283 results about "Contact eye" patented technology

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.

A system according to the present disclosure presents content to a user and provides feedback to a content provider without requiring the viewer to explicitly take action. A content presentation unit, such as a digital picture frame or public display, may be any device that continuously and / or sequentially displays graphical, audio and other presentations that may be sensed by a user, generally without intervention by the user. The unit may include sensors that detect when a human expresses interest in specific content, and in various embodiments, determines a type of emotional response experienced by the user regarding the content. Particular sensors may include eye-contact, touch, motion and voice, though other sensors may also be used. The response information can be combined to provide feedback to the content provider that the content was experienced, and may determine various data, such as the duration of attention to the content and any detected emotional response to it.

A method and apparatus determine when a subject is looking at a specific target area by estimating a divergence angle between (1) the direction in which the subject is looking and (2) the direction from the subject directly to the target area. This technique accesses whether the subject is looking at a particular area. The invention may further condition this determination according to the subject's distance from the target area, because there is less tolerance for divergent angles when the subject is farther away. In one embodiment, the divergence angle is estimated using the position of a glint of light in the subject's pupil. The glint is created by a light source located in the target area. If the glint is sufficiently central to the pupil, with the camera and light source being near the target area, the subject is looking at the target area. At long distances, when the glint is not sufficiently discernable from the pupil, another technique may be employed to estimate divergence angle. Namely, the plane of the subject's face is computed, and analyzed with respect to a vector between the subject's face and the target area. If the plane is substantially normal to the vector, the subject is looking at the target area.

The present invention enables eye contact between conferees during a teleconference using a terminal equipped with a beamsplitter for reflecting an image of a conferee. In one embodiment the image of the conferee appears to be in a backdrop. The display is positioned behind the viewing side of the beam-splitter so that the conferee views the display through the beamsplitter. The invention can be configured to create the appearance that a life-size teleconference image of a remote conferee appears in the same room as the local conferee apparently sitting on the other side of the desk or table—creating the experience of telepresence with eye contact. Additional embodiments include adaptable features of the present invention which enable it to be configured into many specific types of eye contact display products. The invention further teaches the design of a telepresence network, linking numerous terminals sharing a commonality in configuration. The invention also includes many additional versatility embodiments for desktop and group videoconferencing, as well as other videoconferencing applications.

Apparatus, system, and method for enabling eye-to-eye contact in video conferences. In general, the system and apparatus employ means for generating video images corresponding to real images that would be produced if a video camera were disposed at or behind a video display having a field of view directed toward a target object such as a participant. An image (either real, reflected, or holographic) is formed based on light reflected off of the target object, and object light corresponding to the image is received by the video camera, which produces a video signal containing the image. Typically, the means for generating the video images employs direct imaging, reflective imaging, or holographic imaging. The means for generating the video images are also configured in such a manner as to be substantially transparent to video conference participants viewing the display images on the video display. A similar configuration is deployed at two or more conference rooms, thereby enabling participants to communicate with one another using eye-to-eye contact.

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.

An improved applanation lens and method for use in an interface between a patient's eye and a surgical laser system does not discolor or lose light transmittance when subjected to gamma radiation. The improved applanation lens has an applanation surface configured to contact the eye upon application of a pressure. The lens is formed of high purity silicon dioxide (SiO2) with purity great enough to resist discoloration upon prolonged irradiation by high-energy radiation such as UV, x-rays, gamma rays or neutrons, and is preferably a fused silica.

A method is described for aligning video streams and positioning camera in a collaboration event to create a blended space. A local physical environment of one set of attendees is combined with respective apparent spaces of other sets of attendees that are transmitted from two or more remote environments. A geometrically consistent shared space is created that maintains natural collaboration cues of eye contact and directional awareness. The remote environments in the local physical environment are represented in a fashion that is geometrically consistent with the local physical environment. The local physical environment extends naturally and consistently with the way the remote environments may be similarly extended with their own blended spaces. Therefore, an apparent shared space that is sufficiently similar for all sets of attendees is presented in both the local and remote physical environments.

A method and system for performing an ocular irradiation procedure on a patient's eye is disclosed. The system includes a head support for supporting the patient's head, an eye-contact device attachable to the front portion of the patient's eye, to stabilize the position of the eye; and a position detector for determining the position of the contact device in the external coordinate system. A source of a collimated electromagnetic radiation beam in the system is controlled by a beam-positioning assembly for positioning the beam source such that the beam, when activated, is aimed along a selected path at a selected coordinate in the external coordinate system corresponding to a selected target region in the patient's eye.

An avatar image on a device display, such as a cell phone or laptop computer, maintains natural and realistic eye contact with a user (a human being) while the user is communicating with the other human being, whose avatar is displayed on the device. Thus, the user and the avatar have natural eye contact during the communication session (e.g., phone call). Modules within the device ensure that the avatar eyes do not maintain a fixed gaze or stare at the user constantly and that the avatar looks away and changes head and eye angles in a natural manner. An imager in the device captures images of the user and tracks the user's eyes. This data is inputted to an avatar display control module on the device which processes the data, factors in randomness variables, and creates control signals that are sent to the avatar image display component on the device. The control signals instruct how the avatar eyes should be positioned.

