Eye Tracking Screen Unlocking for Wearable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computers with head-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges in efficiently unlocking screens after a period of inactivity, as traditional methods like mice or keyboards may not be available, and existing eye tracking systems can be disrupted by rapid eye movements or require continuous power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an eye tracking system that generates a moving object or static path on the display, allowing the processor to determine if the user's eye movement matches the object's path, thereby switching the device from a locked to an unlocked mode, and using low-power displays to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional input devices like mice or keyboards are used for screen unlocking, then the unlocking process is reliable and accurate, but the device complexity increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unlocking function from external input devices (mice, keyboards) and integrates it directly into the HMD by incorporating an eye tracking system. This allows the HMD to perform unlocking operations using only eye movement detection, eliminating the need for separate input devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable unlocking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The eye tracking system serves multiple functions: it enables screen unlocking, provides calibration capabilities through moving object tracking, and can potentially control other HMD interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable operation
2Device complexity
If eye tracking systems are used for screen unlocking, then the device complexity is reduced and portability is improved, but rapid eye movements disrupt the tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by displaying a moving object that traces a predetermined path and instructing the user to follow it with their eye movements. This calibration process establishes a baseline relationship between head position and eye movement patterns, allowing the system to distinguish between intentional tracking movements and disruptive rapid eye movements during the actual unlocking operation
Solution Approach 2:
The eye tracking system continuously monitors eye movement patterns and provides feedback by comparing actual movements against the calibrated baseline. When the system detects that eye movements match the expected pattern for tracking the unlocking object (rather than disruptive rapid movements), it confirms successful authentication. This feedback mechanism enables real-time discrimination between valid and invalid eye movement patterns, maintaining measurement precision
3Reliability
If continuous eye tracking is performed for screen unlocking, then the unlocking functionality is reliable, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous eye tracking, the system activates the eye tracking function periodically only when unlocking is needed. The HMD detects when the user attempts to unlock the screen and then activates the eye tracking system temporarily to capture the necessary eye movement data for authentication. After the unlocking process completes, the system returns to a low-power state, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable unlocking functionality when required
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for unlocking a screen using eye tracking information are described. A computing system may include a display screen. The computing system may be in a locked mode of operation after a period of inactivity by a user. Locked mode of operation may include a locked screen and reduced functionality of the computing system. The user may attempt to unlock the screen. The computing system may generate a display of a moving object on the display screen of the computing system. An eye tracking system may be coupled to the computing system. The eye tracking system may track eye movement of the user. The computing system may determine that a path associated with the eye movement of the user substantially matches a path associated with the moving object on the display and switch to be in an unlocked mode of operation including unlocking the screen.