International Association of Scientific Innovation and Research (IASIR) (An Association Unifying the Sciences, Engineering, and Applied Research) International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Computational and Applied Sciences (IJETCAS) www.iasir.net IJETCAS 13-536; © 2013, IJETCAS All Rights Reserved Page 149 ISSN (Print): 2279-0047 ISSN (Online): 2279-0055 RESEARCH ISSUES IN DESIGNING IMPROVED EYE GAZE BASED HCI TECHNIQUES FOR AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION Anjana Sharma 1 , Pawanesh Abrol 2 1 Research Scholar , 2 Associate Professor Department of Computer Science & IT, University of Jammu, J & K-180006 INDIA Abstract: Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) refers to the domain of communicating methods or techniques that provide improved human-human or human-system interaction. AAC techniques enable users with certain communication disabilities to participate in everyday conversations with or without helpers. Eye gaze is a very significant area of human computer interaction (HCI). The gaze estimation and detection is used for understanding, processing and executing different commands from a distinct location. An effective eye gaze detection and estimation can help to develop improved AAC devices for better interactive communication. In this research paper an extensive research study has been carried out to understand the domain of AAC and to explore the significance of eye gaze based methods for designing better AAC systems. The objective of this research study is to identify and utilize eye gaze models for developing better and more effective AAC devices. It has been observed that eye gaze based models are being used in various fields for AAC. Certain limitations and research issues related to the performance and effectiveness of these models have been discussed. This study shall highly be useful for further research in this domain. Keywords: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), human-computer-interaction (HCI), eye gaze, interactive communication. I. Introduction Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is an area of clinical practices that helps to compensate for different impairment and disability pattern. AAC includes devices, systems, or methods that improve the ability of an individual with communication impairment to communicate effectively. AAC devices are primarily electronic devices that are used to augment an individual’s natural means of communication [1]. AAC can encourage the subject to be an active participant during communicative interactions [2]. These systems may incorporate all the different devices that are used for enabling effective communication and gestures for day to day life. AAC devices are covered as durable medical equipments (DME) which are routinely purchased for the treatment of severe communication disabilities [3]. These systems are used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas of a disabled person. In addition to, using sign language, communication boards, symbols of pictures or objects, such devices use a variety of human computer interaction (HCI) models [4]. HCI refers to different techniques and algorithmic processes of non physical contact with the computing devices. These techniques are used to design, evaluate and implement various interactive computing systems [5]. HCI techniques help in developing and improving the user’s interaction with the computer and are effective, efficient, safe, low cost and time saving. HCI based AAC models enable symbol based human to human and human to machine communication in a computer and networking environment [6]. Some of the AAC devices include Eye Link, partner assisted scanning (PAS), and E-Trans [7]. AAC may use different methods of communication for HCI as per the requirement and convenience. In direct selection method the selection is made by pointing to the desired symbol using a finger or an alternative pointer. Eye gaze, head stick and head or eye-controlled mouse are some of the direct selection methods. Indirect selection or scanning method scans the displayed items for selection using switches. Eye gaze involves measuring of individual’s eye movements at any given time and the sequence in which the person’s eyes are shifting from one location to another. Eye gaze based methods can be used for executing desired instructions by the user to the computing system for investigation and analysis for meaningful interaction. A gaze based dictionary has also been developed for text based processing. Further eye gaze based models are safer to be used by the persons with different degrees of disabilities. Further such models may also be used in case of advanced medical disorders or ailments where the movement of the subject is moderately or severely restricted. Various applications of eye gaze based HCI techniques are gaze based system controls, understanding intention and