Eyelid Sensor for Accurate Eye Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sleep monitoring devices, such as those using electrooculography (EOG) sensors and cameras, are bulky, intrusive, and often provide unreliable data due to incorrect positioning, and infrared cameras for sleep tracking are expensive for individual use.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device attachable to the eyelid with a combination of piezoelectric sensors and accelerometers that differentiate directional data to accurately detect eyeball movement, preventing attribution of head movement or blinking to eyeball movement, and calibrates sensor data based on resting potential for reliable sleep cycle analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EOG sensors are implemented on headbands or nightcaps, then eye movement data can be collected, but the devices become bulky and intrusive to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the EOG sensing function from bulky headbands or nightcaps and relocates it to a compact device positioned directly on the eyelid. This extraction eliminates the need for large supporting structures while maintaining the core eye movement detection capability through piezoelectric sensors that directly measure corneo-retinal potential differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lightweight intermediary device that sits on the eyelid and contains the necessary piezoelectric sensors and electronics. This intermediary mediates between the user's natural sleep state and the data collection requirements, providing accurate measurements without the bulk of traditional headband implementations.
2Reliability
If EOG sensors are positioned on the user's face, then eye movement data can be obtained, but incorrect positioning results in unreliable or incomplete data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning features where the sensing electrodes are configured to automatically position themselves relative to the eye's anatomical landmarks. The electrodes are arranged to detect the corneo-retinal potential difference along the horizontal meridian, with the system capable of identifying and adapting to the user's specific eye geometry, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning by operators.
3Reliability
If cameras are used to detect eye movement, then eye movement can be monitored, but optics limitations and light source requirements disturb user sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical camera system with a piezoelectric sensing system that directly measures electrical potential differences generated by eye movements. This mechanical/electrical substitution eliminates the need for optical components and light sources that would disturb sleep, while providing continuous monitoring capability through direct measurement of the corneo-retinal potential.
4Reliability
If infrared cameras are used for sleep tracking, then eye movement can be detected, but the cost is too high for individual user use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive piezoelectric sensors and simple electronic components that can be manufactured at low cost, making the device suitable for individual consumer use. The sensing elements are basic piezoelectric materials that convert mechanical eye movement-induced potential differences into electrical signals, eliminating the need for expensive infrared camera systems while providing comparable sleep tracking functionality.
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
The wearable device provides lightweight, non-intrusive, and accurate eye movement detection, reducing user movement constraints and costs compared to traditional methods, enabling effective in-home sleep monitoring with improved data reliability and reduced equipment expenses.
Implementation Method 1
the inner sensor and the outer sensor are piezoelectric sensors configured to detect a mechanical stress or deformation and convert the detected mechanical stress or deformation to an electrical potential
Implementation Method 2
at least one accelerometer configured to detect acceleration data indicative of movement relative to the y-axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Eye movement are detected with a sensor device attachable to an eyelid. The sensor device may include an arrangement of sensors, including any combination of piezoelectric sensors, accelerometers, and/or any other type of sensor. An external device may be provided for processing sensor data. The sensor device and/or external device may analyze the sensor data to generate eyeball movement data, and to differentiate first directional data and second directional data. The first directional data may be considered as movement occurring substantially horizontally and the second directional data may be considered as movement occurring substantially vertically. The sensor device and/or external device may therefore provide data regarding sleep cycles of the user.