London-based scientists are working on developing ways to control computers using our eyes. The Imperial College initiative stems from research into the complex processes behind 'visual knowledge'.
The work uses infra-red eye-tracking technology to better understand precisely how our brains process what we see.
Researchers are confident this could lead to computer interfaces that recognise commands just by reading our eyes.
Team leader Guang-Zhong Yang told the BBC the aim is to "reverse-engineer better computer vision systems".
He added: "Eye trackers will one day be so reliable and so simple that they will become yet another input device on your computer."
He has already come up with some specialist applications.
One would involve using eye-tracking technology in cars to raise the alarm when drivers are becoming tired, while another could revolutionise missile-guidance systems for fighter pilots.
PA