Nose pad eye-tracking module applicable to smart glasses and head-worn wearable devices.

Abstract

This relates to a known augmented reality / virtual reality glasses, and a nose pad eye-tracking module applicable to visual remote guidance devices. [Solution] The nose pad eye-tracking module constitutes the nose pad portion of a visual remote guidance device without using any type of connector. The present invention further relates to a method for fixing the nose pad eye-tracking module to the aforementioned type of device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention discloses a nose pad gaze tracking module applicable to smart glasses / head wearable terminals that generally implement extended reality technologies (extended reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, AR, VR, MR). The present invention further corresponds to a method of fixing the module to a smart glass / head wearable terminal and a gaze tracking device having a smart glass / head wearable terminal equipped with a nose pad gaze tracking module.

Background Art

[0002] A gaze tracking device, particularly glasses, usually includes a camera directed at the eyes of a person wearing the glasses. Such a camera can detect the user's pupils in order to confirm the coordinates of the pupils in space. The gaze tracking device further includes a front camera capable of acquiring the user's front situation. In this case, the device can determine the user's gaze direction that can be displayed on a corresponding display computer device for a second user remotely connected via Internet live streaming.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses gaze tracking glasses including two gaze cameras arranged on the nose frame of the glasses and a vision camera arranged in the center of the glasses that projects the user's front view.

[0005] The field-of-view camera is provided to record a field-of-view image containing individual sequential field-of-view images. Recordings from two gaze-tracking cameras and at least one field-of-view camera can be input in correlation with the field-of-view image of each point of fixation.

[0006] Unfortunately, this prior art document discloses eye-tracking glasses with frames similar to those of ordinary glasses. Furthermore, augmented reality / virtual reality / mixed reality glasses are known to have very minimal glass frames, including a horizontal upper section with elements that constitute a nose frame, in order to stably position and support the device on the user's nose.

[0007] Patent Document 2 discloses an eye-tracking module applicable to smart glasses and goggles, and a head-mounted wearable device equipped with the module. This document focuses particularly on connecting the module to the head-mounted wearable device from the wearer's side (see Figures 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C) using a front camera assembly. This type of connection has potential drawbacks related to the small space remaining between the user's nose and the head-mounted frame. Manufacturers of head-mounted wearable devices are forced to keep the device away from the user's face. As a result, even when worn on the user's head, its weight and dimensions make it an uncomfortable device that may frequently slip on the user's nose. This document also describes another type of connection in which the module is connected to the head-mounted wearable device from the side facing away from the wearer (see Figures 4A, 4B). However, this type of connection also suffers from the same problems as described above. Furthermore, the increased distance of the module from the user's eyes may lead to further interference with the eye-tracking sensor.

[0008] Furthermore, in paragraph 62, this document merely makes a general statement that "instead, the electrical connector may be placed on the top surface of the module," and does not describe in detail any specific embodiments of this type of connection. In particular, the document only describes possible locations for the electronic connector to avoid accidental or unintentional disconnection or signal loss due to improper connection when the module is connected to a head-worn wearable device, but does not describe any mechanical interface that can stably connect the module to a predetermined position on the head-worn wearable device.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, one object of the present invention is to provide an eye-tracking module that is a finished product and can be used immediately when mechanically connected to smart glasses such as augmented reality glasses, virtual reality glasses, or mixed reality glasses, and which can minimize the spatial impact of the module when connected to a head-worn wearable device.

[0010] A second object of the present invention is to provide an eye-tracking module without connectors, which allows for further minimization of the module's dimensions.

[0011] A third objective of the present invention is to provide the possibility of creating AR, VR, and MR glasses that can be instantly adapted and customized to the differences in physical characteristics typical of different ethnic groups, such as Asians and Europeans, thereby avoiding the need to create different specific smart glasses models.

[0012] A fourth object of the present invention is to give users the possibility to easily attach or detach an eye-tracking module from their smart glasses / head-worn device.

