360-Degree Gaze and Gesture Detection for Unconstrained Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaze and gesture detection systems are limited to constrained environments and cannot accurately determine human eye gaze or gesture direction in unconstrained settings, failing to identify objects of interest outside the camera's field of view.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a 360-degree image capturing device, depth sensors, and a processor to generate environment maps and directionality vectors, allowing for the detection of human gaze and gestures in unconstrained environments, and identifying objects of interest by projecting gaze and gesture vectors onto the environment map and searching a knowledge base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If narrow vision cameras are used for gaze and gesture detection, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the systems cannot observe unconstrained environments or objects outside the camera field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D camera-based gaze detection to a 3D spatial understanding system. By generating environment maps with depth information and projecting directionality vectors in three-dimensional space, the system achieves both precise measurement and broad environmental coverage, resolving the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If constrained environment systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates because the systems cannot operate in general unconstrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can operate in both constrained and unconstrained environments. The environment map generation and directionality vector projection mechanisms enable the system to function across diverse settings, from controlled laboratory environments to general real-world spaces, achieving multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and operational capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional camera systems are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the systems cannot determine gaze direction in unconstrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an environment map as an intermediary representation between the camera input and gaze direction determination. This intermediate structure, which incorporates depth information from sensors like Kinect, serves as a mediator that enables accurate gaze measurement in unconstrained environments while maintaining implementation feasibility through established mapping techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate prediction and identification of objects in unconstrained environments by combining 360-degree imaging, depth mapping, and machine learning to determine gaze and gesture directions, improving object detection and interaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The eye gaze may be obtained using infrared sensors
Implementation Method 2
A depth sensor may be included that is configured to generate a three dimensional depth map of the unconstrained environment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for gaze and gesture detection in unconstrained environments includes a 360-degree (omnidirectional) camera system, one or more depth sensors, and associated memory, processors and programming instructions to determine an object of a human user's attention in the unconstrained environment. The illustrative system may identify the object using eye gaze, gesture detection, and/or speech recognition. The system may generate a saliency map and identify areas of interest. A directionality vector may be projected on the saliency map to find intersecting areas of interest. The system may identify the object of attention once the object of attention is located.