Eye-Tracking Viewing Parameter Control for Surgical Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image viewing and editing applications require users to manually interact with control elements to adjust viewing parameters like brightness, which interrupts their view of interest, especially inconvenient for professionals performing procedures that demand continuous attention.
Innovation Solution
An eye-tracking system is used to determine the user's field of view and automatically adjust viewing parameters without manual interaction, allowing the user to control parameters like brightness by looking at specific regions of the display, reducing interruptions and maintaining a sterile environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control elements (text box, button, slider) are used to adjust viewing parameters, then the user can precisely control the viewing parameter, but the user must interrupt viewing the image of interest to interact with the control element
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts viewing parameters by detecting the user's gaze direction and interpreting it as a control command, eliminating the need for manual interaction with control elements. The system serves itself by using the user's natural viewing behavior as the control input mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (mouse, keyboard, touch) with an optical detection system (eye-tracking). The control input is obtained through detecting the position of the user's pupil rather than through manual manipulation of physical or virtual control elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are displayed on the display screen, then the user can access control functions, but the user must shift attention from the image of interest to the control element location
Solution Approach 1:
The eye-tracking system acts as an intermediary between the user's natural gaze and the control system. Instead of requiring the user to look at control elements, the system detects gaze position and translates it into control commands, making the control interface invisible and eliminating the need to shift attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen serves multiple functions: it displays both the image of interest and the control interface simultaneously. The same display medium is used for both viewing content and providing control feedback, eliminating the need for separate control displays or devices.
3Extent of automation
If the user looks at control elements to adjust viewing parameters, then the viewing parameter can be changed, but the field of view no longer comprises the view of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the user's gaze position and provides immediate feedback by adjusting the viewing parameter in real-time based on gaze location. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the parameter adjustment accurately reflects the user's intent while maintaining continuous monitoring of the image of interest.
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 enables seamless adjustment of viewing parameters without diverting attention from the primary view, enhancing usability for professionals by preserving focus on the task at hand and maintaining a sterile environment.
Implementation Method 1
an identifying step for identifying a field of view within the display, which field of view is identified using an eye-tracking system for tracking an eye of a user
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) of controlling a viewing parameter for viewing an image on a display for displaying the image, the method comprising a determining step (110) for determining a view of interest within the image, an identifying step (120) for identifying a field of view within the display, a controlling step (130) for controlling the viewing parameter based on the field of view, and a computing step (140) for computing the image based on the controlled viewing parameter and on the field of view, which field of view comprises the view of interest, wherein the field of view is identified using an eye-tracking system for tracking an eye of a user. The method (100) provides a way of controlling the viewing parameter which reduces interruptions in viewing the view of interest. This is particularly useful for a surgeon performing a procedure on a patient using a surgical tool navigation system, when the surgeon needs to adjust a viewing parameter while watching the surgical tool and a surrounding anatomic structure displayed by the navigation system.