Relative Position Eye Tracking Using Infrared Speckle Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera-based eye-tracking systems face challenges such as high bandwidth and processing requirements, limited flexibility due to optics constraints, latency issues, and increased power consumption, making them suboptimal for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A relative eye-tracking system that uses high sample rate, low-power sensing technology to track features, surface variations, and laser speckle patterns on the eye, allowing for flexible sensor placement and reduced power consumption, without the need for continuous high-resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based eye-tracking systems are used to achieve high measurement precision, then bandwidth and processing power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for eye tracking by using infrared illumination to create reflections off the cornea and tracking these reflection patterns with simplified sensors, rather than capturing and processing full video frames. This extracts the necessary eye position data while eliminating the need for high-bandwidth video transmission and complex image processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical model by using infrared LEDs to generate predictable reflection patterns off the corneal surface, then tracks these copied reflection patterns to determine eye position. This copying approach replaces complex natural light capture with controlled, predictable optical signatures that are easier to process.
2Measurement precision
If camera-based systems with fixed optics are used, then measurement precision is achieved but adaptability to different user anatomies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by using multiple infrared LEDs positioned around the eye that can be independently controlled, and by using software algorithms that adapt to each user's specific anatomical features. The system dynamically adjusts illumination patterns and processing parameters based on individual user characteristics rather than relying on fixed optical geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal eye-tracking solution that works across diverse user populations by combining multiple infrared LEDs that can illuminate various corneal regions, with processing algorithms that identify and adapt to different anatomical configurations. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware platform to accommodate varying head sizes, eye positions, and facial geometries.
3Speed
If high-speed cameras are used to track fast eye movements, then speed of tracking improves but latency and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic infrared illumination from LEDs that pulse at high frequencies synchronized with eye movement dynamics, rather than continuous high-speed video capture. This periodic illumination approach provides sufficient data points to track fast saccadic movements while reducing overall power consumption and processing latency compared to continuous high-frame-rate camera operation.
4Measurement precision
If multiple LED illumination sources are used to improve eye tracking performance, then measurement precision improves but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function across multiple infrared LEDs positioned at different locations around the eye, with each LED serving a specific spatial zone. This segmentation allows the system to illuminate different corneal regions independently and provides redundancy, while the modular LED architecture makes the complexity manageable through distributed rather than centralized control.
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 approach provides low latency, improved prediction capabilities, and reduced costs by using lower power sensors, offering a more flexible and efficient eye-tracking solution compared to traditional camera-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
track features, surface variations, and laser speckle patterns on the eye
Implementation Method 2
A light source illuminates a portion of the eye with a pattern of light
Data Source
AI summary
A relative position based eye tracking system includes a light source to illuminate a portion of the eye and an optical sensor to capture a sequence of samples of the portion of the eye. The system further includes a sample comparator to compare two samples and a relative position calculator to calculate a change in the position of the eye based on data from the sample comparator.