Eye Tracking Peripheral Handoff for Multi-System Workstations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing use of multiple sets of peripheral input devices for multiple computing systems increases costs and physical space requirements, and manual reconnection is time-consuming and confusing for users when switching between systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automated peripheral device handoff system using eye tracking, where cameras determine the user's gaze location to automatically connect a single set of peripheral devices (such as a keyboard and mouse) wirelessly to the relevant computing system, considering the last known cursor state for seamless transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of peripheral input devices are used for multiple computing systems, then each system can be operated independently, but cost and physical space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation of computing systemsVSAvoidnumber of peripheral devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal peripheral device that can automatically connect to different computing systems based on eye gaze detection. The single peripheral device serves multiple computing systems by detecting which system the user is looking at and automatically establishing connection, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated peripheral sets while maintaining independent operation capability for each system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of peripheral input devices are used for multiple computing systems, then each system has dedicated input, but user confusion increases about which device connects to which system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvededicated input for each systemVSAvoiduser understanding of device connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral device automatically determines connection targets through eye gaze detection without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the connection logic by detecting which computing system the user is looking at and automatically connecting to that system, eliminating user confusion about device-system mapping while maintaining dedicated input functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If a single set of peripheral input devices is used for multiple computing systems, then cost and space are reduced, but manual reconnection is required when switching systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of peripheral devicesVSAvoidtime for manual reconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary connection setup by continuously monitoring eye gaze direction and pre-establishing connection readiness. When the user's gaze indicates a target computing system, the peripheral device is already prepared to connect immediately, eliminating the need for manual reconnection operations and reducing switching time between systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If a single set of peripheral input devices is used for multiple computing systems, then cost and space are reduced, but user experience deteriorates due to manual reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of peripheral devicesVSAvoidease of switching between systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with an automated optical detection system. Eye gaze detection technology substitutes for manual connection actions, automatically determining which computing system the user intends to access and establishing connections without physical plugging or menu navigation, significantly improving ease of switching between systems.

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

5Loss of time

If automated eye tracking is implemented for peripheral device handoff, then manual reconnection is eliminated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for connection switchingVSAvoidcomplexity of automated handoff system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary eye tracking system that mediates between the user and the peripheral-device connection management. This intermediary layer captures gaze information and translates it into connection commands, automating the handoff process between computing systems while reducing the operational burden on users, despite the added system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces costs and physical space requirements, eliminates user confusion, and enables efficient switching between computing systems without the need for manual reconnection, providing a better user experience by automatically routing peripheral devices based on eye-tracking data.

Implementation Method 1

a camera (12a, 14a) physically coupled to the first computing system (12) and the second computing system (14), respectively, may generate a real-time video feed that enables the gaze location of the user (10) to be determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEye tracking:

Data Source

PatentUS10452134B2Automated peripheral device handoff based on eye tracking
Publication Date: 2019.10.22 INTEL CORP
  • US10452134B2 patent drawing
  • US10452134B2 patent drawing
  • US10452134B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for identifying a plurality of computing systems proximate to a peripheral device and determining a gaze location of a user. Additionally, the peripheral device may be automatically connected to a first computing system in the plurality of computing systems based on the gaze location of the user. In one example, a change in the gaze location may be detected, wherein the peripheral device is automatically connected to a second computing system in the plurality of computing systems based on the change in the gaze location.