Gaze-Based Digital Assistant Activation for Remote Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling electronic devices require users to be within arm's reach or microphone range, are cumbersome, time-consuming, and inefficient, particularly for battery-operated devices, and often fail to adapt to user behavior for optimal interaction.
Innovation Solution
Electronic devices utilize gaze information from camera sensors to activate digital assistants and control external devices, eliminating the need for tactile or verbal inputs, and adapt to user behavior for efficient interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input methods (keypresses, voice inputs) are used to control electronic devices, then the device can be controlled, but the user must be within arm's reach or within microphone range, limiting operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input methods (physical buttons, keyboard presses) and acoustic input methods (voice commands requiring proximity) with an optical detection system using camera sensors. The system detects gaze direction and eye movements through image analysis, allowing users to control devices from a distance without physical contact or close proximity, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and distance adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If complex user interfaces with multiple key presses are used, then device control functions can be achieved, but it increases the time required for operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring and analyzing user gaze direction and eye movements in real-time. The camera sensors capture eye position data and the system pre-processes this information to predict user intent before explicit commands are given. This allows the device to anticipate and prepare for upcoming actions, significantly reducing the time required for operations compared to traditional sequential input methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gaze information as an intermediary between the user and the device control system. Instead of requiring direct physical interaction or complex command sequences, the eye tracking system serves as a mediator that translates subtle eye movements into device control commands. This intermediary layer streamlines the interaction process and reduces operation time while maintaining full control functionality.
3Extent of automation
If traditional activation methods are used, then the digital assistant can be activated, but the user must provide tactile or verbal inputs requiring physical proximity to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting and interpreting user gaze direction and eye movements to trigger digital assistant activation. The camera sensors continuously monitor the user's eyes, and the system automatically determines when activation criteria are met based on gaze patterns, eliminating the need for users to manually activate the assistant through physical buttons or voice commands. This enhances both automation extent and activation convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to controlling electronic devices. In some examples, the electronic device uses gaze information to activate a digital assistant. In some examples, the electronic device uses gaze information to identify an external device on which to act. In some examples, the electronic device provides an indication that distinguishes between different speakers.