Eye movement tracking

Abstract

The invention relates to eye movement tracking. The invention relates to a module for a microscope for determining a gaze point of a user and for controlling a microscope function, comprising: an input interface for receiving sensor data of an eye movement tracking sensor, the sensor data having information about the gaze point of the user, and for receiving operational data for operating at least one function of the microscope; an analysis unit for determining a gaze point of the user based on the sensor data and for determining control instructions for controlling a function of the microscope based on the operational data and / or the gaze point; and an output interface for transmitting the control instructions to a control unit of the microscope in order to control at least one function of the microscope. The invention further relates to a corresponding system and a microscope. The invention further relates to a method for operating a microscope and to the use of a module with a microscope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a module for a microscope used to determine a user's gaze point and to control microscope functions. The invention also relates to a corresponding system and microscope. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a microscope and the use of the module in conjunction with the microscope. Background Technology

[0002] Operating a microscope while looking through one or two eyepieces is challenging for users. Microscopes are known to have operating elements for setting various microscope functions, such as focusing, zooming, or moving the sample below the objective lens. However, these operating elements are not visible to the user when looking through one or more eyepieces to observe the sample. Therefore, the user must touch or blindly operate these elements and check their effectiveness while looking through the eyepieces.

[0003] It is known that microscopes are controlled by knobs, which are easily accessible and can be operated without direct view of the operating elements. For example, these knobs can be used to set the focus and / or zoom levels, i.e., the magnification of the microscope. However, sometimes it is not possible to move a sample or specimen using such knobs. In other words, navigation, especially visual navigation on the sample, is limited to one degree of freedom, i.e., magnification.

[0004] In the case of full 3D navigation, that is, navigation with three degrees of freedom, lateral movement of the sample should also be possible, which complicates the control or operation of the microscope.

[0005] It is known that lateral sample movement is achieved using motorized stages, particularly so-called XY stages, thereby moving the sample under a microscope. However, a disadvantage in this case is that controlling such a stage requires additional user input and sensitivity.

[0006] In current devices, such as those from Zeiss, it is known that such user input is achieved using a joystick and / or touchscreen. However, in this case, such user input is highly complex. In particular, it is known that for 3D navigation, the joystick switches between two alternating modes, where either zoom level or sample movement can be achieved.

[0007] Those skilled in the art recognize that there is a high risk of user error and frustration here. In particular, it is possible to forget to switch modes, causing the user to move the sample instead of zooming, and vice versa.

[0008] In this implementation, navigation on the sample becomes challenging and difficult.

[0009] A microscope equipped with an eye-tracking sensor is known from publication EP 1 131 663 B1, in which a user can control various functions of the microscope by looking at them. Specifically, this publication proposes that the user can activate a function by looking at different icons. This should allow the user to control the microscope solely with their eyes. A disadvantage in this case is that the user must know precisely which function to look at or which icon to activate. Since the user must first observe the icons to understand them, the system is particularly unintuitive. Unintentional activation of functions may occur in this situation. Furthermore, the system only allows operation of a single function, which is first activated in a costly manner by looking at the icon, and therefore not at the sample. This makes navigation on the sample difficult, as the user inevitably has to remove their gaze from the sample to activate the function.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for the feasibility of improving microscopes. This need increases with the addition of features that can be integrated into modern microscopes. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the present invention addresses the following objective: to demonstrate the possibility of improving the control of a microscope. In particular, sample navigation should be improved, wherein, especially preferably, the user's line of sight does not need to be removed from the sample. In a particularly preferred design, the possibility of operating the microscope without using the hands should be created, allowing the user to freely handle the sample using their hands.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a module for a microscope for determining a user's gaze point and for controlling at least one microscope function, the module comprising: An input interface is provided for receiving sensor data from an eye-tracking sensor, the sensor data having information about the user's gaze point, and for receiving operational data for controlling at least one function of the microscope. An analysis unit is configured to determine the position of the user's gaze point based on the sensor data, and to determine control commands for controlling at least one function of the microscope based on the operational data; and An output interface is provided for transmitting the control commands to the control unit of the microscope in order to control at least one function of the microscope, namely, to operate the microscope based on the operating data and the gaze point.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for determining a user's gaze point and for controlling microscope functions, the system comprising: As previously defined modules; An eye-tracking sensor is used to generate sensor data, which includes information about the gaze point, i.e., in particular the user's gaze direction and / or focus; An operating unit for generating operating data based on user input to control at least one function of the microscope.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention includes a microscope having a system as previously defined and at least one control unit that controls the functions of the microscope based on control commands from the analysis unit of the module.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention includes a method for operating a microscope, the method comprising the following steps: Receive sensor data from an eye-tracking sensor, the sensor data containing information about the user's gaze point; Receives operational data for controlling at least one function of the microscope based on user input on the operating unit; The location of the user's gaze point is determined based on the sensor data; Determine control instructions for controlling the microscope's functions based on the operational data and the gaze point; and The control commands are transmitted to the control unit of the microscope to control at least one function of the microscope.

