Eye Contact Detection Device Using Red-Eye Effect

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional man-machine interface methods, such as voice recognition and touch panel operations, are inefficient and cumbersome, especially in noisy or distracting environments, and lack a reliable method for establishing and confirming interaction between users and devices like smart speakers or aircraft control systems, leading to potential accidents due to carelessness.

Innovation Solution

An eye contact detection device uses the red-eye effect to determine the presence or absence of eye contact between a user and a device, employing a light emitting element and a light receiving element to establish a secure and efficient interface by confirming mutual gaze direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional voice recognition or touch panel methods are used for man-machine interface, then the device can process user input, but the interaction process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction speedVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical interaction methods (voice recognition, touch panel operations) with an optical detection system that uses light emitting elements and light receiving elements to detect eye contact. This substitution eliminates the need for complex voice processing or touch interface operations, achieving rapid and simple man-machine interaction through optical signal detection alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If iterative confirmation by multiple pilots or self finger-calling is required, then operational checks can be performed, but serious accidents may occur due to carelessness and neglect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-confirmation of operator attention through automatic eye contact detection. The light emitting element irradiates light toward the operator, and the light receiving element detects the reflected light from the operator's eyes, allowing the system to automatically confirm whether the operator is paying attention without requiring additional manual checks or procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If connection confirmation (handshake) is performed by speaking voice phrase or physical behavior, then mutual interaction relation can be established, but system resources are wasted and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection confirmation reliabilityVSAvoidhandshake time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces voice-based or physical behavior-based handshake procedures with optical detection. The light emitting element and light receiving element establish connection confirmation through detecting eye contact, eliminating the need for time-consuming voice phrases or physical actions while maintaining reliable connection establishment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method allows for a rapid, easy, and cost-effective establishment of man-machine interface, reducing the complexity and burden of interaction processes and enhancing the reliability of interactive devices and systems.

Implementation Method 1

uses light emitted from interactive device etc., and the reflected light of the emitted light reflected by the eye ground of user due to red-eye effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRed-eye effect: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4053677B1Eye contact detection device
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 IMATRIX HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP4053677B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4053677B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4053677B1 patent drawingFigure 4(A)~5

AI summary

[Problem(s) to be solved] To provide an eye contact detection device that achieves man-machine interface based on eye contact. [Means for solving problem(s)] An eye contact detection device according to the present invention includes: a light emitting element 200 for emitting light from an opening 260 in an optical axis direction; a light receiving element 220 for receiving light emitted from the light emitting element 200 and reflected off by the eyeball E of user to output an electrical signal in accordance with the received light; a detection circuit 230 for amplifying and binarizing an analog electrical signal output from the light receiving element 220, and an eye contact determination unit 240 for determining the presence or absence of eye contact of user U based on a detection signal output from the detection circuit 230.