[0013] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an eye-tracking module that can be easily fitted to different smart glasses frames, is easy to clean, and can be securely attached to smart glasses.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide an eye-tracking module that, once fixed to smart glasses, does not come into contact with the user's nose and / or the user's field of view, thereby enabling it to avoid interference with the user's nose.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide an eye-tracking module that is extremely lightweight, compact, small in size, and comfortable for the user.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an eye-tracking device that is highly reliable, easy for users to use, and less expensive than known eye-tracking devices.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fixing method that is easy for users to implement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] Some technical aspects of the present invention that enable the achievement of some of the most important objectives are summarized below.

[0019] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an eye-tracking module constituting an eye-tracking device, configured to be easily attached to or detached from smart glasses or work glasses that do not have nose pads. The module comprises a first portion having a U-shape and housing at least one left eye-tracking sensor and at least one right eye-tracking sensor to detect multiple pupil positions of a user in multiple images. The module further comprises a second portion housing a mechanical interface configured to connect the module to smart glasses / work glasses. The module further comprises electronic components enclosed within the first portion frame or the second portion frame, namely at least a data processing unit, memory, and a data interface. The electronic components are configured to connect the module to a remotely connected computer device or other device in general and to transmit eye movement information of a user wearing glasses to which the module is attached to the computer device. The mechanical interface located in the second portion frame comprises a specific upper portion shape that can be connected to a corresponding lower portion shape of the central portion of the smart glasses / head-wearable device or a corresponding lower portion shape of a further extension of the central portion, thereby constituting a module configured to be connectable from the bottom up to the smart glasses / head-wearable device.

[0020] In this case, the module and the smart glasses / head-worn device are connected from the bottom up at the central part, so the space the module occupies when in use is very small, making it very compact and small.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention further relates to a module comprising a PCB configured to serve as a mechanical interface connectable to smart glasses / head-wearable devices. In this case, the additional mechanical connections provided by the PCB eliminate the need for actual connectors or physical connectors on the module, and this solution contributes to minimizing the overall dimensions of the module.

[0022] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to the features of the modules, products and methods specified in the dependent claims of this specification.

[0023] The structural and functional features of the present invention and the advantages over the known prior art will become even more apparent from the underlying claims, and in particular from the following examination of the description, which refers to the accompanying drawings showing preferred but non-limiting schematic embodiments of the method, system and apparatus according to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the nose pad gaze tracking module according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a smart glass / head wearable terminal 8 not connected to the nose pad gaze tracking module 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a smart glass / head wearable terminal 8 connected to the nose pad gaze tracking module 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] A three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad gaze tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding counterpart of the smart glass / head wearable terminal is shown. [Figure 5] A three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad gaze tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding counterpart of the smart glass / head wearable terminal is shown. [Figure 6] A three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad gaze tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding counterpart of the smart glass / head wearable terminal is shown. [Figure 7] A three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad gaze tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding counterpart of the smart glass / head wearable terminal is shown. [Figure 8] A three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad gaze tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding counterpart of the smart glass / head wearable terminal is shown. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad eye-tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding other device, such as smart glasses or a head-worn wearable terminal. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad eye-tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding other device, such as smart glasses or a head-worn wearable terminal. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad eye-tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding other device, such as smart glasses or a head-worn wearable terminal. [Figure 12] This diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad eye-tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding other device, such as smart glasses or a head-worn wearable terminal. [Figure 13] This diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad eye-tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding other device, such as smart glasses or a head-worn wearable terminal. [Figure 14] This diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of a preferred embodiment of the connection between the nose pad eye-tracking module according to the present invention and the corresponding other device, such as smart glasses or a head-worn wearable terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Generally, this disclosure describes a nose pad eye-tracking module 1, methods for attaching or detaching the module to different types of smart glasses / head-wearable devices 8, and an eye-tracking device having a smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 equipped with the nose pad eye-tracking module 1. The designations "right," "left," "high," "low," "front," and "back" refer to the intended way in which the glasses and eye-tracking module are worn by a person.

[0026] It should be emphasized that, in general, with respect to smart glasses / head-wearable devices 8, they have at least the upper part of a frame that holds the temples and, if necessary, has the purpose of holding lenses that may be sun lenses, special filter / protective lenses, or general lenses. Furthermore, they may have at least a portion called a nose bridge that can function as a spacer between two lenses and also create space for the user's nose.

