Gaze Direction Determination Using Laser Distance and Speed Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye tracking technologies face challenges in accurately determining the direction of gaze without relying on geometric models or high-quality parameters, and they are not robust against device slippage.
Innovation Solution
A method using multiple static laser sensors arranged on data glasses to measure distance and speed values, classify these values to determine the gaze direction, and account for device slippage by estimating sensor and eye positions in head-centered coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geometric models and high-quality parameters are used for eye tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dependency on complex geometric models and high-quality parameter requirements from the eye tracking system. By using a model-free approach with standard laser sensors and simple distance/speed measurements, the system achieves accurate gaze direction determination without requiring complex computational geometry or precise calibration parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical modeling systems with a simplified measurement-based approach. Instead of using geometric models that require complex calculations and parameter fitting, the system directly measures distance and surface speed using laser sensors and computes gaze direction through straightforward mathematical relationships, substituting mechanical model complexity with direct measurement processing.
2Reliability
If traditional eye tracking systems are used, then gaze direction can be determined, but robustness against device slippage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by incorporating surface speed measurements in addition to distance measurements. This additional dimension of temporal information (speed over time) provides extra constraints that enable the system to distinguish between eye movement and device slippage, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving robustness against slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where surface speed measurements continuously inform the gaze direction calculation. By monitoring the speed of the eye surface and comparing it with expected eye movement patterns, the system can detect and compensate for device slippage in real-time, maintaining accurate gaze tracking even when the device moves relative to the head.
3Measurement precision
If cameras or laser scanners are used for eye tracking, then measurement capability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, low-power laser sensors instead of energy-intensive cameras or laser scanners. These simplified sensors consume minimal power while providing sufficient measurement capability for gaze direction determination. The system uses standard distance and speed measurement functions that require far less energy than continuous video capture or complex laser scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic laser beam emission at controlled intervals to measure distance and speed, rather than continuous operation of cameras or scanners. This periodic measurement approach significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate sampling rates for accurate eye tracking, as the sensors only activate when measurements are needed rather than operating continuously.
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 approach enables accurate and robust eye tracking without the need for cameras or laser scanners, achieving high refresh rates and low power consumption, and is adaptable to varying numbers of sensors and hardware settings.
Implementation Method 1
a transit time measurement... can be carried out for this purpose
Implementation Method 2
an evaluation of a change in a signal property caused by interference can be carried out for this purpose
Implementation Method 3
a detection of a Doppler shift can be carried out for this purpose
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a direction of gaze of an eye for data glasses. The method includes: reading distance values and speed values, which represent a distance between laser sensors for emitting laser beams and surface intersection points of the laser beams on the eye and also surface speeds at the surface intersection points; classifying the distance values and the speed values in order to obtain classification values which indicate the parts of the eye associated with the surface intersection points; estimating position values which represent positions of the laser sensors using the distance values, the speed values, and the classification values; and ascertaining a gaze direction value which represents the gaze direction using the position values, the distance values, and the speed values.