[0016] Finally, in another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a module as previously defined in conjunction with a microscope in order to control at least one microscope function of the microscope.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. It is self-evident that the foregoing features, and those further explained below, can be used not only in the combinations described herein but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the use, system, microscope, and / or method can be implemented according to the design of the module described in the dependent claims, and vice versa.

[0018] A user's point of gaze, viewpoint, or point of interest (POI) can be understood in particular as a point, area, or region on the sample observed by the user. This viewpoint is preferably readily available. It goes without saying that the viewpoint on the sample can be determined from sensor data from an eye-tracking sensor and preferably other microscope-specific data. Furthermore, the gazepoint can be weighted, where the duration of gaze persistence on an area or region on the sample is detected. Preferably, a gazepoint of increased interest can be identified from a threshold of the duration of gaze persistence on that point, area, or region. In particular, the gazepoint can be determined based on the user's gaze direction and focus. It goes without saying that the gazepoint can be determined through so-called eye-tracking, i.e., tracking the user's eye movements. In particular, it can be detected based on known microscope geometry and according to the user's eye position: which area on the sample the user is observing.

[0019] Microscope functions can be understood in particular as all the settings and operational possibilities of the microscope, such as zooming, magnification levels, focusing, sample movement, illumination settings, optical filter settings (e.g., polarizing filters), and turning additional illumination on and off, especially wave-dependent additional illumination. Needless to say, sample staining can also be understood as a microscope function. Furthermore, the storage function for sample images, etc., can be understood as a function.

[0020] The present invention can be constructed as an improved solution by setting up a module for the microscope to determine the user's gaze point and to control the microscope's functions. This creates improved operability for existing microscopes. Therefore, the module only has the necessary technical means: an input interface, an output interface, and an analysis unit. Cost-optimized and space-optimized modules that are easy to install can be created, which contribute to improving the operability of the microscope, especially its intuitive operability. A variable module can be created by receiving sensor data from an eye-tracking sensor containing information about the user's gaze point and operational data for controlling at least one function of the microscope. The operational data is preferably implemented by means of the microscope's input device or operating unit. In particular, the module can be combined with multiple eye-tracking sensors and multiple operating units. It goes without saying that the eye-tracking sensor can be configured to directly determine the gaze point. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the eye-tracking sensor is configured to generate raw sensor data, in which the gaze point is determined from the raw sensor data in another unit, such as a PC connected to the microscope.

[0021] The analysis unit enables technically simple, efficient, rapid, and intuitive control of the microscope, determining control commands for controlling the microscope's functions based on the gaze point and operational data. Specifically, the gaze point can be determined continuously, i.e., uninterruptedly, wherein the gaze point at the time of the detected operational input is used to generate the control commands.

[0022] The output interface for transmitting control commands to the microscope's control unit is a highly flexible module that can be combined with multiple control units of the microscope.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the terms input interface and output interface are used to better understand the invention. It goes without saying that common input and output interfaces can also be created. The aforementioned interfaces can be constructed not only as wired but also as wireless, wherein any standard or proprietary communication can be applied for this purpose.

[0024] By using a system with modules as previously defined, along with eye-tracking sensors and an operating unit, it is possible to create an improved solution, particularly for improving the desired operational functions of a microscope. In this case, customer requirements can be explored individually to obtain, for example, a customized solution for improving the operability of the desired functions.

[0025] For example, eye-tracking sensors can be pushed onto the eyepiece to detect the user's eye position. This allows for the creation of a wide range of improved solutions that can be quickly deployed.

