A first set of signals corresponding to a first signal modality (such as the direction of a gaze) during a time interval is collected from an individual. A second set of signals corresponding to a different signal modality (such as hand-pointing gestures made by the individual) is also collected. In response to a command, where the command does not identify a particular object to which the command is directed, the first and second set of signals is used to identify candidate objects of interest, and an operation associated with a selected object from the candidates is performed.