A method and system for determining the orientation of an ophthalmic lens for assisting a user to readily determine the eye contacting surface of the ophthalmic lens prior to insertion into the eye.

A video conferencing system provides perspective correct eye-to-eye interaction for multiple participants at sites remote from each other. The system provides at each site a configuration of participant viewing positions, a multidirectional image capture system for capturing images of each position at one site from the perspective of each viewing position at the other site, and a multidirectional display system for displaying images of each viewing position at the other site from the perspective of each viewing position at the one site.

A system and method for creating a virtual round table videoconference is described. An embodiment of the system comprises a plurality of displays arranged in an arc configuration with a table to create a virtual round table. Cameras are arranged around the plurality of displays such that when a participant looks at a display with an image of a remote participant, the camera associated with the display captures an image of the participant's gaze, making eye contact with the camera. The image is displayed at the remote participant's endpoint creating the effect of eye contact between the participants. In another embodiment, audio speakers are arranged to provide directional sound such that the video source for a display and the audio source for the associated speaker are from the same endpoint.

The invention includes systems and methods of digital video journaling for promoting more meaningful interactions on online social networks. By introducing elements of offline communication including body language, eye contact, and voice tone and inflection, into online communications, the digital journaling platform provides a new social network communication experience. Additionally, the digital video journaling platform described herein focuses content delivery around human emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, and disgust to enable more personal and meaningful online communication. By combining this emotional emphasis and streaming video conversation platform with image processing techniques, this invention enables unique methods of assembling machine inferred emotional profiles including emotional intensity and affect duration analytics.

A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an applicator having a conducting element configured to direct energy from an energy source to an application end of the conducting element, where the application end has at least one eye contact portion. A positioning system positions the at least one eye contact portion in stable engagement with the eye surface. The conducting element is disposed within a housing for the applicator and at least one adjustment system is employed to move the conducting element relative to the housing. The at least one adjustment system enables controlled movement of the conducting element and the at least one eye contact portion against the corneal surface. In particular embodiments, sufficient contact between the applicator and the cornea is determined by causing applanation of the cornea. In other embodiments, at least one measurement device is employed to determine when sufficient contact has been established.

A system, method and related devices for monitoring and improving the training and social eye contact and communication skills of developmentally challenged individuals such as autistic individuals and other individuals with special needs in improving their interpersonal communicating and other skills. A so called, TeachMe component of the system allows the defining of a students / patients long-term behavior or academic or social goal treatment in a hierarchical relationship of skills in treatment plans. It captures behavioral event within a ‘behavioral stream’ and in real time stores the ‘behavioral stream’ in a centralized database that can be accessed anywhere and anytime using the Internet. Procedures and materials used during the treatment are identified and data is stored in a central depository and can be displayed in a therapist's handheld device. The WatchMe component of the system and method monitors and obtains qualitative and quantitative information about the eye contact habits of a subject being trained or interviewed. It provides stimuli that promotes and encourages improvements in the eye contact habits of the subject.

A two-way visual communication device and methods for operating such a device are disclosed. An embodiment of the disclosed invention may comprise a visual display device and one or more pinhole imaging devices positioned within the active display area of the visual display. An image processor may be used to analyze the displayed image, and to select the output signal from one of the pinhole imaging devices. The image processor may also modify the displayed image in order to optimize the degree of eye contact as perceived by the far-end party.

The invention executes a novel patient workflow process on a tablet PC streamlines office visits allowing doctors to see more patients, maximize practice revenues and speed reimbursements, all of which significantly improves the doctor's quality of work and quality of life. The invention maintains and improves patient provider communication optimizing the encounter workflow. The invention, as a point-of-care product, is delivered on a wireless Tablet PC using secure wireless technology. The invention speeds the collection of information while allowing the physician to maintain eye contact with the patient. The invention allows the doctor to easily search, organize and display any information on patients, prescriptions and symptoms, in real time. Using embedded encryption and compaction technologies, the invention assures patient data is secure and meets HIPAA requirements. The invention improves Doctor / Patient Interaction, Communication and Relationship. The invention utilizes handwriting and voice capture and recognition. Routine activities are speeded by customizable templates and forms, check-lists and action lists adapted to each physician's style. Using the invention will reduce annual patient workflow costs, due to electronic collection and submission of transcriptions, coding, prescription, insurance, and referral information.

