Gaze Detection for Automatic Word Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye tracking technologies in electronic devices do not provide users with immediate information about unfamiliar or difficult-to-understand words or phrases while reading, requiring manual searches that disrupt the reading flow.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with gaze detection sensors and processors that track the user's gaze and identify potentially difficult objects on the screen, providing relevant information automatically based on the user's reading habits and context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual search methods are used to look up unfamiliar words, then information can be retrieved, but reading flow is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting unfamiliar words and preparing context-dependent information in advance. The gaze detection sensor continuously monitors where the user is looking, and when an unfamiliar word is detected, the system proactively retrieves and displays relevant information before the user needs to manually search, thus preventing time loss and maintaining reading flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically providing information about unfamiliar words without requiring user intervention. The gaze detection sensor, processor, and information retrieval components work together to autonomously identify when a user encounters an unfamiliar word and immediately provide context-dependent information, eliminating the need for manual searching and disrupting reading flow.
2Productivity
If gaze detection is used to provide automatic information, then reading efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by implementing a multi-functional gaze detection sensor that serves multiple purposes: tracking user gaze position, detecting unfamiliar words, monitoring reading progress, and triggering information retrieval. This single sensor and integrated processing system handle various functions that would otherwise require separate components, improving reading efficiency while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the gaze detection function with the text analysis and information retrieval functions into a unified integrated system. The processor combines gaze coordinate data with word recognition and context analysis, then automatically triggers information retrieval based on the combined input. This merging of functions improves reading efficiency while avoiding the complexity of having separate independent systems.
3Loss of information
If information is provided immediately upon gaze detection, then user understanding is improved, but distraction from reading content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing context-dependent information that is specifically tailored to the local context of the unfamiliar word being gazed at. Rather than providing generic information, the system retrieves information based on the specific word, sentence, and surrounding context, making the information highly relevant and minimally distracting. The information is displayed in a way that integrates with the reading content, reducing disruption to the reading flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring user gaze and adjusting information provision based on user behavior patterns. The processor analyzes gaze duration, movement patterns, and interaction history to determine when information provision is most beneficial and when it might cause distraction. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to individual user needs and optimize the balance between information availability and reading engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising: a display; one or more gaze detection sensors for determining a portion of the display to which a user's gaze is currently directed to; a timer to measure periods of time associated with the user's current gaze at the display; and one or more processors operative to: receive data relating to periods of time measured by the timer and determine therefrom a characteristic rate at which the user shifts his gaze from one portion of the display to another; determine a portion of the display towards which the user's gaze was directed for a period of time longer than a period of time which is expected in accordance with his characteristic rate; identify an object included in the determined portion of the display; retrieve information that relates to the identified object; and enable displaying information which is based on the retrieved information.