[0026] Microscopes equipped with such systems offer the possibility of providing customers with microscopes that offer advantageous control and improved operability upon delivery. In particular, in the case of a direct combination of microscope and system, the system can be advantageously integrated into the microscope.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for example, the analysis unit of a module can be configured as part of a control unit already installed in the microscope, whereby the system can advantageously utilize the existing communication infrastructure of the various modules of the microscope. It goes without saying that the analysis unit can also be configured as part of a PC connected to the microscope.

[0028] In a preferred design, the input interface is configured to receive operational data (i.e., operational data in the form of voice commands) from a joystick, touchpad, pedal, and / or microphone. This allows the microscope to be operated using intuitive and already known input devices and methods. Advantageously, the user's gaze can be intuitively pre-defined, i.e., the fixation point can be set, and the microscope can be controlled or operated using known input devices. Needless to say, rotary adjusters and operation buttons can also be used as input devices for zooming and / or focusing.

[0029] Preferably, the output interface is configured to transmit the control commands to the control unit of the XY stage so as to control the sample carrier using the microscope's XY stage based on the operational input and the gaze point. Thus, the control commands can cause the sample to be moved by simply gazing and implementing the operational input. After the movement, the sample is centered relative to the gaze point at the time of the operational input. The environment surrounding the gaze point can also be observed here. Furthermore, the speed of sample movement can be determined at the time of the operational input, for example, by the distance between the center and the gaze point. Therefore, if the gaze point is at the edge of a fragment of the sample, the sample can be moved more quickly, thus improving work efficiency. The line of sight can be kept on the sample for control functions, which facilitates navigation on the sample. Control commands can be generated upon recognition of the operational input, triggering microscope functions. Needless to say, the intensity and / or direction of the operational input can also be recognized, and the intensity, performance, height, speed, etc., of the microscope functions to be controlled can be controlled according to the recognized intensity and / or recognized direction of the operational input.

[0030] In another preferred design, the output interface is configured to transmit control commands to the microscope's zoom control unit, enabling zooming of the microscope based on operational input and gaze point. This advantageous design allows for intuitive zooming, i.e., magnification of the observed segment, via guided gaze. This facilitates sample navigation, allowing the user to quickly observe segments at the desired size.

[0031] Needless to say, the analysis units are each constructed to determine the corresponding control commands.

[0032] In a particularly preferred design, the analysis unit is configured to generate control commands for the focusing unit of the microscope, which cause autofocus to be applied to the gaze point. This facilitates sample navigation and observation, especially in the case of three-dimensional samples. Since the analysis unit can determine, preferably iteratively, which plane the gaze point lies in and then generate control commands to focus the microscope on that plane, the costly adjustment of focusing is eliminated. For example, for autofocus, a region surrounding the gaze point can be used to selectively sharpen that region. A so-called focus stroke can be triggered, which then considers only that region in terms of sharpness optimization.

[0033] In another preferred design, the analysis unit is configured to synchronize control commands for the control unit controlling the XY stage, control commands for controlling zoom, and preferably control commands for the focusing unit, in order to improve sample navigation. By advantageously synchronizing these control commands, it is possible to not only center the sample but also simultaneously magnify it. Navigation on the sample can be visually detected and executed quickly. Since efficient control of the three degrees of freedom—sample movement and zoom—is known, for example by means of touch navigation using a digital map, this enables efficient use of the microscope. The present invention advantageously enables similarly efficient control of the three degrees of freedom under a microscope. In particular, it is conceivable that the speed of movement of the sample or its image can always be at the same level, independent of the zoom level, to further improve operability and sample navigation. Therefore, the speed of movement of the XY stage can depend on the zoom level, such that, in the user's perception, the speed of sample movement is to some extent independent of the zoom level.

[0034] In a particularly advantageous design, the analysis unit is configured to identify the user based on sensor data and load a predetermined user profile onto the microscope based on the identified user. This further improves, and in particular accelerates, the efficiency and operability of the microscope. The loaded profile can store, for example, preset microscope settings, such as the user's interpupillary distance. Therefore, the microscope can be automatically set to the correct interpupillary distance. Needless to say, other user-specific data can also be stored, such as the preferred zoom level, exposure intensity, contrast, etc., at the start of sample observation. In particular, it is conceivable to authorize users so that only authorized users can observe samples.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will recognize that simultaneous navigation, particularly of the three axes—zoom and sample movement, and the field of view of the microscope—is possible as an efficient interaction when looking through the eyepiece, aided by the disclosed teachings.