[0027] The nose bridge is a necessary part of all glasses, but in some cases, it may not be clearly detectable, for example, in head-worn wearable devices or headsets. In some cases, such as smart glasses with augmented technology (see Figure 2), the central portion 88 of the upper frame of smart glasses may be a suitable frame portion or may have a specific mechanical interface to which the eye-tracking module of the present invention is fixed.

[0028] The nose pad eye-tracking module 1 according to the present invention comprises a first part 10 having a first partial frame 11 having a U-shaped portion 110. Preferably, a right eye-tracking sensor 4 and a left eye-tracking sensor 3 are arranged in the U-shaped portion 110. These sensors are intended to capture images of each user's eyes in order to detect the position of the pupil in space (see Figure 1).

[0029] The left and right gaze sensors 3 and 4 are preferably eye cameras, but may be different types of technologies such as lasers that can scan the user's eyes to detect the position of the pupil, or micro-electromechanical systems such as MEMS-based scanning elements.

[0030] The module further comprises a second part 12 having a second part frame 13 that houses a mechanical interface 7 (see Figure 1) in a preferred embodiment. The mechanical interface 7 is configured to be easily and stably fixed to a corresponding mechanical interface located in the central part.

[0031] In all embodiments described herein, the mechanical interface 7 also includes an electrical / electronic interface for electrically / electronically connecting the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 and the smart glasses / head-wearable terminal 8.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical interface 7 on the second partial frame 13 utilizes the properties of the conductive material of the PCB, as well as the properties of the laminated insulating material forming part of the PCB (see Figure 1), to provide an electrical and electronic interface capable of establishing a signal connection between the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 and the smart glasses / head-wearable terminal 8. The PCB is included in the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 and supports and assists the electronic components.

[0033] Importantly, the bottom-up connection between the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 and module 1 in the central portion 88 suggests that the space occupied by module 1 is very small. This is because the available space between the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 and the human head is very small when the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 and nose pad eye-tracking module 1 are connected and used together.

[0034] The U-shaped section 110 has two arms 100 and is specifically designed to be used as a nose pad. Therefore, once the module is fixed to the smart glasses / head wearable device, it is configured to allow the smart glasses / head wearable device 8 to be easily customized to different nose shapes. The nose pad eye-tracking module 1 according to the present invention is used in place of the nose pad of the smart glasses / head wearable device 8 without interfering with the user's nose.

[0035] The U-shaped portion 110 may be made of a soft material. In particular, the arm 100 may be made of a flexible material in order to better fit the shape of the arm 100 to the user's nose and to help secure the module to the smart glasses / head wearable terminal 8, as will be described later.

[0036] The U-shaped portion 110 may be made of a soft material. In particular, the arm 100 may be made of a flexible material in order to better fit the shape of the arm 100 to the user's nose and to help secure the module to the smart glasses / head wearable terminal 8, as will be described later.

[0037] As described above, in the preferred solution, the right gaze acquisition sensor 4 is located on the right arm 100, and the left gaze acquisition sensor 3 is located on the left arm 100 of the U-shaped section 110. If the two gaze acquisition sensors 3 and 4 are designed as digital cameras, they may have objective lenses. Each of the gaze acquisition cameras 3 and 4 is configured to produce individual images of the eyeballs of a person wearing the gaze tracking module, or an eyeball image containing individual eyeball images. The gaze acquisition cameras 3 and 4 must be directed towards the position of the wearer's eyeballs.

[0038] In possible configurations (see Figure 2), the recordings from the two gaze-gathering sensors 3 and 4 may be input in association with the recordings from the field-of-view camera 80 already present in the central part 88 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8, providing the user's gaze points in the field-of-view image (when the module is fixed to the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8).

[0039] At least one field of view camera (not shown) is located on and / or within module 1 in each embodiment disclosed herein. The field of view camera records a field of view image containing individual sequential field of view images. In this case, the recordings from the two gaze-acquisition sensors 3, 4 and at least one field of view camera may be input in association with the field of view image of each gaze point of the user (when the module is fixed to smart glasses / head-worn device).

