Eye Tracking Intent Detection via Saccade Velocity Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing human-machine interfaces, such as computer mice and joysticks, are incompatible with wearable computing due to their bulky nature and require stationary surfaces, while eye tracking struggles to discern user intent from normal activities versus intentional movements for device interaction.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses eye-tracking technology to identify and classify purposeful eye movements, such as saccades, to determine user intent and perform actions on graphical user interfaces, including keyboards and displays, without requiring conscious perception of the target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If eye tracking is used to specify positional information, then the need for obtrusive input devices is eliminated, but the ability to discern user intent from normal eye movements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidintent detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters of eye movement analysis by detecting specific characteristics such as saccadic velocity thresholds, blink patterns, and fixation durations to distinguish intentional interaction movements from normal viewing movements, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of use and intent detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring eye movement patterns and adjusting intent recognition based on detected saccades and blinks, allowing the system to learn and adapt to user behavior patterns while maintaining accurate intent discrimination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual tracking devices are used for specifying positional information, then interaction precision is improved, but device portability and wearability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional specification accuracyVSAvoidwearability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical tracking devices with an optical-based eye tracking system that uses cameras and image processing to detect eye position and movements, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining measurement precision through biomechanical analysis of eye movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10564714B2Systems and methods for biomechanically-based eye signals for interacting with real and virtual objects

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for discerning the intent of a device wearer primarily based on movements of the eyes. The system may be included within unobtrusive headwear that performs eye tracking and controls screen display. The system may also utilize remote eye tracking camera(s), remote displays and/or other ancillary inputs. Screen layout is optimized to facilitate the formation and reliable detection of rapid eye signals. The detection of eye signals is based on tracking physiological movements of the eye that are under voluntary control by the device wearer. The detection of eye signals results in actions that are compatible with wearable computing and a wide range of display devices.