Gaze Tracker Periodic Activation for Virtual Environment Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gaze interaction methods for virtual environments are limited by precision and resource consumption, particularly in terms of computational power and user comfort, as they require continuous eye tracking and cursor movement, leading to inefficiencies and user fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A method for integrated gaze interaction that activates the gaze tracker only when needed, defining a working area within the virtual environment based on user input, allowing for efficient cursor movement and control of virtual objects without continuous eye tracking, using a combination of gaze tracking and alternative input devices like cameras and wearables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If continuous gaze tracking is used for cursor control, then target homing speed is improved, but computational power consumption increases and user vision resources are exhausted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget homing speedVSAvoidcomputational power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gaze tracker is activated periodically based on user needs rather than continuously. The system monitors for gaze activation inputs and only begins tracking when the user intends to interact, reducing computational load while maintaining fast target homing capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the gaze tracker based on user interaction context. The tracker transitions between active and inactive states, adapting to user needs and reducing energy consumption during periods when gaze tracking is not required for interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If continuous gaze tracking is used for cursor control, then target homing speed is improved, but user vision resources are exhausted leading to fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget homing speedVSAvoiduser vision exhaustion

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing periodic activation of the gaze tracker based on user interaction context, the system maintains fast cursor control when needed while allowing periods of visual rest, thereby reducing eye strain and vision exhaustion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors user interaction patterns and automatically activates or deactivates gaze tracking based on contextual cues, allowing the system to serve itself in managing user comfort without requiring explicit user control over the tracking state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If gaze tracker is activated continuously, then interaction precision is improved, but energy savings are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegaze position precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The gaze tracker operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when user interaction is detected or anticipated. This maintains measurement precision for gaze position during active use while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential gaze tracking by monitoring for activation cues and pre-positioning the tracker in an ready state, enabling rapid activation when needed without requiring continuous operation, thus balancing precision and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Speed

If cursor movement relies solely on gaze tracking, then interaction speed is improved, but reliability decreases due to precision limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction speedVSAvoidcursor positioning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges gaze tracking with alternative input devices to create a hybrid interaction model. Gaze tracking provides fast initial cursor movement, while alternative input devices provide precise control and confirmation, combining the speed of gaze with the reliability of traditional input methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Alternative input devices serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between rapid gaze-based cursor movement and precise interaction requirements. These intermediary devices enable users to confirm selections and make precise adjustments without sacrificing the speed advantage of gaze tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240185516A1A Method for Integrated Gaze Interaction with a Virtual Environment, a Data Processing System, and Computer Program

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 LEGIND VON BERGEN HLDG APS

AI summary

A method for integrated gaze interaction with a virtual environment, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a gaze activation input from a user to activate a gaze tracker, defining a first position in the virtual environment based on gaze tracker user input, defining a working area adjacent the first position as only a part of the virtual environment, and operating the virtual environment within the working area only, by a first user input from at least one input device different from the gaze tracker.