External Eye Tracking System for Virtual Reality Glasses

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular eye-tracking hardware system that can be added externally to virtual reality (VR) headsets that do not have built-in eye tracking, and can be implemented as a plug-and-play accessory for computer, stand-alone, and console-compatible headsets.

Description

1 TARIFF External Eye Tracking System for Virtual Reality Glasses TECHNICAL AREA 5 The invention enables virtual reality (VR) glasses that do not have built-in eye tracking. Used in the field of modular eye-tracking hardware that can be added externally to models, as plug-and-play accessories for computer, stand-alone and console-compatible glasses. It relates to a system that can be implemented. 10 PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Current eye-tracking solutions are largely manufacturer-specific, closed-loop, and integrated. These architectures are presented in various forms. These solutions are generally only available for specific VR headsets. 15 These are embedded in the models as a factory default and can be added to the system later. It is technically possible to add them or adapt them to different makes and models. This is not the case. This situation arises because the hardware and software components are tightly interconnected. due to the prevalence of systems that operate with non-standard interfaces and proprietary protocols. This is the reason. As a result, users or developers can add 20 to existing VR devices. developing flexible, modular and scalable solutions to enable eye tracking capabilities It is severely restricted. On the other hand, in add-on solutions developed through third-party or do-it-yourself (DIY) approaches However, significant technical shortcomings emerge. In such systems, the optical components must be correct. Measurement accuracy decreases due to misalignment, and eye strain is caused by insufficient IR illumination. It becomes difficult to perceive their movements properly, especially those that form on the lens surfaces. Reflections (glass glare) increase signal noise. Also, it leads to a low frame rate. The cameras they have are inadequate for capturing rapid eye movements, and cable management and thermal issues... Distribution problems negatively affect system stability. All these technical shortcomings... 30 When combined, they provide reliable, repeatable, and highly accurate eye tracking. Serious performance issues arise that prevent its implementation. As a result of research conducted in the literature, the application number "2018 / 14265" and "EYE TRACKING" A Turkish patent application titled "GLASSES AND SYSTEM" was found. (Note: 35) The subject of the application is ALS, quadriplegia, which is paralysis affecting all four limbs and the trunk, and is hereditary. To enable individuals who have lost a limb or have lost a limb later in life to communicate comfortably. 2 Furthermore, eye tracking enables these individuals to find employment. It involves a system with many functions thanks to its glasses and electronic module. However... The application in question mentions built-in eye tracking in virtual reality (VR) glasses. In the field of modular eye-tracking hardware that can be added externally to models that are not currently available. Plug-and-play glasses used with computers, stand-alone and console compatible glasses 5 No evidence has been found of a system that could be implemented as an accessory. Ultimately, the problems mentioned above, which cannot be solved with current technology, are the subject of this technical analysis. This has made it necessary to make an innovation in the field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 10 The present invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and introduce new technologies to the relevant technical field. It relates to external eye-tracking systems for virtual reality glasses, aiming to bring advantages. The main purpose of the invention is to add 15 features to virtual reality headsets that do not have built-in eye tracking. Used as an externally attachable, modular eye-tracking device, for all virtual reality applications. The goal is to create a system that can be applied to glasses as a plug-and-play accessory. All the purposes mentioned above and those that will emerge from the detailed explanation below. The present invention aims to achieve built-in eye tracking in virtual reality glasses. In the field of modular eye-tracking hardware that can be added externally to models that are not currently available. a plug-and-play accessory that can be applied to all virtual reality glasses used. It is a system, and its characteristic is;  Can be mounted on virtual reality glasses of different brands and models without damaging them. a universal connection system structured in such a way as to be able to, 25  Separate system for each eye to detect user eye movements. at least one adjustable camera pod that can be positioned and adjusted separately,  in the images obtained by these adjustable camera pods An optical system that improves signal quality by reducing potential reflections and glare. filtering unit, 30 • Lighting associated with imaging components via adjustable camera pods a hardware-level system that enables the simultaneous operation of its components synchronization module and  The system provides both power supply and data transmission over a single line. a power and data transmission line configured to perform 35 It includes. 3 The best way to utilize the advantages of the existing invention, together with its structure and additional elements. For it to be understood, it must be considered together with the figures explained below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 5 Figure 1 shows a representative example of the external eye-tracking system for virtual reality glasses, which is the subject of this invention. It is a representation. Figure 2 shows an example of an external eye-tracking system for virtual reality glasses, which is the subject of this invention. It is a representative illustration of what it looks like when worn through virtual reality glasses. 10 The drawings do not necessarily need to be scaled and are necessary for understanding the invention. Details that are not present may have been overlooked. Furthermore, at least to a large extent... Elements that are identical or at least have substantially identical functions are numbered the same. It is shown. 15 REFERENCE NUMBERS 1. Universal connection system 2. Adjustable camera pods 20 3. Optical filtering unit 4. Synchronization module 5. Power and data transmission line 6. Thermal and ergonomic design unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This detailed explanation describes external eye tracking for the virtual reality glasses that are the subject of the invention. The system will not only contribute to a better understanding of the subject but will also not have any limiting effects. This is explained with examples. 30 The system includes a universal mounting system (1), adjustable camera pods (2), and an optical filtering unit. (3), synchronization module (4), power and data transmission line (5) and thermal and ergonomic structure unit (6) includes. Universal connection system (1), clamp and magnetic dock / positioning slot. It provides quick and stable mounting without damaging different VR headsets, including its structure. 35 Adjustable camera pods (2) to include global-shutter camera and IR LED ring It enables high-speed and clear eye imaging and precise alignment for each eye. 4 It offers the possibility of optical filtering unit (3), IR-pass filter, polarization elements, hot-mirror. and / or incorporating micro-prism structures to reduce glare and reflections, thereby improving signal reception. It improves its quality. The synchronization module (4) will include a microcontroller-based trigger line. This method synchronizes the camera and IR LED driver at the hardware level, thereby reducing jitter. obstacles. Power and data transmission line (5), USB-C single cable and cable routing structure will include 5 It enables the transmission of power and data over a single line and provides organized cable management. Thermal and ergonomic design unit (6), including passive heatsink / heat diffuser and face pads. Prevents overheating and user discomfort during prolonged use, ensuring comfortable use. provides. External eye-tracking system for virtual reality glasses, easily mountable to different VR glasses. It is a modular external eye-tracking device. Alignment drift seen in existing products, Poor camera performance, insufficient IR illumination, glass glare, and cable / thermal issues. It aims to eliminate management problems. For this purpose, the device uses a universal connection system. (1) Fast and stable mounting without damaging the body on different brands and models. It offers the possibility of adjusting the camera pods (2) independently for each eye. It ensures that the babies are captured correctly and clearly on the right axis. It improves image quality. An optical filtering unit (3) is located in front of the pods; this structure filters the reflections on the glass. It suppresses noise, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio. Timing of camera and IR LED operation. synchronized at the hardware level with the microcontroller-based synchronization module (4), 20 This prevents delay and jitter in the image. All power and data transfer is preferably via USB-C. Power and data transmission is done via cable and cable routing line (5), This makes cable management easier and improves the user experience. Finally, in the long term... Safety and comfort in use are protected by the thermal and ergonomic structural unit (6); passive heatsink Hypoallergenic facial pads prevent the device from overheating while providing comfort to the user. Virtual 25 External eye-tracking systems for VR glasses are currently the most lacking feature in VR headsets. Reliable eye tracking, one of the technologies that can be felt, without requiring built-in hardware. It offers it to users. The system can be attached to the front of the glasses quickly and without damage using the universal connection system (1) 30 It is mounted. Thanks to the adjustable camera pods (2) designed separately for each eye, User eye movements are captured by high-speed global-shutter cameras and secure IR LED rings. The image is captured clearly and accurately. Glare and reflections that may occur in the image are prevented by optical means. The signal quality is improved by suppressing it through the filtering unit (3). The stability of this entire process In order for it to work, the microcontroller-based synchronization module (4) is required, along with the cameras and IR 35 It synchronizes LED timing at the hardware level and eliminates delays. Power and data are provided in a simple, safe and regular manner via the transmission line (5). Long term Comfort and safety in use are protected by the thermal and ergonomic structural unit (6); passive heatsink It prevents overheating, while hypoallergenic facial pads offer a comfortable experience. This holistic design... Thanks to this invention, eye-tracking technology is not just a technical accessory; it makes it accessible. It stands out as a critical innovation that makes it portable and universal. Built-in eye tracking. In VR headsets without foveated rendering, accessibility solutions and natural gaze-based 5 Use cases such as interactions can be utilized thanks to this invention.

