Eye Tracking Device Unlocking and Camera Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile device unlocking methods require hardware intervention, such as fingerprint scanners or voice commands, and photo/video capture processes are cumbersome, requiring manual application opening and multiple user interactions.

Innovation Solution

Employing an eye tracking system and orientation sensors to automatically unlock devices and open camera applications based on user intent, detected through eye gaze and device position, allowing for single-mode visual media capture and real-time sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware intervention (fingerprint scanner, voice command) is used for device unlocking, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice unlocking securityVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/hardware-based unlocking systems (fingerprint scanners, voice recognition hardware) with an optical eye-tracking system. The eye-tracking system uses the device's existing camera to detect eye gaze direction and determine unlock intent, eliminating the need for specialized biometric hardware while maintaining security and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the device's existing camera and image sensor to perform eye-tracking functionality, making the device serve its own unlocking needs without requiring external or specialized hardware. The camera, already present for other functions, is repurposed to detect eye position and gaze direction for authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual application opening and multiple user interactions are required for photo/video capture, then ease of operation deteriorates, but productivity is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto/video capture efficiencyVSAvoiduser interaction steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of user intent through eye-tracking before the actual photo/video capture action is needed. By continuously monitoring eye gaze direction and determining when the user is looking at the camera interface, the system prepares to capture media automatically, eliminating the need for manual button presses or app opening sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interactions (tapping screen, opening applications, pressing shutter buttons) with an optical detection system. The eye-tracking system uses the camera to detect eye position and gaze, automatically triggering photo/video capture without requiring physical user actions, thereby improving both ease of operation and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If advanced hardware (fingerprint scanner, voice recognition system) is employed for unlocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking accuracyVSAvoidhardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the device's camera serve multiple functions: its original purpose for media capture and now additionally for eye-tracking-based authentication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated biometric hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable unlocking through sophisticated image processing algorithms that analyze eye gaze patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 seamless device unlocking and camera activation without manual intervention, simplifying photo/video capture and sharing by automatically detecting user intent, reducing the need for advanced hardware and minimizing privacy concerns.

Implementation Method 1

Eye tracking system identifies eye positions and movement by eye tracking to measure the point of gaze to identify eye position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEye tracking:

Implementation Method 2

employing user device image sensor to either unlock device by using eye tracking system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage sensor detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20220179665A1Displaying user related contextual keywords and controls for user selection and storing and associating selected keywords and user interaction with controls data with user

Publication Date: 2022.06.09 RATHOD YOH

AI summary

System and method for displaying contextual keywords with corresponding associated or related or contextual one or more types of user actions, reactions, call-to-actions, relations, activities and interactions for user selection, wherein displaying contextual keywords based on plurality of factors and in the event of selection of keywords store and associate keywords with unique identity of user and in the event of selection of keyword associated action, associate keywords with unique identity of user and store data related to selected type of user actions, reactions, call-to-actions, relations, activities and interactions.