that Maxwell's machines could provide valuable insights into how students processed written information, enabling them to develop more effective reading methods and comprehension strategies. As a result, many schools and libraries installed steam-powered eye-tracking machines, which were operated by specially trained professionals.
These devices also found applications in early language acquisition research, as they allowed researchers to study the relationship between eye movements and comprehension of language.
Eye-tracking technology soon caught the attention of medical professionals, who recognized its potential for diagnosing and treating vision impairments. Physicians and researchers used these devices to study a variety of conditions, from color blindness to refractive errors. They often integrated eye-tracking machinery into their medical examinations, such as testing for glaucoma or assessing visual acuity.
By the late 19th century, a rapidly growing body of research on vision and eye-tracking techniques facilitated the development of ophthalmology as a distinct medical specialty. It also helped spur the development of new treatments and therapies for visual impairments.
As Europe and North America entered the age of industrialization, eye-tracking technology found a home in several industries. For example, manufacturers used the devices to study how workers interacted with machinery and develop more efficient, ergonomic designs. They also incorporated eyetracking into early industrial automation systems, allowing machines to respond to visual cues.
Eye-tracking equipment also played a role in the development of virtual reality; researchers used the data captured by these devices to create more immersive and realistic experiences in VR headsets.
The history of eye-tracking technology in this alternate timeline continues to diverge from our own; however, it can be said that modern developments have seen eye-tracking technology become an essential component of a great many devices and applications.
From gaming to user interface development and military technology, the principles discovered by Maxwell and his contemporaries continue to inform and drive the advancement of eye-tracking technology. Ever more accurate and accessible devices have the potential to expand our understanding of visual perception, enhance user interactions, and expand the realm of possibilities in a wide variety of fields.