[0036] It goes without saying that the aforementioned modules, especially the eye-tracking sensors of the modules, can be directly integrated into the eyepiece, or can be implemented as an additional module, for example, for mounting on the eyepiece.

[0037] An XY table or cross-shaped worktable can preferably be understood as a device by which an object can be moved and precisely positioned in two dimensions within a plane. The XY table can consist of two linearly operating guide systems, preferably arranged at right angles to each other. By combining the movements of these two guide systems, the object can be positioned at any point within the working area.

[0038] Eye tracking, also known as gaze detection or eye movement recording, refers to the recording of a person's gaze movements, which mainly consist of fixation, saccades (i.e., rapid eye movements), and regressions.

[0039] Devices and systems that record or detect gaze movements and enable analysis of gaze motion are called eye trackers or eye-tracking sensors. Eye-tracking sensors or gaze-tracking sensors can record and, preferably, analyze a person's eye movements. This can detect where a person is looking and how long they are looking at a specific point. This data can be used to study visual perception, attention, and cognitive processes.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented, in particular, in a method having the following steps or in an apparatus for performing the method: Identify operation input; Capture the viewpoint at the point in time when the input operation is recorded; Calculate the necessary XY stage motions to center the sample relative to the viewpoint; Execute control commands and cause the XY worktable to center; and / or Identify operation input; Capture the viewpoint at the point in time of the input operation; Determine the area or image segment surrounding the viewpoint; Use image fragments for focusing.

[0041] In order to implement this method, the device may have the following specific characteristics, particularly in terms of modules: An eye-tracking module and at least one input mode for control commands to a controllable XY stage and / or a controllable zoom.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the eye-tracking module can be combined with a second input modality for controllable focusing commands.

[0043] Particularly preferably, in cases where the input process requires a time interval, such as in the case of voice commands, the history of the viewpoint can be continuously recorded over time. Particularly preferably, the viewpoint at the start of the input, i.e., the voice command, is then used to generate control instructions. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The invention will then be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and some selected embodiments. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system is shown, which includes a microscope and an eye-tracking sensor for determining the gaze point; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a module according to the invention in a system for operating a microscope is shown; Figure 3a and 3b Each image segment is shown as a schematic illustration of the function of a microscope; Figure 4a and 4b With Figure 3a and 3b A similar diagram illustrates another function of the microscope; Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a microscope having a system according to the present invention; and Figure 6 The steps of the method according to the invention are illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0045] exist Figure 1 The simplified illustration shows system 10, which includes a microscope 12 having an operating element 14 and an eye-tracking sensor 18 that measures the eye movements of a user 16 or operator.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, an analysis unit is integrated into the eye-tracking sensor 18 to determine the gaze point 20 based on the eye position of the user 16.

[0047] The operating element 14 of the microscope 12 is represented as a knob. It goes without saying that other operating elements 14 may also be used. The chosen representation is for better understanding of the invention.

[0048] In particular, it is conceivable that the operating element 14 can be operated manually or electrically, wherein an electric actuator causes the operating element 14 to rotate, thereby performing functions such as focusing and / or zooming, i.e., magnification.

[0049] Therefore, the system 10 enables the detection of the user 16's gaze point 20 and controls at least one operational function of the microscope 12, such as a zoom function, based on the gaze point 20.

[0050] exist Figure 2 Another system 10 is illustrated schematically in a simplified diagram.

[0051] System 10 includes a module 22 for microscope 12, the module being used to determine the user's gaze point for controlling at least one function of microscope 12.

[0052] It goes without saying that the chosen representation of microscope 12 is merely exemplary.

[0053] Module 22 includes an input interface 24, an analysis unit 26, and an output interface 28.

[0054] Input interface 24 is configured to receive sensor data from eye-tracking sensor 18, the sensor data having information about the gaze point, i.e., in particular the user's gaze direction and / or focus. Furthermore, input interface 24 is configured to receive operational data from at least one operating unit 32.