[0040] Furthermore, in each embodiment disclosed herein, multiple field-of-view cameras may be arranged within the nose pad eye-tracking module 1.

[0041] Furthermore, the module includes electronic components such as a data processing unit (such as a microprocessor), connected storage media, and a data interface. The data processing unit is connected to the right gaze acquisition sensor 4 and the left gaze acquisition sensor 3. The module may further include an energy reservoir for supplying energy to the gaze sensors 3 and 4, the data processing unit, memory, and data interface. The module may further include an external power supply via a cable, or an internal battery and a corresponding power interface (not shown).

[0042] In each embodiment disclosed herein, electronic components including a storage medium connected to a data processing unit (such as a microprocessor), at least the data processing unit, memory, data interface, and power supply unit / interface may be located in the first part 10 or the second part 12, or some of them may be located in the first part 10 and the rest in the second part 12.

[0043] Furthermore, these electronic components are enclosed within associated module frames. The module frame shape is sealed and free of sharp edges. This makes the modules disclosed in this invention easy to clean. In addition, the frame of each component in which these electronic components are located surrounds these components, providing protection from accidental collisions, dust, or common external factors that could impair the operation of the components (the drawings provided are schematic and not limiting).

[0044] In each embodiment disclosed herein, the data processing unit may preferably be designed as a combination of a microcontroller or processor and memory. The data processing unit is connected to the data interface by a signal conduction scheme. The data interface and the data processing unit may be formed together by hardware such as an ASIC or FPGA. The interface may preferably be designed as a wireless interface compliant with, for example, the Bluetooth standard or IEEE 802.x, or as a wired interface. Additional sensors may be added to the eye-tracking module and connected to the data processing unit.

[0045] In each embodiment disclosed herein, the data processing unit, memory, and data interface may be connected at least indirectly by circuitry to an energy storage device and to a field-of-view camera (if present), a right-line-of-sight sensor 4, and a left-line-of-sight sensor 3 via signal conduction.

[0046] Importantly, in each embodiment disclosed herein, the overall recording, initial analysis, and storage of the recorded video may be performed by the eye-tracking module itself or by a computer device connected to the module (wirelessly or via cable).

[0047] With respect to the U-shaped section 110 in which at least one left gaze sensor 3 and a right gaze sensor 4 are located, in each embodiment disclosed herein, a left infrared LED illuminator 30 and a right infrared LED illuminator 40 may also be located in the U-shaped section 110. The illuminators 30 and 40 help to better detect the pupil position of the wearer's eyeball when in use.

[0048] As previously mentioned, in order to connect the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 to the smart glasses / head wearable terminal 8, the mechanical interface 7 on the second part frame 13 has the function of a laminated insulating structure that forms part of the PCB (see Figure 1). The PCB is included in the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 and serves and supports the aforementioned electronic components.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the terminal portion 70 of the PCB included in the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 is shaped like a female connector (see Figure 4). The terminal portion 70 may be designed to emerge from the second part frame 13 of the nose pad eye-tracking module 1, and in any case is accessible from the last one.

[0050] The terminal 70 may have a rectangular cross-section having two spaced parallel elements 700. The space between the two parallel elements forms a suitable seat 704 for the corresponding terminal 880 (in this case, the male) of the PCB contained in the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. The seat 704 has a suitable number of conductive traces 770 corresponding to the number of conductive traces 882 of the terminal 880. When the terminal 880 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 is stably connected to the terminal 70 of the nose pad eye-tracking module 1, the two devices establish an electrical and electronic connection and become able to communicate with each other. The terminal 880 may further be formed to have two parallel elements spaced apart from each other and defining a space 884, allowing the two parallel elements to move closer to each other when the two parallel elements are inserted into the seat 704 of the terminal 70. In this case, the two parallel elements 700 are less likely to be bent outward when the two devices are connected. This movement is compensated for by the opposite movement of the two parallel elements of the terminal section 880 (see Figure 5).

