Binocular Eye-Tracking System for Contamination-Free Command Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices require efficient command entry methods that minimize contamination and maintain operator focus, as existing command panels can be contaminated by touch and divert attention.
Innovation Solution
A binocular system using a computer and binocular eyepiece generates a virtual GUI, with eye-tracking technology to interpret eye movements as command interactions, allowing users to select commands via gaze without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a command panel is used for entering commands, then commands can be entered, but the panel can be contaminated by touch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based command panel with an optical eye-tracking system. The eye-tracker detects eye movements and gaze direction to identify selected graphical elements, eliminating the need for physical contact with the command interface. This substitution of mechanical interaction with optical detection resolves the contamination issue while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a command panel is used for entering commands, then commands can be entered, but attention is diverted from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual-manual coordination required by traditional command panels with an eye-gaze-based selection system. Users can select commands by simply looking at them, eliminating the need to physically search for and touch panel elements. This maintains operator focus on the task while reducing the time required for command entry.
3Reliability
If eye-tracking is used for command entry, then contamination is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the eye-tracker into the existing binocular microscope system, allowing the same optical path to serve both traditional viewing functions and eye-tracking command entry. The system can operate in multiple modes (traditional command panel or eye-tracking), making the added complexity worthwhile by providing contamination-free operation and improved operator focus.
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 contamination-free and attention-efficient command entry for medical devices by allowing users to select commands with eye movements, improving operational hygiene and focus during device operation.
Implementation Method 1
An eye-tracker associated with the at least one eyepiece tracks movement of the corresponding eye relative to the virtual GUI
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a binocular system for entering commands includes a computer and a binocular eyepiece. The computer generates a virtual graphical user interface (GUI) with one or more graphical elements, where each graphical element corresponds to a command. The binocular eyepiece includes of eyepieces. Each eyepiece has an optical path that directs an image of an object towards a corresponding eye of a pair of eyes. The optical path of at least one eyepiece directs the virtual GUI towards the corresponding eye. At least one eyepiece is associated with an eye-tracker that tracks movement of the corresponding eye relative to the virtual GUI to yield a tracked eye. The computer interprets movement of the tracked eye relative to the virtual GUI as an interaction with a selected graphical element, and initiates the command corresponding to the selected graphical element.