[0055] The operational data and sensor data are processed by the analysis unit 26, which determines the position of the gaze point on the sample and / or the image of the sample from the sensor data.

[0056] In addition, the analysis unit 26 determines control instructions for controlling at least one function of the microscope 12 based on the gaze point and the operation input or operation data generated by the operation unit 32.

[0057] The output interface 28 is configured to transmit control commands determined by the analysis unit 26 to the microscope 12, and in particular to the control unit of the microscope 12.

[0058] To illustrate the structure, the user's eye 30 is shown schematically in a simplified manner.

[0059] exist Figure 3a and 3b Image fragment 34 of the sample is shown in a simplified manner to illustrate the mode of operation of the present invention.

[0060] exist Figure 3a The sample includes a circuit. The circuit is shown at a low zoom level, where the gaze point 20 is located at the upper edge of the image, slightly offset to the right relative to the center.

[0061] If the user selects the zoom function using the operating unit, the module's analysis unit calculates the position of the fixation point 20 on the image and generates control commands to magnify the area marked by the fixation point using a microscope.

[0062] The results of this operation are presented in a simplified manner. Figure 3b As shown in the image.

[0063] exist Figure 4a and 4b The text illustrates how another function works in a similar way.

[0064] and Figure 3a and 3b The difference lies in Figure 4a and 4b The zoom is not shown; instead, the movement of the sample is depicted.

[0065] For example, movement can be performed based on the XY stage on which the sample carrier is arranged. Here, control commands can be executed, causing the sample to move in two dimensions, namely in the X and / or Y directions.

[0066] exist Figure 4a The initial situation is shown in the figure, where gaze point 20 is identified at the edge of the right image.

[0067] If the user requests to move the sample by means of the corresponding operation input, the analysis unit determines a control command that causes the sample to be moved via the XY stage, such that after the sample is moved, the area of ​​the sample defined by the gaze point 20 is centered in the image segment.

[0068] For an overview, in Figure 3b and 4b The fixation point 20 is no longer shown.

[0069] It goes without saying that in the particularly preferred design, not only can the sample be moved, but the sample can also be zoomed in simultaneously. In this case, the user can request, through operation input, that the sample be centered around the gaze point while simultaneously zooming in on the gaze point.

[0070] In particular, the speed of sample movement can be adapted to the selected zoom level in this case, so that the sample moves at the same rapid speed as the observer under the microscope.

[0071] In other words, this means that for high zoom levels, low motion speeds are achieved using an XY stage, and vice versa.

[0072] exist Figure 5The system 10 is shown in more detail.

[0073] System 10 includes a microscope 12, on which an eye-tracking sensor 18 and a module 22 are arranged.

[0074] The input interface of module 22 is connected to one or more operation units 32, wherein the operation unit 32 may be configured as a joystick with a keyboard 32a, a pedal 32b, a touchpad 32c and / or a microphone 32d for operation via voice commands.

[0075] In addition, module 22 is connected to control unit 36 ​​for controlling XY stage 38, wherein sample carrier 40 is connected to XY stage 38 and sample 42 is arranged on sample carrier.

[0076] The microscope 12 also includes a control unit 44 for controlling zoom and preferably autofocus, wherein the control unit 44 is also connected to the module 22.

[0077] The operating unit, in the form of a pedal 32b or a microphone 32d, offers the advantage that the user's hands remain free while operating the microscope 12, allowing manual manipulation of the sample 42 to be performed in parallel with operating the microscope 12.

[0078] In particular, sample 42 can be processed while observing sample 42 with the aid of microscope 12.

[0079] The operation unit 32, which has a joystick form of keyboard 32a or a touchpad 32c, offers the advantage that operation can be performed very intuitively because users frequently use this operation unit 32 in their daily lives.

[0080] exist Figure 6 The steps of the method according to the invention are illustrated schematically.

[0081] In the first step S10, sensor data from an eye-tracking sensor is received, the sensor data containing information about the user's gaze point.

[0082] In the second step S20, operation data for operating at least one function of the microscope based on the user's operation input on the operation unit is received.

[0083] In the third step S30, the location of the user's gaze point is determined based on sensor data.