[0051] In all embodiments described in this invention, the termination portion 70 of the PCB of the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 is designed to securely and stably hold the corresponding termination portion 80, thereby maintaining signal continuity between the two devices and preventing loss of communication between them. More importantly, when a bottom-up connection is established between the two devices and they are connected together, the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 functions as a nose pad for the smart glasses / head-wearable terminal 8. The connection between the two devices is forced to be stably maintained by the weight of the smart glasses / head-wearable terminal 8 itself. This particular aspect is unique to all embodiments of this invention.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the terminal portion 70 of the PCB included in the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 is formed in the same way as in the embodiments already described, such as a female connector (see Figure 6), while both of the two parallel elements 700 have a longitudinal opening 706. The longitudinal opening 706 allows for separation between the two sets of conductive traces 770 and further allows for the insertion of a guide 886 positioned at a corresponding coincident location on the terminal portion 880 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. The longitudinal opening 706 working in conjunction with the guide 886 allows for better alignment when connecting the two devices. Guide elements may be provided in all embodiments described herein to provide proper alignment during the connection of the two devices.

[0053] In further embodiments not shown in the figures, to provide a certain degree of flexibility in tolerances during connection between the two devices, either the termination 70 or the termination 80 may be provided with a plurality of longitudinal openings intended to physically separate each conductive trace from one another.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment (see Figure 7), the terminal portion 70 may be configured to form a seat portion 704 bounded on the upper and lower sides by two parallel elements 700 and laterally bounded by two other sides 707. Each side 707 has a slot 708. The slots 708 are configured to engage with corresponding retaining lips 890 located at fitted and matching positions on the opposing sides of the terminal portion 880 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. The retaining lips 890 can engage with the connection ledge of the slot 708 due to the presence of a longitudinal opening 888. Once the two devices are connected, the retaining lips 890 can be brought close together to function as a snap-fit ​​profile. In this case, the connection becomes more stable and robust. The snap-fit ​​profile also makes the locking and unlocking procedures very simple. The slots and retaining lip elements may be provided in all embodiments described herein to achieve a robust connection between the two devices.

[0055] This embodiment may also include a configuration with a second partial frame 13 that functions as the counterpart to the snap-fit ​​profile instead of a PCB (see Figure 8). In this case, the second partial frame 13 surrounds the end portion 70. The second partial frame 13 surrounds two parallel elements 700 and provides side walls 907. The side walls 907 are provided with suitable slots 908 that can engage with the corresponding retaining lips 890. This solution prevents mechanical stress on the PCB.

[0056] The embodiment in Figure 4 is further improved to provide a snap-fit ​​profile along the longitudinal section of the seat 704 (see Figure 9) and the corresponding end 880. The seat 704 has a maximum longitudinal section width corresponding to the minimum longitudinal section width of the end 880. In other words, the seat 704 has a minimum longitudinal section width corresponding to the maximum longitudinal section width of the end 880. Both the conductive trace 770 and the conductive trace 882 follow the corresponding shapes of the seat 704 and the end 880, respectively. Two parallel elements 700 can be spaced apart from each other to complete the snap-fit ​​mechanism. To hold the end 880 in place when it is connected to the seat 704 of the end 70, a similar effect may be achieved using a metal spring acting as a retaining mechanism. The longitudinal section shape features may be implemented in all embodiments described herein to reduce the number of parts required to connect the two devices.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment (see Figures 10+11), the conductive trace 770 is positioned on the uppermost side of the termination 70 emerging from the second partial frame 13, so that it can be aligned with the corresponding conductive trace 882 on the uppermost side of the termination 880 of the PCB included in the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. Designing the conductive trace 770 on the uppermost side of the termination 70 is a feature that may be implemented in all embodiments described herein. This technical aspect increases the conductive surface, thereby further preventing the risk of electrical / electronic conduction being interrupted between the two devices when the two devices are connected together.

[0058] In this case, the mechanical holding force required when the two devices are connected together is provided by the magnet 5. The magnet 5 is designed to connect the terminal 70 to hold the position of the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 on the smart glasses / head wearable terminal 8 when in use, and can attract the corresponding magnet 890 located on the terminal 80. To improve the stability of the connection between the two devices, the use of the magnet 5 surrounding the terminal 70 may be arranged in all embodiments described herein.

