  We propose an improved eye center localization method based on the Hough
transform, called Circle-based Eye Center Localization (CECL) that is simple,
robust, and achieves accuracy on a par with typically more complex
state-of-the-art methods. The CECL method relies on color and shape cues that
distinguish the iris from other facial structures. The accuracy of the CECL
method is demonstrated through a comparison with 15 state-of-the-art eye center
localization methods against five error thresholds, as reported in the
literature. The CECL method achieved an accuracy of 80.8% to 99.4% and ranked
first for 2 of the 5 thresholds. It is concluded that the CECL method offers an
attractive alternative to existing methods for automatic eye center
localization.
