Ear Canal Volume Sensor for Predictive Eye Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye-tracking technologies face challenges in accurately and promptly determining gaze points, especially during rapid saccadic movements, which hinders efficient non-contact user-apparatus interaction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize sensors to measure variations in the volume of the user's ear to predict and determine eye movements, allowing for accurate anticipation of gaze points before they occur, using sensors like microphones, sonar, or radar devices to detect changes in ear pressure or shape, and process these signals to control display devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional eye-tracking devices use image sensors to detect eye reflection, then gaze points can be determined, but during rapid saccadic movements the accuracy and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting ear canal volume changes that occur before saccadic eye movements begin. The system measures impedance variations in the ear canal that precede eye movement by several milliseconds, allowing the device to predict and prepare for gaze point changes before they occur, thereby maintaining accuracy during rapid movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using ear canal impedance changes as a mediator to indirectly detect upcoming eye movements. Instead of directly tracking the eye during saccade, the system uses the ear canal as an intermediary sensor that responds to physiological changes associated with impending eye movement, providing advance warning signals
2Measurement precision
If eye-tracking systems wait for eye movement to occur before detecting it, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but control delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by monitoring ear canal impedance changes that occur before saccadic eye movements. This allows the device to initiate control actions in advance of the actual eye movement, eliminating control delay while maintaining accuracy through the predictive nature of the ear canal measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing the control system in advance of saccadic movements. The ear canal impedance changes serve as early warning signals that trigger pre-computed control responses, cushioning against the inherent delay in direct eye tracking by having control actions ready before the gaze point actually changes
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 precise and timely prediction of future gaze points, facilitating accurate and delayed-free control of apparatuses through improved detection of saccadic eye movements, enhancing user interaction by increasing image quality around the anticipated gaze point.
Implementation Method 1
determining at least one signal representative of a variation in a volume of the interior of a user's ear
Implementation Method 2
determining a direction of eye movement of the user based on the determined signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a gaze point of a user, the system comprising at least one sensor configured to determine at least one signal representative of a variation in a volume of the interior of a user's ear, and a processor configured to determine a direction of eye movement of the user based on the determined signal, and determine a gaze point of the user based on the direction of eye movement. Further, the disclosure relates to a corresponding method.