Claims

6 REQUESTS 1. For virtual reality headsets that do not have built-in eye tracking, an external device is required. Used in the field of modular eye-tracking hardware that can be added, all virtual reality 5 It is a system that can be applied to glasses as a plug-and-play accessory, and its feature is;  Can be mounted on virtual reality glasses of different brands and models without damaging them. a universal connection system structured in such a way that it can be used (1),  Separate system for each eye to detect user eye movements. at least one adjustable camera pod that can be positioned and adjusted separately. 10 (2),  obtained by the aforementioned adjustable camera pods (2) By reducing reflections and glare that may occur in images, it improves signal quality. an optical filtering unit (3),  Illumination with imaging components associated with adjustable camera pods (2) 15 a hardware-level system that enables the simultaneous operation of its components synchronization module (4) and  The system provides both power supply and data transmission over a single line. a power and data transmission line configured to perform (5) It includes. 20 2. The system is compliant with Claim 1 and its feature is that it is a universal connection system (1) It is a unit that includes a clamp and / or magnetic docking slot.

3. The system is compliant with Claim 1 and its feature is that the aforementioned adjustable camera pods (2) 25 It is a structure that includes a global-shutter camera and / or an IR LED ring.

4. The system is compliant with Claim 1 and its feature is that the mentioned optical filtering unit (3) is IR-pass The filter contains polarization elements, hot-mirror and / or micro-prism structures.

5. The system is compliant with claim 1 and its feature is the aforementioned synchronization module (4) It is microcontroller-based.

6. The system is compliant with Claim 1 and its feature is that the mentioned power and data transmission line (5) is USB-C It includes a single cable and / or cable routing structure. 35 7 7. The system complies with Claim 1, and its feature is that it reduces overheating during long-term use and protects the user. A thermal and ergonomic design that prevents discomfort and provides comfortable use. It contains structural unit (6).

8. The system complies with Claim 7, and its characteristic is that the aforementioned thermal and ergonomic structural unit is 5. (6) is that it is a unit containing passive heat diffusers and / or face pads.

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