The present invention enables eye contact between conferees during a teleconference using a terminal equipped with a beam-splitter. The camera is positioned behind the viewing side of the beam-splitter to capture the conferee's image through the beam-splitter. The reflection of the video display appears to be positioned in a room environment with common room objects, serving to associate the position of the reflection in the room environment. The transparent quality of the beamsplitter is used not only for capturing eye contact images from one direction, but also revealing the room environment by enabling the conferee to see-through the beamsplitter. The invention can be configured to create the appearance that a life-size teleconference image of a remote conferee appears in the same room as the local conferee viewing the reflection and appears to be sitting on the other side of the desk

A method and device for video conferencing between first and second conference locations. Each conference location is provided with a video camera and a video image monitor to carry the image of a video conferee to a remote location. The video cameras are located proximate the video monitors such that each video camera is placed upon an emotionally neutral field of the image of the remotely located conferee and aimed substantially at the eyes of the local conferee facing the conferee's monitor in order to create eye-to-eye contact between conferees while positioning the video camera as to not interfere with said conference.

A telepresence communication system for group meeting rooms and personal home and office systems provides improved human factor experience through substantially life size images with eye level camera placement. The system provides switched presence interfaces so that conferees can select when to transmit their images during a conference and optionally provides individual microphones for each of conferee. Switched presence between presets of conferees are viewed on multipoint windows overlaying life-size images upon eye contact camera regions and eliminate seeing camera image movement during pan, tilt and zoom operations. An ambient light rejecting filter system enables an eye level camera to be hidden behind a projection screen and provides bright, high contrast images under normal meeting room and office environments. A telepresence organizational enablement system brings all the features of a corporate office complex and its social and organizational benefits, into a virtual community eliminating the need to centralize employees.

A method and apparatus for displaying images for use during a video teleconference provides improved eye contact between the participants. A video camera mounted on a display (e.g., a monitor or laptop) is co-located with a first participant in the video teleconference. An image of a second participant in the video teleconference is received, and a location of one or more facial features (e.g., the eyes) contained in the image of the second participant is determined. Then, the image of the second participant is displayed on the screen such that the eyes of the second participant are displayed in close proximity to (e.g., directly below) the video camera. In this manner, improved eye contact between the participants is advantageously provided. Alternatively, metadata representing the location of such facial features (e.g., the eyes) contained in the image of the second participant is received along with the image of the second participant.

Methods and compositions containing oxytocin or an oxytocin analog, specifically carbetocin, are provided for the prevention and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, related disorders and symptoms of such disorders. The methods and compositions of the invention are effective in the treatment of social withdrawal, eye contact avoidance, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, attention deficit, hyperactivity, depression, loss of speech, verbal communication difficulties, aversion to touch, visual difficulties, comprehension difficulties, and sound and light sensitivity. Additional compositions and methods are provided which employ oxytocin or an oxytocin analog in combination with a secondary or adjunctive therapeutic agent to yield more effective treatment tools against autism spectrum disorders and related disorders.

An eye contact device and assembly for stabilizing a human eye at a selected position in an external coordinate system is disclosed. The device includes an eye-contact member having an inner contact surface for contacting a front surface of an eye, and a vacuum port formed within the eye-contact member by which a negative pressure can be applied between the eye and the contact surface, to stabilize the position of the eye with respect to the device. The device, which is adapted to be biased against the patient's eye, to secure the device to the eye, may be pivotally coupled to a positioning arm, and may carry one or more beam-directing elements by which the position of the device in an external coordinate system can be determined.

A room designed for collaboration and personal interaction during the editing process by parties situated in different locations. At a source location, an operator transmits media content from an editing system to a target location. At the target location, another operator uses a remote control to control the editing system's playback of the media content. The target operator can overlay graphics, text and other information on the media content. This commentary overlay is then sent back to the source location. A high-resolution video teleconferencing system allows personal real-time interaction between the source operator and target operator. The video teleconferencing system provides for direct eye-to-eye contact as well as control of audio levels for realistic conversation between the source and target operators.

A virtual camera pose determiner is configured to determine a position and an orientation of a virtual camera. The position of the virtual camera is determined on the basis of a display position of a displayed representation of a remote participant on a display. The orientation of the virtual camera is determined on the basis of a geometrical relation between the display position of the remote participant on the display, and a position of a local participant. The virtual camera is configured to transmit an image or a sequence of images to the remote participant, so that an image provided by the virtual camera has the view on the local participant as is if viewed from the display position. Further embodiments provide a video communication system having a virtual camera pose determiner for providing a virtual camera pose on basis of the display position and the position of the local participant.

A video conferencing system has a two-way mirror, which is between the observer and the display device, positioned at an angle to reflect a backdrop surface. The backdrop surface, which is further away from the two-way mirror than the image plane of the image display device, appears superimposed in a position behind the image of a person from the remote location. A camera is located in the backdrop at a position along the line of sight of the transmitted image so that a perceived eye contact is achieved. A system is disclosed wherein telepresence systems that are compatible with a pre-defined standard are connected via a network connecting, either directly or via a telepresence operations center, to provide interaction with substantially life-sized images of the remote participant displayed with three-dimensional depth cues in the room setting.