Integrated Eye Tracking Chip Using Pixel-Level Pupil Center Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional eye tracker devices require multiple peripheral components, leading to increased costs, power consumption, and difficulty in miniaturization, with slow pupil center identification due to limited performance of CCD and DSP chips.
Innovation Solution
An integrated chip with a CMOS image sensor pixel array that includes 'shrink' and 'expand' functions to minimize interference, using a M×N cellular neural network, winner-take-all circuits, and loadable shift registers to accurately identify the pupil center at a pixel level, reducing component count and processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional CCD camera and DSP chip are used for eye tracking, then image acquisition and processing can be performed, but device complexity increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CCD camera, A/D converter, and DSP chip into a single integrated chip that performs image acquisition, analog-to-digital conversion, and digital signal processing simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate peripheral devices while maintaining complete eye tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chip is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: it acts as both the image sensor (CCD), the signal converter (A/D), and the processing unit (DSP). This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while preserving all necessary eye tracking capabilities.
2Reliability
If traditional CCD camera and DSP chip are used for eye tracking, then image processing can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all functional blocks (CCD, A/D converter, DSP) into a single chip, the patent eliminates the power consumption overhead of multiple separate devices and their associated interconnections, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining eye tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional separate hardware components with a unified integrated circuit that uses more efficient signal processing techniques, substituting the mechanical/electronic complexity of multiple discrete components with a streamlined semiconductor-based solution that consumes less power.
3Measurement precision
If traditional DSP chip with image processing algorithm is used, then pupil center can be identified, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chip performs preliminary signal processing and feature extraction directly during image capture, rather than processing raw images later. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden and time required for subsequent pupil center identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional software-based image processing algorithms running on DSP chips with hardware-accelerated processing techniques implemented in the integrated circuit, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining or improving pupil center identification accuracy.
4Reliability
If traditional CCD camera is used for eye tracking, then images can be captured, but device size increases making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (CCD array, A/D converter, DSP core) into a single integrated chip, dramatically reducing the volume required for eye tracking functionality while maintaining complete image capture and processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chip employs a nested architecture where smaller functional blocks (A/D converter, DSP units) are embedded within the CCD chip structure, allowing compact packaging and miniaturization while preserving all necessary functions for reliable eye tracking.
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
The solution enables high-speed, accurate detection of eye movement with reduced component costs and power consumption, allowing for more efficient and compact eye tracking systems suitable for various applications, including HCI and interactive games.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel of the CIS pixel array comprises a photodiode, where an output voltage of the photodiode is changed depending on brightness of light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to an integrated chip for detecting eye movement. An eye tracker device may include a CMOS image sensor which provides an imaging process of a user's eye image. The eye tracker device may be implemented on a single chip where pixel-level image processing is performed, thereby achieving high operating speed. A smart CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) pixel array may include a CMOS image sensor with a “shrink” function of locating a center of a pupil while eliminating influence of a black region around the eyebrow or pupil at the pixel level so as to accurately find the location at which a user views. The CIS pixel array may include an “expand” function of removing glint or other interference occurring in the pupil due to external light or other source.