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Pupil Diamter Changes Associated with BlinkingWe had observed surprisingly little change in pupil diameter associated with eyeblink. We had expected to see either or both pupil diameter increases associated with the loss of visual input and pupil constriction associated with the reopening phase of the blink. We are currently investigating this issue by using brief flashes of darkness (to simulate the loss of light input to the eyes during a blink) as well as blinks in response to stimulus presentation (voluntary blink) and normal "involuntary" or "spontaneous" blinks. Blink Timing and Information ProcessingWe are continuing to investigate the timing of eye blinks associated with the taking in and processing of information to further test our hypotheses that blinks occur principally at moments when no information is expected and when processing is at a minimum. Is the blink really the "punctuation mark of the mind"? Oculometric Variables Predictive of "Fatigue"We are involved in studies dealing with oculometric variables as predictors of "fatigue". We are currently collecting data on truck drivers, driving a truck simulator for extended periods of time. Driving is done principally at night and we are interested in time-on-task as well as time-of-night effects. Measures being investigated by us include saccades, the eye blink, head movements and changes in pupil diamter. This study is being conducted in collaboration with the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Research Center, the Institue for Circadian Physiology and the Applied Science Laboratories. |