[0059] The last embodiment described is further improved by positioning the second partial frame 13 to completely enclose the magnet 5, thereby further forming a boundary seat 705 around the end portion 70. The boundary seat 705 is configured to coincide with the corresponding projection 885 of the end portion 80, thus providing a guide for easily connecting the two devices together (see Figures 10 and 12). The seat 705 may specifically house a seal (not shown in the figure) designed to adhere completely to the corresponding surface when the two devices are connected together, making the connection even more waterproof.

[0060] Figure 13 shows improvements to the embodiments shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12. The conductive trace 770 is located on the uppermost side of the terminal portion 70 extending from the second partial frame 13. The terminal portion 70 further comprises a lateral engagement notch 703. The lateral engagement notch 703 functions as a counterpart to the snap-fit ​​mechanism present in the terminal portion 80. The terminal portion 80 actually comprises a conductive trace 882 centrally located on the uppermost side of the terminal portion 880, and two lateral projection arms having retaining lips 883 designed to reliably engage with the lateral engagement notch 703. In this case, a stable connection is achieved simply by using the specific design of the terminal portion 70 of the PCB of the nose pad eye-tracking module 1. Designing the lateral notch and retaining lip of the terminal portion 70 of the PCB of module 1 to provide a snap-fit ​​profile may be done in all embodiments described herein.

[0061] Another modification of the embodiments shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12 is shown in Figure 14. Here, the terminal 70 still has a conductive trace 770 located on its uppermost side. Subsequently, the terminal 70 is surrounded by a second partial frame 13 configured to form a specially designed seat 705. As a result, a boundary engagement notch 703 is provided. The terminal 880 is specially designed to have a boundary retaining lip 885 that coincides with the boundary engagement notch 703. When the two devices are connected, the boundary retaining lip 885 coincides with the boundary engagement notch 703. In this case, the second partial frame 13 provides a mechanical interface to the top of the nose pad eye-tracking module 1. Placing this special mechanical interface on the top surface of module 1, i.e., designing a snap-fit ​​profile on the second partial frame 13 of module 1, is a technical feature that can be implemented in all embodiments disclosed herein. In this embodiment, to further enhance the waterproofness of the connection, the seat portion 705 may house a seal (not shown in the figure) that is specially designed to adhere completely to the corresponding surface when the two devices are connected together.

[0062] Importantly, in all embodiments described so far, the terminal 70 of the PCB of the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 is designed as the female part of the connection between the two devices. The terminal 880 of the PCB of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 is designed as the male part. On the other hand, the two terminals 70 and 880 may be swapped in reverse to better meet the specific technical requirements of the manufacturer of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. Thus, as already described in each embodiment, the terminal 70 may be designed as the male part of the connection and the terminal 880 as the corresponding female part.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a specific upper portion shape of a second portion frame 13 (rectangular in Figure 1) is disclosed, which can be connected to a corresponding lower portion shape (not visible in the drawing) of the central portion 88 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. In this embodiment, the connection of the PCB termination 70 to the corresponding PCB termination (not visible in the drawing) of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 on the central portion 88 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 is also disclosed. Importantly, the lower portion shape mentioned may be designed as an element extending downward from the central portion 88 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. The specific upper portion shape of the second portion frame 13 has the function of guiding during connection and securing the module 1 to the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8.

[0064] Finally, there may be embodiments in which the termination 70 has physically separated supports for the conductive traces, with the conductive traces positioned to the sides of each support. In this case, an embodiment is provided in which a rotatable mounting connection can be provided between the two devices by expecting the same configuration for the corresponding terminations.

[0065] As already explained, if the module is equipped with a field-of-view camera, it can detect multiple images, such as video images, of the field of view of the wearer once the nose pad eye-tracking module is fixed in place during use. The field-of-view camera may be positioned in a part of the frame of module 1 that faces the outside of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 during use, or it may be positioned in a part of the frame that is configured to be higher than the top of the frame of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 when the eye-tracking module is fixed to the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8.

