Dynamic Eye-Tracking Illumination to Avoid Reflection Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed reflections in stereoscopic image viewers interfere with accurate eye-tracking by intersecting with corneal reflections, degrading gaze tracking accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the stereoscopic image viewer adjusts the location of fixed reflections by controlling light output from multiple light sources to prevent intersections with corneal reflections, using anti-reflective coatings and movable viewing assemblies to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light sources are used to illuminate the user's eyes for eye-tracking, then the eye-tracking function can be achieved, but fixed reflections are created that may intersect with corneal reflections and degrade tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination system configurable with multiple light sources that can be dynamically switched based on detected interference conditions. The system transitions from a static illumination setup to a dynamic one where light sources are activated or deactivated depending on whether their reflections intersect with corneal reflections, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy while managing harmful reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light source configuration by using multiple light sources with different positions or characteristics. By switching between different light sources, the system alters the reflection patterns to avoid intersections with corneal reflections, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving illumination and avoiding harmful fixed reflections.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to prevent fixed reflection interference, then eye-tracking accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service by using the image capture unit to automatically detect whether fixed reflections intersect with corneal reflections. Based on this self-detected information, the controller autonomously decides which light sources to activate or deactivate, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex manual configuration, thus managing device complexity while maintaining tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the image capture unit to monitor the presence and position of fixed reflections relative to corneal reflections. This feedback information is fed back to the controller, which then adjusts the light source configuration accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high measurement precision while managing device complexity through intelligent control.
3Reliability
If light sources are dynamically switched to avoid fixed reflection intersections, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs self-service by automatically processing the image data from the capture unit and making real-time decisions about light source activation. The controller uses the detected positions of fixed reflections and corneal reflections to autonomously determine which light sources to switch, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy while managing control complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
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 effectively prevents fixed reflections from interfering with eye-tracking, maintaining accurate gaze tracking by dynamically adjusting light sources to avoid intersections with corneal reflections.
Implementation Method 1
The viewing lens includes an outer surface, and an anti-reflective coating for light from the plurality of light sources. The anti-reflective coating is on the outer surface of the viewing lens.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of light sources is configured to pass light through the viewing lens.
Implementation Method 3
images of the user's irises/pupils and corneal reflections captured by an image capture unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus includes a controller coupled to a stereoscopic image viewer. The stereoscopic image viewer includes a viewing lens, an image capture unit, and a plurality of light sources. The image capture unit is configured to capture image frames. The controller receives the captured image frames. The controller is configured to switch light output from one of the plurality of light sources to another one of the plurality of light sources if a corneal reflection in a captured image frame intersects a fixed reflection in the captured image frame.