GPU programmable simulation of arbitrary visual fields.

In an effort to improve upon previous studies in the field of eye-tracking and interactive Gaze-Contingent Displays (GCDs), this research project tested the ability to run real-time GCDs that respond to the user's eye movements and degrade the resolution of an image displayed on the screen for both compression and simulation purposes. Prior work required pre-processing of all images because of hardware limitations, but current GPU programmable graphics cards offer superior performance at a lower price. By accessing the graphics card directly to draw on the screen, the program runs much more efficiently than in previous implementations. It was written in C, C++, and Cg and used threads to interact with the GCD. As a result, images can be manipulated in real-time using visual fields with both spatial and color degradation. In the future, this technology will allow for more detailed work in the areas of medical research (by simulating disorders in the eyes) and image compression and enhancement. Potential projects directly relating to this research could add the ability to handle a video stream or to find the degradation function that accurately simulates visual acuity of the human eye.