Gaze Tracker Single Reflection Point Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gaze trackers are limited in tracking user gaze when only one lighting reflection point is generated in the iris due to face angle, resulting in a narrow gaze tracking range.

Innovation Solution

A gaze tracker system using two cameras and two lightings that detects and processes eye images to calculate the cornea central point and pupil central point, even when only one lighting reflection point is present, by utilizing distance information and face direction vectors to determine the correct lighting source and extract the cornea central point, allowing for the calculation of a gaze vector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two lighting reflection points are required for gaze tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but the gaze tracking range becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegaze tracking precisionVSAvoidgaze tracking range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs gaze tracking using only one lighting reflection point when necessary, rather than requiring both reflection points. This partial action approach allows the system to function with incomplete data (one reflection point) by utilizing alternative methods such as cornea-pupil vector calculation and distance information from pre-stored data, thereby expanding the gaze tracking range to include cases where only one reflection point is visible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameters by switching between two different calculation methods depending on the number of detected reflection points. When two reflection points are detected, it uses the intersection of vectors method for high precision. When only one reflection point is detected, it transitions to using cornea-pupil vector and distance information methods, allowing the system to adapt its measurement approach to maintain functionality across different viewing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional gaze tracking method is used with two cameras and two lightings, then reliability is improved, but the system cannot track gaze when only one reflection point is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegaze tracking reliabilityVSAvoidtracking condition flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its tracking methodology based on the number of detected lighting reflection points. It transitions between different calculation approaches (two-point vector intersection vs. one-point cornea-pupil vector with distance information) depending on real-time detection conditions, making the system adaptable to varying facial angles and viewing conditions while maintaining reliable gaze tracking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-stores distance information between the cornea central point and lighting reflection points during calibration or normal operation. This preliminary data preparation enables the system to perform accurate gaze tracking even when only one reflection point is detected, as the pre-stored distance information can be utilized to compensate for the missing data point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables expanded gaze tracking range by accurately tracking user gaze even with a single lighting reflection point, enhancing the system's ability to monitor user attention without restrictions.

Implementation Method 1

detects a lighting reflection point from each eye image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9813597B2Gaze tracker and method for tracking gaze thereof
Publication Date: 2017.11.07 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US9813597B2 patent drawing
  • US9813597B2 patent drawing
  • US9813597B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a gaze tracker and a gaze tracking method. The gaze tracker includes: an image acquirer to acquire eye images of a user using two or more cameras and two or more lightings; and a gaze calculator which detects a lighting reflection point from each eye image to extract a cornea central point, detects a pupil central point from each eye image, and calculates a gaze vector. In particular, when lighting reflection points are detected from each eye image, the gaze calculator calculates vectors for connection between each lighting and a corresponding lighting reflection point and detects an intersection point between the calculated vectors. When only one lighting reflection point is detected, the gaze calculator extracts the cornea central point using distance information between a pre-stored lighting reflection point and the cornea central point and the one lighting reflection point.