[0066] Importantly, in each embodiment disclosed in the present invention, the two arms 100 are designed to be used as nose pads, configured to allow the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 to be customized to different nose shapes when the module is attached to the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8.

[0067] The nose pad eye-tracking module 1 disclosed in this invention is an extremely lightweight module due to its miniaturized dimensions and described configuration. Therefore, when the user is wearing the smart glasses / head-worn device 8 to which the module is fixed, it does not adversely affect the user's comfort.

[0068] The present invention further relates to a method for securing a nose pad eye-tracking module 1 to smart glasses / head-wearable device 8. The glasses 8 and module 1 have the structures already described herein according to all embodiments described. The method includes the step of bottom-up connecting the nose pad eye-tracking module 1 to the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8 at the central portion 88 of the smart glasses / head-wearable device 8.

[0069] The present invention further relates to an eye-tracking device comprising smart glasses / head-wearable terminal 8 and nose pad eye-tracking module 1. The smart glasses / head-wearable terminal 8 and nose pad eye-tracking module 1 have the structures already described herein according to all embodiments described.

Claims

1. A nose pad eye-tracking module (1) is configured to be fixed to and / or detached from smart glasses / head-worn wearable terminal (8), and constitutes an eye-tracking device when fixed to the smart glasses / head-worn wearable terminal (8), The eye-tracking module (1) comprises a first part (10) having a first part frame (11) having a U-shaped section (110) including two arms (100), The two arms (100) can be fitted to the wearer's nose when in use. The first partial frame (11) houses at least one left gaze sensor (3) and at least one right gaze sensor (4), The gaze sensors (3, 4) are positioned on the arm (100) to detect multiple pupil position images of the user when in use. The eye-tracking module (1) further comprises a second part (12) having a second part frame (13) including a mechanical interface (7), The mechanical interface (7) is configured to connect the module (1) to the smart glasses / head-worn wearable terminal (8), The eye-tracking module (1) further comprises an electronic component including a data processing unit and a data interface, The electronic component is configured to connect the module to a computer device and, when in use, to transmit eye movement information of the user wearing the smart glasses (8) to which the nose pad eye-tracking module (1) is fixed to the computer device. The aforementioned data processing unit is a microcontroller. Nose pad eye-tracking module (1).

2. The nose pad eye-tracking module (1) further comprises an electronic interface for electrically / electronically connecting it to the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8). The nose pad eye-tracking module (1) according to claim 1.

3. The mechanical interface (7) is located on an element that extends downward from the central portion (88) of the smart glasses / head wearable device (8) when in use. The nose pad eye-tracking module (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The mechanical interface (7) is positioned on the second partial frame (13) such that the module (1) can be connected to the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8) in a bottom-up manner. The nose pad eye-tracking module (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The mechanical interface (7) further comprises a connection between a corresponding lower portion shape of the central portion (88) of a further extension in the central portion (88) of the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8) and a specific upper portion shape of the second portion frame. The nose pad eye-tracking module (1) according to claim 4.

6. The mechanical interface (7) includes the terminal portion (70) of the PCB (printed circuit board) included in the nose pad eye-tracking module (1), The termination portion (70) is configured to further function as the mechanical interface (7) and is suitable for connection to the termination portion (880) of the PCB included in the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8). The module (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The terminal portion (70) comprises two parallel elements (700), The two parallel elements (700) are made of an insulating material that forms part of the PCB, and are spaced apart from each other to form a seat (704). The seat portion (704) is suitable for housing the corresponding termination portion (880) of the PCB included in the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8), The parallel element (700) supports a plurality of conductive traces (770) facing the seat portion (704), and the number of conductive traces corresponds to the number of conductive traces (882) of the terminal portion (880). The module (1) according to claim 6.

8. The terminal portion (70) comprises two parallel elements (700) having longitudinal openings (706), The longitudinal opening (706) allows for the separation of at least two sets of conductive traces (770) and allows for the insertion of a guide (886) positioned at a corresponding coincident location on the terminal end (880) of the smart glasses / head wearable device (8). The module (1) according to claim 7.

