Eye Tracking via Screen Reflected Light Spot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye-tracking technologies are invasive, causing discomfort and inaccuracy due to contact lenses or electrodes, and non-invasive methods require user intervention or high implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
An eye-tracking method using a system with an image-capturing module and screen module that emits light to capture images of the eye, identifies the pupil and reflected light spot, determines the distance and angle of the spot from a reference point, and calculates the gazing point based on predefined regions on the screen, allowing for accurate tracking without user discomfort or high costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact lens with inductance coil is worn for eye tracking, then eye orientation can be determined, but user comfort deteriorates and vision is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tracking marker from the eye itself and places it externally on the screen. Instead of modifying the eye with contact lenses, a colored dot is displayed on the screen and its position is tracked through the camera, effectively removing the harmful contact lens while maintaining tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a visual copy of the eye's gazing direction by displaying a colored dot on the screen that represents the pupil's position. The camera captures this dot's position rather than directly imaging the pupil, providing an indirect but accurate representation of eye orientation without physical contact
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are attached to eye periphery for voltage detection, then eye orientation can be determined, but user comfort deteriorates and measurement accuracy is affected by skin secretions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the electrical measurement system (electrodes detecting voltage changes) with an optical system. A camera captures images of a colored dot on the screen, and software processes these images to determine eye orientation, eliminating the need for electrical contact with the skin and its associated problems
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual representation of eye position through a colored dot displayed on the screen. Instead of measuring electrical signals from the eye, the system tracks the position of this visual marker through optical imaging and image processing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If camera is mounted on eyeglasses or helmet for non-invasive tracking, then user comfort improves, but device complexity and user operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the camera from the user's eyeglasses or helmet and relocates it to a fixed position in front of the user. This extraction eliminates the need for users to wear and adjust tracking devices, reducing both device complexity and user burden while maintaining non-invasive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The colored dot displayed on the screen serves as an intermediary element between the user's eye and the camera. It provides a clear, high-contrast target for the camera to track, simplifying the imaging process and reducing the need for complex image processing algorithms
4Measurement precision
If two CCD cameras are used for non-invasive tracking, then measurement accuracy improves, but implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes a single camera perform multiple functions by strategically positioning it to simultaneously capture both the colored dot (indicating pupil position) and the screen (indicating gazing direction). This eliminates the need for multiple cameras while maintaining comprehensive tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple cameras into a single camera system. By capturing both the dot position and screen context in one image, the system combines what would traditionally require separate imaging devices, reducing hardware costs and simplifying the overall system architecture
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 method provides accurate and non-invasive eye-tracking without user discomfort or high implementation costs, enhancing user convenience and reducing errors associated with previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a light source emits light toward an eye of the user... acquire an image of the eye of the user captured by an image-capturing module
Data Source
AI summary
An eye-tracking method includes acquiring an image of an eye of a user, identifying a pupil of and a reflected light spot on the eye from the acquired image, determining a distance of the reflected light spot from a reference point on the pupil and an angle of the reflected light spot from an axis passing through the reference point on the pupil, determining a gazing point based on the distance and the angle and a pre-established set of data, and performing an operation associated with the gazing point. A system for implementing the eye-tracking method is also disclosed.