[0084] In the fourth step S40, control instructions for controlling the microscope's functions based on operational data and gaze point are determined.

[0085] Finally, in the fifth step S50, control commands are transmitted to the microscope's control unit to control at least one function of the microscope.

[0086] The present invention has been fully described and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings and specification. The description and explanation are to be understood as exemplary rather than restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon use of the invention and upon careful analysis of the drawings, disclosure, and subsequent claims.

[0087] In patent claims, the words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. The indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude the presence of a majority. A single element or unit can perform the function of multiple units mentioned in a patent claim. Elements, units, interfaces, devices, and systems can be implemented partially or entirely in hardware and / or software. The mere listing of measures in several different dependent patent claims should not be construed as meaning that combinations of these measures cannot be used equally advantageously. Reference numerals in patent claims should not be construed as restrictive.

[0088] List of reference numerals 10 System 12 Microscopes 14 Operating elements 16 users 18 Eye-tracking sensors 20 fixation points Module 22 24 Input Interfaces 26 Analysis Units 28 Output Interfaces 30 eyes 32 operating units 32a Joystick with keyboard 32b pedal 32c touchpad 32D microphone 34 image clips 36 Control unit for XY stage 38 XY workbench 40 Sample carriers 42 samples 44 Control unit for zoom and / or autofocus functions S10 to S50 are the steps of the method according to the invention.

Claims

1. A module (22) for a microscope (12) for determining the gaze point (20) of a user (16) and for controlling microscope functions, the module comprising: The input interface (24) is used to receive sensor data from the eye-tracking sensor (18), the sensor data having information about the user's (16) gaze point (20), and to receive operational data for operating at least one function of the microscope (12); Analysis unit (26) is used to determine the gaze point (20) of the user (16) based on the sensor data, and to determine control instructions for controlling the microscope (12) based on the operation data and / or the gaze point (20); as well as An output interface (28) is provided for transmitting the control commands to the control unit (36, 44) of the microscope (12) to control at least one function of the microscope (12).

2. The module (22) according to claim 1, wherein the input interface (24) is configured to receive operation data from the joystick (32a), touchpad (32c), pedal (32b) and / or microphone (32d).

3. The module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output interface (28) is configured to transmit the control commands to the control unit (36) of the XY stage (38) so as to control the sample carrier (40) of the microscope (12) by means of the XY stage (38) based on the operation input and the gaze point.

4. The module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output interface (28) is configured to transmit control commands to the zoom control unit (44) of the microscope (12) so as to control the zoom of the microscope (12) based on the operation input and the gaze point (20).

5. The module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis unit (26) is configured to generate control instructions for a focusing unit of the microscope (12), the control instructions causing autofocus on the gaze point (20).

6. The module (22) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the analysis unit (26) is configured to synchronize control commands for use with the control unit (36) for controlling the XY stage (38) and control commands for controlling the zoom of the microscope (12) and preferably control commands for the focusing unit, in order to improve sample navigation.

7. The module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis unit (26) is configured to determine a user (16) based on the sensor data, and load a predetermined user profile for the microscope (12) based on the determined user (16).

8. A system (10) for determining the gaze point (20) of a user (16) and controlling the functions of a microscope, the system comprising: Module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims; An eye-tracking sensor (18) for generating sensor data having information about the user's (16) gaze point (20); and Operation unit (32) for generating operation data based on the operation input of the user (16).

9. A microscope (12) having a system (10) according to the preceding claims and a control unit (36, 44), the control unit controlling the function of the microscope (12) based on control commands of the analysis unit (26) of the module (22).

10. A method for operating a microscope (12), the method comprising the following steps: Receive (S10) sensor data from an eye-tracking sensor, the sensor data having information about the user's (16) gaze point (20); Receive (S20) operational data for controlling at least one function of the microscope (12) based on operational input from the user (16) on the operation unit (32); Based on the sensor data, determine (S30) the position of the user's (16) gaze point (20); Determine (S40) the control instructions for controlling the function of the microscope (12) based on the operating data and the gaze point (20); as well as The control command is transmitted (S50) to the control unit (36, 44) of the microscope (12) to control at least one function of the microscope (12).

11. Use of the module (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 together with a microscope (12) for controlling the microscope function of the microscope (12).

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