The Effect of Head Turn and Illumination on the Perceived Direction of Gaze

Abstract

Thirty observers judged the direction of monocular and binocular gaze from a model's LCD-imaged head when the head, gaze, and illumination were either straight or turned 20.6 degrees to the side. The judged direction of binocular eye contact from a turned head was judged to go past the direction of the observer, while judged monocular gaze from the eye toward the observer followed that for binocular gaze. Although judged monocular gaze from the eye away from the observer also passed the observer, it did so by a smaller amount. The judged direction of binocular gaze in the same direction as the head turn was judged to pass the direction of the head turn. The judged direction of monocular gaze from the eye away from the observer was nearly true, but the judged direction of monocular gaze from the eye toward the observer was judged as closer to the observer than true. Illumination of the model's head from the side made the direction of both head turn and gaze appear to move away from the direction of the light source. These results are discussed in connection with angle k and the perceived direction of head turn.

Differences in the Judged Direction of Gaze From Heads Imaged in 3-D versus 2-D

“…Most viewers will perceive the gaze to be directed toward their right ear, that is, the direction of gaze is said to be ''overestimated'' or to ''overshoot'' the target. This is a consistent effect that has been replicated many times (Anstis et al 1969;Cline, 1967;Kluttz et al, 2009;Masame, 1990;West, 2010West, , 2013. However, as the gaze is turned away from the observer in the same direction as the head turn, the perceived direction of gaze becomes more accurate (Cline, 1967;West, 2010West, , 2013.…”

“…This is a consistent effect that has been replicated many times (Anstis et al 1969;Cline, 1967;Kluttz et al, 2009;Masame, 1990;West, 2010West, , 2013. However, as the gaze is turned away from the observer in the same direction as the head turn, the perceived direction of gaze becomes more accurate (Cline, 1967;West, 2010West, , 2013. This rule applies whether the gaze targets are in the plane of the observer or in a plane between the observer and gazer (Imai et al, 2006;West, 2010).…”

Exploring the Relationships Between Patient Room Layout and Patient Satisfaction

“…In this study, the location of first encounter was defined by the orientation of the hand-wash sink relative to the head of the patient’s bed facilitating the immediate eye-to-eye contact between the provider and patient in three categories: facing the patient, back to the patient, and in the toilet room (Figure 4). When the sink was present in the room and the orientation of the sink to the patient’s bed is 30 degrees or less (West, 2013) to allow for an easeful gaze to the patient, it was categorized in this research study as “facing the patient,” regardless of the orientation when caregivers enter the room (Figure 4). All other angles with the sink in the room were categorized as a “back to the patient” oriented position (Figure 4).…”

Illumination Requirements for Gaze Perception

“…Studying gaze perception in human-human and human-robot interaction (e.g. Hakala, 2016;Masame, 1990;West, 2013). Cuijpers (2010), it measures the accuracy of gaze direction perception.…”