9. The longitudinal cross-section of the seat portion (704) is formed to provide a snap-fit ​​connection between the end portion (70) and the end portion (880), The seat portion (704), when the end portion (70) and the end portion (880) are connected together, has a maximum longitudinal cross-sectional width corresponding to the minimum longitudinal cross-sectional width of the end portion (880), while also having a minimum longitudinal cross-sectional width corresponding to the maximum longitudinal cross-sectional width of the end portion (880). The module (1) according to claim 7.

10. The seat portion (704) is laterally surrounded by two other sides (707), each having a slot (708). The slot (708) is suitable for engaging with the corresponding retaining lip (890), The retaining lip (890) can be positioned at a suitable and coincident position on the opposing sides of the terminal portion (880) of the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8). The module (1) according to claim 7.

11. The seat portion (704) is laterally surrounded by two other sides (907), each having a slot (908). The slot (908) is suitable for engaging with the corresponding retaining lip (890), The retaining lip (890) is provided at a suitable and coincident position on the opposing sides of the terminal portion (880) of the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8). The two other sides (907) are part of a second partial frame (13) that surrounds the end portion (70) and encloses the two parallel elements (700). Module (1) according to claim 7

12. The conductive trace (770) is positioned on the uppermost side of the termination portion (70). The conductive trace (770) may coincide with the corresponding conductive trace (882) on the uppermost side of the termination portion (880) of the PCB included in the smart glasses / head wearable device (8). The module (1) according to claim 7.

13. Further equipped with magnets (5), The magnet (5) is designed to connect to the end portion (70) and is capable of attracting a corresponding magnet (890) that can be placed on the end portion (880) during use. The module (1) according to claim 12.

14. The terminal portion (70) is provided with a lateral engagement notch (703), The lateral engagement notch (703) is configured to engage with the retaining lip (883), The retaining lip (883) can be positioned on the two laterally protruding arms of the terminal portion (880) when in use. The module (1) according to claim 12.

15. The mechanical interface (7) is guide, At least two retaining lips, A longitudinal opening that separates the two conductive traces, Multiple longitudinal openings that separate each conductive trace from one another, Two lateral projection arms having retaining lips designed to engage with corresponding lateral engagement notches designed on the corresponding mating end, or A specific projection on the second partial frame configured to match the corresponding boundary sheet designed on the corresponding mating end, Equipped with, Module (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

16. The module (1) comprises at least one field-of-view camera, Module (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

17. A method for fixing a nose pad eye-tracking module (1) to smart glasses / head-worn wearable device (8), The nose pad eye-tracking module (1) is configured to be fixed to and / or detached from smart glasses / head-worn wearable terminal (8) that does not have nose pads, and when fixed to the smart glasses / head-worn wearable terminal (8), it constitutes an eye-tracking device. The eye-tracking module (1) comprises a first part (10) having a first part frame (11) having a U-shaped section (110) including two arms (100), The two arms (100) are adjustable to fit the wearer's nasal bone during use. The first partial frame (11) houses at least one left line of sight sensor (3) and at least one right line of sight sensor (4), The gaze sensors (3, 4) are positioned on the arm (100) to detect multiple pupil position images of the user when in use. The eye-tracking module (1) further comprises a second part (12) having a second part frame (13) including a mechanical interface (7), The mechanical interface (7) is configured to connect the module (1) to the smart glasses / head-worn wearable terminal (8), The eye-tracking module (1) further comprises an electronic component including a data processing unit and a data interface, The electronic component is configured to connect the module to a computer device and, when in use, transmit eye movement information of the user wearing the smart glasses (8) to which the nose pad eye-tracking module (1) is fixed to the computer device. The data processing unit is a microcontroller, The aforementioned method, The steps include providing the nose pad eye-tracking module (1), The steps include providing the smart glasses / head wearable device (8), The steps include: connecting the nose pad eye-tracking module (1) to the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8) in the central portion (88) of the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8) to form an integrated structure with the smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8); Methods that include...

18. An eye-tracking device comprising smart glasses / head wearable terminal (8) and nose pad eye-tracking module (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

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