MENTAL STATE ANALYSIS USING BLINK RATE FOR VEHICLES

Mental state analysis is performed by obtaining video of an individual as the individual interacts with a computer, either by performing various operations, such as driving a vehicle or being a passenger in a vehicle, or by consuming a media presentation. The video is analyzed to determine eye-blink information on the individual, such as eye-blink rate or eye-blink duration. The blink-rate information is compensated for a context. Blinking for a group of people of which the individual is a part is evaluated. Mental states of the individual are inferred for the blink event based on the blink event, the blink duration of the individual, the difference in blinking between the individual and the remainder of the group, and the blink-rate information that was compensated. The blink-rate information and associated mental states can be used to modify an advertisement, a media presentation, a digital game, or vehicle controls.